On further reflection, and reading other posts, I'm thinking the manual is ok. I'll probably re-test drive if before buying. Another positive point is that a manual transmission avoids any potential issues with automatic transmissions that various people report. Of course that might never happen to me, but a manual tranny plus Cummins engine seems like a better solution. I plan on keeping this vehicle for a long time.

 

Unfortunately I found out that the payload for this specific CTD model is only 1831 versus about 2550 for the HEMI. I'm thinking whether to continue, despite the good price.

 

something doesn't sound right about that. Is the hemi a long bed and the CTD a short bed. I want to see specs from both because payload capacity really shouldn't be affected by the engine that much. also if the hemi is a half ton and the CTD is of course a 25 or 3500 then somehting is just not right. I think you might have gotten some numbers wrong there.

 

I'm with Ben here. . .something doesnt sound right.

however, DOT does not put the GVWR and GCVWR on the vehicle, the manufacturers do.

The Cummins does not like short trips, it loves to be worked. . .HARD. I filled the bed of my truck(6 foot) to the bed rails with sand. . .the engine actualy ran better with the load than without. Accelerating to 70 and maintaining 70 even up hills was not an issue. the hemi on the other hand can handle the short trips, however loading it down like I do at times will put quite a burden on it.

realy it is a toss up in your case. the Cummins is a wonderfull engine that requires very little maintenance. oil change here and there and changeing the fuel filter on occasion and your done.

 

I could not believe it either. From www.dodge.com, follow the Towing & Payload menu link (http://www-5.dodge.com/vehsuite/TowingGuide.jsp), and select Ram 2500 / SLT / Quad Cab / 4x4 drive / 8ft box size / 6-Speed Manual Transmission (axle ratio shown in []):

5.7-Liter HEMI® V8 Engine
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR) = 8,800
Payload = 2,529
Curb Weight = 6,271
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 3,636 / 2,635
GAWR Front/Rear = 5,200 / 6,010
Gross Combination Weight Rating(GCWR) = 15,000 [3.73] / 17,000 [4.1]
You can tow = 8,600 [3.73] / 10,600 [4.1]

6.7-Liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel Engine
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR) = 9,000
Payload = 1,831
Curb Weight = 7,169
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 4,468 / 2,701
GAWR Front/Rear = 5,200 / 6,000
Gross Combination Weight Rating(GCWR) = 20,000 [3.73]
You can tow = 12,700 [3.73]

So CTD has GVWR plus 200 lbs and curb weight plus 898 lbs, so payload is minus 698 lbs compared to HEMI. This is direct from manufacturer.

Comments? This was not good news to me!

 

hmmm, sounds to me like dodge has their numbers mixed up. because in simple lamens terms there is no way a hemi can haul more than a CTD. I tink they are doing their math wrong. which is more than likely seeing as dodge has only put up the 6.7L CTD stuff a short time ago.

 

The CTD numbers would let you tow more, using a ball hitch, than the HEMI. My understanding is that a towed trailer adds about 10% to the payload. It is just the pickup payload that is less, which is an issue for a fifth wheel. Again from what I've read (and I'm completly new to this and so might be wrong), a fifth wheel adds 15% to 25% of the trailer weight to the payload. When passengers etc are figured in, this does not allow for a very heavy fifth wheel trailer. Which definately does not sound right for a diesel. I've sent an email to Dodge to ask them to verify the numbers.

 

Go for the cummins man, I'm not an owner of one, but I know diesels are damn good!

 

All I can say is
I love my Cummins.

 

Yea dude I tried to call them and ask becasue what they were saying doesn't make sense and the guy i talked to was an idiot. He dint know what the 6.7L was and insited the 5.9 was the only diesel.