Which truck Dilemma?

I own a towing beast.... 2006 dodge 2500 Mega 5.9 cummins with the 6-speed manual.

Now here is my issue.... the wife hates it, and has trouble driving it. And I will never own a towing/hauling business so don't need the beast. Most I might ever own will be a trailer that gets towed 2-5 times a year(if that). The new technology of trailers and how light they are, I could tow a trailer I want with an F150.

Which truck would you suggest as a replacement for the beast? I have a budget of $30-35,000, and would prefer a diesel for long term reliability.

I have been eye balling 2013ish F250/350's, and 2013ish Duramax. There are a couple requirements... NOT 4.10 gears (need better MPG). Adjustable pedals for a short wife, and if possible leather for easy cleaning because of kids.

Post your opinions, but rather than "ford sucks" add a reason why that truck sucks..... "ford sucks, because I own a dodge" Thanks all [flamingo]

Cummings Nissan titan

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Originally Posted by Snowman78

Cummins Nissan titan

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Fixed it for you

Sounds like you're talking about just getting a newer beast.

Based on the various ratings sites, it looks like the Ford and GMC are basically tied for best in the category so look at both and pick whichever one comes in the color you want.

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Originally Posted by Gman

Sounds like you're talking about just getting a newer beast.

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This.

Any of the 3/4 ton diesels are going to be similar to your Dodge, and probably not well liked by your wife. Perhaps her only real dislike is the clutch on the Dodge, but for you to say that she "hates" it, means there is more.

I have both Chevy and Dodge 3/4 Diesels, and a few 1 tons, in our company, and we have had fords, and they are all about the same in size, handling, etc. The chevy gets the nod on turning radius, and ride comfort, and the ford gets the nod for the higher price, and dodge gets the nod for having the better motor (Cummins still is the name to beat).

Given what you are talking about, I agree with Snowman. Take a look at the Nissan Titan with the baby Cummins.

I will add this.

Don't get a 350/3500 for your stated use case, especially not a dually, but I would suggest shying away from the single wheel models as well.

You don't need the capacity per your post, and you don't want the ride quality for your wife. Also, duallies mean 2 extra tires every time.


Other thought:

Does your wife need to drive the truck? Not saying she shouldn't, but in our case the only time my wife drives my personal truck, or any of the company trucks, is when her car is in the shop. She doesn't really like any of them (my personal is 525/1019 HP/TQ with a manual and a clutch the size of smaller NE states, and the work trucks are all crew cab long beds). She used to drive my personal when the weather was bad, and I would take the less awesome car, but I bought her an Xterra, and she basically never drives the trucks...

So, depending on the why, maybe consider keeping your truck if it's already paid off.

Well, if you want a diesel in that year range you're pretty locked into a 3/4 or 1 ton...which is what you already have. Not sure that's gonna solve the issues you're wife is complaining about.

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Originally Posted by Grant H.

This.

Any of the 3/4 ton diesels are going to be similar to your Dodge, and probably not well liked by your wife. Perhaps her only real dislike is the clutch on the Dodge, but for you to say that she "hates" it, means there is more.

I have both Chevy and Dodge 3/4 Diesels, and a few 1 tons, in our company, and we have had fords, and they are all about the same in size, handling, etc. The chevy gets the nod on turning radius, and ride comfort, and the ford gets the nod for the higher price, and dodge gets the nod for having the better motor (Cummins still is the name to beat).

Given what you are talking about, I agree with Snowman. Take a look at the Nissan Titan with the baby Cummins.

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Originally Posted by Grant H.

I will add this.

Don't get a 350/3500 for your stated use case, especially not a dually, but I would suggest shying away from the single wheel models as well.

You don't need the capacity per your post, and you don't want the ride quality for your wife. Also, duallies mean 2 extra tires every time.


Other thought:

Does your wife need to drive the truck? Not saying she shouldn't, but in our case the only time my wife drives my personal truck, or any of the company trucks, is when her car is in the shop. She doesn't really like any of them (my personal is 525/1019 HP/TQ with a manual and a clutch the size of smaller NE states, and the work trucks are all crew cab long beds). She used to drive my personal when the weather was bad, and I would take the less awesome car, but I bought her an Xterra, and she basically never drives the trucks...

So, depending on the why, maybe consider keeping your truck if it's already paid off.

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She doesn't like the clutch, and the fact that she has to sit so close to the steering wheel. She's a shorty, and in order to push in the clutch, she has to be inches from the wheel. Also, she's got bad knee's so pushing the clutch is a pain. She drives the truck when she can fit things in her CRV i.e. anything bigger than bags of groceries. I would say at least once a month she needs me to do something with the truck for her, or she has to take the truck. Lately with my work schedule, she's forced to use the truck. Hence why I was looking at different options. The Chevy and fords had adjustable pedals for her, and size wise, she doesn't care. Between my truck, and her work econoline vans, she's capable of larger vehicles.

I am definitely looking at the Nissan. Completely forgot about that option, so thanks!

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Originally Posted by Gman

Sounds like you're talking about just getting a newer beast.

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I will agree that all larger trucks with diesels will be considered a "beast" but they usually have better mpg than a gasser.

Diesels are not what they used to be. The emissions has killed them. OH sure, they still work and make monster power (although crappy mileage), but then something big goes wrong (because the emissions stuff is incredibly complex) and BANG you're out thousands.

Also new diesels require DEF fluid

If you don't tow or haul all the time, you really don't want a new (post 2010) diesel.

As someone else said, you don't want a 3/4T, 1T, you want a 1/2T.

The new generation of smaller diesels in smaller trucks are getting GREAT mileage.

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Originally Posted by JohnTRourke

Diesels are not what they used to be. The emissions has killed them. OH sure, they still work and make monster power (although crappy mileage), but then something big goes wrong (because the emissions stuff is incredibly complex) and BANG you're out thousands.

Also new diesels require DEF fluid

If you don't tow or haul all the time, you really don't want a new (post 2010) diesel.

As someone else said, you don't want a 3/4T, 1T, you want a 1/2T.

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That's why I initially bought my beast. No emissions on the 5.9, so I can get 22mpg city, but drops significantly on highway due to 4.10 gears. I would take off emissions stuff if I bought a new diesel. I have read that the EGR kills the long term reliability due to soot build up.

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Originally Posted by Bailey Guns

The new generation of smaller diesels in smaller trucks are getting GREAT mileage.

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Looks like the titan or ecodiesel from ram are managing 18-25 without modification.

A lot of the newer trucks have adjustable pedals. Move them closer to her instead of her having to move the seat so close.

The Titan's are getting 15 empty (read the reviews), that's worse than gas. And the Titan HD's have some serious issues. Lot of buybacks for both engine and suspension/steering issues.

Dunno about the ecodiesel but the chevy colorado diesel gets like 2-3mpg better than the gas. Big Fuggin Deal.

Seriously gas mileage is a nothing, even if you drive 500 miles a week (which is a ton). Do the math.

Think in 5 years, who is going to work on your oddball little diesel. (yes, the 3/4 diesels have a lot of places to be worked on) but there is probably 1 or 2 mechanics at the dealership who got ecodiesel training and can actually work on it. Parts are dealer only, etc. And the emissions shit is incredibly complex. Remember when Jeep had a little diesel for the Grand Cherokee. Yeah, probably not. Lasted 2 years. it's pretty cool, but parts are tough and nobody works on it.

Really with all the stupid new diesel emissions (post 2010) it's barely worth having a diesel at all. Your older Dodge is probably worth more than newer diesel with miles. (and certainly than a Ford 6.0 but that's unfair. :-) )

I see you are in Wyoming and for now you can still do a delete of the emissions BS.
But won't be able to sell it in an emission state and your warranty will be voided.

Isn't the "diesels are more reliable" thing an urban myth anyway? Back in the old days diesels were very simple, very noisy, and very dirty. Now they're quieter and cleaner, but the cost is more complexity (DEF and such), greater cost initially and as I understand it, greater maintenance cost. On top of all that, you're paying $0.25 - .50 more per gallon for fuel.

For that matter, "reliability" and "longevity" of ALL vehicles is much greater now than it was 25 or 30 years ago. I know there was a time when diesel engines lasted longer than gas engines but I think the modern gas engines have closed that gap so if "reliability" is the only reason you're looking at a diesel I'd check out gas engined trucks - they're likely as "reliable" as you need a truck to be.

If you need the stump-pulling torque that a diesel offers I could understand, but it sounds like you don't. Do you even need a 3/4 ton? If MPG is important I'd consider a half ton. BTW the F-150 Ecoboost 3.5 V6 has something like 435 lb/ft of torque. [Shock]

The truck you have with the 5.9 is one of the best diesels made and offers a premium in the private sales section. With that, as others have said, emissions has destroyed new Diesel engines. While they're getting amazing power, they've shaved a lot of weight off the truck by replacing steel with aluminum. I drive an older Ford and love it but some of their newer engines worry me with reliability issues and what it takes to improve them isn't worth it to me. Cummins is still one of the best diesels out there to me compared to the competition but the prices of new diesels is the cost of a house in most states. I'd look at a used Dodge that is slightly smaller than the truck you have now. Or, take a look at the new 1/2 ton pickups that are out now. As long as your trailer isn't too heavy these 1/2 tons will tow them fine depending on your needs. Plus you'll get way better mileage than a 3/4 ton.

Local professional diesel shop said Duramax was least type engine requiring service there. I guess it endures. Your mileage may vary.

Any more, any “newer” vehicle generally will last a lifetime with proper maintenance. With all the emissions crap, they derate these trucks along with adding costly maintenance. The problem is, you cannot drive these diesels like the older ones. You have to get these newer ones good and hot and give them a workout every now and then.

Plenty of hot shot drivers have close to half a million miles on these Diesel engines with all the factory emissions equipment still installed. I personally know a guy that has 280k on his ‘13 Cummins and he really hasn’t had to do much other than general maintenance. My ‘13 runs like a cheetah on cocaine since it is missing a few emission parts and good tuning. It also bumped the MPG from 14-16 to 20-22 consistently. My advice, keep the 5.9 mega, save yourself a possible car payment and look at getting the wife something small she does like. I love my mega cab.

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Originally Posted by opie011

Fixed it for you

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I think they do it just to piss us off...

[ROFL1]

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Originally Posted by colorider

A lot of the newer trucks have adjustable pedals. Move them closer to her instead of her having to move the seat so close.

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My 04.5 Ram came with adjustable pedals. Bonus option I hadn't specified when I found the otherwise exact truck I wanted through a broker...

RAM started offering the 1500 with diesel in 2014, that's where I'd be looking...

Early EcoDiesels have a known fatal issue that requires the motor to be replaced when it goes. I believe it is a crankshaft bearing but I am not 100% that is the actual issue off the top of my head. A friend had his go at about 42,000 miles, luckily it was still under the power train warranty or else he would have been out somewhere to the tune of &15k.

Does your price range factor in trade value of your truck or is that just what you are looking to finance/ pay cash for? Any thoughts of keeping your 06 and getting a 1/2 ton pickup that you can run around in and the wife can use when needed? The pre 07.5 Cummins is a very Desire able truck and not something I would give up if I didn’t have to. The 5.9 with the G56 is a very solid platform IMO. On the other hand if you do decide to sell the truck that combination along with it being a Megacab should fetch a pretty penny for you, I would try private party sale prior to dealer trade in as they typically lowball you in their offers.

Best of luck!

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Originally Posted by HBARleatherneck

Didnt you just sell a crew cab Ford f150?

In a couple hours you could change out the gears of swap axles in your dodge.

First, this doesnt apply if you need the torque of a diesel.


The one thing people seem to forget about diesels...
Diesels cost on average about 8 thousand more, just for the engine. Diesels are heavy, they are hard on front ends (suspension, steering, etc) Injection pumps cost more to rebuild than a whole gas motor cost to rebuild.

My F350 crew cab with a 460 costs less, i got over 200,000 before I rebuilt it. It didnt absolutely need it, but I wanted to. It cost me $1500 for the machine shop to rebuild it.

Everything about a diesel costs more. Sure they get better mileage and of course fantastic torque. How many years, how many miles driven, how much fuel saved will it take to make up for the upfront cost difference.

Dodge has a small diesel in some of their pickups now, If nobody mentioned it.

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HBAR... I did just sell my F150 because of all the issues with it! There were over 400+ TSB's of known issues, and only 1 that was covered under warrenty while I owned the truck. I was having small issues with the truck and did not like the service of ford. I saw that the 2012 F150 with the ECOboost was not going to be very reliable in the long run. I looked into an axle swap if I were going to keep the mega, but it's the fact of the clutch for the wife. She doesn't feel very safe having to sit that close to the steering wheel.

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Originally Posted by fairrpe86

Early EcoDiesels have a known fatal issue that requires the motor to be replaced when it goes. I believe it is a crankshaft bearing but I am not 100% that is the actual issue off the top of my head. A friend had his go at about 42,000 miles, luckily it was still under the power train warranty or else he would have been out somewhere to the tune of &15k.

Does your price range factor in trade value of your truck or is that just what you are looking to finance/ pay cash for? Any thoughts of keeping your 06 and getting a 1/2 ton pickup that you can run around in and the wife can use when needed? The pre 07.5 Cummins is a very Desire able truck and not something I would give up if I didn’t have to. The 5.9 with the G56 is a very solid platform IMO. On the other hand if you do decide to sell the truck that combination along with it being a Megacab should fetch a pretty penny for you, I would try private party sale prior to dealer trade in as they typically lowball you in their offers.

Best of luck!

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We would finance the new truck, and private sell the megacab. With the money from the sell, put it towards the new purchare, so we were hoping for $30-35,000 total.

We did consider keeping the megacab and getting her a different vehicle, but the the Honda CRV is a great little car. The only downside for us so far, is the cargo storage when she needs to use it for other than groceries.

I don't want to be "that guy," but what about an AWD minivan for her? You probably don't need AWD, but I assume that is part of the draw for the CR-V.

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Originally Posted by Irving

I don't want to be "that guy," but what about an AWD minivan for her? You probably don't need AWD, but I assume that is part of the draw for the CR-V.

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looked into it. Only 1 offers the AWD, and there is only 1 that have the height clearance we would like.... Dirt road, lots of wind and snow drifts. We also considered a second truck like a tacoma for her - but she doesn't want to have to jump into the bed of a truck to grab any groceries that rolled around. ( I know I could put a block so it doesn't). But if we're going to have a truck, might as well just have 1 that she can drive and a CRV that works well.

Does it have to be a full-size truck?

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Originally Posted by Bailey Guns

Does it have to be a full-size truck?

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No. That’s why I like the Titan idea. We just just got spoiled with size. So a Tacoma for me is too small. We want a crew cab truck for sure.

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Originally Posted by fly boy

No. That’s why I like the Titan idea. We just just got spoiled with size. So a Tacoma for me is too small. We want a crew cab truck for sure.

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My dad just got a 2018 Tundra and it’s pretty badass. Very peppy, smooth ride, quiet, and plenty of snort behind it. He did not get the most loaded truck but it’s fairly loaded.

I wouldn't get the 1500 ram eco-diesel. It's slow and has a wacky Italian motor. And the Ram 1500s are the lightest duty pickups. Almost like big El Caminos. I think the V8 Ford or GM trucks are better if you need a truck.