Hello all, I guess I will post this question here as it really does not fit any place else and I have not found this question answered in doing a lot of searches. I will be on the lookout for a used truck in the future as my wife and I plan to hit the road full time in a 5th wheel RV within a year. What I am trying to determine is what year model started the “quite” Dodge CTD (perhaps 2003)? How did they accomplish this and could an earlier year be modified or converted to a quieter running engine? My wife has very sensitive hearing and she just cannot tolerate the older style engine. Plus you do not make any friends by cranking up a noisy engine at 06:30 AM while the rest of the campground is on vacation and trying to sleep in. Any help in determining what year model I would need to be on the lookout for would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any info. – John -

 

2003 was the introduction of the "less noisy" common rail (CR) engine.

~Rob

 

The "quiet" CTD's started in the 03 model year with the 3rd generation truck platform. The lower sound levels are accomplished by an electronically controlled common rail fuel injection system (CP3 pump by Bosch) that allows for multiple injection firing events to drastically reduce the pre ignition. I suppose technically, you could convert a 2nd gen CTD to the common rail CP3 but I think it is fair to say you would be MUCH further ahead by just buying a 3rd gen truck.

 

The 2003 was the start of the quieter engines - but the newer ones are even better. There was an '05 (I think) at the gas station a couple weeks ago that seemed to be much quieter then my '03, at least at idle.

 

I appreciate all of the very quick responses. In fact, I went for a short ride in a 3500 this AM to get an idea of the ride quailty. Thanks again everyone for the responses. - John -

 

All of the 3rd gen trucks (03-06) are definately quieter. But be forewarned that they usually do get louder with some miles on them.