That thing got a Cummins? If so, read on!
Written: Oct 18 '04
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Reliability: |
 |
|
| Seat Comfort: |
 |
|
| Build Quality |
|
|
| Roominess: |
|
|
| Ease of Loading: |
|
|
|
Pros: Legendary Cummins engine, huge disc brakes, coil sprung front end, nice strong hydroformed frame
Cons: 48RE transmission - smooth but overtasked? Rear quad could be bigger, firm ride (expected)
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a truck that can serve as a daily driver and still haul heavy loads - or if you just love the Cummins!
|
|
|
| laxpatrick's Full Review: 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Truck |
Yep. When I first got the truck I got the inevitable question - "That thing got a HEEEEMEH in it???!". It got old after a while.
Why would you ever want a Hemi when you could be lulled into submission by the sweet sounds (now quieter than ever) of the 3rd generation Cummins Turbo Diesel?
When I purchased the vehicle I was seriously considering the half ton with the Hemi. I was only going to tow a 19ft boat and use it for daily driving and trips. But I had heard and read so much about the Cummins that I finally gave in and took the plunge.
On the road, empty, it drives like a truck. Though smoother than other 3/4 and one ton trucks I've driven thanks to the coil sprung front axle - it's better than leaf springs up there. But let's face it - you don't buy a solid axle truck for the smooth ride. Handling is good - the ride is firm but not too bouncy. Once you put some weight in the back it gets much smoother.
Fuel economy is great - I've got 15,000 miles and average about 17 in combo driving. Best mileage I've gotten is on the flats doing no more than 60 - 24 MPG!!!
Seats are firm and all controls are well placed with good visibility. The lumbar support adjustment is a welcome feature for longer rides. The Quad Cab is sufficient for adults of average size. I've heard rumors that Dodge is working on a "Mega Cab" for 2006 - that'd be a welcome addition. The Ford Super Duty sets the bar in this category - I wish my Dodge had that much more room.
I have the manual transfer case lever (it's available with an electronic switch as an option), and it always shifts smoothly into 4x4 and low range and back again.
Acceleration is truly impressive - you feel the torque in the seat of the pants they say - and this is no exception. Power to spare for any driving situation. Braking is impressive thanks to the oversize discs all around - big enough to require 17" wheels on each corner! Shifts are smooth on the auto - I've read rumors that the 48RE transmission isn't up to much more than the stock power that this Cummins puts out, could be a weak point over time.
All of this serves the truck well in what has become the key reason for having it - hauling horses! I tow a 4 horse extended living quarters aluminum trailer. With water, tack and beasts, I'm pretty close to max carrying capacity with the gooseneck load.
This thing tows like a dream! It's nice to be able to accelerate up steep grades with such a load - no longer resigned to the gasoline engine's dreadful downshift! This thing puts the torque to the load and doesn't show any sign of letting up.
All in all, I've been extremely pleased with the truck. It's fine for daily driver use and is a dream on the interstate - with or without the big horse trailer in tow. If you're looking for a reliable truck to get the job done and also pull family duties, consider the 2004 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel Quad Cab.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 36000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: SLT Quad Cab Short Box Cummins
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
laxpatrick
|
|
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.