Dodge with Cummins

[GCinSC2]

CDONA,

That '02 is considered by many to be one of the best looking that Dodge made. The 24V in it will be plenty strong. Some TLC and learning its systems much like learning the systems on any AS will be part of the learning curve.

Lots of opinions on forums but TDR http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forum.php? is full of Dodge CTD info.

Enjoy that simpler 24V.

Gary

[Ag&Au]

Can anyone provide a link to the engines time line.( i.e. when the changes were made and what the were).

My 2003 has 76,000 miles and still going strong. Someone told me it wasn't broken in yet.

Ken

[CDONA]

Remember back when fuel milage was an issue and wind resistance/drag was something to brag about? My whole point was to get 15 mpg towing 20 empty, previous owner got 13 towing 33' 5er, 23 empty.
The newer ones are taller with more barn door aerodynamics, a grill to fill your mirror? Even with 6 speed auto, the DPF smog controls are killing milage, DEF is a bandaid to burn off the soot, but way easier on the motor than using diesel fuel.
I have been thinking of a newer 6 speed auto, but could I get the computers to work it, in my '02?
Yes, research is in my future.

[Skater]

Originally Posted by CDONA

Remember back when fuel milage was an issue and wind resistance/drag was something to brag about? My whole point was to get 15 mpg towing 20 empty, previous owner got 13 towing 33' 5er, 23 empty.
The newer ones are taller with more barn door aerodynamics, a grill to fill your mirror? Even with 6 speed auto, the DPF smog controls are killing milage, DEF is a bandaid to burn off the soot, but way easier on the motor than using diesel fuel.
I have been thinking of a newer 6 speed auto, but could I get the computers to work it, in my '02?
Yes, research is in my future.

I've been getting almost 15 mpg towing and 16 mpg around town solo, so those numbers you describe aren't out of reach with today's engine.

[GCinSC2]

I bought my Dodge before I ever thought about any RV. 6 speed manual 20mpg hand calculated empty. Haven't driven long trips to run a full tank towing.

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by Ag&Au

Can anyone provide a link to the engines time line.( i.e. when the changes were made and what the were).



My 2003 has 76,000 miles and still going strong. Someone told me it wasn't broken in yet.



Ken

Look at valve cover to read engine spec. The all around best CTD is the late 03 early 04 305/555 engine. A Smarty tuner can bring the earlier HPCR engines up in output. The later engines had internal changes that while power is up they might not be as bulletproof. 03-04 is pretty much best balance power economy longevity.

TDR is the reference to always first consult.


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[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by slowmover

Look at valve cover to read engine spec. The all around best CTD is the late 03 early 04 305/555 engine. A Smarty tuner can bring the earlier HPCR engines up in output. The later engines had internal changes that while power is up they might not be as bulletproof. 03-04 is pretty much best balance power economy longevity.

TDR is the reference to always first consult.


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Thanks for the info. I know what mine is, I just wanted to look at the evolution. I hope you didn't say that to make me feel good.

Ken

[slowmover]

I have the 555 motor. That was not by chance. Nor is an overall 21-mpg average the past 53,000 miles. Or that I could hook up a trailer 3X the weight of my 35.

But, you're right . . . I didn't say how much better it is with a manual. A medium duty transmission behind a medium duty engine. Marriage made in heaven. No Ford or GM comes close.


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[GCinSC2]

CDONA,

See if this FAQ link works for you.

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/I...id=60&tabid=32

Gary

[CDONA]

Thanks for the info, this is where I've been looking.
Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum

Not quite as easy to find info packaged for a newbe. I couldn't find a package that listed smog, strengths, and weaknesses over the years.