โJul-30-2015 11:14 AM
โJul-31-2015 06:54 AM
โJul-31-2015 06:32 AM
IdaD wrote:Hiking Hunter wrote:
Transmission: the 68RFE will do fine for you, save your money. Another note on the transmission - I have the Aisin transmission, and love it dearly, but it has a "4WD LOCK" mode instead of the "4WD AUTO" mode like the 68RFE. The LOCK mode forces all wheels into a hard 4WD and should not be used when the wheels cannot slip some. The AUTO mode can be used when there is only intermittent slippery conditions. In your part of the country, like mine, snow and ice might cover the road, but it would be intermittent. I'm a little apprehensive about using my 4WD "full time" in those conditions if there is ANY dry pavement because of this. Check me on this - I don't think you can get the Aisin with the AUTO mode - I think they are all LOCK mode transmissions. If you can't find a spec sheet showing the available modes on each - look at the 4WD selector knob - it will show either "LOCK" or AUTO" as well as 4WD LOW.
Now, all that being said, the 3500 is a good pick, but consider this: unless you think you might ever get a fifth wheel, why not go with the same engine and transmission in a 2500?. The reasons I suggest this are:
1) the 3500 has a bigger payload rating than the 2500, but if you have a travel trailer that doesn't matter. The tow rating of the 2500 is plenty for your load.
2) The 2500 would ride better for your non-trailer trips because of the stiffer suspension of the 3500.
2500 towing specs
3500 towing specs
Bottom line - 3500 or 2500, 6.7L Diesel, 68RFE tranny
You can't get 4wd Auto in any 2500 or 3500 Ram. All of them with all three transmissions are old fashioned 4wd systems with a locking center transfer case. The only choice in the 4wd systems is whether you want to pull a lever or twist a knob. And based on a lot of years and miles of traveling winter roads, you can run in 4H on intermittent snow and ice on the highway just fine. Just disengage it if you're pulling into a dry paved parking lot or gas station.
I do agree that the coils ride quite a bit nicer, and on a practical level I like that you have separate suspension components that control up and down versus side to side. If a heavy FW is likely in your future a 3500 is the better choice, but if it isn't, the 2500 is a great choice too. Great daily commuter and heavy tow vehicle, with pretty impressive fuel economy to boot.
โJul-31-2015 06:26 AM
Tystevens wrote:ib516 wrote:
If you're buying based on towing merits, get the Cummins. It's better for towing, hands down. I'm not dissatisfied with my Hemi at all, but the Cummins has more than DOUBLE the torque of the big Hemi (429 vs 900). That makes a difference when towing for sure.
Yeah, but for an 8k airstream? The Cummins literally wouldn't know its back there!
Of course, not a reason not to buy one (as indicated in my prior post, I definitely would!), but certainly doesn't "warrant" buying a diesel.
Note to the OP -- with that trailer, one diesel you might wait for is the Nissan Cummins 5.0. Would likely be a perfect match for 8-10k (provided the truck's ratings are up to par -- they aren't out yet, as far as I know).
Good luck!
โJul-31-2015 06:01 AM
Slowmover wrote:
Takes a lot of miles to warm up a diesel. Engine oil temp will probably reach op temp at the 45-mile mark while solo (unless the factory has some trickery happening). Then one needs that many more miles to boil off acids.
โJul-31-2015 05:57 AM
โJul-31-2015 05:54 AM
โJul-30-2015 10:08 PM
Danattherock wrote:
I plan on keeping truck till my kids are off to college. They are both currently in diapers. The $11k for the Cummins and AISIN is not a concern. Assuming this combo will provide more reliability over the long haul. I'm just checking with you guys and gals here to be sure my driving habits won't prematurely wear on the diesel. I've never owned a diesel so my insights are limited and my opinion infirm. Thanks for any thoughts.
Dan
โJul-30-2015 09:11 PM
FishOnOne wrote:Cummins12V98 wrote:FishOnOne wrote:Danattherock wrote:
My only concern is which motor will be most reliable in the years to come.
IMO the gasser will be the most reliable in the long run with your type of driving. The emission system alone on the gasser is so much simpler than the diesel. The fuel injection system again is so much simpler on a gasser.
I'm a bit perplexed because you state you will not have a 68tranny and that's basically what's behind the gasser so why ask these questions? :h
And as always take a hard look at the other two manufacturers trucks that are produced on American soil! :W
Good luck and choose wisely...
Ane ask him while you are at it what is the ONLY Diesel offered in the F650/750, oh yea I heard it was the mighty CUMMINS!
Thanks for asking cummins... The 2016 F650/F750 will no longer be equipped with the cummins engine, and now will be equipped with a Ford 6.7 PSD and Ford tranny when choosing the diesel option. This provides better synergy and better overall performance with this pair designed and produced by the same manufacturer.
Plus unlike your RAM the F650/F750 manufacturing has been moved from mexico to the USA.
Thank you very much...
โJul-30-2015 08:46 PM
โJul-30-2015 08:37 PM
Danattherock wrote:
I plan on keeping truck till my kids are off to college. They are both currently in diapers. The $11k for the Cummins and AISIN is not a concern. Assuming this combo will provide more reliability over the long haul. I'm just checking with you guys and gals here to be sure my driving habits won't prematurely wear on the diesel. I've never owned a diesel so my insights are limited and my opinion infirm. Thanks for any thoughts.
Dan
โJul-30-2015 08:14 PM
Cummins12V98 wrote:FishOnOne wrote:Danattherock wrote:
My only concern is which motor will be most reliable in the years to come.
IMO the gasser will be the most reliable in the long run with your type of driving. The emission system alone on the gasser is so much simpler than the diesel. The fuel injection system again is so much simpler on a gasser.
I'm a bit perplexed because you state you will not have a 68tranny and that's basically what's behind the gasser so why ask these questions? :h
And as always take a hard look at the other two manufacturers trucks that are produced on American soil! :W
Good luck and choose wisely...
Ane ask him while you are at it what is the ONLY Diesel offered in the F650/750, oh yea I heard it was the mighty CUMMINS!
โJul-30-2015 08:03 PM
RAS43 wrote:Danattherock wrote:
Here's the video I saw of the Hemi 6.4 struggling so miserably.
It was towing 12k lbs up Ike Gauntlet in Colorado. At one point, 30 mph in first gear, and losing speed.
Skip to 15 min and 30 sec and listen.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BeWhXy_ciuM
Dan
Interesting video. Never heard I70 and the tunnels called the Ike Gauntlet. Must be a media thing. Anyway, having traveled that route many times over the years with lighter loads and lesser equipment I was impressed with the run. 30 mph with a 20000+lb gross at 11000 ft elevation was good, IMO.
โJul-30-2015 07:29 PM
FishOnOne wrote:Danattherock wrote:
My only concern is which motor will be most reliable in the years to come.
IMO the gasser will be the most reliable in the long run with your type of driving. The emission system alone on the gasser is so much simpler than the diesel. The fuel injection system again is so much simpler on a gasser.
I'm a bit perplexed because you state you will not have a 68tranny and that's basically what's behind the gasser so why ask these questions? :h
And as always take a hard look at the other two manufacturers trucks that are produced on American soil! :W
Good luck and choose wisely...
โJul-30-2015 07:26 PM
NC Hauler wrote:Slowmover wrote:NC Hauler wrote:Slowmover wrote:
2500 with gas motor. 5-link coil rear means better ride and stability. As with others, fears about the standard auto aren't warranted.
Takes a lot of miles to warm up a diesel. Engine oil temp will probably reach op temp at the 45-mile mark while solo (unless the factory has some trickery happening). Then one needs that many more miles to boil off acids.
Low annual miles and light trailer mitigate against diesel. An Airstream needs 20% less HP than a box shape trailer to maintain highway cruise.
And the solo mpg reports are encouraging for the gasser. The percentage fuel cost difference is not favorable for the diesel in this application.
And with long term ownership, years out the gasser will need less in maintenance and repairs. The truck will time out before the gas motor needs replacement.
"Better ride and stability"?? sounds more like "your opinion", based on no facts whatsoever..
Diesel will warm up in about 10 mins or less with EB on, we're talking 2013 and up .. When was the last time you read up on the "modern diesel's" of 2013 and up, or owned one other than your 04'??? Less noise, smoother ride, DEF addition helps reap much better mpg...Low annual miles and light trailer DON'T mitigate against the diesel. :R
Diesel will get better mpg towing and possibly better mpg empty. ...Where are your facts coming from about all this information you've tossed out and won't be able to back when comparing a 6.4 gasser (2014 and up) and the 2013 and up cummins...??
Do you not understand the difference between leaf and linked coil? I guess not.
As to warmup I already qualified the statement. But no diesel warms up as fast as a gasser. Guess you didn't see his normative use.
And you need check fuel reports on the gassers. The percent difference between that and the diesel won't work against initial cost, operative cost and potential eleventh year repairs. The gasser motor is already overkill. You obviously don't understand this last part.
The OP will get what makes him happy. You, on the other hand my friend, need some education as to how the numbers work if spec'g the truck for the job matters. Not to mention suspensions, trailer design, and closer reading of the OPs intended use.
Wow, .I've met my first 100% genuine no-it-all:)..It appears I DO know quite a bit about the numbers AND also know more about the NEWER diesels than you do...I know exactly what the OP is going to tow, a little ole 7 to 8K Airstream, He could tow it with a 1/2 ton gasser...but if YOU read all of his post, you might see that he seems to REALLY, REALLY want the Cummins diesel with the Aisin...just like "I" did....I didn't need it, but I purchased what "I" wanted anyway....Heck, a 2500 with the Cummins would work for the OP, ( BUT, if you re-read all his post, again, he's pretty adamant about the Cummins engine), but wants the 3500 Mega Cab SRW with the Aisin...I quite a bit about the Gen 4 Cummins and the Aisin, as well as the 68RFE, I've only owned these trucks for about 5 years, but know about the NEW/NEWER one's, but nothing before 2010, (then I owned Chevy D/A equipped trucks as my first diesel's).
To "assume" you know more than others doesn't make you right......
โJul-30-2015 07:22 PM
Danattherock wrote:
I want the AISIN transmission. It's a better transmission than the stock 68RFE.
It's not offered in any models below 3500
I won't likely buy a Dodge truck with 68RFE transmission. Not after what I have read.
Thanks for the 4wd lock info regarding AISIN. First I've heard of that.
Dan