Diesel truck issues - thinking of going to gas

[blcrandall]

Hey, everyone! I'm new here. I have a dilemma - I drive a '17 Ram 2500 Diesel. Love it, but have had nothing but problems since we pulled off the lot. It's currently in the shop for transmission issues. While there, I was looking at the specs on the new gas burners. We have a bumper pull horse trailer that is easily pulled by the truck, but we are about to buy a Jayco Eagle 355. I have looked and read and calculated all I can. Can someone give me some advice as to whether or not I'd be safe to pull the 5er with a 2500 gas? I'm just sick of the issues we are having with the diesel. Thanks in advance.

[campigloo]

I think it would have enough power but you’re going to take a hit on the trade. It sounds to me like part of your problem is this dealers service dept. Some are just better at some things than others are.

[ScottG]

For allignment problems take it to an allignment specialty shop, not to the dealer.

[otrfun]

blcrandall wrote:
Hey, everyone! I'm new here. I have a dilemma - I drive a '17 Ram 2500 Diesel. Love it, but have had nothing but problems since we pulled off the lot. It's currently in the shop for transmission issues. While there, I was looking at the specs on the new gas burners. We have a bumper pull horse trailer that is easily pulled by the truck, but we are about to buy a Jayco Eagle 355. I have looked and read and calculated all I can. Can someone give me some advice as to whether or not I'd be safe to pull the 5er with a 2500 gas? I'm just sick of the issues we are having with the diesel. Thanks in advance.

The late model Ram 6.4 Hemi gassers have slightly more HP than the 6.7 Cummins. In theory, as long as you don't mind pulling 4k-5.5k in the hills or battling a headwind, it should perform reasonably well. Might want to go with the new 8-speed that comes with the 2019+ Ram 6.4's. That'll give you much more versatility while towing vs. the older 6-speed.

FWIW, you ARE going to miss the massive torque of the diesel while towing 12k-14k. Only you can decide if listening to the 6.4 pulling 4k-5.5k (plus a significant drop in MPG's) to get the job done is the right decision or not.

[wrogers]

What you are saying doesn't necessarily make sense. None of the issues that you are having have any bearing whatsoever to the diesel engine. It's kind of like "I'm having a lot of problems at work, so I'm going to go home and kick the dog & divorce my wife".

The issues are with the front end and transmission which would be the exact same with a gas engine, unless you went with a heavy duty 3500 and ordered it with the Aisin transmission. That however comes with a diesel engine.

There is always the possibility of issues with any model or brand of truck. I previously had a Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel and absolutely loved it.

I moved to a Ford because I needed 4 wheel drive, and the cabin is much larger and more comfortable inside for my family, but my F350 is awesome also. In an ideal world, it would be great to order trucks like the big rigs where you could specify individual components, Then I would get the Ford body, Cummins engine, and Allison transmission.

You would be better served if you identified what is most important to you for a vehicle and went from there. Again, the diesel engine is not the source of your problems, but if you would rather have gas, then go for it.

[blcrandall]

agesilaus wrote:
One lemon does not indicate that all diesels are bad. And you aren't even complaining about the engine. My experience is just the opposite of yours, in 6 years the truck has been in the shop for 4 hours or less total. And a Dodge gasser might use the same transmission, and that has been their weak point for a long time.

I totally agree. I have simply had way too many problems, and now I can identify which transmission is which. My alignment is off and they can't figure that out, we have a horrible loud whistle that sounds like it comes from the upper right windshield/window area, but the dealer says it's in the wheel well and wants to take out the entire dash to put sealers in. Main rear seal cracked at 9k miles, now having issues again. The truck is only a year and a half old. No problems with engine, no, but it's one thing after another. AGAIN - I love it regardless and will have another Dodge.

I also drive my daughter to school every day, and it's two hours roundtrip twice a day. We live on the east coast, so our mountains don't compare to those out west. I just simply don't know if I NEED the diesel to pull the Jayco - was hoping to get by with gas. I prefer diesel, they're beasts, just not sure it's completely practical. I was hoping for some insight from some of you who tow. Thanks.

[agesilaus]

One lemon does not indicate that all diesels are bad. And you aren't even complaining about the engine. My experience is just the opposite of yours, in 6 years the truck has been in the shop for 4 hours or less total. And a Dodge gasser might use the same transmission, and that has been their weak point for a long time.