Which model/ power train? cummins/hemi? 2500/3500?

[Ryan1234]

Hello,
I was hoping to get some insight on which model 5th gen to go with. I currently have a 5th gen 1500 sport (canadian version) with the 5.7 and am most likely trading it in soon. I was hoping to get some help with what model/ motor to go with. I feel like the 1500 is a bit small for what i use it for, payload is a bit light and the 5'7" box is a bit small for me. I live in the mountains and do a decent amount of dirt roads probably about %15 of my driving. the rest of it is around town (constantly up and down hills). Im trying to determine if the cummins is a good option- i don't tow often but i am planning on buying a 7k camper trailer in the future, i do however keep about 1000-1400lbs of tools and parts in the truck during the week. My biggest concern with the cummins is 1. cp4 - i have heard nothing but bad things about that, has that been fixed yet? and 2. i work out of my truck and i do alot of sites per day, the truck will be constantly turned on driven a few (hard) minutes up a hill or two then shut off for an hour or so, my concern with this is will that cause emission issues? what I'm trying to figure out is if the 6.4 will do alright always hauling that weight around or will it just be better to go with a cummins? i feel like i would get the majority of the extra upfront cost of the cummins back with resale vs. the hemi but the hemi seems like its the more reliable choice because of the emissions and cp4 issues. any help would be greatly appreciated!
-forgot to add, we also do a lot of highway driving on weekends 3-4 hour trips through the mountains. The 5.7 usually uses an entire tank to do the drive each way.. would the 6.4 be about the same? Couldn’t imagine it would be any worse haha my 2015 duramax used to do the same drive on about 3/8 of a tank but that was deleted so probably not a fair comparison. I’m scared to delete the Cummins if I got it because of how expensive the repairs got with the dmax off warranty.

 

[jdefoe0424]

FWIW...the HD's are technically a 4.5 gen, they haven't gotten the new cab yet.
I believe the 6.4 gets about the same mileage for city/mixed driving, but full highway is probably worse. The HD's come standard with a 30+ gallon tank, and an optional 50 with the 8' bed.
The 6.4 with the 8 speed will handle what you're talking about just fine. Depending on how often and how steep and long of grades you're looking to climb with the TT in tow might sway your decision one way or the other.

I believe all 2021 Cummins trucks are equipped with a cp3 style pump. You can do a search of the Cummins forums to learn more.
Don't expect more than about 1,000lb increase in payload with a 2500 as that diesel engine is heavy! A 3500, at least srw, is definitely a must if you're looking at having anything with a heavy tongue weight.
For short drives the Cummins probably won't warm up as quick, though it might hold heat better while sitting. Not sure if the CGI block holds heat as well as the old cast blocks did.
For emissions equipment, from what I've seen, as long as you get it out on the highway and let her run every week or so it's alright. Seems you should be good there.
Obviously oil changes are more expensive as it consumes about 2x the oil and also requires fuel filter changes.

edited

 

[Dusty1948]

I thought Cummins had replaced the CP4 with a newer version of the CP3.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 045561 miles.

 

[Ryan1234]

Thanks for the detailed response, I’m leaning more towards a Hemi 3/4 ton right now but I’ll have to think about it. I really wish the payload on the power wagons was a bit better everything I can find says it’s only 1500lbs. I would be 100% sold if that was the case. Another part of me wants to try and sort through tools I don’t ‘need’ on a daily basis and squeeze into a rebel but I find as soon as you remove tools you never use is when you happen to need them.

 

[Drewster]

Reading about the CP4, it sounds like the Cummins are using the latest CP4.2 pump, and most of the failures are 100k+ and likely have to deal with lack of maintenance http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/engine/what-is-cp4-failure

That being said, the 6.4 Hemi has more payload. Since 7,000lb isn't that much for a 1500, it sounds like you're more concerned about hauling 1,000+ lbs of tools *and* towing 7k, which is definitely pushing it. The extra 1,000lb of payload for the 6.4 sounds more in-line with what you're needing.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the 2500 has a 32 gallon fuel tank size, so even though it'll get lower MPG compared to a lighter, more efficient 1500, it should still go further than a 1500 with the standard 23 gallon tank.

 

[Ryan1234]

Thanks everyone for the info. I’m thinking I might end up going with the eco diesel rebel, I’ll have to take some tools out but it’s going to save me a ton of money on fuel. I’m getting about 7-8mpg outta my 5.7 and I talked to a friend who has the ecodiesel and he gets like 22mpg driving similar to how I do. I don’t plan on towing a ton. Obviously having the 3/4 ton would be ideal for that but realistically the amount I would be able to do wouldn’t be worth it. And about the previous post about 100k before fuel pump issues, my luck it would be the day it rolls over warranty. Big reason for the rebel too is the 4wd auto transfer cases are garbage out here. No joke I go farther between oil changes than I do transfer cases. I get the overheated message the second I go onto any trails and clutch’s are toast usually after 2 or 3 trips.