Community Forums

Ray,IN · 06-07-2016, 09:00 PM

Just drive on an interstate for at least an hour once/twice a month. This gets the engine up to operating temperature long enough for the EPA stuff to do its job properly.
Someone mentioned lugging the engine, not true, you cannot lug an engine with an automatic transmission attached, it will downshift to prevent lugging.

SkiSmuggs · 06-08-2016, 05:09 AM

I felt like mine was lugging until I put a 5-Star tune on it. 800-1000 rum in 6th doesn't pull well. I lock out gears during regeneration to keep above 1500 rpm.

Buggstzer · 06-08-2016, 07:09 AM

Thanks so much for all of the feedback, it is so very helpful.

It seems that so far there has not been a failure of the DPF reported due specifically to the type of driving I expect to do. There were problems with the early 6.7's, but as noted they were continuing to tweek the computer routines in those early years. At least it does not sound as though the DPF is going to unexpectedly fail in Whoknowswhere, Nebraska leaving me stranded with 12,000 pounds behind me. But that obviously does not mean it couldn't happen or that some sensor or other part won't strand me anyway.

So I don't know if this is the best or worst scenario.

Before I was thinking I would be limiting to a 5.9, but now I am feeling more comfortable with a 6.7. The 5.9 is much more simple and the trucks with them are much cheaper. Cheaper, older, less comfortable, less tech to go wrong, but none the less older..... The 6.7's are much more money, more tech, but newer and much more cushy from what I read. I like the styles of the 2010's+. But being blessed (or cursed) with the ability to turn a wrench I am automatically drawn to cheaper/older stuff. (Blessed "because I can fix it", Cursed because everything I own is old..., "because I can fix it"...) And yes, I know I am

Thanks again for the real life experiences. Some day I will have to make a decision. Please keep your experiences coming!

donnandon · 06-08-2016, 07:48 AM

I should add that we were never stranded on the side of the road with any of the DPF problems on the 2007.5. The 2nd time, we drove approx. 30 miles to a campground to drop off our 14k 5th wheel, then drove another 90 to a RAM dealer. Yes, there were messages warning me that engine power would be reduced, blah blah blah but nothing ever happened that we could tell.

Of course, not sure what that dealer did. They said they replaced DPF, but that one failed after approx. 1500 miles! Someone from RAM actually called us to verify what that dealer did. Since I never looked under truck, I could not tell them if the DPF was new or not. Apparently, they may just have "cleaned it out".

YC1 · 06-08-2016, 12:35 PM

The thing tried to begin a regen while on coastal roads where I could not get up to speed. It acted like it completed but started showing check engine light.

It went into the limp mode on a very long and steep hill.

I would suggest taking it to cummins for a manual regen and flash upgrade for the latest information. It will cost around 1K if they have to remove the filter and clean it. If they do it onboard it would be about half I suspect. The flash upgrades are probably worth the trip.