Cummins or ecoboost

dbt1980 · 08-31-2017, 07:21 PM

I've been considering getting a new tv for a bit. I currently have a 03 dodge 2500 6 speed cummins, very low miles 50000. I worry it may start costing money due to age, also not a real roomy truck and if the wife drives the manual isn't great. I tow a evo 2550 weighs around 6k hitch weight is around 800 lbs. Any input am I crazy for considering this? I've read a lot of good about these trucks but the dodge tows so nice I hate to ruin a good thing. But room warranty and some of the features of the new trucks would be nice as well.

AquaMan · 08-31-2017, 07:32 PM

I don't think you will be happy. The eco-boost is a small step above a gasser and no where near a diesel in pulling. Sorry to all the eco-boosters, but it's true. Not to mention you're going from a 3/4 ton truck to a 1/2 ton, the stability isn't going to be there. It may be worth your while to look for a newer diesel and trade/sell your old one.

stealthWA2313 · 08-31-2017, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AquaMan

I don't think you will be happy. The eco-boost is a small step above a gasser and no where near a diesel in pulling. Sorry to all the eco-boosters, but it's true. Not to mention you're going from a 3/4 ton truck to a 1/2 ton, the stability isn't going to be there. It may be worth your while to look for a newer diesel and trade/sell your old one.

I would have to disagree somewhat. A new 2017 3.5 Ecoboost with all the technology, and 10 speed transmission is going to tow his trailer just as well, actually better than his 2003 Dodge Cummins. If he gets the Max Cargo package on the Eco the cargo capacity will be on par, if not higher than the 2003 Dodge.

Bluepill · 08-31-2017, 07:40 PM

I agree. Upgrade to a later Ram. Your old one should be worth a lot with the low miles.

Bikersarge · 08-31-2017, 07:42 PM

Don't like either, but to answer your question I would go with Cummins.

glsimms · 08-31-2017, 07:42 PM

This should be good and I have some corn poppin'!

But here is a recent thread about the ecoboost....

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ts-141779.html

M109Rrider · 08-31-2017, 08:43 PM

Why downgrade? What if you upgrade your camper? I have an 05 with 3X's the mileage. Has never let me down. Thought about upgrading a while back. In a brief moment of sanity, I remembered that mine is paid for ( has been for a long time) and I can buy an awful lot of replacement parts for what they want for a new truck.

W5CI · 08-31-2017, 08:48 PM

With only 50K your Cummins is just now broken in, you have no EPA crap to go bad. You can spend a lot on it if necessary before getting close to what it will cost you to trade. a loaded up eco will cost you a ton. I would not hesitate to keep your truck, if it is in good shape. If it is a stick shift they won't give you anything for it, trust me on that. Most people today could not drive it.

SailorSam20500 · 08-31-2017, 08:57 PM

Yup, lots of opinions to come... I'll take my popcorn with a cheddar cheese sprinkle.

But to provide some ammo for the fire fight...

Just got back from viewing the solar eclipse. I recorded the following info based on actual miles and fill up info.
Lexington KY to Sweetwater TN 9.8 mpg
Sweetwater Tn to Lexington Ky 9.8 mpg
Both of the above are via I-75 speed control on set to 63. Speed maintained mostly in 6th gear, up slopes would go to 5th and short spurts in 4th on the steepest spots.
Lexington Ky to Toledo OH 12.2 mpg. I-75 using west side I-275 bypass at Cincinnati.
Toledo OH to Westland MI 12.3 MPG
Weights by RVSEF: Trailer 6,950 lbs. GCW 12,950.

I did offer a few comments in the thread mentioned by glsimms.

My thought, you need to think about the diesel issues related to current regulations and compare to issues of a gasser. Pick what you are comfortable dealing with.

M109Rrider · 08-31-2017, 09:21 PM

I drove an eco boost xlt lariat for about a week. Co worker borrowed mine to take his Raptor toyhauler home from a permanent spot. It was a hot rod and super nice truck with lots of creature features. I have no beef with eco boost but it has its limitations. If I didn't have or have any intention of having a large camper, I would buy one.

moose074 · 08-31-2017, 09:34 PM

Wish I got those mpg with my eco boost I never hit 9 let alone double digits even with roush stage 1 if wind wasn't blowing high 8 barely averaged 18 mt my north trail was little heavier power wasn't issue feeling like I was in control was now f350 better mpg towing

dbt1980 · 08-31-2017, 10:06 PM

Thanks for the input.Definitely looking at the max tow package.The newer diesels don't appeal to me with the emissions and the Def fluid.Maybe my old dodge is the way to go but those f 150 cabs sure are roomy.

NMWildcat · 08-31-2017, 10:21 PM

If you really want more room and a few upgrades, it will be easy to sell your 03 with the low miles for a very good price. Lots of folks looking for older diesels. Then buy a newer used diesel. A Google search will bring you lots of options.

Our 40 year old son and all his camping buddies have got the RV bug and got rid of their newer 1/2 tons (mainly Tundras) and bought '06 to '08 3/4 ton Duramax trucks for less $$$. They love 'em!!! Makes me smile

So you could do the same with a pre DEF cummins.

debit · 08-31-2017, 10:51 PM

I have a 2004 Cummins, 6 speed, low mileage, 8 foot bed. The local mechanic says he wants my truck....NO way! It is so valuable!

dalford · 08-31-2017, 10:55 PM

I pulled a Rockwood 2604WS with an F-150 ecoboost. The RV is pretty equivalent to yours and 29 feet long. The eb was not max tow package. I loved that truck. I set up with a equalizer 4 way anti-sway WD hitch. We pulled that RV from FL to PEI Canada and probably put over 12000 miles on it. Never an issue and the eb purred along. As I remember gas mileage was less the 10mpg.

The only reason I don't have it now is we went to a 5th wheel and upgraded to an F250 6.7L diesel. Now you have a diesel and you know they are horses. No comparison to an eb, just different beast.

Don't let the DEF deter you. I guess I never thought about it as I never owned a diesel until this one and it uses DEF. This is not an issue. I just pull into truck stops to fuel and buy DEF at the pump. Maybe use a gallon per 1000 miles. No biggie.

Have fun on your search.

kltk1 · 09-01-2017, 12:19 AM

Respectfully, if you have a 2003 with 50k, you're not putting up enough miles, or, based on your post, pulling enough weight, to cover the added cost of any diesel. You'd be far ahead of the game with a 3/4 gasser or 1/2 ton Hemi/Eco. Now, if the diesel is simply a personal preference, you can't put a price on that.

shorthorn · 09-01-2017, 06:34 AM

I personally wouldnt sell an early common rail with a 6 speed and low miles. In today's crazy market that's probably a 25-30k truck easy. I had an 05 Dodge prior to my 14. Only reason I sold the 05 was I needed a 3500 for the 5er. That said the 13+ Rams are very nice trucks. Emission system has never been in issue. DEF usage is so low it's really not a bother at all to me. The cabs are light years better than the common rails that is true, but sounds like the truck you already have does what you need just fine.

rp53 · 09-01-2017, 06:52 AM

no way i would trade a diesel with only 50,000 miles and paid for. no brainer to me

TheWolfPaq82 · 09-01-2017, 07:09 AM

Purchase what you can afford and feel comfortable with. Ultimately....it's YOUR ! decision.

FrankG · 09-01-2017, 07:44 AM

GO test drive a new 2500 Laramie with the Cummins 6.7...let us know what you think. My DW did this to me and we never looked back. First Ram we ever owned, we had a string of 6 Fords including 2 powerstroke's before the Ram. Could not be happier with the Laramie. If you are considering a larger fifth wheel a 3500 may be in order. The 2500 4x4 Laramie with passengers, dogs and hitch will scale about 9000 lbs.

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