New to forum, looking for info on possible diesel purchase

[ivanhoe]

Hello, I’m new to the forum. I’m looking to purchase a new truck next year and starting my research early. I currently have a 2006 Chevy 2500 HD with the 6.0 L gas motor with 150,000 miles. I’ve been happy with the current truck, but it will be 17 years old this year, and I’m looking to buy myself a nice “retirement” truck. I’m looking at all 3 of the truck makers (GM, Ford and Ram).

The wife and I are looking into getting a smaller travel trailer (hitch pull not 5th wheel) around 7,000 to 8,000 pounds. I live in California and from the little research I’ve done so far, I’ve heard about the following issues (not just Duramax, but other diesels as well):

• Due to the low sulfur diesel sold in California, problems with fuel pumps burning up.
• Problems with fuel injectors and fuel rails clogging
• Problems with the DEF systems and error codes / limp mode
• Problems with the Mass Air Flow or Mass Air Pressure monitors getting heavy carbon build up and throwing error codes.
• Problems with the diesel “gelling” in cold weather (we have a cabin in the mountains go up during the snow/winter.

I like the idea of getting a diesel for the towing power and better fuel economy. But, I’m wondering if it is worth it due to the extra $10,000 for the diesel motor, higher diesel fuel price, extra costs for oil changes and fuel filter changes. Add to it if the above mentioned problems are fairly common, is it better to stick with the 6.4 Hemi gas motor.

Asking for some current Ram / Cummins owners input on reliability, fuel economy, and whether you’ve had any of the above mentioned issues.

Thanks, and I appreciate the input.

 

[tchur1]

Im happy to share my experience as I was in a similar spot as you 18 months ago. I also had a 2004 chevy with the 6.0 and really liked that truck, then had a 2019 Tundra, and now a 3500 limited SRW with the HO cummins.

I tow about 10k pounds pretty regularly and live in Lake Tahoe so can speak to a lot of the concerns you have. I probably could have gotten away with a Hemi but wanted the diesel because I live at 6500 ft, tow over passes frequently, and run 37s on my truck. The Cummins handles the elevation changes better than the Hemi by a wide margin due to the exhaust brake and turbo. I LOVE towing with this truck. You probably don't need a diesel but I don't think you would regret getting one.

As far as your concerns go, the CP4 fuel pump on 2019-2021 Cummins trucks were an issue and have been recalled. The 2022+ trucks have the CP3 pump and I would say you see VERY few issues with the fuel system on these trucks. They are very reliable.

DEF is a different story. I personally haven't had any issues with my truck in the first 13k miles I have owned it (knocking on wood as we speak) and for the most part I believe the issues are overblown. Dont let your DEF tank freeze (freezing point is about 10F), dont idle your truck for extended periods of time, make sure you get the motor to working temp when you drive and try to avoid a ton of slow speed stop and go driving. If that's easy for you to do, I believe these trucks are reliable (others may disagree).

I park my truck outside and rarely plug it in and have never had my fuel freeze. Idk if you have a garage or not but plug your truck in when it gets cold and I wouldn't worry too much about this either.

Now all that said, with your use case you dont need a diesel. There are a ton of guys on here that pull very similar loads with the Hemi and are very happy with it. So if you value simplicity then get a gas motor.

 

[AH64ID]

• Due to the low sulfur diesel sold in California, problems with fuel pumps burning up.

Low Sulfur Diesel went away by 2010 in the US for on road use, but many places converted to Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel by 2007.

What you are reading about is the lower lubricity content of ULSD vs LSD, and ULSD needs an additive to have enough lubricity. This is done before you buy the fuel at the pump. As we transitioned from LSD to ULSD the lubricity process wasn't perfected and many injection pumps suffered, in the Dodge/Cummins the 98.5-02 VP44 trucks took the hardest hit. The CP3 used from 03-18 and 21+ generally didn't have any issues.

• Problems with fuel injectors and fuel rails clogging

The injectors or rail don't clog. Poor filtration can lead to premature failure of the injection pump and/or injectors. Use quality filters, mainly OEM on recent Ram's, and you should get a normal service life out of your injection system.

• Problems with the DEF systems and error codes / limp mode

There are issue with DEF, but by in large the DEF system is a good thing. Engines that use DEF need to use less EGR, which can clog up the intake and has a more negative effect on the motor. I'll take a DEF truck any day over a diesel with an EGR and no-DEF.

• Problems with the Mass Air Flow or Mass Air Pressure monitors getting heavy carbon build up and throwing error codes.

Run the OEM air intake and filter and you won't have any more issues than the average gas engine does with these sensors.

• Problems with the diesel “gelling” in cold weather (we have a cabin in the mountains go up during the snow/winter.

Easily solved with an anti-gel additive if the fuel you buy isn't treated or you want some added protection. Personally I use Amsoil Cold Flow Improver, and keep a bottle of Amsoil Diesel Recovery in my truck just incase the fuel gels. I have had fuel gel twice in all my years driving a diesel, once was with B20 and it got colder than expected and the other time my fuel heater failed on an aftermarket filter.

Ram's come with a fuel heater for each fuel filter, which is where you will first feel the effects of gelling.

As far as your concerns go, the CP4 fuel pump on 2019-2021 Cummins trucks were an issue and have been recalled. The 2022+ trucks have the CP3 pump and I would say you see VERY few issues with the fuel system on these trucks. They are very reliable.

The CP4 was only used in 19-20 on the Ram. 21+ trucks have the CP-ISB (next generation CP3).

Dont let your DEF tank freeze (freezing point is about 10F),

Certainly not a realistic statement. Many trucks cold soak below 12°F (freeze point of DEF) and don't have any issues. Some do have issues, but to make a comment that you shouldn't park a rig in temps below 12° is not needed.

 

[Brutal_HO]

My 2020 (Y78 recall complete) soaked (plugged in) all night Dec 21-22 @ -10 and started right up in the morning to drive to the airport. Zero issues.

The only time it's not started in the cold was sitting at the airport for a week in -30/-20/-10 and that was the batteries. Just needed a jump.

 

[tchur1]

The CP4 was only used in 19-20 on the Ram. 21+ trucks have the CP-ISB (next generation CP3).



Certainly not a realistic statement. Many trucks cold soak below 12°F (freeze point of DEF) and don't have any issues. Some do have issues, but to make a comment that you shouldn't park a rig in temps below 12° is not needed.

Sorry I fat fingered the 21 and meant 20*.

And totally fair. I should have finished my statement, I personally have parked my truck overnight in sub 0 degree weather and not had issues. My bad.