New to Diesel/Ram

[Outdoordb]

Hey everyone, I am totally new to diesels. I just recently bought a 2020 RAM 2500 with 24,000 miles on it. And a new 5th wheel. (getting set up for retirement)
I know nothing about Diesels so what are the do's and don'ts of owning a Diesel. Thanks

 

[Lonestar]

Welcome and congrats on the new to you truck and camper. I don’t have a diesel so cant offer up any info on that.

 

[unclelala]

I have a diesel but I'm certainly not your go to guy about diesels but you sure have a purdy truck. What I really want to know is the model number of your Alliance 5th wheel, it looks about the same size as my Cougar 24RDS.

 

[JustARam22]

Maintenance is key, they cost a good more to maintain then gas...

Every oil change also requires you change both fuel filters

Typically around 300.00 if you do it yourself
Obviously you have Def fluid which can be a diva at times

At around 65-70k miles you have to change your ccv filter

 

[Outdoordb]

I have a diesel but I'm certainly not your go to guy about diesels but you sure have a purdy truck. What I really want to know is the model number of your Alliance 5th wheel, it looks about the same size as my Cougar 24RDS.

It's the 26RD the same layout as yours, 28'10"

 

[Outdoordb]

Maintenance is key, they cost a good more to maintain then gas...

Every oil change also requires you change both fuel filters

Typically around 300.00 if you do it yourself
Obviously you have Def fluid which can be a diva at times

At around 65-70k miles you have to change your ccv filter

What's the milage recommendation on oil changes. What's the breakdown on that cost?

 

[unclelala]

It's the 26RD the same layout as yours, 28'10"

Its almost a ringer except where the wardrobe is

 

[Outdoordb]

Yours in a slide out? If so we liked the extra window for light and cross ventilation.

 

[unclelala]

Yours in a slide out? If so we liked the extra window for light and cross ventilation.

Now now, this aint no competition.

 

[JustARam22]

What's the milage recommendation on oil changes. What's the breakdown on that cost?

It's should be about 10k if you don't idle alot. You can find the percentage left on both under vehicle information on the dash

 

[JustARam22]

It's should be about 10k if you don't idle alot. You can find the percentage left on both under vehicle information on the dash

Cost break down

12+ quarts of oil
Oil filter
Fuel filter
Water separator filter

 

[BamaOEF]

Try to always purchase Diesel fuel from Stations with high turnover. Less chance of water or other contamination. Very important!

 

[Roper46]

Welcome from south Georgia and congrats on your Ram and fifth wheel. Maintenance costs are higher but in my opinion it is worth it for the towing abilities of the Cummins. Be safe and enjoy your truck and 5er.

 

[AH64ID]

Basic rules for modern diesels.

Avoid idling.

Avoid short trips and city driving.

Work them, they need to be worked for the emissions to work properly.

Use OEM fuel and air filters from a reputable source. Geno’s Garage is who I’d recommend for online purchases. The air filter needs to be a 53034051AB.

12 month, 15K miles, or when the truck tells you (whichever happens first) for fuel filter and oil/filter changes.

Lots of opinions on oil and filters. I prefer a quality synthetic 5w-40 and the Donaldson DBL7349.

DEF doesn’t last long in HOT climates, so think about that when buying it if you’re not driving it often. Either check the date code or buy it from a pump, I prefer a pump.

But mostly, just enjoy how it tows your trailer.

Are you in a cold weather state?

Oh yeah, the dealership is only for warranty work and even then double check what they do. Do your own maintenance, or go to an independent mechanic. Keep your receipts for warranty purposes.

It's should be about 10k if you don't idle alot. You can find the percentage left on both under vehicle information on the dash

It should be about 15K for oil and fuel filters.

 

[flan]

Battery tender if it’s going to sit a lot inbetween towing. Tire pressure on the door jamb and tire pressure you should actually run are 2 different things.

 

[Outdoordb]

For the next 3 years while I am still working it’s used minimal a long trip vacation and about 6-8 other towing trips a year. I am in Maryland and it’s kept in a new pole building next to the camper. (UV is a terrible thing) I have been taking it out every weekend for about a 10-15 mile run and running it hard once its warmed up, is this better before I park it or when I first get out. I have been keeping the fuel full but was reluctant on the DEF due to I hear it has a shelf life right now it’s about half. I will probably be at 6-8k a year so should I be just changing everything at a yearly interval of just oil and filter? I have heard to run the exhaust brake as much as possible, is this true? Full or auto? I wish it remained on after turn off. And yes I enjoy how it tows, almost scarry because I don't even realize that I'm towing a 9500lb RV Thanks for everyone's response.

 

[Bighorn18]

Welcome. I'm new to this forum as well. My wife and I have been retired now for 2.5 years. I have a 2018 3500 Bighorn that I pull our 35' Cougar 5th wheel. We haven't done as much traveling with the 5th wheel other than Camping due to the economy, but hoping soon for the better to do some longer trips!

 

[F3arl3sslimited]

I love that pole building!

 

[Outdoordb]

Thanks, just protecting my investments. UV is a terrible thing.

 

[flan]

Thanks, just protecting my investments. UV is a terrible thing.

You’re going to have to build a pole building over your pole building to protect it!