Ride_Slow2004 wrote: Your Hemi has the cylinder cut out system (I think), the 2500 does not. Also, the 2500 has better cooling, on all systems.
Yes his Hemi has the MDS system but it does not function when in "Tow Mode"it is disabled, If he is towing with OD on he is beating up his tranny and engine
1500 & 2500 Identical trucks,but 2500 do not have the MDS system but does have heavier suspension
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.
Carl and "D"
Handson Harlee, 7mth old Saint Bernard(Service Dog)
In memory of Drago Rotty Service Dog
05/12/98 11/05/08
I started out with a 2500 Hemi and while the truck was an absolute blast to drive empty the towing performance was just alright. When my wife wanted the 5er we went with the diesel and never looked back. Completely stock I can pull our rig anywhere and still average 10-12 mpg. Unloaded on the open highway up in the 18-20 range. The Hemi never even considered higher than 16-18 mpg empty and would have not been any fun towing the new rig. My opinion get the diesel.
The converstation has been good, educational even. Everyone with a diesel seems to love their truck.
Based on what I read here, if I can swing the financing, the Cummins Turbo Diesel (CTD) 2500, or even 3500 would be the way to go, but based on the number of complains I've read about the problems Dodge has had with their efforts to meet emission standards, I am leary of a Dodge, especially given the cost of repairs on a diesel.
Then I read that Dodge cancelled their contract with Cummins; or are renegotiating a contract. What's up with that? Autoweek Article
I know that people with complaints are more likely to post complaints than those without complaints. I've put 20,000 km on my 1500 Laramie and have not posted anything, and have not had a lick of trouble. But even so, it looks like it is a toss up with about a third of the forum posters very unhappy with their newer CTD Dodge with the emission controls.
Not sure I'm going to write off the CTD yet, but I'm more cautious now. I have not researched the Ford or GM trucks much, and maybe they have similar troubles. In any case I will be looking for either a new one, or one with lots of warranty left.
* This post was
edited 07/10/09 11:21pm by an administrator/moderator *
Fort Kent Dad aka FKD
Fort Kent, Alberta Canada
09 Rockwell 8319SS
08 Dodge Laramie 1500 QC 4x4, 3.92 gears with the Hemi.
While I have no doubt that a diesel 2500 would pull better than my 1500 hemi I have over 8,000 miles through all kinds of terrain pulling my 7,700 lb Trail Bay. I use the Tow/Haul feature and it seldom downshifts except on steep grades and even then I can accelerate going up. I use the cruise control and set it at 55 mph. I have just returned from an 800 mile round trip from Fort Worth, TX to Corpus Christi, TX and averaged 11.2 mpg. Depending on wind and terrain I have seen as much as 13.1 and as low as 7.2 (ouch).The 7.2 occurred pulling into a very strong wind last June when gas was $4.00 a gallon, I cried all night. I do wish I had bought a 2500 because fully loaded I am very close to the combined weight limit.
Old Navy Chief (AOC) Retired Aircraft Mechanic/Inspector
2007 29' 27FBV Trail Bay V Series
2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 5.7 V8 3.92 Rear End
Reese Strait-Line Dual Cam Hitch
Just got back from a weekend at Vermilion Provincial Park, the trip is short 130 km (80 miles) but a hilly drive by prairie standards, a couple of nice long climbs up from river valleys. Anyway the Dodge 1500 did just fine, pulled the load along at speed (100k) without having to tax the engine (1,800 - 3,000 rpm) and I averaged about 11 mpg according to the trip computer on board. Might just look at the 2009 2500 with the Hemi when I turn in the keys next July.
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