We've come to the conclusion we're going to need to move up to a used one ton truck to haul a camper and boat. We have a Chevy 2500 Dmax 2003 and have been happy with it, but if we make the change I want to consider a Dodge as well as Chevy. Maybe you all can convince me. The reason we went with Chevy in the first place was we felt 3 years of experience with the DMax might have ironed out initial problems, we really liked the Allison and the interior was superior. That was just our impression. Now that our kids are in college, travelling will mostly be my wife and I, so interior considerations are less an issue. I really like the performance and reputation of the Cummins. So I guess my question is, if we find a 2001-2003 Dodge 1 ton, are there weak points we should look for. Are the automatic transmissions as reliable as the engine? Are there reliability issues with any other aspects of the Dodge trucks? Any significant differences between 2002 and 2003 Dodge trucks. I think the weak point of the chevy is still the Dmax engine and its injector issues and it will be a crap shoot if we get a used one. Although 2002 injectors are waranteed now to 200K. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I hate to say it but if you want room and comfort go with the chevy. I've never been to impressed with anybodies auto tranny dont have use for one so i cant help you their. If you plan to keep the truck over a 150k then get the cummins if not then the dmax would probably work. Get the 03 or up model it only adds about 6 inches but it sure is nice not having to open the front door to get to the backdoor. just my .02 worth The only other thing i dont like is the fact of limited tire options with the drw tires as far as manufactures and tread design

 

Yeah, the lack of tire options with Chevy is another downside. In terms of transmission, I dont think that having an automatic transmission is a must for me. I guess I'm hoping to find a truck with the greatest reliability and if that means getting a dodge cummins with a manual transmission then so be it.

 

[QUOTE=ducks'n'diesel]? Any significant differences between 2002 and 2003 Dodge trucks?[QUOTE]
major difference. 02= vp44 fuel pump and the 2nd gen body style
03= 3rd gen body style

 

Also check the auto trans The newer 48re is better trans then the older 47re. When did they switch.

 

As mentioned, the new body style started in 2003. They still made some standard output engines with the older 47RE transmission in 2003 which will be cheaper, and nothing wrong with them, but you can do better for your money. Your best bet would be to look for a 2004 or newer High Output (HO) with the 48RE transmission. The 48RE transmission is a pretty solid unit for a factory trans and has been trouble free except for the occasional fluke. All HOs have the 48RE, so check the horsepower rating on the engine data plate (drivers side of engine). HOs will be "305" hp or "325" hp. Everything else is just personal preference.

 

one correction...

The early 2004 trucks did have engine options (i.e. S.O. - Standard Outpt, or H.O. - High Output) and ths the SO motor was hooked to a 47RE Auto - you could not get the HO motor without the manual tranny.

In 2004.5 Dodge/Cummins went to one motor. It is not denoted as HO or SO. In 2004.5 the Cummins was rated at 325 HP, and 600 ft*lbs. TQ. It came with the 48RE auto which is a beefed up version of the older 47RE. They made the tranny mods to handle the 325/600 motor.

I love mine, only had one problem with some driveline vibration - it's fixed now. I am now getting 18 MPG consistently at 33k mi. .... and the fuel economy is still improving as the motor breaks in.

Good Luck

 

Got to disagree on that point. My 2003 has the 305 hp/555 tq motor with the 48re auto tranny that will lock out the overdrive. Build date is March 2003. Now that it is broken in I,m getting 19.5 mpg 25% city/75% hwy. No complaints there and time is seeming to prove that the 305/555 in stock form is having fewer injector problems and better mileage. Remember that is stock no chips! Happy camper here I recommend a 2003/2004 305/555 motor with the tranny option the 48re or the six shooter...whatever turns you crank.

 

Keepin mind though that you cant lock out overdrive in the 05 48re trans. Still good trans but poor gear controle for towing.

 

Actually some of the 2004 SO engines came with the 48RE transmission.

 

Thanks for the comments. What I am thinking is selling my 2003 Chevy 3/4 ton for as late a model one ton Dodge as I can get without taking too much of a hit in the cost difference. I though maybe getting a Dodge w/ Manual tranny would allow me to purchase a more recent model Dodge and also be more reliable than getting one with an automatic (in terms of repairs or reliability). Does this sound rational or is there really not much difference repair/reliability wise between the automatic and manual transmissions in the Dodge? Thanks

 

If I was going to spend most of my time traveling with a trailer (big one), I would get the six speed. I test drove an '05 6spd, and I liked it...if I was towing most of the time. I rarely tow, that is why I bought an automatic.
If you wanted to spend an additional few to 5 thousand dollars on a trans upgrade where you wouldn't have to worry about the tranny, do that- an auto is way better to drive. In my opinion.
Mike