[Hangman]

Hey fellas,

I have an '08 RAM 1500 4x4 with the Hemi. It's been a very good truck with very few problems.

I use it for work and may need to replace it for a new business write off.

I also have a 2013 VW Jetta sportwagen TDI. The fuel economy is spectacular at 50 mph on the highway.

I've seen the ads on TV and the truck sounds interesting. A friend who follows auto forums told me that there are reported problems with the how the diesel vapors are recirculated and utilized. I believe it has something to do with problems with the emissions systems. He said there are reports that there are known problems with this engine.

I don't know anything about it. What can you fellas tell me about your experiences with this ecodiesel engine. And how many miles have you put on it?

Thanks

 

[firemist32]

welcome to the forum. You should search existing threads for various issues people have had but keep in mind that people with issues are usually at the forum and join just to get help with the issues. A lot of people without issues hang back and don't say much. As for myself I have a 14' Laramie with about 17,000 miles and the only issue I had early on was some weird electrical stuff that got 100% fixed with a software update. No other issues so far and I use my truck hard with 2 different trailers. Get about 30mpg highway empty, and about 20mpg towing a 3500lb 14ft enclosed utility trailer, and about 15mpg towing a 25ft 5500lb travel trailer. Good luck on finding the answers to help your decision. I feel it is a good truck my 2 cents.

 

[Katoom250SX]

Firemist hit the nail on the head. Don't get me wrong, the hemi is a darn near bullet proof set up, but I personally keep vehicles for quite awhile ( 10 years or so). The math was simple....the diesel upgrade would easily pay for itself and some in my uses.
I ordered a laramie crew 6'4" bed 4x4 in July and took delivery in September. About 8300 miles and only issue so far was nothing related to the driveline. I personally know 2 other locals that both have well over 15000 miles of near zero issues (1 had a cel that was cleared within the first 100 miles...no problems since).

 

[Hangman]

Thanks for the replies

I also keep my vehicles for a
Long time. The Hemi Ram 1500 has been very good. I can nurse it to almost 20 mpg on flat Long Island highways. But whenever I tow a 3 position loaded Atv aluminum trailer upstate my gas mileage is terrible @ 10 or 11 mpg.

How much are the 1500 RAM ecodiesels going for loaded? 4 door w/ 6' bed. Just trying to get a basic idea.

 

[CJnOC]

Welcome Hangman,

I have a Laramie 4x2 with limited slip. It's a crew cab with the 5'-7" bed. I think if your looking for a loaded truck a Laramie is where you would want to be. Figure around low 40's to high 40's.
Biggest issues I think has been exhaust coupler leak on 4x2's which would bring exhaust fumes into the cabin, and it's been a long road for early adopters to get this resolved (having to wait for parts to be redesigned, approved, made, etc.) and DEF issues, but this is pretty much in the frozen tundra in super cold climates. So I think your timing is just about right to step into an EcoDiesel not really run into the major early problems that some have had. Hope you become a permanent active member!

 

[Hangman]

Thanks for all the helpful information

 

[Katoom250SX]

Msrp on mine was 53, but between rebates, incentives, & some working on the price I was able to get about 11 grand off ( not including my trade). Good luck!

 

[Katoom250SX]

Mine was pretty loaded minus air suspension and ram box.

 

[Hershey]

Welcome! I'm one that has problems from the day I rolled off the lot. I researched the truck & fell in love with the concept, the ride & the idea of great economy in a 1/2 ton truck. That's where the love affair ended. I had a few minor electrical issues that took a few visits to resolve (way more than it should have). I also had a serious exhaust leak that filled the cab with raw diesel exhaust. This is a common flaw on the 4X2 Ecodiesels. I'm also only getting about 20 mpg highway. I tried towing my 1500 lb empty enclosed trailer & the mileage dropped to 11-14 mpg. One shop said they got 16 mpg with my trailer, but I never have to date.


Here's what I recommend: don't take my word for it, do what the others said & research this. I doubt you will find a quieter, smoother rolling truck out there for the money. Even the bottom of the line interiors are quiet & comfortable. Ram has made more improvements, that really matter, in their pickups than any other truck manufacturer. They put the Tundra to shame with the constant improvements & Toyota has done next to nothing for several years.


I will caution you on buying this truck for a business - make sure you have a back up truck. When these puppies go down, they are often out for weeks or in a few cases months. Many on here have had ZERO issues & are proudly getting 27 -30 mpg highway & are regularly pulling 5,000 - 8,000 lb trailers. at a still reasonable mpg. The motor is built in Italy and it has been in use in Europe for a while. It's a good motor with very few issues. The most common issues most of us are having are emissions, electrical and poor mileage. They may go hand in hand or not. The other issues are REALLY crappy service. I can't stress that enough. If you decide to buy one of these trucks, find yourself a very highly rated service department. It can mean the difference between a lemon law case & being a happy customer. My intent here is not to paint a picture of doom & gloom, but to make your aware of these issues that you need to know about. If you get a good one, you will swear by it. Good luck & let us know what you decide.

 

[divemaster5734]

. No other issues so far and I use my truck hard with 2 different trailers. Get about 30mpg highway empty, and about 20mpg towing a 3500lb 14ft enclosed utility trailer, and about 15mpg towing a 25ft 5500lb travel trailer. I feel it is a good truck my 2 cents.

Wow.
I have only towed once, an 18' enclosed trailer. Had 2 dirt bikes, gear, tools, and a generator.
Only averaged 9MPG.
All around I get 24 except towing.
I only had about 2500 miles on it when we went biking.
Still only have about 7k, so am not sure I even have it broke in yet.
The trailer is 3200 empty, so figure around 4500lbs with gear.
My F150 couldn't even carry it, but with the air bags and load leveler the ED1500 sits perfect.
I only use Chevron Diesel, and am not a total lead foot, but haven't been able to get better than 26 open road empty.
I'm sure the Seattle Area doesn't help, lots of hills.
I did have to drive over one of the mountain passes with the trailer, but still thought it'd do better than 9.
Nonetheless, I love every minute in the truck, glad I took all the options, love getting spoiled.
Did you do all your towing on flat?

 

[firemist32]

Wow.

Did you do all your towing on flat?

If you have a few minutes you can read a post I made on a 6000 mile road trip I made towing the travel trailer that I updated every few days with conditions/ terrain etc with my milage every fill up and average for the entire trip. http://www.dieselramforum.com/forum/towing/6298-cross-country-towing-round-trip-6000-miles.html

 

[firemist32]

I want to add as well that you need to 'lift' you foot off the gas when empty or towing to make sure the truck is getting into 7th or 8th gear. Especially when towing the truck likes to hold in 5th or 6th and you need to coax it into a higher gear for MUCH better milage