Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
07-22-2005 | 09:46 PM
#11
Registered
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 181
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Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
I get gas there every now and then. Is that an active thunder you have now? I think I have seen you at the Occoquan regional park. I am heading to TIMS II tomorrow, first beer is on me if you are heading that way.
Greg
Greg
07-22-2005 | 09:55 PM
#12
21 and 42 footers
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,207
Likes: 146
From: Richmond VA
Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
Originally Posted by Sydwayz
.........................
Russ, as for the Ford, I just don't like them as much; engine, interior, comfort, amenities etc.
Russ, as for the Ford, I just don't like them as much; engine, interior, comfort, amenities etc.
Have fun shopping, whatever you pick only has to make YOU happy!!!
07-24-2005 | 08:50 AM
#13
AKA NORTECHJ
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 832
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From: orange park fl.
Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
Originally Posted by ScarabScoundroul
Fact has it, if you're buying a Diesel truck to get more towing power, you're heading in the wrong dirrection. Gas engines will always out tow a diesel. That's why your boat has Chevy BB Gas engines. But, tow that same boat across country with the diesel (Dodge, Chevy, etc) and your wallet will feel a lot fatter at the end of the trip.
07-25-2005 | 06:11 AM
#15
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Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
Sywayz,
I have an '04 3500 Dually with the Cummins and AT. The truck pulled OK as it was stock. I went ahead and installed the Banks system as well as the ATS Torque converter. I pull a 38' Formula 11-12K pounds, with ease. I'm sure any of the name brand aftermarket Diesel upgrades kit will make that Cummins come alive. I would seriously look at upgrading the Torque converter or you may be looking at a problem down the line.
I have an '04 3500 Dually with the Cummins and AT. The truck pulled OK as it was stock. I went ahead and installed the Banks system as well as the ATS Torque converter. I pull a 38' Formula 11-12K pounds, with ease. I'm sure any of the name brand aftermarket Diesel upgrades kit will make that Cummins come alive. I would seriously look at upgrading the Torque converter or you may be looking at a problem down the line.
Originally Posted by Sydwayz
"Where's the beef?"
I was VERY surprised that I really liked the truck upon leaving the dealer (w/o towing). The interior was almost as comfortable as the GM (this truck had cloth interior, I would have it swapped to leather to buy). It had all the interior room of the Ford and much more comfortable. It drove and rode well when not towing. I took it for an extended test drive, and towed my boat with it. WHOAH! What happened to the HP? Who forgot to add the Torque? I don't feel that it had any more power than my 8.1L Gas 2500 Avalanche. It is a heavier truck, and the frame and construction feel solid. However, the truck clunked and grunted the whole time! The transmission was anything but smooth, and the poor Cummins had to rev almost up to redline to back the boat slightly uphill into my backyard! My Avalanche 2500 has TONS more grunt, and I did a test of dead stop(light) to a same set point going slight uphill, in a comparison of my AV to the Dodge, and I think the AV pulls the Dodge! What's up with that?
The Dodge dealer near my house has powertrain "Warranty for Life." Its impressive to think I would never have to worry about a powertrain breakdown not being covered, but I just could not justify this truck as is.
How much does this thing wake up with an Intake, Exhaust, and Chip Upgrade? I hope its SIGNIFICANT, otherwise, Dodge is seriously lagging, literally.
It does have some of the best looks of any of the trucks available though. This was an SLT in all black, with the sport appearance package, to have no chrome, everything blacked out.
I was VERY surprised that I really liked the truck upon leaving the dealer (w/o towing). The interior was almost as comfortable as the GM (this truck had cloth interior, I would have it swapped to leather to buy). It had all the interior room of the Ford and much more comfortable. It drove and rode well when not towing. I took it for an extended test drive, and towed my boat with it. WHOAH! What happened to the HP? Who forgot to add the Torque? I don't feel that it had any more power than my 8.1L Gas 2500 Avalanche. It is a heavier truck, and the frame and construction feel solid. However, the truck clunked and grunted the whole time! The transmission was anything but smooth, and the poor Cummins had to rev almost up to redline to back the boat slightly uphill into my backyard! My Avalanche 2500 has TONS more grunt, and I did a test of dead stop(light) to a same set point going slight uphill, in a comparison of my AV to the Dodge, and I think the AV pulls the Dodge! What's up with that?
The Dodge dealer near my house has powertrain "Warranty for Life." Its impressive to think I would never have to worry about a powertrain breakdown not being covered, but I just could not justify this truck as is.
How much does this thing wake up with an Intake, Exhaust, and Chip Upgrade? I hope its SIGNIFICANT, otherwise, Dodge is seriously lagging, literally.
It does have some of the best looks of any of the trucks available though. This was an SLT in all black, with the sport appearance package, to have no chrome, everything blacked out.
07-26-2005 | 07:57 AM
#16
Performance Boat Center
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,778
Likes: 21
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
Brian,
It takes awhile for the truck to loosen up..and awhile for you to get used to the way the engine and trans work.
I went from a 454 to the Duramax..
I was really on the fence for awhile about which was better.
The 454 was strong (Banks poerpack) and got 10mpgs empty or towing.
The DMax has loosened up some (now at 7500 miles) and really runs. I do have a Predator programmer on the 60hp setting.. throttle response got better, and this thing is actully pretty fast. It certainly out pulls the 454 truck.
I have bigger tires on the truck, and used the predator to recalibrate the speedo. My hand calculated milage is 13 and change. That's a 30% increase in fuel economy. I think it would get 15-16 once it had 15,000 on it...running on the highway at 2,000rpm.
Oh, anyone that claims a real turbo diesel truck gets 18-20 MPGs is smoking the pipe!
It takes awhile for the truck to loosen up..and awhile for you to get used to the way the engine and trans work.
I went from a 454 to the Duramax..
I was really on the fence for awhile about which was better.
The 454 was strong (Banks poerpack) and got 10mpgs empty or towing.
The DMax has loosened up some (now at 7500 miles) and really runs. I do have a Predator programmer on the 60hp setting.. throttle response got better, and this thing is actully pretty fast. It certainly out pulls the 454 truck.
I have bigger tires on the truck, and used the predator to recalibrate the speedo. My hand calculated milage is 13 and change. That's a 30% increase in fuel economy. I think it would get 15-16 once it had 15,000 on it...running on the highway at 2,000rpm.
Oh, anyone that claims a real turbo diesel truck gets 18-20 MPGs is smoking the pipe!
__________________
Tim Gallagher
Performance Boat Center-FL
[email protected]
954-809-8739
Wright Performance, MTI, Cigarette, Sunsation
Tim Gallagher
Performance Boat Center-FL
[email protected]
954-809-8739
Wright Performance, MTI, Cigarette, Sunsation
07-26-2005 | 09:31 AM
#17
Registered
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,965
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From: IL / LOTO
Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
Originally Posted by Tim G.
Oh, anyone that claims a real turbo diesel truck gets 18-20 MPGs is smoking the pipe!
Ask around, you'll see a lot of diesel owners averaging that. Our '02 GMC 2500HD Duramax Crew Cab 4x4 averages 16-17mpg stock. 13mpg sounds extremely low.....
07-26-2005 | 10:50 AM
#18
Registered
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 201
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From: Haymarket and SML, Va.
Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
Originally Posted by jawbreakerkid
I guess I must be smoking the pipe then. Ask around, you'll see a lot of diesel owners averaging that. Our '02 GMC 2500HD Duramax Crew Cab 4x4 averages 16-17mpg stock. 13mpg sounds extremely low.....
Ask around, you'll see a lot of diesel owners averaging that. Our '02 GMC 2500HD Duramax Crew Cab 4x4 averages 16-17mpg stock. 13mpg sounds extremely low.....
07-26-2005 | 11:08 AM
#19
www.Bajaboatowners.com
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 903
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From: Knoxville TN
Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
As far as fuel economy, the Cummins always gets better as it is broken in. My 05 averaged 13.5 mpg on the first tank, the second tank I got about 15.5 mpg and the last time I filled up I was averaging about 16. Same commutes and use. I took a recent trip in it and was averaging just under 19 mpg unloaded. My old gasser would never get close to that. I have been towing with diesels for many years, they will get better fuel economy than a gas truck, but the biggest advantage for me since I live in the mountains is the ability to maintain speed up a grade. I have always gone with a manual transmission since I prefer the added control of the load going down hill. I do agree the Dodge auto leaves much to be desired but if you compare the Dodge, Ford, and GM products they all have their pro's and con's. I have always used the Cummins and that is what I am used to. No matter what truck you go with, you can't go wrong in my opinion.
07-26-2005 | 11:38 AM
#20
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,728
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From: eden nc
Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
sydwayz. i'v got the 6 speed in my 2500 and love it. there is a guy on deasle truck resource that is putting over 5oo hp through his 48re auto ,with no problems. i 'm getting ready to put the ramafirer on mine . 100hp if it spins the rear wheels any easer i give up. i can light them up in 2n/d gear to smoker bark them in 4 . robbie
