New Cummins owner

[Rebel 4x4]

Hey all looking at building possible new truck a Cummins diesel ram 3500 mega cab longhorn limited. Looking at the high output with Aisin tranny. Never owned a diesel before and don’t really now much about maintenance just doing homework. What are your thoughts on the new 3500’s ? I’m probably gonna get it fully loaded and wondered about things to look out for and how to maintenance it. Mikeru82 good point on me not posting as to what for. I guess there is just a want to future proof anything i should get thrown my way it would be a daily driver and down the road looking at a possible pontoon boat and or a fifth wheel in the future i just want to make sure that there is plenty of towing power. I wont be hauling or towing anything daily but I’m sure it’s over kill but I’d rather be prepared then not.

 

[jdefoe0424]

Ultimately there isn't much that's really different, but there's just more of everything on them. Diesels are more expensive to maintain than gas. Almost twice as much oil, a bigger oil filter and the fuel filter. You'll also have to put DEF in it, and the emission systems really like the truck to be worked to guarantee they operate correctly in the long term. Tires are bigger and more expensive.
If you have short drives and won't be able to get it up to full operating temperature(diesels can take quite some time to fully get hot), then I also suggest you stay away.

I will most likely purchase one in the future, as we have a camper and I would like to go bigger some day. But at that point I will have a DD and the diesel for the camper.

 

[mikeru82]

^^That's a really good response jdefoe0424, and I agree 100%. I like the idea of having the capability of towing or hauling just about anything I might ever need, but the practicality of daily driving a 3500 just isn't there. Since the OP didn't mention why he's wanting a 1-ton, I can either speculate or go by what I use my truck for. I chose the latter (obviously).

 

[hoodac78]

I too was contemplating a 2500 with a Cummins at one point when we bought our holiday trailer. After humming and hawing, and going over the numbers, I saved 20k by buying the used 1500 instead of the used 2500, and have a better daily driver. The 1500 is more than capable for my needs (the trailer is about 29', 7600lbs all in weight and a GOOD WDH). If the OP is towing every day and that truck is basically working everyday, then the diesel would be a no brainer. A 3500 for a daily driver might get a bit tiresome, especially if they live in a city environment. Ultimately, its his money, and his life.....has to do what makes him happy!