Hemi 6.4 or Cummins

campingken wrote:
It would be interesting to see what it cost you to run the 5.7 V8 vs. the 5.9 diesel for 130,000 miles. Additionally a 2003 5.9 is a very desirable diesel. Had you bought fords, one with a gas V-8 and one with a 6.0 diesel there would not have been an $11,000 price spread when you sold them.

We currently own a 2003 5.9 Dodge and our next truck will be a Ram with the 6.4 V8

Great points. It would be great to see legitimate "cost per mile" over a long stretch of these vehicles. They 5.9 diesel was very popular and commanded a premium. I doubt people that bought them new could have foreseen the demand for used down the road. I would guess the total cost per mile for the 5.9 was relatively low.

The Ford 6.0 was highly touted when it first came out. I bet most new owners figured they would get a premium at resale... and lost their pants. I would guess the total cost per mile was relatively high.

At the end of the day a car or rv is a depreciating asset. I think it is foolish to speculate on potential resale value or even consider that in the decision making process for purchasing a vehicle.

When I buy, I anticipate the length of ownership for my vehicle. For me its usually about 10 years. Then I anticipate my needs for the vehicle. Again, for me, I know that 10 years down the road I am highly unlikely to be fulltiming or dragging a heavy trailer down the road. I also know that I will not be pulling in the Rockies, I will be on the east coast with the highest elevation being about 4500 feet. Most modern gas engines are quite able to navigate 4500 feet without any problems.

Heck, even looking out 20 years from now I don't anticipate constantly driving up and down the Rockies with serious weight behind me. I don't know that my NEXT truck will need to be a diesel either.

OP, sounds like you think the 6.4 will work well for you. I agree with that opinion. It sounds like the new Hemi is a great towing engine. Having a gas instead of diesel gives you a lot more payload rating too. The 3/4 ton with coil suspension sounds like a great compromise between ride quality and weight carrying capacity.

Hope you enjoy your new truck and you give us updates on how it is working for you.