Regcabguy
Oil eater.
His 24v 5.9 is the loudest LT diesel engine Cummins ever made. I owned one. When I got my 2007 5.9 my wife could hardly hear me pull up. I'm going to re-install my stock muffler soon. The 2003 5.9's + are dramatically quieter than their predecessors. Mundo's was the loudest.Have you considered the noise of diesel engines?
The links below are to a few of @Mundo4x4Casa 's posts here and at TruckCamperAdventure.com . He recently replaced the Dodge (with diesel) under his truck camper with a 7.3L gas engine Ford F350, despite his many miles in the Dodge truck. (The 3 links to ExpeditionPortal.com are to 3 different posts, even if the descriptions might appear the same.)
jefe's hardside camper hauler
Jefe - It seems you are probably one of the most experienced off road camper guys on the interwebs. I'd love to get your feedback... I'm looking at a similar camper type setup. Would you give feedback on trucks? I'd like to buy a 4yr old or newer (possibly brand new) truck. My top choices...
jefe's hardside camper hauler
Deserteagle56, Ha ha! It's still at the dealer having the front bumper replaced due to a C&C F-450 in front of it on the train from Kentucky backing into it when off loading. You can see the imprint of the rear frame ends on the bumper. How about a window sticker? With incentives, it was my...
jefe's hardside camper hauler
Deserteagle56, Ha ha! It's still at the dealer having the front bumper replaced due to a C&C F-450 in front of it on the train from Kentucky backing into it when off loading. You can see the imprint of the rear frame ends on the bumper. How about a window sticker? With incentives, it was my...
13 Vital Off-Road Tips for Truck Camper Rigs | Truck Camper Adventure
13 Vital Off-Road Tips for Truck Camper Rigs, Recreational Vehicles, Off-Roading, Overland, Overlanding, Expedition, 4x4 Roads, 4WD Camper,www.truckcamperadventure.com
Dodge 2500 Extreme Truck Camper Drivetrain Build | Truck Camper Adventure
Dodge 2500 Extreme Truck Camper Drivetrain Build, Truck Campers, Ram 2500, Ram 3500 Recreational Vehicles, Slide-In Truck Camper
Regcabguy
Oil eater.
No, she probably does not "need" the "Tremor" package, but, would likely appreciate having such capability if needed. Considering a "Tremor" also makes the gas engine F-350 XL pickup trucks even more tempting!
phsycle
Adventurer
I think Tremor package is a good upgrade for some people (probably myself included), but not for people who will want more out of it OR for people who won’t really be off-roading much. I don’t know what the OP’s plans are but it’s pretty dumb to blindly suggest the package.
... ... Who were you referring to as being dumb?
I took the time to read the OP's posts before suggesting she consider the "Tremor" package, it wasn't a blind suggestion
I tend to read things rather than watch videos. It is generally faster for me to do so. I also avoid videos that insist on playing background music, especially when someone is speaking.
Perhaps a quick written summation of your intended point?
I owned a 2004 SRW 3500 SLT with a 5.9 for 6 years, and I traded it for my current 2014 2500 Mega cab Laramie (black, sport) with a 6.7. I bought it new. The 2004 was better off road due to the shorter wheelbase and bigger lift (the 14 is over 18" longer than the 04), but I do like the mega cab for hauling passengers and inside cargo. There is no question that the coil rear end on my current 2500 gives a smoother ride than the leaf springs in the 2004. I have had no significant trouble with either truck. Both trucks had/have 35's. The 04 was leveled. The 14 has stock suspension. No tire rub with either truck. The 04 was over 7' tall as I had it configured. My 2014 is about 6'10", so some parking garages are a problem.
The 5.9 is more simple -- no DEF/SCR/DPF; only one fuel filter. It had a manual transfer case as well. The 2004's had cats, and my truck was not deleted. The truck was very reliable. I replaced a water pump, AC compressor and front diff seal. It needed new batteries every 2 years without fail, but that is not uncommon in PHX.
The newer truck has a much nicer interior and much better NVH. It is great on long trips with decent economy. The 6.7 has had several recalls (I believe that newer trucks were better sorted), and I recently replaced the touch screen radio (bricked during an update, BUT I was able to wrangle a goodwill warranty replacement) -- radio and climate controls are in the unit. Batteries have been changed, and I had a coolant fitting replaced to fix a leak.
I am torn. I really liked the simplicity of the older truck, but there is no denying the comfort of the newer models. With respect to power, the 5.9 was very adequate, even with a 30' loaded toy hauler. The 6.7 is better, certainly, and the integrated exhaust brake and brake controller on the newer truck are nice.
I think there is a reason that 5.9 trucks in good condition command a premium. I do not deny the attraction. Parts are plentiful, and the major components of the truck are quite reliable. The lack of DEF/DPF is a plus. I would have no problem going back, but I do like the 6.7 (particularly the creature comforts -- heated/ventilated seats, etc). The SCR/DEF/DPF system on my truck has been good, although there are those who have had problems. That is my biggest source of concern in the long term.
I really like diesel trucks, and, although the cost of entry is higher, resale is generally much higher as well, so I see that as a wash. I enjoy the range. If I am conservative, I can get well over 500 miles with onboard fuel (that was true with my old truck as well). My wife is much happier in the new truck, but she had no problem driving the old truck either. It was just louder and a bit rougher on the road when unloaded.
I think either will serve you well.
The 5.9 is more simple -- no DEF/SCR/DPF; only one fuel filter. It had a manual transfer case as well. The 2004's had cats, and my truck was not deleted. The truck was very reliable. I replaced a water pump, AC compressor and front diff seal. It needed new batteries every 2 years without fail, but that is not uncommon in PHX.
The newer truck has a much nicer interior and much better NVH. It is great on long trips with decent economy. The 6.7 has had several recalls (I believe that newer trucks were better sorted), and I recently replaced the touch screen radio (bricked during an update, BUT I was able to wrangle a goodwill warranty replacement) -- radio and climate controls are in the unit. Batteries have been changed, and I had a coolant fitting replaced to fix a leak.
I am torn. I really liked the simplicity of the older truck, but there is no denying the comfort of the newer models. With respect to power, the 5.9 was very adequate, even with a 30' loaded toy hauler. The 6.7 is better, certainly, and the integrated exhaust brake and brake controller on the newer truck are nice.
I think there is a reason that 5.9 trucks in good condition command a premium. I do not deny the attraction. Parts are plentiful, and the major components of the truck are quite reliable. The lack of DEF/DPF is a plus. I would have no problem going back, but I do like the 6.7 (particularly the creature comforts -- heated/ventilated seats, etc). The SCR/DEF/DPF system on my truck has been good, although there are those who have had problems. That is my biggest source of concern in the long term.
I really like diesel trucks, and, although the cost of entry is higher, resale is generally much higher as well, so I see that as a wash. I enjoy the range. If I am conservative, I can get well over 500 miles with onboard fuel (that was true with my old truck as well). My wife is much happier in the new truck, but she had no problem driving the old truck either. It was just louder and a bit rougher on the road when unloaded.
I think either will serve you well.
Depends which 5.9L in my opinion..........
I would not want anything other than a 03/04 HO 305/555 version
With a built 48RE, the 305/555 is hard to beat
Install some larger 6.7L fuel injector connection tubes also for better fuel flow in the 5.9L
Yes, the 03/04 trucks have small turbos............but a swap is simple
2003/2004: Holset HE341 Turbo; 54/58/9
2004.5-2007: Holset HE351 Turbo; 60/60/9
04.5-07 HE351:
7 blade 60mm/60/9
19mm wastegate hole non divided
I would not want anything other than a 03/04 HO 305/555 version
With a built 48RE, the 305/555 is hard to beat
Install some larger 6.7L fuel injector connection tubes also for better fuel flow in the 5.9L
Yes, the 03/04 trucks have small turbos............but a swap is simple
2003/2004: Holset HE341 Turbo; 54/58/9
2004.5-2007: Holset HE351 Turbo; 60/60/9
04.5-07 HE351:
7 blade 60mm/60/9
19mm wastegate hole non divided
I would steer clear of 04.5+ 5.9L trucks, personally
2003-2004 trucks have an 8 hole nozzles
2004.5+ trucks have a 5 hole nozzle
Both trucks use a different piston bowl design also
555 motors (2003 and early 2004): 5.9 and 6.7 injector nozzles have a wide spray angle due to a reentrant bowl design.
600/610 motors (2004.5+) 5.9 injector nozzles have a narrow spray angle due to the open non-reentrant bowl design.
555 motor: 143* injector spray impacts annular region of 113* piston bowl, concentrating combustion towards the piston dome. 8 hole nozzles with two injection events
600/610-series: 124* injector spray impacts central region of 140* piston dome, propagating combustion towards the cylinder wall. 5 hole nozzles with three injection events
The 2004.5 trucks have a odd piston bowl design, 5 hole nozzles with a less efficient spray pattern..............all this, when coupled with the 3 injection events makes the motors MUCH MORE prone to piston melt downs and higher EGTs
In 2007.5, Cummins went back to the old 2003/20-04 piston bowl design for the 6.7L CTD motors
2003-2004 trucks have an 8 hole nozzles
2004.5+ trucks have a 5 hole nozzle
Both trucks use a different piston bowl design also
555 motors (2003 and early 2004): 5.9 and 6.7 injector nozzles have a wide spray angle due to a reentrant bowl design.
600/610 motors (2004.5+) 5.9 injector nozzles have a narrow spray angle due to the open non-reentrant bowl design.
555 motor: 143* injector spray impacts annular region of 113* piston bowl, concentrating combustion towards the piston dome. 8 hole nozzles with two injection events
600/610-series: 124* injector spray impacts central region of 140* piston dome, propagating combustion towards the cylinder wall. 5 hole nozzles with three injection events
The 2004.5 trucks have a odd piston bowl design, 5 hole nozzles with a less efficient spray pattern..............all this, when coupled with the 3 injection events makes the motors MUCH MORE prone to piston melt downs and higher EGTs
In 2007.5, Cummins went back to the old 2003/20-04 piston bowl design for the 6.7L CTD motors
2004.5+ had cats...............early 2004 did not
The batteries in my 305/555 2004 truck were 8 years old and still had to the factories batteries when I sold it
The manual lever NV241 tcase was a brute.........great solid case
The engine mounted fuel filter on the 2003/2004 trucks were problematic. Most had a warranty claim for failure and the dealer did a retro fit to the in-tank version (found on 2004.5+)
Darwin
Explorer
WIth the budget you have, I would buy a new cummins. I have owned 2 12 valve 5.9 cummins, the new one is light years ahead of them. You really need to focus on how much weight you will be carrying, that will determine if you need something larger than a 3500. I would suggest a regular cab cummins unless you have kids.
Not to bring up the diesel vs gas debate, but
5.9L
2003-200; 305 HP and 555 TQ
2004.5-2007; 325 HP and 610 TQ
6.7L
2007.5+ ; 350 HP and 650 TQ (many variables, ei cab/chassis, etc)
Ram 2500 with the gas 6.4L: 410 HP and 429 TQ
Just depends if you NEED diesel and NEED the low end grunt it offers...........along with the added price of the initial purchase, the replacement parts/ oil changes, maintenance, etc............
5.9L
2003-200; 305 HP and 555 TQ
2004.5-2007; 325 HP and 610 TQ
6.7L
2007.5+ ; 350 HP and 650 TQ (many variables, ei cab/chassis, etc)
Ram 2500 with the gas 6.4L: 410 HP and 429 TQ
Just depends if you NEED diesel and NEED the low end grunt it offers...........along with the added price of the initial purchase, the replacement parts/ oil changes, maintenance, etc............
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