The big advantage of the 4.7 is being able to get a manual, if a 6-speed doesn't interest you then for light towing you maybe happier with the 5.7. But I wouldn't trade my setup for anything short of a Cummins with a manual, the '08 with a 6-speed is a real kick to drive.

 

What about a Cummins with an automatic?

 

I would say that if there is any doubt in your mind if you will need the HEMI, and it sounds like there is, I would get it. A year from now, if your situation changes and you would really really like to upgrade the hemi, is it going to be feasible? i say start with the hemi no questions asked...or a CTD with an automatic would be an even better choice, imo. wish i could've afforded the ctd at the time....

 

I'm going to drive a '03 Cummins auto tomorrow. Anything I should look for?

 

gobs of torque and power? lol i dont know much about the cummins...hammer or somebody will jump in here though...

 

A friend of mine that's a mechanic mentioned that he has worked on a lot of newer Dodge's that have electrical issues, with very low miles. Anyone experience that?

 

Go with the 5.9 cummins. you'll be getting 15-16 pulling that boat.

 

Well, I was unimpressed with the Cummins, it rode rough, and didn't seem to have quite as much umph as another un-named deisel I used to drive had, maybe it was that specific one, but it only had 55K miles. I have a friend that is getting a '07 Quad Cab, Big Horn, Hemi, Auto with 37k miles on the ticker from the auction for me tomorrow. Supposed to be spotless......stay tuned.

Now, who can tell me some gas saving tips for a Hemi....other than the obvious, stay out of the pedal? Headers, K&N, exhaust, additives?

 

If you are gonna tow with a Hemi, you need to improve the low end. Forget the headers, you'll lose low end torque in favor of high end horsepower, unless you are gonna offset it with a cam.
Gears will be the best thing you can do for that truck to make it a good tow vehicle. Plus it will preserve the transmission (A Dodge trucks only real Achillies' heel). A set of 4.56 gears would be the best modification you can do to that truck for towing...

 

I'll be doing a lot more highway driving than towing, so I don't think that I am a good candidate to switch gearing. 3 hours to my office, and another 4 hours to most of my job sites.....