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Old 10-26-2015, 11:27 AM   #1
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Duramax or Cummings Diesel?

On the edge of making a decision that I only want to make once and be happy with it for the rest of my towing life (asking a lot I know!). Looks like it comes down to RAM 2500 with Cummings or Silverado 2500 Duramax. I'm told the Duramax is a gas engine block converted to diesel. Does this make any significant difference? Who ever knew that making a TV decision would be so agonizing! What's the consensus out there?
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Old 10-26-2015, 11:32 AM   #2
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Both trucks have great engines and drive trains. Pick the one that looks the best to you and best price.
The Duramax is a diesel engine designed as such - good engine.
The whole gas/diesel conversion thing happened in the 70's - That Epic failure is in the history books a long time ago!
My opinion the Dodge Ram is the best bang for the buck - that's why I own one - they are very solid!
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Old 10-26-2015, 11:38 AM   #3
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I think it comes down to which one you like over all and the price. I found the Ram selection much better and the prices were a little better than GM. The local GM dealers combined just didn't stock the numbers of units the single Ram dealer stocked and often the GM units had very high trim levels making them more expensive and they didn't offer the color selection.

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Old 10-26-2015, 11:45 AM   #4
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By the way it is Cummins not Cummings :-)
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Old 10-26-2015, 11:45 AM   #5
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Duramax or Cummings Diesel?

My Duramax experience is not great.

I don't like them. If a person feels the need for a modern diesel engine in a pickup I would only recommend Cummins.


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Old 10-26-2015, 12:00 PM   #6
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Flip a coin and you will have as good an answer as you will get on a internet forum. Folks love what they have and will defend that choice.

Do your own research, be sure you have learned to operate the truck you have within it's parameters and get the most from it. Maybe you don't need to spend another $20,000 to $40,000 or so, could find a better use for the money.
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Old 10-26-2015, 12:08 PM   #7
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We're currently considering this move. Still up in the air, but I wanted to say, my experience has shown that Ram offers more of luxury trim options for a lower price than GM. You've got to hit LT/LTZ to get most of those options for a higher cost. Ram was attractive to me because of the bang for buck. And I'm a die hard GM guy, 3 Camaro's, Trans Am, Corvette, Trailblazer, Pontiac G8 GXP to name a few of the vehicles I owned before this lifestyle. LOL

Even in the used space, I was dead set on a Silverado (because naturally) but gave a look to Ford & Ram and found that I could get a premium package for less cost, even used. And maybe now I am being biased, but the styling of the Ram won me over even further.

Cheers in your hunt.
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Old 10-26-2015, 12:11 PM   #8
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Here is one of my Duramaxes, it has about 70K miles on it, shattered piston and a wiped out cylinder wall.

Click image for larger version

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My Duramax #2 has about 170,000 miles and is running but has had a lot of repairs.

Click image for larger version

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I dont own a Cummins, my dad did, it was a much more reliable truck.


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Old 10-26-2015, 12:32 PM   #9
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Duramax or Cummins?

I haven't tried the Ram yet, but the Duramax integrated brake system would not work with my 2008 Classic, electric over hydraulic disk brakes. Be sure you hook up and test your trailer before you buy either one. Or you can always add a Prodigy.
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Old 10-26-2015, 12:54 PM   #10
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RAM Oil Burner all the way.
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Old 10-26-2015, 01:08 PM   #11
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I dont know much about the Dodge, but I have an 06 Duramax with the Allison 6 speed and absolutely love it. I'm at 170K and have not had a single issue with the engine or trans. I do all my own service and it is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. We took it thru the mountains last summer and had the Airstream fully loaded. The truck has more power than it needs. It never dropped below 65 and I feel completely safe. My truck only has 650 ft/lbs of torque. "only". The new diesels have way more. I think the dodge now has 900 ft/lbs. You certainly do not need that much power to tow an Airstream. Good luck with your choice. I think any one of the big three will be a good one.
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Old 10-26-2015, 01:29 PM   #12
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I would like a Ford chassis, with a Cummins engine and the Allison transmission.
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Old 10-26-2015, 01:47 PM   #13
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I sure like the looks of the new (2015+) GM trucks, but I found a nearly new 2014 Ram Cummins much cheaper. I agree with Aerowood. I prefer the Cummins engine, but also prefer the Allison transmission. The GM was oh so nice (interior feel and exterior looks), but we liked the way the Ram 2500 drove better. The Ram seems to turn sharper and feel more maneuverable when not towing. I would have move up to the LTZ in the GM to get any of the options I wanted, but with Ram I was able to get a mid level "Big Horn" package that still had all the cool goodies (Navigation, large back-up camera, satellite radio, back up sensors, heated seats and steering wheel, large color dash display, power sliding rear window, yadda, yadda, yadda). As others have said though, choose the one you like the best. They are both great trucks.
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Old 10-26-2015, 02:16 PM   #14
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What he said....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aerowood View Post
I would like a Ford chassis, with a Cummins engine and the Allison transmission.
But I have a 2013 Ram 2500 bought used in February and love it. Worked through a few electronics problems and still working a DEF issue, but all under warranty.

Al
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Old 10-26-2015, 03:16 PM   #15
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You could check Consumers Report but I think they all earn the reliability black dot. But then so did our VW TDI which is now in its 10th year of trouble-free service.
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Old 10-26-2015, 03:24 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aerowood View Post
I would like a Ford chassis, with a Cummins engine and the Allison transmission.
There is an outfit in Fl. that will build this truck for you but I can't remember the name. Sal
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Old 10-26-2015, 03:32 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by noreen&sal View Post
There is an outfit in Fl. that will build this truck for you but I can't remember the name. Sal
They're in Gulf Breeze: CUMMINS ALLISON CONVERSIONS
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Old 10-26-2015, 03:32 PM   #18
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Currently running a RAM ecodiesel 1500 & very satisfied. In the past few years I've owned a 2011 GMC Duramax & 2013 Powerstroke both top of the line trim level. IMHO any of the three brands is a good choice although not having the Cummins I can't attest to it but I would not hesitate to buy one next time. I also agree with Bold Adventure that RAM gives a lot of bang for the buck! You're in a win win situation no matter what you chose, all these trucks have a proven & solid track record.
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Old 10-26-2015, 04:21 PM   #19
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I have had both.
A Cummins Turbo Diesel in a new1995 Ram 2500.
Two Duramax diesels.
A new 2005 Silverado 2500HD 4x4.
And the one I have now, 2007 2500HD 4x4.
I love the Duramax-Allison power system.
I did not like tranny that Dodge behind the Cummins in 1995. In fact I didn't like much of anything about that Dodge.
That is nonsense about the Duramax being a converted gasoline engine.
The Duramax, which has gone through several design iterations has always been designed and built as a cutting edge diesel.
It is a joy to drive and costs nothing to maintain beyond oil, oil filters, air filters, fuel filters.
At 75,000 I took mine to my diesel tech and he just told me to go away.
Hope this helps.
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Old 10-26-2015, 04:53 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Echelon73 View Post
The Ram seems to turn sharper and feel more maneuverable when not towing.
I find my 2015 Ram almost 1/2t like when driving solo.
I like the way the Ram handled better than the GM 2500.
The only issue is why do they make these trucks so high? A couple of inches off the springs would be nice. My first accessory was side step bars. If you have bad knees a 3/4t truck is not for you.

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