Community Forums

4thgenceli · 11-23-2020, 09:26 AM

I have the opportunity to pick up one of these two trucks. Mileage is just about identical (100k), all stock (no deletes, modifications, etc.).

I'm leaning towards the 2010 due to the miles to age ratio (but it is a 2 owner truck vs 1 owner on the 2017). Aside from the 2017 having DEF -- any reason I shouldn't jump for that one?

The 2010 is setup to tow about 13k per 'build sheet specs'. Real life folks are towing 15-16k as it sits, I can throw in the 4.10 gears to get the 18k tow rating I want.

The 2017 specs out at 17k, swapping out to 3.73/4.10 gears will only increase from there.

I wont be approaching these weights, realistically I'll be around 13-14k.

Rhagfo · 11-23-2020, 10:25 AM

My choice would be the 2017. Yes more miles per year is better for a diesel than fewer. The 2017 has more stock HP and Torque.
Which transmission in each as the Aisin is a plus.
Price difference?

ON EDIT: The 2017 if long bed would have a GVWR of 12,300# the 2010 only 11,500#.

Trim levels??

tuffr2 · 11-23-2020, 11:00 AM

I lost track of improvements made by Ram. I would describe the improvements as being incremental so the newer the better usually.

But in this case the 2017 will have all the pollution equipment on it while the 2010 will not.

The generation of Rams was new in 2008 so the 2010 and 2017 are considered the same generation.

I would lean toward the 2010 because it does not have the complex exhaust system that the 2017 has. DEF is just the tip of the complex exhaust system.

Here is an ok video explaining the new exhast system for 2011 and newer trucks.

https://youtu.be/yzRR8BTVsyw

Old-Biscuit · 11-23-2020, 11:28 AM

Cummins 6.7L Info
https://dieselresource.com/diesel-re...ion-2010-2018/

2010.....10 year old and was only 3 yrs into the learning curve with new engine design and that VGT
Mileage is WAY low (not good for a work horse engine)

2017.....3 yr old and with that mileage it is just getting broke in
Learning curve has been flattened...issues addressed

I would buy the 2017 vs 2010

4thgenceli · 11-23-2020, 11:34 AM

They're both essentially the same trim. Standard 6.7 motor, 68rfe transmission. Only difference between the two mechanically is as already mentioned, DEF in the 2017 and a 3.43 gear in the 2017 (2010 has 3.73 gears).

I've pulled build sheets off both of them:

2010- Payload of 4540#, max trailer of 13200# (GVWR 12200#)
2017 - Payload of 5700#, max tow of 17000# (GVWR 14000#)

Price difference is only about $5k after some back & forth with the dealer. The 2017 has some minor cosmetic damages (noob with trailer...lol) but is a single owner vs. two owner on the 2010.

Now I can get the 2010, do a DPF/EGR/SCR delete and go from there (I know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy sorta thing...) or keep the 2010 stock. It'll mostly be a tow rig, I rarely drive my truck to the grocery store (so no worry of DPF clogs or regen issues).

On the other hand, the 2017 has been serviced at the same dealer since new (which happens to be the dealer I'm buying from). I'm also not one to run the tanks dry and fill up before I hit 1/4 tank of fuel. Most of the DEF issues I'm hearing/reading about are due to folks letting the tank run empty or filling it with old/expired DEF fluids.

tuffr2 · 11-23-2020, 01:00 PM

Humm - I did not expect the payload to be that much higher on the 2017 vs the 2010.

That changes my mind because I know payload is a key factor in towing RV's.

That payload of 5,700lbs is really good. I would pick the 2017. Plus in the 2017 you proplable pick up a few nice features that were not available in 2010.

Cumminsfan · 11-23-2020, 01:08 PM

I owned a 2012 2500 which is basically the same as a 2010 3500 sans rear spring pack. Had some emission problems that were covered under warranty. Biggest issue is regens. If you're driving short distances then it will make the truck run sorta rough. I only got about 3,000 miles on average between oil changes because I tended to short hop when not towing. Max was 4,000 miles when towing.
Both years will have some steering issues. Drag link, track bar, ball joints, etc.
Owned a 2018 2500 6.4 Hemi as well. Had the drag link recall. FCA's fix is to weld the adjuster part. That makes it impossible to recenter the steering wheel after an alignment. I installed an after market drag link with adjustments.
I now own a 2019 3500 CTD. Best Ram yet. More refined. Warms up much faster in cold weather. The 2012 takes for ever to warm up. Makes cold mornings suck.

BUT, according to some consumer reports articles the 2017 3500 is picked as one of the worst years for Ram CTD's.

With all that being said, the 2010 if deleted would be a solid reliable truck without having to deal with DEF. It will run like a top once you remove the EGR valve and cooler. Run a stock tune only to stop the truck from showing codes. MPG's will increase as well.

My 2012 got 17-18 mpg hwy except when in regen and mpg's dropped to 14-15. Towing 9200 lbs I got 10.5-12 mpg on average.

My 2019 3500 SRW gets a constant 20+ on the freeway running 70-72. Towing it gets the same @11+/-

Knowing what I know and owning what I've owned I'd go 2010 and delete if you can. Doesn't mean you need to run a hot tune and roll coal. What deleting will do is make the truck run smoother and eliminate the emission nightmares that plagued the 2010-2012 years. I always looked that those years as bastard years in that they were over emission-ed when Ford and Gm were doing DEF and Ram was trying to band aide it.

laj · 11-23-2020, 01:14 PM

I’d buy. the ‘10 and delete. Think you will end up with a better p/u

NevadaNick · 11-23-2020, 01:45 PM

Buy the newest truck you can sfford.

jimcumminsw · 11-23-2020, 01:52 PM

I would suggest that you go to Turbo Diesel Register.com. This a dedicated Dodge/Ram Cummins site I would look at the buying guide for both years. TDR provides a buying guide on the trucks as to what is new and different.

Now I have an 2008 Dodge Cummins /68RFE auto and 3:73 gears on my truck. Which is great but the newer trucks are far better than a 2010 truck.

The newer Ram trucks from 2013.5, 3500 models were redesigned for major towing improvements over the earlier 3rd gen 6.7L Cummins trucks. The major improvements ( and this is from memory) were a stronger frame, improved suspension, improved fuel mileage from less EGR regeneration do to the use of DEF, more engine HP/TQ from the factory (370HP/800TQ). The engine is stronger and quieter with a longer oil change interval. Two factory fuel filters now one at the rear of the truck and one on the engine. A more comfortable and quieter cab, improved seating over the third gen trucks. The 2017 also complies with SAE J2807 Tow Ratings.

4thgenceli · 11-23-2020, 02:02 PM

Thanks CumminsFan -

I too read those same consumer reports and as always - I have to take everything with a grain of salt. I read those same reviews and have made it a point to inspect these points on the truck.

Rogue_Ryder · 11-23-2020, 03:45 PM

Can't believe nobody has mentioned the power differences yet!

Ram 6.7 for 2017 385hp and 900 lb/ft of torque! 2019 got 1000 lb/ft (might be a simple tune to up the '17 to match it). The 2010 6.7 "only" had 650 lb/ft and 350hp.

Rhagfo · 11-23-2020, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

I lost track of improvements made by Ram. I would describe the improvements as being incremental so the newer the better usually.

But in this case the 2017 will have all the pollution equipment on it while the 2010 will not.

The generation of Rams was new in 2008 so the 2010 and 2017 are considered the same generation.

I would lean toward the 2010 because it does not have the complex exhaust system that the 2017 has. DEF is just the tip of the complex exhaust system.

Here is an ok video explaining the new exhast system for 2011 and newer trucks.

https://youtu.be/yzRR8BTVsyw

While 2010 to 2018 are considered 4th generation, Ram made changes in 2013 to the 3500 and 2014 to the 2500. Beefer frame, more HP, more Torque, DEF for better fuel mileage. The biggest change was to GVWR the took the SRW long bed to 12,300# unmatched by Ford and GM until 2020! The 3500 DRW went from 12,300# to 14,000 GVWR.

Rhagfo · 11-23-2020, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue_Ryder

Can't believe nobody has mentioned the power differences yet!

Ram 6.7 for 2017 385hp and 900 lb/ft of torque! 2019 got 1000 lb/ft (might be a simple tune to up the '17 to match it). The 2010 6.7 "only" had 650 lb/ft and 350hp.

The 2017 with 68RFE only had 370 HP and 800 lb. ft. Of torque.