[modavis99]

Hi all,

I have never owned a truck or a car with a Diesel engine. But I've hit that age in life where I'm going to buy a truck because I can, even if I don't really need one and I will mostly will drive to work in it, with an empty bed.

I had basically settled on a crew cab long horn 1500 with the hemi and the 8. (I was strongly considering the Sierra and had put a deposit down, but I preferred the ride of the RAM ... I think).

But Im really curious about the diesel. A truck that can get 30mpg on the highway is awesome.

I figure this is my chance to get the truck I want so I'm trying to do all my homework. So I have a question. What is the reliability of the RAM 1500 in general, and of the diesel in particular?

The Internet is useful .. For example the Edmunds blog was insightful ... but what you read from individuals are complaints from people that have had problems. Every car has problems. But are the problems with the diesel more frequent? Or have any known kinks been worked out by now, May 2015.

Thank you for any insights you can provide.

 

[firemist32]

Welcome. There is good info on here if you search the forums. You are right that people with the problems typically make the posts. The common problem seems to be in 2 wheel drive models the exhaust smell in the cab which has finally got a recall on it as of a couple weeks ago. I don't think it affects all models but can't swear to that. Lots of us on here including myself with no issues or complaints about the truck. I have averaged 30mpg in a 4x4 laramie on a trip on 1 tank of fuel from Raleigh NC to Cincinnati OH. I have 17,500 miles on a June 2014 purchase. I think the biggest thing is to have a highly reviewed dealer next to you so you know you will get a good price and more importantly good service if you need it in the form of fast turnaround and loaners if needed. Some folks on here have had terrible dealer experiences and again I am not one of those here in NC

Good luck to you!

 

[CapLou]

Welcome.... I love my truck. I thought the same thing when I test drove a sierra. Ram ride much nicer and quieter. I have a 2015 ram big horn eco-diesel 4x2 quad cab and no problems so far. I mainly drive mine to work. A ten to 11 mile round trip every day. I do pull a boat with it once or twice a week. I average a regen cycle once every 5 days. So, if your driving short distances or allot of stop and go, then you'll have to deal with doing that every week. The fuel economy, ride and performance make it worth it for me. Love the way it pulls and stops my boat effortlessly.

 

[BigHornEco]

Hello, my ram eco was my first diesel vehicle as well. I have had several Ram 1500's over the years with the Hemi. They were fantastic!! Every one of them. This eco diesel is the same! 20,000 miles and its great. It has its perks over gas one of them is the mileage. Another would be the resale value. However, the maintenance on the eco is a lot more expensive. If you do not plan on doing your own basic maintenance oil changes, differential changes and transmission services than you will certainly take one on the nose. I would make sure you work in a service agreement for those things with your dealer. Also, make sure you get the 3:55 gears. If you are not going to tow often or haul often, you will be rewarded with a better chance for the higher end of the fuel mileage. That goes with the Hemi ram as well if you chose that. I bought mine in Oct. 14 and love it. I understand the Chevy's will have a diesel option in the next year or two as well. They are certainly here to stay. Good luck!

 

[StanLaurel]

I average a regen cycle once every 5 days. So, if your driving short distances or allot of stop and go, then you'll have to deal with doing that every week. The fuel economy, ride and performance make it worth it for me.

I am also about to pull the trigger on this, my first truck and first diesel. I know nothing other than what I've read online here and other sites, and would like to know exactly what happens during a DEF regen cycle. Can someone describe this to me please?

 

[CapLou]

This vehicle has a filter that collects the soot out of the exhaust. After a certain amount of time and driving the filter gets full. Therefore a regen cycle takes place, which is a process that cleans out the filter. High amounts of heat and small amounts of DEF fluid are used in this process. There are many posts on this forum about this process and will give you more info. Youtube has some good videos on it. Just lookup mopar ecodiesel on youtube and you'll see what the process is all about and how long it takes to complete. Hope that helps...Still loving my truck

 

[StanLaurel]

Thanks for the info. Bought the truck 2 weeks ago and have 1600 very-enjoyable miles on it so far. My DEF gage is still at 100% so I guess there hasn't been a regen cycle. If there has, it happened without me realizing it. Loving this vehicle so far.

 

[CapLou]

Congrads on your purchase, the def gauge won't move much, until you start towing. I'm a little under 3/4 a tank w/5000 miles on my truck. The def gauge is not a good indicator if your vehicle has had a regen cycle yet. You'll smell a slight burning smell when you shut off the vehicle or come to a stop w/your windows down. You'll also hear the turbo making that high pitch sound when you accelerate. Look at purchasing a scan gauge or a edge insight product to really help you identify when your about to go into a regen cycle.

 

[zoomie]

Thanks for the info. Bought the truck 2 weeks ago and have 1600 very-enjoyable miles on it so far. My DEF gage is still at 100% so I guess there hasn't been a regen cycle. If there has, it happened without me realizing it. Loving this vehicle so far.

The DEF is supposed to last 10,000 miles or one oil change so you wont see that gauge move much.

I have the smaller instrument panel so I get not visual indication of a regen. I've had the truck since october and I have 28,000 miles on her. I've never noticed anything that would indicate a regen in that time. I'd say forget about it.,