Pros/cons of a 2022 Ram 2500 diesel

[PaulB12]

Got a 2001 Excursion diesel 7.3 powerstroke, pulls like a beast, but getting long in the tooth. After all it's 23 years old. Only 228,000 miles. I bought used at 29,000 miles.
I'm looking at a 2022 ram 2500 Laramie diesel with 12,000 miles. Pretty well decked out.
Should I fix stuff on the Excursion, or spring for newer technology and newer headaches?
PaulB12

[norty1]

If me, I would want something newer for towing. I had a 1997 F350PSD and when I traded up in 2006, it was day and night difference in the power and comfort level.
I traded up again in 2020 for a 2017 that I now tow with and it was the same experience again!

[Grumpy]

You're engine's only good for around 400,000 to 500,000 so it's just getting broke in..

[Jerry713]

That Excursion is a one of a kind vehicle. Had a good friend that had one he drove it forever. That said I am with Norty I would think about upgrading. I wouldn’t go to. Ram but that’s just my personal preference. There’s a lot of peace of mind that comes with a newer tow vehicle.

[Old and soft]

I unloaded my 01 7.3 powerstroke and replaced it with an alumaduty 6.7 powerstroke. 440 hp, 925 #ft torque, no comparison. Comfort and gizmos are lite years ahead of the 01. Those 7.3's are a million mile motor in a 300k body. X's still bring a premium price when sold.

[Midnightmoon]

I'll be the one that tells you no.....don't get rid of a 7.3L Excursion short of it being in an accident or terminal rust. Probably one of the most sought after diesel vehicle combinations ever built.

[Learjet]

no one can make the right decision except you

[LuckyDuck]

I’ve thought about the same thing, as I know I could get way more from my 1999 7.3L F250 than I paid for it 6+ years ago. Bought it from the original owner with 92k miles and it’s got 135k now. He babied it and so do I. We don’t live in a snow belt or coast, so rust is no issue. In traversing the western United States, its power and stability has been pretty comforting. It. Just. Works. While I’d love more creature comforts, it’ll pull my house and I don’t have DEF or other modern stuff to worry about.

I don’t know how many RV days we have left, but it will out-live me. I could afford a new truck, but I just can’t justify it. YMMV, but if you give it up, don’t price it too low!

[PaulB12]

I agree with you all. How is that?
First is happy wife happy life( she is oking a newer truck )
Second is I'd need to spend between 10 to 15,000 on reconditioning things. Major one being a paint job, 23 years of Florida sun has taken its toll. Seats need recovering. In another year new tires. Then add in labor to have it done it jumps right up there.
I like Fords, but stupid expensive for new(er).
I don’t like Chevy.
So I'm leaning toward Ram, hence the question above. Real world owners would be nice.
And then there is do I need a diesel with the big numbers that the newer gamers put out.
And then our camping days may be numbered as we both are in mid 70's. It does get harder every year.
I do appreciate all the feed back .
PaulB12

[Jerry713]

Originally Posted by PaulB12

I agree with you all. How is that?
First is happy wife happy life( she is oking a newer truck )
Second is I'd need to spend between 10 to 15,000 on reconditioning things. Major one being a paint job, 23 years of Florida sun has taken its toll. Seats need recovering. In another year new tires. Then add in labor to have it done it jumps right up there.
I like Fords, but stupid expensive for new(er).
I don’t like Chevy.
So I'm leaning toward Ram, hence the question above. Real world owners would be nice.
And then there is do I need a diesel with the big numbers that the newer gamers put out.
And then our camping days may be numbered as we both are in mid 70's. It does get harder every year.
I do appreciate all the feed back .
PaulB12

Regarding diesel or not it’s hard to say without knowing what you’re towing. That said most of today’s gas engines in the 2500’s do fine. You have to deal with running the engine at higher RPM’s and more shifting. Fuel mileage in most cases is a wash at least it is with current fuel prices here in central Texas. I have a 2016 Ram 2500 with a 6.4 gas and it tows our 38’ 33RBTS (around 10,500 lbs on travel day) fine on flat ground. Struggles some on hills and when I’m heading into a stiff wind (20 mph or more). The newer model Ram 2500’s have the 8 speed transmission and that definitely improves towing performance. Ford has the 7.3 gas that is a towing beast (probably similar to your PS diesel). Chevy is not far behind Ford with their 2024 2500 6.6 has with the 10 speed transmission but I know you don’t like Chevy.

Personally I’m not a fan of diesel’s (fuel is expensive and so are repairs). I prefer driving a gas. My next truck will probably be a Ford with the 7.3 gas and 3:73 rear axle ratio.

[Jagiven]

I have the Ram 3500 Laramie. Not quite the same truck, but close. Absolutely a beast, DW loves it and all the features. If you want a new truck I would recommend it. I can't think of any pros or cons for it compared to any other HD truck.

Only thing I don't like is texting via the hands free, it only lets me use precanned responses. Maybe it's just a setting issue.

[Shokyle1]

If you are looking at a 3/4 ton just watch the payload. That diesel engine along with all the emissions junk adds alot of weight to the vehicles and eats into the payload.

[Jerry713]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I have the Ram 3500 Laramie.

Jagiven do you have the gas or diesel?

[bender88]

It's a Dodge so it will fall apart way before the Cummins goes.

[N Saban]

Originally Posted by PaulB12

Got a 2001 Excursion diesel 7.3 powerstroke, pulls like a beast, but getting long in the tooth. After all it's 23 years old. Only 228,000 miles. I bought used at 29,000 miles.
I'm looking at a 2022 ram 2500 Laramie diesel with 12,000 miles. Pretty well decked out.
Should I fix stuff on the Excursion, or spring for newer technology and newer headaches?
PaulB12

I have RAM 2020 2500 Laramie 6.4 HEMI Gas. Upgrades are nice. Pulls 7000 pound TT no problem and we load up the truck bed too.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Jerry713

Jagiven do you have the gas or diesel?

Diesel

[billcf7]

Originally Posted by bender88

It's a Dodge so it will fall apart way before the Cummins goes.

Its a RAM, hasn't been associated with Dodge since 2010

[Icy]

That 7.3 Powerstroke will probably last longer than that. Imperial oil in Sarnia run 7.3 on a water pump 24/7 and rebuilt it every 5 years only to freshen it up.
I was service manager at a ford dealership and had customers will close to a million kilometres (600,000 miles) on them and still running strong.

[Fingerlakes]

Originally Posted by billcf7

Its a RAM, hasn't been associated with Dodge since 2010

Just a name badge change, still built by the same people/company.

[Peoples16127]

I have a 2013 Ram 2500 Cummins and love it, but I would not recommend that anyone buy a modern diesel no matter what brand. None of the vehicle manufacturers have the emissions equipment figured out. There are constant check engine lights, engine derates, diesel particulate filter regenerations, diesel exhaust fluid system issues any of which can leave the truck stranded alongside the road. It wasn't until I gave my truck an appendectomy that I was glad I purchased it.