So, I've started the process of looking for a new truck to replace the Suburban. The mighty Burb only had 186k on the clock and the 8.1 still runs strong, but we sold the TT a few weeks ago and am now working on restoring a Lance 811 Truck Camper. I know I'll be hauling and not towing, but the truck guys seem to hang here mostly. :mrgreen:Anyway, with the camper at 3k lbs wet, I'm looking 1-ton 3500 SRW long bed crew cabs. Seems like the long bed is hard to find, and a lot of them have diesels. My $40k budget seems to put me in 2015-2017 territory.I really don't want/need a diesel to haul around a TC, but I'm not opposed to the idea either if the truck is nice and the price is right. The diesels I've seen are higher mileage and past factory warranty (even though sold by a dealer) and I'm leery of getting one that's been chipped and abused. Is there a way to tell?

Watch out for a punisher sticker.

Jacked up, tires that stick out 8 inches past the fender wells, straight pipe that ends in a 12 inch diameter chrome muffler extension, brass goulies hanging from the hitch, 3 rows of LED lights. Inside looks for the extra gauges for exhaust temp, turbo boost, trans oil temp, etc.

Long story short; No.In general, modders like to mod other things like lift kits and big tires and rims ect. I would stay away from a truck that has those things.

I believe that most of the time the vehicle ( especially the newer models) can be put on a diagnostic machine, and determine “if” it is or has been “chipped”! “Chipped” or not, a thorough test, via a diagnostic test may be a good “ feel good” thing to do! memtb

memtb wrote:I believe that most of the time the vehicle ( especially the newer models) can be put on a diagnostic machine, and determine “if” it is or has been “chipped”! “Chipped” or not, a thorough test, via a diagnostic test may be a good “ feel good” thing to do! memtbUnless the ecm has been replaced with the one that chipped. The the original put back on for sale.

Used diesel, anyway to tell if it's been chipped?

otrfun
Explorer II
May 12, 2020
BurbMan wrote:
. . . I'm looking 1-ton 3500 SRW long bed crew cabs. Seems like the long bed is hard to find, and a lot of them have diesels. My $40k budget seems to put me in 2015-2017 territory.

I really don't want/need a diesel to haul around a TC . . .
If you're willing to drive/fly, $40k can easily get you a new 2019 Ram 3500 SRW gasser somewhere. Lot to be said for a new truck with a full bumper-to-bumper warranty and no abuse. Ram has employee pricing this month (roughly 10% off MSRP, plus any dealer discounts). Better hurry though, those 2019's are going fast. We paid $42k (MSRP $54k) for our new 2016 Ram 3500 SRW Cummins in 2016. Could get the 2019 version of our truck for about $46k today. Good luck!
bucky
Explorer II
May 12, 2020
I'd be looking at town and city surplus auctions. You may have to go for a yellow truck but long beds are everywhere with all cab configurations. They usually are well maintained as well. They won't have fancy interiors but may fit what you are looking for.

surplus clicky
Grit_dog
Navigator
May 12, 2020
Just because emissions are in tact doesn't mean it wasn't or isn't tuned.
Dealer run ECM check is the only certain way.
And dealers sell deleted trucks all the time. Being "safe" buying from a dealer is a myth.
Other clues possibly tuned. Gauges, egt probe, not a guarantee but a clue.

Aside from the payload rhetoric that is getting tossed into this thread.....thanks weight cops for your service, lol, just becasue a truck was or is tuned does not make it a bad deal or an abused truck. But you have to have the confidence in how it was treated.
Won't get that from a dealer, but possible to judge a private seller.
Grit_dog
Navigator
May 12, 2020
IdaD wrote:
Watch out for a punisher sticker.

Haha, lol. (But true...)
dave17352
Explorer
May 12, 2020
I have had lots of diesels. I now enjoy my 2017 chevy 3500 6.0 for my 12 foot lance truck camper. Diesels are heavier less payload. The fuel is more expensive and you are not pulling anything you need a diesel for. Diesel is fun but I think not worth while for your endeavor. JMHO
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 12, 2020
Good analyses, Queeg. I mean Captain.
cptqueeg
Explorer II
May 11, 2020
You're in the mid-40's for a 2020 3500 SRW LT nicely equipped gaser. The zero % interest is 2019 only and 2020 1500's, so far. 2021 is around the corner and maybe a 10sp transmission. Not a lot or maybe any aftermarket stuff available yet (anti-sway bar.)
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 11, 2020
What a great time to be buying. GOOD deals can be had. Whatever you plan to initially offer, offer less. Look that the one wandering mentioned. Wow
wanderingbob
Explorer II
May 11, 2020
Just up the road from me you can get a 2020 Ram CTD Tradesman Crew cab . dually , Advertised price $56,000.
schlep1967
Nomad
May 11, 2020
Not all tunes are done for high output purposes. Some are done for better fuel mileage. I have a Bully Dog tuner on my truck. My turbo went bad and I put in an improved one that wouldn't play nice with the factory tune. It has 4 settings. It sees two of them. No power (basically stock) and towing. I think the others are high and extreme. I like my transmission and rear end. No reason to venture into the higher two.

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Used diesel, anyway to tell if it's been chipped?

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