Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

"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.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

This used 2004 Powerstoke towed MUCH better a couple weeks ago:

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I borrowed a 1998 and it had plenty of grunt but the brakes were crap. My expedition stops better. I think I have looked at the same 2004 Ford, I live off davis ford road in manassas.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Sonicator, I took that Ford home from Cowles in Woodbridge on Memorial Day Weekend for a couple hours. That truck had some issues. The stereo is all dorked up due to some removed aftermarket equipment, and for the first 50 feet from a dead stop, that truck was a dog. The orange was also a little too much orange. Nice truck otherwise.

We have crossed paths before. I live not far from the Gov't Center, and have seen you filling up at the 7-11/Citgo on PWC Pkwy. I used to have a 26' Sonic.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I don't know about a 2005, but my father has a 2001 with the HO and 6 speed manual, extended cab 4X4 dually. His has the biggest Banks kit they make for it (don't remember what the kit is called). The difference is substantial, you wouldn't believe it. His will absolutely run away from my stock powerstroke, towing or empty. Example:He has a 4200 pound Lance slide in camper. With it loaded on the truck, following my sister to Nags Head, he routinely pulled away from my sisters BMW 323. Messing around with my brother in law, who was driving, the Dodge would just walk it. You would be very happy with it if it had something like this Banks kit. One thing though, the truck only gets 14 MPG with this kit.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

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.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Brian- try the 5" exhaust kit, cool air box and the bully dog controller or edge juice w/ attitude (just came out). it is an unbelievable difference.... :eek: :eek: :eek: you won't be sorry. i've owned powerstrokes and duramax diesels and have never felt anything like it.

in fact, i'm selling my '03 Dodge 3500 HO Cummins w/ 6 speed and i'm buying the exact same truck in an '05 w/ leather and silver exterior instead of cloth and white exterior. see the ad here: HERE

the new edge juice w/ attitude takes the new cummins from 287.8HP to 410.4HP and 538.0 ft.lbs to 786.3!!!

Chad

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Hey..I know, just buy the Dam Ford and not worry about all the aftermarket stuff :eek: :D
Of courses I have no room to talk, I tow with a gas Chevy :(

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Thanks Chad, that is exactly the info I wanted to hear. I am still very surpised at how much I liked the Dodge. I would probably do all those upgrades to any diesel that I purchase, so knowing they REALLY wake the Dodge up is cool. Too bad your rig is not leather and an automatic! I have my heart set on black or charcoal anyhow.

Russ, as for the Ford, I just don't like them as much; engine, interior, comfort, amenities etc.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Brian-

No problem, any time. I'm not totally sold on Dodge's automatic trans. They have had so many problems with them that I'm still a bit gun shy. I certainly wish you could put an Allison trans. in them. There are a few aftermarket companies out there that are making auto trans. to mate to the modified Cummins. Supposedly they have had good luck with them.

Good luck on your search. Believe it or not, I'm a GM guy at heart.

Chad

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

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Like I said in another thread, I tow/(crawl) with a gas chevy....I know the Ford has alot of azz to pull those loads based on getting left behind on the entrance ramps. I'm not is a position to shop for a replacement yet so I haven't evaluated the big 3 like you are doing.
Have fun shopping, whatever you pick only has to make YOU happy!!!

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

do you do alot of crack?? i have seen some dumb post on this website but this one takes the cake...

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

:eek::drink: :drink:

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.

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!

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I guess I must be smoking the pipe then. :rolleyes: 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.....

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I must be with you too, mine used to get 18-20 mpg on a regular basis. It now has 251k on it, and it doesn't get quite as good as that anymore.

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.

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

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

2003 HO Cummins Auto with standard Edge chip pulls a 38 Top Gun on a steel Myco at 70-75mph on cruise control very well. The truck gets 13mpg towing at 70mph or under. Empty on the highway I get 22mpg if I keep it under 75mph.

BTW, the truck as twice the nuts of any gas guzzler I've driven when towing a large boat.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Milage guys-
Are you going by your dash readout on the truck???

You do realize that that readout goes to pot once you use a programmer or module.....?
My dash readout shows 17-18, where as my hand calculation is 13...

Still...you say 22, so then it's really 19. That's pretty damn impressive.
I know the DMax has a rep of being the thirsty diesel.... :rolleyes:

Another tidbit- The programmer lets your recalibrate the speedo to read better (larger tires, gears, etc). My speedo is now 3 mph slower than the GPS. Good enough. Question is wether the electronic ODO recalibrates too. I guess I'll have to try to check it against GPS distance traveled....

Yes, 13 is far lower than what I expected.
I have driven my share of PSD trucks as well.. None, not one got close to 20mpgs...not one, never, ever....

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I knew it! I knew OSO was just a bunch of crack-smoking "nitwits".

First step is admitting you have a problem guys.
:D :drink: :evilb:

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I'd hate to say it but my '01 Dodge 2500 Cummins with a Banks Kit got 23MPG. I have witnesses :D Total Miles driven divided by total fuel used. It even matched my overhead display. No lie!!!

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

My Dodge does not have an overhead display, so everything is hand calculated. Plus mine is still with the stock tire diameter so that is not off either.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Those numbers seem pretty consistent with what I'm seeing.
2004.5 Ram CTD. . . . up to 23 empty at 70.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Sydayz- Are you looking to replace the Avalanche?

The V8 diesels have a better powerband for towing than the Cummins. So look at a Ford or GM.

Wannabe

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Not to start a "my truck is better than your truck battle" but that is a matter of opinion. Trucks are like anything else. Some people like Ford, some Chevy, some Dodge. All three have relativley flat torque curves which is great for towing. If we all liked the same thing there would only be one choice. My advice, drive all three, buy the one YOU like the best. The Ford vs. Dodge vs. Chevy thing will go on till the end of time. For the most part they all have their pros and cons. Good luck in your hunt.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I agree, drive all 3.

My comments really refer to the way the V8's (duramax powerstroke) feel, they accelerate faster IMHO.

Wannabe

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

There were cignifigant changes to the Dodge 1997 and after. If you want a real truck here you go.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-6415.html

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I love the Alcoa wheels on that rig.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

The Ford is very clunky throught the gears with the turbo being very obvious. The Duramax with the Allison is much smoother.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I have a 2004.5 3500 CTD Single rear wheel- with the Intake done, edge juice and a 6 speed I get 19-20 unloaded all the time. Towing the boat at 70 it drops to 15- that is with 35 inch tires also. 30k miles and love the truck- I had a 01 auto dually CTD and the best I ever got was 16- and went through 3 trannys as well- get the newer motor and 6 speed if you tow often or want to do hop ups-which all of us on this website do!!!! :evilb:

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

sydwayz,
Just remember the Turbo Diesel Register guys motto regarding engine and drivetrain upgrades: "You are your own warranty station".
If you like that warranty, pretty much any chip upgrades including the Banks stuff will void it, contrary to what the aftermarket vendors wil tell you, so be careful! This is not applicable to only the Dodge either.

Believe me, ANY diesel you pick will smoke that gasser in the long run, and don't forget that the Cummins will get better with age! My 2003 HO /6spd 3500 SRW is pulling the 15K load like a totally different truck now that it has 16,000 miles on it and gets a legitimate 19 mpg currently and on occasion creeps over 20(and no, I don't use the overhead console-it's off by 2-3mpg most of the time). Towing mileage @70-75 is around 13 mpg.

As far as reliability the Cummins will outlast the V8's simply because there are less things to break on an inline 6, much more rigid design, and fewer stresses on the block. But any of these engines will generally outlast the trucks they are in.
I am not too familiar with the newer auto, but am hearing good things so far, the old automatics were CRAP, even without engine upgrades. I don't like 'em anyway , the only one I might trust is the Allison.

If you get the dodge, here's the best $35 you'll ever spend:
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/

My somewhat insignificant opinion,
Paul

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I have had ford all my life and would not spend the money on another. Went to dodge and love the truck. But you can not compare the ford and the dodge they have two diffrent motors. you can not beet displacement. My 2500 cummins pulls a 35 fountain in the hills of up state N.Y. with no problem. and for ford We had a 2002 250 super duty that could not pull a rubber raft. Last week Ford gave us a brand new 2005, we have not taken delivery yet , will have to see how this one will run.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

Has anyone heard that the Cummins might be on the way out? I read somewhere (sorry, cannot remember) that the parent company (Mercedes Benz {spelling?}) was going to start installing their diesel. They already have one of theirs in the funky looking tall Dodge van. MB made their reputation in diesel cars.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

My 04 duramax 4dr 4wd got 19.5 mpg running 88-92 mph running empty to florida last december w/hypertech in stg 2 w/stock tires with non-winter gas in it. The winter gas i left with knocks mileage down 2 mpg and i tried taller than stock tires before they also knock mileage down 2 1/2 mpg . Truck gets 17.5 w/stock tune running hard on expresssway on summer blended fuel (88-92mph). 15.5 mph w/stock tune w/winter blended fuel running same speeds. Truck likes the hypertech in stg 2 at those speeds. Truck gets 12-13mpg on summer fuel w/hypertech in stg 1 towing 7000lb boat and trailer at 75-80mph,10-11 mpg towing 3200lb enclosed snowmobile trailer w/winter fuel in 2wd in cold weather in stg 1 at 70 mph,9-10 mpg with same set-up in 4wd. These numbers are from topping off the same way each time and calculating off the odometer which is within 1 or 2 % when checked with gps. No crack being smoked here just i watch my mileage and have tried various stages of the hypertech at different conditions. The hypertech whacks 5 mpg of mileage in stg 3,taller tires killl your mileage even when i correlated for the speedo reading slow(the hypertech actually lets me correct the tire size) and cold weather/winter fuel whacks mileage,Smitty

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

My neighbor is the GM of a large Dodge dealership in Fort Wayne, IN and he just opened a brand new facility for their Dodge vehicles. Their old facility they just moved out of, just next door, will have the vehicles that you are speaking of. They will focus on the commercial market with these tall, ugly vans that have the Mercedes diesels. I'm actually considering them for my service fleet. They're ugly as heck, but you can run the wheels off them with proper maintenance. I haven't heard that they will be replacing the Cummins. Too strong of a product line for Dogde to drop that line in my opinion. I have a 2004 Dually with the Cummins and it pulls my 38' like a dream.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

I here that the lease with the cummins motor and dodge will be up soon. I also have heard that ford is bring out a twin turbo cummings for I think 2006 or 2007. Time will tell.

Re: Towing with new 2005 Dodge Cummins
 

c'mon. I know I'm new to this site, but that's completely not true. You have to rev to 4500 RPMS to get to the same hp that a diesel gets a 2900. The torque on a gas burner maxes out at almost the redline, where with a diesel it comes in at barely above idle.