eco diesel

[Glenwood]

Just wondering if any of you guys have Rams with the eco diesel and if you've had issues with it. I'm thinking about buying a new Ram but can't decide between a 5.7 & the eco. I tested both engines and a Ram with the 3.6l, but I think the V6 is a bit small for the truck.

thoughts?

thanks,

Glen

 

[Richard Cranium]

Here's my 2 cents...

There was a time when diesels were worth the extra money, but not any longer. 12 years ago, a diesel upgrade was about 3 grand and diesel fuel was 25 cents a gallon cheaper than regular. Back then, it was easy to figure out when your payback would be. For instance, back in 2004, I switched from Ford V8 powered work vans to diesel Sprinter vans. The Ford vans would get 15 mpg & the Sprinter would get 23-25. Those 5 cyl diesels would run forever with little trouble and they would save me money.

Today, a diesel upgrade can be up to 8 grand higher and now diesel fuel is 25 cents higher than regular, plus, you now have much more emissions crap on it that not only robs fuel mileage, but adds more in maintenance costs. In the case of my Sprinters, they changed from the inline 5 to a V6 diesel several years ago and the mileage went town to 19 mpg. Plus, we were starting to have problems with the DEF that sprays into the exhaust. That stuff is so corrosive that it ruins pumps and is a $1,200.00 repair. Last year, I dumped all my work Sprinters and bought Fords with the V6 Ecoboost. I even bought a p/u truck with the Ecoboost and I had zero trouble pulling a B-body on a trailer with it. It appears that our V6 Eacobeasts get the same mileage as our old V6 diesels, and the savings fuel costs is something that you see right away.

 

[Darter6]

Around here the local UPS trucks are now Gasoline instead of Diesel. That kinda tells me that such a large company is finding problems running the late model diesels.I did ask a driver about it and all he said is the new trucks are less maintenance.Just a thought..

 

[Glenwood]

Thanks for this Richard.
My concerns aren't really about fuel efficiency, but more about high mileage and of course related maintenance costs. Having said that, I still want to keep the fuel consumption reasonable.
I'm wondering if the Ram version (not sure who actually builds these) of the eco is a good engine or if the hemi is a better choice for the kind of mileage I'll be racking up. Probably 75k/year. I'm open to looking at other brands but love the look of the Rams.

- - - Updated - - -

Around here the local UPS trucks are now Gasoline instead of Diesel. That kinda tells me that such a large company is finding problems running the late model diesels.I did ask a driver about it and all he said is the new trucks are less maintenance.Just a thought..

That's very interesting and surprising, thanks.

 

[65hemi]

Not exactly the same, but the v6 in my 2015 Grand Cherokee has more scoot and better mileage than the v8 in my old 2006 Grand Cherokee. I think that is the same v6 as in the Ram. I would not expect to tow with it though.
Interesting that RC's eco truck can tow his b-body.
Should clarify that my v6 is gas.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Interesting that RC's eco truck can tow his b-body.

And tows it easily.

 

[Glenwood]

My '12 Journey R/T has the 3.6l and is a powerful V6. I understand that this engine was tweaked to squeeze out over 300hp for the Ram. The V6 Ram I tested felt powerful and supposedly could tow 7,000lbs with 3.55s I believe, but I wonder about it's longevity in a heavy 4x4 truck.

 

[terzmo]

Here's my 2 cents...

There was a time when diesels were worth the extra money, but not any longer. 12 years ago, a diesel upgrade was about 3 grand and diesel fuel was 25 cents a gallon cheaper than regular. Back then, it was easy to figure out when your payback would be. For instance, back in 2004, I switched from Ford V8 powered work vans to diesel Sprinter vans. The Ford vans would get 15 mpg & the Sprinter would get 23-25. Those 5 cyl diesels would run forever with little trouble and they would save me money.

Today, a diesel upgrade can be up to 8 grand higher and now diesel fuel is 25 cents higher than regular, plus, you now have much more emissions crap on it that not only robs fuel mileage, but adds more in maintenance costs. In the case of my Sprinters, they changed from the inline 5 to a V6 diesel several years ago and the mileage went town to 19 mpg. Plus, we were starting to have problems with the DEF that sprays into the exhaust. That stuff is so corrosive that it ruins pumps and is a $1,200.00 repair. Last year, I dumped all my work Sprinters and bought Fords with the V6 Ecoboost. I even bought a p/u truck with the Ecoboost and I had zero trouble pulling a B-body on a trailer with it. It appears that our V6 Eacobeasts get the same mileage as our old V6 diesels, and the savings fuel costs is something that you see right away.

Well...when the gas engine hits around 150,ooo miles....the diesel is just breaking in...the V6 has 420 lbs of torque....about the same as my old 7.3 ford that pulled a 3 car trailer loaded

 

[silversedan]

friend of mine with a trucking co. is leasing a new ram with eco diesel, we towed my car (b-body) on a open trailer with it, about a two hour trip I expected it to be shifting alot but it didn't , he said just driving in on the hwy he was getting around 26-28 mpg. motor is real quiet. I think he's leasing for a reason tho , then he's not stuck with it if there is problems

 

[Richard Cranium]

Well...when the gas engine hits around 150,ooo miles....the diesel is just breaking in...the V6 has 420 lbs of torque....about the same as my old 7.3 ford that pulled a 3 car trailer loaded

If you're towing a huge trailer with 3 cars, I can agree with you. You do need that extra torque and power. But the key word in what you said is "old 7.3". The new diesels with all the emissions stuff that they have are just prone to problems.

 

[Glenwood]

I have a friend who had the big ford diesel and told me horror stories about it.
I agree with Richard, the emission stuff can be problematic and costly. My golf TDI gets great mileage but seems to be plagued with electronic issues.

 

[crash89]

I have the 5.7 in my Ram 1500. My opinion is that in a half-ton truck a gas engine is more than sufficient. I towed an old Ford F1 from Idaho to Virginia with it last summer and it was excellent. You didn't mention how much towing or how heavy the load. If you need the grunt of the heavier 2500 or 3500, then I would go diesel if you use it that way. Diesel also requires a bit more maintenance. If you aren't going to use the truck for a lot of towing, I don't see is as worth the extra expense. One last thing, the 5.7 with the 3.92 gear is rated to tow more then the Eco Diesel, if I remember correctly.

 

[Glenwood]

I have the 5.7 in my Ram 1500. My opinion is that in a half-ton truck a gas engine is more than sufficient. I towed an old Ford F1 from Idaho to Virginia with it last summer and it was excellent. You didn't mention how much towing or how heavy the load. If you need the grunt of the heavier 2500 or 3500, then I would go diesel if you use it that way. Diesel also requires a bit more maintenance. If you aren't going to use the truck for a lot of towing, I don't see is as worth the extra expense. One last thing, the 5.7 with the 3.92 gear is rated to tow more then the Eco Diesel, if I remember correctly.

Thanks for your comments.
It's mostly for a daily driver with occasional towing for a car and my sleds. Either engine, even with 3.55 should suffice my towing needs I think. I'm really thinking about longevity. What's the consensus on high mileage 5.7s?

 

[crash89]

I have about 70k miles on mine. The 5.7 runs like it is brand new. The most I have towed is about 10,000 pounds, so plenty of power. No issues whatsoever with anything. One thing I would do on the Ram.. We have coil springs in the back. I would get the air suspension if you are going to tow a lot. I don't like the back sagging and didn't get mine with the air suspension. I added one from Total Load Control and solved the problem.

 

[2059]

For the reasons RC stated early on and the amount of miles I drive (plus towing needs) I ordered my 2500 w/6.4 instead of Diesel. That was a 2500, if you're talking eco diesel, then it's a 1500 you're talking about.. Different needs, different considerations..

 

[Richard Cranium]

I believe that Chysler's eco-diesel is a Fiat engine.

 

[Darter6]

Correct

Not that this has anything to do with what we are talking about,,but that new Penstar V6 is very impressive. At MATS someone was running the autocross with a new Challenger.Not only did it run well but it sure got a cool sound.The wife has been talking about a new car.I plan on taking a good look at that engine and the cars it comes in.

 

[dieseldazzle]

Off topic I am super impressed with the 2015 Pentastar in my Chrysler. I am at 40K on it. My 2013 Pentastar is at over 300k. I would never tow with or consider this a heavy duty powerplant but it certainly exceeded my expectations.

That being said I have owned several turbo diesels ( powerstroke 99, 2007,2003 and duramax 2005) and only on one occasion (my 29 foot 12k pound 5th wheel camp trailer) have I ever needed it. I feel a turbo diesel only belongs in a 2500-3500 chassis and not a 1500.

I would consider fords ecoboost or if you are stuck on MOPAR then just get a hemi.

I went with the 2014 Chevy Silverado with the updated 5.3 and 3.42 gears. I tow with my truck (b body on 20 foot open trailer) mileage suffers when loaded (10-12mpg) but when not loaded my combined mileage is 18mpg and my highway mileage is 21mpg. I have had good luck with the chebbies. My dodges **** out trannies but they were all 2001 and older.

 

[Glenwood]

My journey 3.6 can tow my three sleds on my alum 3-place trailer without the slightest hesitation to my surprise. It's limited to 2500 lbs which is close to what the sleds & trailer weighs.

I've had bad luck with GMs...all engine stuff. My 2010 Camaro 300hp 6-spd V6 blew at 60k kms. They decided to rebuild under warranty against my wishes and the engine still didn't seem right. Started eating oil like crazy so I traded it in tout-sweet and will never, ever, buy another GM again.

 

[dieseldazzle]

My journey 3.6 can tow my three sleds on my alum 3-place trailer without the slightest hesitation to my surprise. It's limited to 2500 lbs which is close to what the sleds & trailer weighs.

I've had bad luck with GMs...all engine stuff. My 2010 Camaro 300hp 6-spd V6 blew at 60k kms. They decided to rebuild under warranty against my wishes and the engine still didn't seem right. Started eating oil like crazy so I traded it in tout-sweet and will never, ever, buy another GM again.

Understood. My vote in your case (1500 truck) is for the hemi. My parents have a 2004 with 280k miles on it. Only thing it has had is the valvesprings replaced under warranty at 40k. A water pump and a radiator and brakes.