More diesel news: 3.0L V6 Ram 1500

Ranger50 wrote: Why??? The Ford only holds 200# in the same configuration (2wd reg cab SB), 1800# vs 1600#. As to the configuration, you should be in a 3/4 ton anyways. Most people who claim to need the for either 2k+ worth of payload, an 8' bed and 4x4, never need it outside of a few times over the life of the vehicle. As for price, shoot me on actual numbers, same principle applies. I believe you will be able to get the 4x4 model for under 30k too...

We've had this discussion before. For how I use a truck (occasional hauler, not a DD), an 8ft bed is a requirement, not a luxury. Most of the times I hauled stuff with the Cummins, I used every bit of its pay load capacity (and then some). Yes, I only needed that capacity a few times a year, but that was also about how often I drove the truck. So yes, at least a 3/4t is what I need.

Price-wise, I guess it depends on options. The base price of the lowest trim level 4x4 is about $27K. No options at all. They mention the V6D may be a no cost option, but that remains to be seen.

Keith Tanner wrote: If this had been available a couple of years ago, I might have driven to work today in a diesel 1500 instead of a diesel 2500. I basically went to buy a Cummins, the truck is what carries it around.

Well you probably would have still gotten the 2500 because I'd rather have the Cummins than the VM.

Well, maybe this will make the street version of the B4T into a reality I'm just thinking that the availability of one half-ton diesel will quickly spark imitation by the other two truck manufacturers, and that the Cummins reputation will make it a go-to.

They need a cummins-Westport in there so I can go LNG.

I keed, this is what we've asked for for years!

Bah. Cummins built a damn factory to build v6 and v8 diesels for Chrysler. Then thy went bankrupt and cancelled te order from cummins. I worked on the programs. Lots of good folks lost their jobs due to that screw up.

I knew it!! Cool. I am digging what ram/jeep/fiatco are up to. Thing is, I'm wondering if its going to beat the v6 for mileage. They're already getting 18/25- I don't see the diesel beating that by much. The JGC is at 20/30 in 2wd form with the diesel. I guess the diesel advantage is going to be in towing capacity.

The cummins light duty was designed for 30mpg.

I don't care if it runs on gas, Diesel, propane, CNG, or mouse poop - nobody will sell me a full-size half-ton until somebody remembers that REAL trucks have clutches.

Mine's got a clutch Of course, it's 3/4 ton. But still!

EvanR wrote: I don't care if it runs on gas, Diesel, propane, CNG, or mouse poop - nobody will sell me a full-size half-ton until somebody remembers that REAL trucks have clutches.

The take rate was so low it was more expensive to offer manuals than autos alone. Blame the consumer for not buying enough when they were offered.

In reply to EvanR:

Really? You'd take a 5/6 speed over and 8(!) speed auto? Automatics have come a LONG way over the last decade. Also ever tried backing up a trailer with a half ton 5 speed? It SUCKS. 3.7-4.1:1 first gears make inching a trailer through a tight opening a lesson in clutch smoke. Also, don't think because the 6 speed in your cummins is so awesome that this is what they'll put in the 1/2 ton. I would take the bet that they wouldn't put the proper 6.xx:1 first gear in it. I would seriously doubt it. Take it from someone who's owned almost identical trucks (97-99 F150's) with both auto and manuals trans.

I'll have to turn in my man card, but I think I'd take a modern auto over a manual in a truck that was going to be used extensively for hauling and towing. Most of my towing/hauling use is in town, so the clutch wouldn't be an advantage.

For commuting, I'd love a manual pickup truck, but the gas mileage makes one impractical for the 20K a year that I commute.

If Chrysler implements this as well as they have the Pentastar it's going to be awesome.

I was a diehard GM guy, especially for the GMT900 series. Then Ford stepped up big time and made the F150 the best truck going. Now this? It's raining awesome trucks. This is great.

Javelin wrote: A 2013 Tradesman V6, standard cab, short box is $23,395. There isn't any Ram cheaper, so I have no idea where "$16K" came from. The 4x4 version is $26,395. And to Ian, the Crew Cab 8' box combo is only on the 3/4 ton and higher chassis. It wouldn't make any sense to put it on the small 1/2 ton chassis anyway, diesel or no.

The Tradesman is a V8 but I have seen them on sale locally at the dealer for $16k. The V6 model is more expensive.

Edit: Didn't know the Tradesmen had an optional V6.

I'm very happy with the Allison in my 3/4 Chevy -- I love manual transmissions in my cars, but I really can't see why I'd want one in my tow vehicle.

Anyone have the whole article on the '13 Ram HFE from the SAE mag? I see/read the editied version in the latest Mopar Action mag.... The EPA numbers don't really change, but the emissions and CAFE numbers are much better...