We’re looking at getting a significantly larger boat and the trailer weight will jump from 5,500 lbs to 9,950 lbs. Therefore, I’m thinking of trading in my truck for a used diesel (with the boat payment going significantly up I don’t want my truck payment also increasing). It pains me to do so, but I want the boat more than I want my current truck I guess.

I was thinking of picking up an ‘07/08 Dodge 2500, however I’ve heard here and there (never paid attention to it much before since I’ve never thought about getting a diesel) that the engine in the ‘07/08 trucks got significantly worse mpg than the old engine in the ’06 b/c of EPA stuff. Is this true? Would it be wise to look for an ’06? Would I be taking a large power loss? What are the big pros/cons?

 

the 6.7 engine went in to production in 07.5, they do have a lot of emmissions crap on them and get quite a bit less than the 5.9 of preivous years, if your concerned about price and mileage, i would look for a truck between 04.5 and 07.5 years, you wont really have a loss of power with the 5.9, but if you think its not enough, there is ALOT of aftermarket support

 

Ya.. what DT75 said.

See sig for my new truck.

 

my 06 5.9 is a power house. i have towed huge loads with no problem. up to 12,000 pounds of trees and bricks.
i like the 5.9 more than the current 6.7.
i would look into an 06. i somewhat go for looks as well and liked the 06 headlight/body style better than the 04-05 style

 

Why 04.5 or newer, if you don't mind my asking?

 

I've owned a 2005 and a 2007, and I prefer the 2006+ styling, so I'd probably look for a 2006 - 2007.5, if I'm going for a 5.9L. There's a good deal on a 2009 6.7L though so it's tempting me. Can you get a programmer to override some of that emissions crap?

 

yes, smarty makes a programmer to delete all of the emmision crap, and puts the milage up quite a bit, if you are willing to do that and can get away with it at your location

 

well the 03-04.5 were the first production of the common rail, nothing really wrong with them at all, just the 04.5+ have different programing as well as a few parts, im sure, and a little more HP

 

Can get away with quite a bit in TX (I think)... Does it also have HP/torque gains?

 

oh ya... there are a lot of adjustments with the smarty, anything from just a few HP all the way up to transmission melter