Super User NorcalBassin Posted June 5, 2016 Super User Posted June 5, 2016 Hopefully this doesn't resemble a Shimano vs Daiwa debate, but I'm hoping to get some opinions from anyone that drives (or knows a lot about) Cummins or Duramax. I've been driving a 1/2 ton hemi for 12 years now and it's time to upgrade, and since I'm planning to keep this next truck 10+ years and pull a horse trailer and small travel trailer in addition to my boat I figure I might as well step up to a 3/4 ton and diesel engine. I'm leaning 51/49 to the Ram at this moment and the only "con" I have against either is the DEF tank being so prominent on the Chevy, but it's really a toss up at this point. Thanks! Quote
h8nbmps00 Posted June 5, 2016 Posted June 5, 2016 Im a big chevy guy but when it comes to diesels...cummins wins hands down Quote
Super User Redlinerobert Posted June 5, 2016 Super User Posted June 5, 2016 I have a 2011 Chevy 2500HD crewcab diesel. I drive it daily. Bought it new, and 125,000 miles later it still runs like a top. I've had zero problems with it. Towed a bass boat for a couple years, but lately haven't really towed anything with it. The Def tank is no big deal. I have the oil changed every 5000 miles and the exhaust fluid gets topped off at that point as well. Service runs me $100 or so. I was thinking of buying a new Dually and selling this truck, but why mess with a good thing? Recently had a complete interior/exterior detail done that cost me $800, and it literally looks like a new truck. Quote
riverbasser Posted June 5, 2016 Posted June 5, 2016 I am a diesel mechanic and only work on commercial trucks but our service truck is a 2015 3/4 duramax. We also have smaller box trucks with the same Cummins engined that are in pickups so I have a little experience with both. Both are good engines, I prefer Cummins myself for dependability and they are easier to work on when needed. They also have a great service website that anyone can access.I'll put a link at bottom. Both engines should run over 300k with good maintenance, if your going with an auto transmission I prefer Allison over any chrystler trans but I heard someone say that Dodge lost the license to Allison and that Toyota has it now(not confirmed). I will also say that both should pull anything you want and the 2015 duramax we have is extremely quiet for a diesel. But if your like me I look for the simplest design and overall dependability in my trucks and this is why I like the Cummins. There are Cummins engines in all makes of semi tractors from kenworth, freightliner, international and Volvo. they offer these options because of Cummins fuel milage along with dependability. Overall I don't think you can go wrong with either one as both will serve your purpose Quote
Super User Master Bait'r Posted June 5, 2016 Super User Posted June 5, 2016 No religious topics OP 4 Quote
Super User gardnerjigman Posted June 6, 2016 Super User Posted June 6, 2016 Cummins will out pull the Chevy hands down, and as a die hard chevy guy, that hurts. Quote
Super User Gundog Posted June 6, 2016 Super User Posted June 6, 2016 Can anybody explain the DEF thing to me? A friend of mine was looking for a used diesel pickup and asked me about it. I told him I didn't have a clue what it was about. My uncle was always a big diesel guy, had one since he was in his early 30's and now at 72 he just bought a new truck and it was a gasser cause he didn't want to deal with DEF. He said he didn't know what it was and didn't want to be bothered with it. Quote
FirstnameLastname Posted June 6, 2016 Posted June 6, 2016 Google diesel drag truck theres a reason they are all Cummins Quote
riverbasser Posted June 6, 2016 Posted June 6, 2016 19 minutes ago, Gundog said: Can anybody explain the DEF thing to me? A friend of mine was looking for a used diesel pickup and asked me about it. I told him I didn't have a clue what it was about. My uncle was always a big diesel guy, had one since he was in his early 30's and now at 72 he just bought a new truck and it was a gasser cause he didn't want to deal with DEF. He said he didn't know what it was and didn't want to be bothered with it. It is made up of urea and it is injected into the exhaust yo lower emissions of the exhaust gases. There is nothing wrong with this except the epa forced manufacturers to program the trucks so that they won't run without it. Parts are also expensive Quote
Super User Gundog Posted June 6, 2016 Super User Posted June 6, 2016 3 minutes ago, riverbasser said: It is made up of urea and it is injected into the exhaust yo lower emissions of the exhaust gases. There is nothing wrong with this except the epa forced manufacturers to program the trucks so that they won't run without it. Parts are also expensive Do all diesels made now have to have DEF or is it an optional thing? Edit: You answered that question in your post so sorry. Quote
riverbasser Posted June 6, 2016 Posted June 6, 2016 I believe everything after 2013 have it. They are starting to require it for farm equipment as well. If you were looking at used I would look for one without it just because it will require less maintenance. Quote
Super User NorcalBassin Posted June 6, 2016 Author Super User Posted June 6, 2016 Thank you for all the feedback so far. I just saw Chevy has 0% APR in June and Ram is 2.9%, so it may have just flipped 51/49 the other direction. I'm sure I'll be more than happy either way since I've yet to meet a diesel owner that didn't have great things to say about their truck, but this is getting to be a tough call (nice to have first world problems I suppose). Quote
Super User gardnerjigman Posted June 6, 2016 Super User Posted June 6, 2016 For what it's worth, my buddy just bought the new dodge eco-deisel and gets 26mpg consistently Quote
riverbasser Posted June 6, 2016 Posted June 6, 2016 32 minutes ago, gardnerjigman said: For what it's worth, my buddy just bought the new dodge eco-deisel and gets 26mpg consistently you have to pay attention to the new dodges though. my cousin has one with a Fiat diesel engine instead of Cummins. I'm not saying thats what your friend has just wanted to add that Quote
Super User BrianinMD Posted June 6, 2016 Super User Posted June 6, 2016 EcoDiesel only comes in the 1500, OP is looking for a 2500 size truck. Quote
Kilowatt Posted June 16, 2016 Posted June 16, 2016 There are pros and cons to both. My recommendation is do a lot of research. And ask a lot of questions. are you looking at modifying or leaving it stock? If modifying, just know that here in Cali, there are a lot of emissions and smog issues that you have to worry about but there are ways around it if you talk to the right people. As for "Stock" power, the '16 Cummins has the '16 Duramax beat. But GM has Ram smoked in ride quality, reliability(total package, not just engine), and I believe interior design. The '17 Duramax will be hitting show rooms supposedly in Sept. and it has been promised to meet or exceed all power numbers from the other 2. We will see. I personally love the Duramax. I have 3 of them. The Cummins is a great engine but I am not a fan of anything that surrounds the engine. Either way, lets all agree that at least its not a Ford. As for Diesel Drag trucks, I believe that the Current NHRDA world record holder in Super Street is a Duramax. Bill Quote
GetJigginWithIt Posted June 17, 2016 Posted June 17, 2016 On 6/6/2016 at 0:32 PM, riverbasser said: you have to pay attention to the new dodges though. my cousin has one with a Fiat diesel engine instead of Cummins. I'm not saying thats what your friend has just wanted to add that Fiat is the manufacturer of the eco diesel for Dodge. Only in the 1500 Ram. Cummins is in the 2500 and up. You cannot get a Cummins in a 1500 Ram. Quote
craww Posted June 17, 2016 Posted June 17, 2016 Having used both towing trailers over many miles, up and down mountains, urban traffic, long dirt roads, etc for my money I'd go duramax if nothing else because of the transmission mated to it. Admittedly I'm not well versed in the latest model. I know you didn't ask about the fords but my personnel experience among the big 3 has been: Most gens of the powerstrokes have been great. The super duty's do tend to have front end issues that get surprisingly expensive. The turning radius is better (I have a 2015) than the older models, but not comparable to the chevys or dodges Ive had. Rams. The cummins are great. Historically crappy transmissions. (I had to put 3 on two reasonably low mileage trucks so sore subject for me). Fit and finish not quite as nice as other high end competitors IMO. Duramax. The "smoothest" of the big 3 IMO. The turn, ride, and sound are more car like if that makes sense. Not a lot of glaring issues historically. I had a 08', really liked it. The motors lack the diesel rumble of the fords and dodges IMO. Quote
wytstang Posted June 18, 2016 Posted June 18, 2016 As much as I like Cummins engine and turbos I prefer Fords quality over Mopar and Chevy. Quote
Super User Redlinerobert Posted June 20, 2016 Super User Posted June 20, 2016 All things remaining equal, you can't go wrong with any of the big three. Every once in a while a lemon happens with any of them. Quote
thebillsman Posted June 20, 2016 Posted June 20, 2016 For a horse trailer and small trailer I would choose the DuraMax. It will get the job done comfortably and be the best daily driver. Quote
GLADES Posted June 28, 2016 Posted June 28, 2016 My brother had issues with the front end alignment on his 2012 Duramax. Also, the back window seal leaked and rust started to appear. In addition to the engine comparisons, you should also look at overall reviews, complaints, and over all favor-ability. Quote
thebillsman Posted June 28, 2016 Posted June 28, 2016 On 6/21/2016 at 7:54 AM, Last_Cast said: Cummins all day So, the Nissan then? 1 Quote
Last_Cast Posted June 28, 2016 Posted June 28, 2016 2 hours ago, thebillsman said: So, the Nissan then? Not sure how i feel about it. Pre- nissan cummins for the win. Better? ? Quote
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