The process of selecting a new truck

[crispyboy]

Plan-B did a nice job of summarizing some of the pitfalls of a modern diesel emission systems.
I installed an extra Mopar factory fuel/water seperator on my truck so it can better handle the bio-fuels encountered along the interstate. This is the same filter system used on the cab-chassis models.
Even with the emission headaches I would have a tough time selling my Dodge diesel. I would buy another but it would be a 2013 or newer with the DEF system. As Plan-B said above, I am careful in the amount of idle time and slow driving. I have yet to have the trucks computer tell me that I must go on a long drive to complete a regeneration process.

[xrvr]

Originally Posted by slowmover

Why a truck at all, is a better question.

Read the first post, then ask your question.

[Plan-B]

Crispyboy, the newer Rams have moved to a 2 seperate fuel and water separator system. Probably the same one you have installed. They have made it very easy to reach in without tools and drain the water accumulators. I am particularly found if this. My Early GM did not have a water separator and I sucked water into the engine from a bad station. Cracked a head. Definitely put an after market one in after that.

[crispyboy]

Here is a photo of the auxilliary fuel filter. The wire on the drain plug is tied into the trucks computer to illuminate the "Water in Fuel" light on the dash. The filter head on this system is also heated. The system works on trucks up to and including 2012 then things changed as Plan-B said.
I assume these kits are still available but if not Fleetgard filtration makes a kit that very similar and uses a more common filter thread.

[Plan-B]

New ones same basic concept but with out the heater. Like the heater idea to warm the fuel on sub zero days before fuel entering filter.

[crispyboy]

The new ones should have the heater as there was a TSB (tsb 14-005-13) for 2013 trucks where the factory forgot to reconfigure the TIPM to activate the fuel heater.

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by slowmover

Why a truck at all, is a better question.

With capable sedans, SUVs and trucks it's a good question we asked ourselves. The answer was SUV, it would suit our lifestyle best and allow us to combine our towing and daily driver needs into one vehicle.

We did the research, and went shopping looking for the most suitable vehicle for the cash money we have saved and were willing to spend.

Well, we got the best possible price and trade-in value for a nice, fully equipped SUV. Looked at each other and said, we can buy a comparably equipped nice, fully equipped diesel 1/2 ton truck with nearly as nice a ride for over $10,000 less. Not on sticker price, but discounts, incentives, 0% interest loans, negotiation, and very good trade-in value for the truck we had (they sold it within days, should have pressed for more).

So that's why we bought a truck two weeks ago, she picked the color (pearl white, tan and brown interior) and I picked the engine, axles.

[Bruce B]

Originally Posted by dkottum

With capable sedans, SUVs and trucks it's a good question we asked ourselves. The answer was SUV, it would suit our lifestyle best and allow us to combine our towing and daily driver needs into one vehicle.

We did the research, and went shopping looking for the most suitable vehicle for the cash money we have saved and were willing to spend.

Well, we got the best possible price and trade-in value for a nice, fully equipped SUV. Looked at each other and said, we can buy a comparably equipped nice, fully equipped diesel 1/2 ton truck with nearly as nice a ride for over $10,000 less. Not on sticker price, but discounts, incentives, 0% interest loans, negotiation, and very good trade-in value for the truck we had (they sold it within days, should have pressed for more).

So that's why we bought a truck two weeks ago, she picked the color (pearl white, tan and brown interior) and I picked the engine, axles.

I obviously haven't driven an EcoDiesel while towing but I have driven them around unladen. They are amazing trucks to drive. I couldn't believe how nicely the coil spring 1500's soaked up road bumps the first time I was in one.
I thought hard about that truck! I just like my trucks optioned up and we resemble the Clampits when we travel! I couldn't resist the payload of the 2500.

Bruce