dodge 2500 cummins
 

I am going to look at a 2003 Dodge 2500 4x4 crew cab with the 5.9 cummins and 3.73 rear. I currently drive a 2006 1500 silverado with the 5.3l gas but I am wanting a little more truck with the boat I own considering the distances I tow (NJ to VA). I need to tow around 7000lbs total and really would like to get into a 3/4 ton. The power of the gas 5.3 is fine for me considering the area I tow is relatively flat but the brakes and suspension are on the light side for what I do. ( I actually like my 5.3 better than my fathers 6.0 chevy gas)

The truck i am looking at is fully stock, has less than 70k on it, has had only one owner, dealer serviced, and said to be in great shape. It has the 4 speed auto and 3.73 rear. truck will be my daily driver too. I drive ~25k a year total.


Few questions:

1. Any concerns with the truck to be aware of?
2. What mileage towing and not towing?
3. Any expensive service items I need to be aware of?
4. I plan on keeping the truck fully stock..

Thanks for your help!

Greg,

This is my personal experience, so take it for what it's worth. Comparatively speaking, the transmission of Dodges has tended to not hold up well compared to other brands. Again, this is just the people I know (through my work with ag people and me and my Dad's experiences in construction). Otherwise, I've not heard of major problems with the engines from that year.

I guess the question is why not just upgrade the brakes and suspension in your truck if you like it otherwise? Seems like a cheaper option.

Cheers,

bob

According to my mechanic, its a beast of a truck but its a Dodge. Great motor but you will have transmission issues somewhere near 100k. His position was to replace the tranny and move forward. You can expect somewhere near 300k on the truck if you are diligent with maintenance.

I have had two with no major issues at all, with the exception of the AC unit going out in both, just after the 36K warranty. Otherwise, Ran like a champ, averaged close to 18 mpg.

But i DID NOT tow anything of substance as my boat is too big to tow ;-)
So i can't comment on the transmission issue as I never really stressed my tranny.

I can tell you that we have a Dodge diesel here at work. I think it's a 2000. we towed a Bobcat to the rental place with it recently and the rear seal on the tranny did blow. Our bus mechanic was able to fix it in a day. The truck had about 145,000 miles on it and has been used and abused as it's the schools sole maintence truck that plows snow, carries whatever we need it to, and tows all of the rental equipment here on campus. (like chippers, tractors, bobcats, etc. . .)

If that truck doesn't look good to you, check out these guys:

http://www.warrentonselect.com/

They're a bit of a hike but they have a big inventory of diesel trucks (that's their specialty). I was going to get an Excursion from them but it slipped through my fingers while I was looking around.

Keith

Greg, I am also looking to upgrade my truck. Chevy 1500 4X4 5.3L. I know what you mean about needing / wanting more truck. I Beefed up the brakes in the truck and added disk brakes to every axel on the triple axel trailer. I also added add a leaf to the rear to increase the ride height and level out the trailer to spread the weight evenly across all the axels. In addition I increase the trailer hitch to a big ass ultra hitch. I have no problems pulling the CC roughly 10,000lbs I have to be extremely aware and take my time when towing. The extra breaks and add on’s help a lot. I have no problems on flat ground Sandy point, Chesapeake beach and Solomon’s island. Last year went to Breezy Point and the hills leading to the area were hard on the little 5.3 and transmission. I want to take the boat to ocean city this year 2010 but I doubt I will attempt without a bigger truck. Glad my fishing buddies have diesel trucks.

I had the transmission serviced recently the shop said everything looked great and the fluid was in good shape 120,000. The 1500 does the job but I would like a bigger truck in a year or so. I feel your pain. Looking at Chevy 2500 HD gas

Greg...HIGHLY recommend you buy a NEW Cummins!!:D:D Steve

Steve, if you place an order today for a new 42 Judge with twin cummins in it, I will look at a brand new one ;):D

The cummins powered truck I was looking at sold (or they have a deposit on it).. You know the saying. You snooze you lose. Sounds like I lost the deal.. 03 one owner, dealer serviced ~65k miles asking 18k :o

Dude....this is GOOD news!! As a wise golf partner once said, "every shot makes somebody happy!" Time to go get that new truck for Christmas!!:D

Greg,
I sold my 1500 and bought a used Chevy 2500 with the Duramax for the same reasons. I can't comment on the Dodge but can say you wont regret moving up to a diesel. I pulled my 23 Grady and now my 26 Regulator with no effort. Diesel repairs are infrequent but expensive when they do happen. Day to day performance is great (about 17 mpg) and I've been told I can expect around 300k miles with proper maintenance. I can tell you that my next truck will be a diesel as well (whether I'm towing a boat or not). I think any of the big three (Ford, Chevy, Dodge) are great trucks. They each have their own pluses/minuses. Good luck with your search!

Spiro

Thanks for all the comments fellas...

Steve, I would need a special deal to afford new:eek::D

I am gonna keep my eyes peeled for a 2003-2006 5.9l cummins. No hurries though as my chevy halfton does the job.

That would have been a good deal if evrything was as listed. Your post had me surfing for A chevy 2500HD best price I could find was 25k on a diesel 42,000 miles. Greg. if my wief finds you, she may take a swing at ya:D

Greg,
You've seen what we pull with Ford. Case closed!;)

That goes for you too Conjuror!!!!!:)

Oh yea, you too Stripe Tease!!!:confused:

There's nothing better than an American truck!!

I dont make boat builder money so I have to look used. Sorry the Powerstroke 6.0 sounds like a disaster. Cummins is king in diesels! Too bad it is in a dodge truck ... Besides I have to parallel park in DC often. The length of the ford makes it tough.

Unless I find a deal. It aint happening anyhow. Wife has my wallet on a leash:eek:

Yeah, I've seen it, Bill...and I always get nervous that you won't make it both directions!!!:D:D:D

question.. would you go for:

a 2003 4x4 with 60k on it with no service records

or a

2005 4x2 with 90k and all dealer service records.


both can be had for about the same price. I currently have a 4x2 and have never had a problem at a ramp. I do drive ~25k a year.

I would go with the '05. One thing I think you should look at (and don't buy without getting one) is the extended warranty. I would think it would be cheaper on the 2005.

I've always had GM trucks (gas). If I were to go diesel it would be Ford, GM, Dodge....in that order. Just my .02

Greg -

I have had (3) GMC DURAMAX trucks. Have pulled a 10,000 lb enclosed car trailer AND a side-in camper (3500 lbs) up and down the east coast with ZERO problems. (2) of them were duallies. I'm sure it was over gvw rating but had no issues.

I now have a GMC 3500 ext cab DURAMAX. Its a 2008 and has 42000 miles, mostly trips back and forth to Tilghman form near Berks County PA.

I haul a 23 Parker Pilothouse. You don't even know it's back there. I get an honest 13 mpg towing on the back roads, 18-20 empty on highway. It's my daily driver.

My buddy has a Dodge Cummings and complains about the around town performance. It tends to load up the Particulate Filter. I'd ask others about this. Mine has one too and when it "burns off" it kills my mpg.

I really like the DURAMAX / ALLISON Trans combo. The six-speed keeps the engine in a good operating range when pulling heavy loads. 100,000 mile warranty is nice to have - if you buy new.

Good luck on your decision.

OK Greg - Any new trucks sitting in your driveway yet?...Don

Nope.. I have a buddy who is licensed to go to the dealer auto auctions. He is going to see what is available over the next few weeks. I thought I had one that I wanted and stuck a deal on. However, the truck had a plow rack on the front of it. I will not purchase a truck that has been used for plowing..

There is an 03 with 120k I am considering or an 2005 with 132k as well.