what is the next step?

[italmike2k2]

Long time listener, first time caller.

I've had my ecodiesel since the fall of 2020. It's a Limited with 197k km or 122k freedom units.

I love my truck. Mileage is still great. Ride is still smooth. I've had a few larger repairs come up. Right front axel spines wore out...in the middle of a snow storm that was $1900. Alternator seized in the fall, which killed my starter, which killed my battery (around $2600). I'm on my original front brakes still and 3rd set in the rear.

This summer was my first DPF regen message. Now I get them very often which is starting to scare me.

I'm getting concerned about what the future holds here. I've been told I can trade this is in for about 27-30k CAD....which really gets me into nothing if I don't spend any money.

How long are you planning to hold onto your trucks? Do I just drive it into the ground? Or do I get out now?

 

[1791]

dump it. take the 27k
it's about to nickel and dime you to death. looks like that already started

 

[italmike2k2]

That's my gut feeling.

 

[mikeru82]

My advice is to weigh the potential maintenance and repair costs of your current truck against the cost of a new truck. You might also want to include your time in dealing with these potential repairs. Also keep in mind that fuel economy on any new Ram will be worse than what you’re currently seeing. You might also consider possible increase in insurance costs with a new vehicle.

Or you can just say screw it, I want a new ruck.

 

[italmike2k2]

Very wise words my friend. I was 160th on the list for a new alternator from the dealership. A potential 5-8 month wait. I needed to use a "guy" to source one from a wrecker in the states. Or I'd probably still not be driving. I don't know what other parts are hard to find but I don't want to find out. Most repairs...I do myself. Brakes, filters, diff/transfer case oil, oil changes...whatever. As soon as it gets complicated I have to bail...I'm a physicist not a mechanic lol.

I wish it was as simple as wanting a new truck. Times aren't as simple as they used to be. I definitely will not be walking in with eyes to drop $90k like I did with this one lol.

When I got the truck I was doing 350k a day. That meant my old 2013 ram 1500 sport needed a fillup every 1.5 days. Things aren't like that anymore luckily.

I went to test drive a F150 yesterday (5.0, no ecoboost). By the time I got there it had sold. I took it as a sign that God doesn't want me to drive a Ford.

 

[mikeru82]

A change in driving habits can affect how often your diesel goes into regen. When you take longer drives there is less of a need for regen. Shorter drives mean that it will be going into regen more often. That alone could account for the regen issue you mentioned.

If you decide to buy new, which trim level and engine will you want to get? You brought up the issue of a long wait for a new alternator so I wanted to make you aware of the issue with the Hemi engines. All new 1500’s with the Hemi come with etorque. There’s a lot of information out there you can search on if you aren’t familiar with what etorque is. But basically it’s what they’re calling a mild hybrid system. It has a 48v battery module and a Motor Generator Unit (MGU), along with the software which operates it. The MGU is used for auto stop/start operation (powered by the 48v battery) as well as providing additional torque under certain conditions. It’s also provides regenerative braking.

Sounds like a great system when you watch the promotional videos. The system works well, and provides the most seamless stop/start operation I’ve experienced. The problem is when something fails and there is a need to replace either major component. There seems to be a shortage of replacement 48v battery modules and MGU’s. Some owners have experienced months of waiting, while others have gotten their replacement parts in a matter of days.

I’m not trying to scare you away from the Hemi w/etorque, but you should know about these risks if you’re considering going with that engine.