Thoughts on RAM 1500 Eco Diesel

SENSEI · Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2015 2:28 pm Post subject:

I bought my 2009 GMC 1500 at Dave Smith Motors and was very satisfied with the transaction process. they told us when it would be ready and we drove over and picked it up . it was everything they said it would be.
my next new truck will definitely come from them.

Larry Q · Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2015 5:59 pm Post subject:

I too have used Dave Smith, three times. The savings are great.
On all three trucks and jeeps the savings over the Olympia and Centralia dealerships has been over $5000 per rig. That's a pretty good days savings for me. I use the internet sales, they call me with a price and I buy it.

TimButterfield · Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2015 1:47 am Post subject:

Another +1 for Dave Smith. I traded a Jeep Cherokee for a new Ram 3500 SRW this past July. (Hugh inventory!) The price was good and I got $1k more than expected on the trade. I gave them a couple weeks notice and let them know which accessories I wanted added to it (power steps, 5th wheel hitch, bed cover, etc.) and it was all ready when I got there. The transaction went smoothly. I'm very pleased with them.

hardee · Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2015 11:52 pm Post subject:

It's good to hear others have had a good experience with Dave Smith too. Over the last 20 years, I have known friends who have purchased vehicles there and have never heard a anything derogatory about them or their process.

I did my work with them over the phone, and was treated with courtesy and respect through the whole experience. No hassle and no high pressure. I would highly recommend them anytime.

As to the EcoDiesel Ram 1500, I am still interested, but in a holding pattern for now.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

C-Hawk · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 2:40 pm Post subject:

I have been considering the new Dodge 1500 eco diesel since a friend got one-- he loves it.
My question to the owners with a boat--- How does it handle while towing? Any power loss?
The information I have been reading says that they have a 8800 lbs tow rating for the Quad Cab 4X4.

SEA3PO · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 11:10 am Post subject:

Hi Roger..

I also have looked at the Eco diesel... neat unit.. but as you know I only use my truck tor towing, and really have no use for a truck that is 20' long.. I want my truck short...so standard cab and regular box is for me... they make that combination in the 2500 series... 4X4 with the 6 speed... perfect.. only problem I see is they only offer base interiors... no leather or toys.. sure would make a great hauler ... and super economy...

Joel
SEA3PO

reelchef · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 7:19 pm Post subject:

My ecodiesel is the sport cab, smaller than a crew with the 6 ft bed, stripped down tradesman model. It sits low ,and has the shorter wheelbase. Pics are in my folder. This truck actually fits in the garage, but is tight. I too wanted a smaller truck, with the diesel option. It took some looking,but I found one.

hardee · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 8:59 pm Post subject:

reel chef,

Nice combo. Wish I could find that same cabin style now. I don't think they offered it after that first year. It was either the Tradesman 2 door, or the Quad or Crew cab. I'm not threw looking so thanks for the inspiration.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

hardee · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 6:25 pm Post subject:

Now there are more choices, other possibilities and more data.

The RAM EcoDiesel was implicated in possible mileage and EPA "adjustments" along possibly the same line as VW was.

There are now more of the EcoDiesel trucks out there and they have more miles and the owners have more experience with their trucks.

So now, I'm looking to see how things are now? Any changes, good bad or different? Would you do the same thing again?

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

A Fishin C · Guest

Harvey,
Google "Ram ecodiesel engine failures" for another perspective...

Knowledge is power.

Stefan

san juanderer · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 10:53 pm Post subject:

Harvey,
Just did the suggested google. Yikes ! Does not look good !
Not like that '92 Dodge Cummins that I had.
You still want to sell that Tundra of yours, I know someone looking for one. How many miles on yours ?
alan

Easyvictor.14 · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 11:14 pm Post subject:

Don't buy into internet panic. My buddy and I both bought new 2014 EcoDiesel Ram 1500 4wd trucks. We both tow boats and a Kawasaki Mule on a trailer.
Both trucks have over 65,000 absolutely flawless, trouble free miles on them.
I average 23mpg city/highway mix and 15.7 mpg towing my 5,680lb C Dory 23 Venture.
Most comfortable and high tech truck I've ever had. Ram also comes with a standard 5yr/100,000 engine and power train warranty.
I think you'd be foolish to discount the EcoDiesel because of a few failures (often traceable to aftermarket tuners or power chips)
Just my .02

A Fishin C · Guest

https://www.ram1500diesel.com/forum/ram-1500-diesel-mechanical/8564-eco-diesel-engine-failures-113.html

Titan xd are also having diesel problems with crank...

pcg · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 9:34 pm Post subject: Re: Diesel 2 cents

Byrdman · Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2018 10:13 am Post subject:

And look at the packages Ford is putting out in diesel market in 2019 trucks...

Interesting stable of power plants to dial into what ever your towing/hauling needs. Id like to simply drop the 3.0 in where my 6.0 sits in my 2005 Excursion....but now way will the numbers wash...as far as taking care of my boating retirement/travel funds.... IT IS SIMPLY BECAUSE I WANT IT now that Im towing lighter and smaller. I still drive a lot of miles each year..and still about 50% towing....that's why I buy trailerable boats.

And, zero propblems with my 6.0 in 186,000+ miles....and Id say close to 50% of those miles towing aroumd 11,000 ..... all over America with several cross country trips...both south to north and east to west....
Biggest issues..... tires. Road construction and FOD on the highways from other vehicles...and I do not plan to tow with a single axle trailer...as loosing one of four or six tires on the ground is much better and many more SAFER OFF ROAD OPTIONS, for having my tires repaired...off the interstates.. And...yes, I buy heavy bad ass heavy load rating trailer (and tow vehicle tires)...

Ive never towed a CD22 cross country with it.... but, next week Roger Johnson, SENSIE and I will tow it cross country with a Yukon with the V8 I think 350? Ill find out later today.... and will report mileage around first of the month.
Followed by me towing it somewhere with my Excursion 6.0 diesel...down to the Gulf Coast area and back to TN. Ill report then. Then, in April of 2019 Ill tow the CD22 back to WA from TN. May or may not take the same route.

Advatages of me keeping my 3/4 Ton Excursion is it has been paid for since 2005, no real issues at all, and if you can hitch it up...you can pull it...but, I am a firm believer in a heavy duty strong weight distribution hitch for trips over 25-50 miles....or....if going over a mountain pass or twisty bouncy roads. No money out of pocket...because I WANT TO get a 3.0...and better mileage with my lighter smaller towing/hauling needs.

See yall on the highways and waters soon I hope.