Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Failure

[gypsydad]

Seems to me, there is a common conclusion here...."they all work well; until they don't". Excuses or exceptions are not "fine" with me. When I looked at the Echodiesel from Dodge recently, I was steered away by the sales manager, toward a Hemi. (still could not get the "payload "with the 1500, however). I am not convinced that one persons great experience is worth chancing it. Why not go with something you know will handle the load and the job of towing a 6K lb + AS? Seems at least piece of mind is worth the experience. This thread including information on the hitch issues, is a great example. Get a TV that was made to tow a TT...don't stretch the envelope and push your luck. But, maybe that's just me...

[pteck]

Originally Posted by jcl

I agree with that, and the distinction between reliability and durability. You do appear to be focusing on early hour reliability, though. Higher mileage reliability is less about manufacturing processes and QC and more about use factors and maintenance practices.

A poorly executed repair can impact reliability. If a cooler failure wasn't properly diagnosed, for example, and led to multiple subsequent overheat incidents, vehicle reliability as perceived by the operator would be impacted. Unfortunately, some would blame it on the original manufacturer, and others would suggest that if the engine was just bigger all would be well.

Early hours reliability is certainly part of it but wasn't what I was focused on.

Design, spec, and manufacturing will effect long term reliability. An equivalent spec part like a hitch, can be designed and made a dozen ways. Yet time will show that a high strength steel part with high quality welds will surpass the test of time, over a low grade, non-fatigue analyzed, single iteration part. Same goes with sensors and overall system design. Quality, quality of manufacturing, and quality of design costs money. It's not a coincidence that Toyota products go the distance.

Repair-ability is another area that is designed in. But I agree that there are monkey head wrench hands capable of screwing up the most basic repairs. Like the oil change guys who are just starting out their careers.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Randy, we have an Ram 3.0 EcoDiesel and a VW 1.9 TDI, both relatively small engines. The previous post suggests a small diesel engine working hard leads to unreliability. I completely disagree, larger diesel engines also fail, even when not working hard.

Our EcoDiesel is only 1 1/2 years old, towed our Airstream all over the country flawlessly with extraordinary fuel economy. Our 1.9 TDI is over eleven years old, maybe near its limits every time we drive it, has never needed a single repair, 50 mpg on the highway. Just replaced the original tires, not because of wear or condition, only because they were old.

It is tiring to read we should have an outrageously oversized diesel engine to tow a low profile, streamlined 25' Airstream. Suggesting unreliability if we don't is b.s.

That TDI probably needs a timing belt...

[VernDiesel]

Gypsydad The sales Mgr & the service Mgr at the Ram dealership I bought my ED from would steer you toward the ED for a moderate size TT ie something within its tow ratings. That is normally with a four door cab & 6.4 bed either 7,800 for 3.55 gear or 8,800 for a 3.92 & 7,200 for a 3.42 GC. Point is it likely speaks more to the personal preference of the person than a corporate or other consideration.

Like Gaetannicole I've been all over the western grades including the Rockies & never had a derate. In fact despite many 7 & 8k TTs on 6 percent grades never been forced below 50 mph BUT I have 3.92s, a tune, run a 31.9" tire, use an SLT grill and limit sustained climbs to 3k or less. A diesel does like being worked. Mine has 338k tows TTs & boats daily sometimes with an HD or other MC or snowmobile in the bed. My buddy Steve had 214k doing the same until health issues took him out of the drivers seat. My son's company work truck had over 200k with almost 7,000 hours run time when he left the company. It ran with overhead oversized loads signs and 1,000 plus pounds of fuel tools & gear in the bed. In fact that company had 12 EDs all with over 100k. Deceased Shawn that did the videos loaded his bed & enclosed trailer with packages and ran the mountains doing a package delivery business. He had 190k on his when he passed with crazy high idle & run time hours as he often slept in it.

Others seem to self destruct on their own with no loads. Thank goodness for a 100k warranty where they give you complete fresh motor. Anyway my point is it doesn't appear to be that the motor can't handle Airstream loads.

[JamuJoe]

Originally Posted by jdalrymple

Could it be that pushing a vehicle to the limits of it's capability affected it's reliability?

I hope you enjoy your new TV.



Regards,

JD

Yes, but that is not the case which I presented. Towing a 5600 lb trailer with a 7200 lb tow rated vehicle is hardly 'at the limits of it's capability'.

[jdalrymple]

I didn't intend to start such a heated discussion.

I apologize. After this many years on the forums, I should have know better.

To each their own.


Best of luck to all.


Regards,

JD

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by Countryboy59

That TDI probably needs a timing belt...

Not yet, another 20K. Kindly remind us when we need an oil change as well.

[VernDiesel]

I never took any of this as a heated discussion other than in part to be about heat. I see it as good discussion because there is obvious interest and information being exchanged. So relax most would rather thank you for starting a good discussion. 🙂

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by VernDiesel

I never took any of this as a heated discussion other than in part to be about heat. I see it as good discussion because there is obvious interest and information being exchanged. So relax most would rather thank you for starting a good discussion. ��

Second those thoughts!

VernDiesel- I failed to mention why the Ram dealer was steering me away from ED; he said they were having a lot of problems with them....now, I know several here are happy with no issues with their ED's. The mileage is impressive while towing, for sure. I only am getting 13-14 mpg towing and 16 overall so far with my 6.7L Powerstroke. I just think the larger Cummins or Powerstroke in 3/4T is the right combination for heavier AS's. That's all.

[VernDiesel]

I agree if you have a larger heavier AS a HD would be the ideal TV. However if it's not a dedicated tow vehicle and it needs to do double duty as a daily driver and is only used as an occasional TV. Then is when the half tons come into the picture.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by VernDiesel

I agree if you have a larger heavier AS a HD would be the ideal TV. However if it's not a dedicated tow vehicle and it needs to do double duty as a daily driver and is only used as an occasional TV. Then is when the half tons come into the picture.

No argument there...although I am getting used to driving the 3/4 T. Only a foot longer, but that seems to be a looooong foot! The 7 cameras giving 360 view when parking help a lot! The 1/2 F150 was a great daily driver...although the Tahoe was even better. Up here in MT, like in TX, there are a lot of 3/4 T pickups so I don't feel I stand out.

[JamuJoe]

Originally Posted by jdalrymple

I didn't intend to start such a heated discussion.

I apologize. After this many years on the forums, I should have know better.

To each their own.


Best of luck to all.


Regards,

JD

No worries, JD. I wasn't offended, just clarifying facts. These discussions tend to digress whereas this engineer tends to be linear.

Safe Travels,
Joe

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Not yet, another 20K. Kindly remind us when we need an oil change as well.

If you've gone 11years without a timing belt you may not make it to the next oil change.

I've done a few of them.

Loved my TDI, got 50 mpg with it. My escort diesel did even better!