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Old 06-15-2014, 05:52 AM   #1
woodtic
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Traded in the 2005 Chevy

My Chevy 2500 has treated us very well. 190,000 miles on it and about 10 years of service on the salty and rough Minnesota roads were catching up to it.

Been looking at the Ram trucks for a long time. We finally pulled the trigger on an new truck. Got the 2014, 3500 4X4, Crew Cab, long bed, SRW. Not a fancy one but it does have the Cummins. It also has a 4300 lbs cargo capacity and 17500 max tow, which puts me well within the "legal" limits.

We're now waiting for the frame rails for the factory prep to show up, along with undercoating and anti rust treatment. Should be late this week when we pick it up. Heading out camping for a few days in the morning using the Chevy as the TV for the last time. Going to miss the Chevy. If it wasn't for the 10 years of salt exposure, I'd be keeping the Chevy for a while longer.
 
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Old 06-15-2014, 06:27 AM   #2
1retired06
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Always a good day when you get a new truck!
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Old 06-15-2014, 09:03 AM   #3
Montana Sky
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Enjoy your new truck! You will like the Cummins! I made the same transition as you going from the Duramax to the Cummins. The biggest thing I noticed when towing is the Cummins is not as quick off the line. It takes more throttle and time to get the load rolling. However, once the load is rolling, watch out as the rolling grades and mountains dont seem to phase this motor. Enjoy!
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Old 06-15-2014, 11:37 AM   #4
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Congratulations on the new truck. I love mine, how your's does as well for you.
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Old 06-15-2014, 11:50 AM   #5
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Always a sad day to say goodbye to a trusty old truck. Best of luck with the Dodge/Cummins. I'm sure you'll love it.
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Old 06-15-2014, 01:28 PM   #6
bigskyjimmy
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Like Sambam said a sad day when you have to say goodbye to an old friend ,my day is coming soon I have a 2003 Duramax and LOVE it and it has been Super reliable but it is down on power for these heavier 40 ft rigs and overheats going up the big passes on hot days CONGRATS on the New Rig
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Old 06-15-2014, 04:21 PM   #7
CORattler
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Congratulations. That is a fine truck! Can't beat the Cummins.
BTW, not to question your personal choice, but why not DRW?
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Old 06-15-2014, 05:37 PM   #8
woodtic
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by CORattler

Congratulations. That is a fine truck! Can't beat the Cummins.
BTW, not to question your personal choice, but why not DRW?
It's the only vehicle we have and as a daily driver the dually is just not practical for us. Plus the SRW is more efficient and cheaper to maintain.

Did notice the Cummins was not very snappy off the line. The DW misses the throttle response of our tuned Duramax. Another thing about the new truck that we thought odd was how rough it rode compared to the short bed Laramie one ton. The new truck rides about the same as our Chevy with worn out shocks. Salesman said that it was because it was a long bed. I suppose he could be right but, the short bed Laramie was a sweet ride, even on rough roads. Is there a difference in the suspension package between the two?
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Old 06-15-2014, 06:33 PM   #9
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Yes, I have noticed that my Cummins lacks immediate response from a dead stop but as soon as the turbo kicks in you better have both hands on the steering wheel. Has all the power I need and I run mine 100% stock.
Be sure to strictly follow the manufacturers recommendation for oil & fuel filter changes. Personally, I only use Fleetguard filters and Cummins recommended Valvoline Blue motor oil. I also use a Cetane booster at every fuel stop. My turbo sooted up at around 15k and had to be cleaned & serviced to correct the problem. The mechanic recommended a Cetane booster. No problems with the turbo since. Fortunately the service was covered by warranty. Other folks have varying opinions regarding Cetane. I'm just saying what works for me.
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Old 06-16-2014, 02:22 AM   #10
woodtic
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I use XDP fuel treatment myself. I also run premium diesel most of the time. Made quite a difference in how my Chevy ran. Less engine noise and better fuel economy.

Noticed in the owners manual that oil changes need to be every 15000 miles, according to EVIC, or not to exceed 6 months, which ever comes first. My owners manual also mentioned Shell Rotella oil. Not sure what way I plan to go on that other than a pure synthetic which helps keep the turbo inlet side cleaner and less oil build up in the aftercooler.

I do like that Ram (or Cummins) have made some positive changes to the fuel system over the years like, in tank lift pump and, dual fuel filters. And now with DEF, fuel economy is back up to a respectable level.

One thing I didn't like about the new truck was the low beam headlights. They are not very bright. I wonder if there is a way to improve them.
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