the hemi is known to go 200000 miles. the eco diesel is pretty new in the states, so time will tell.

 

I would guestimate that, when cared for properly, either engine is good for about 250,000 miles. Also depends on how the engine is used, stressed or abused.

 

You could buy the max care warranty for the Hemi...and it wouldn't matter.
Not sure if you can buy it for the Eco, I don't think you can for the Cummins.

 

The Hemi is good for well over 200k, and there have been Hemis reported to go over 500,000 miles without a rebuild. It really is a very robust engine, 4 bolt mains, deep skirts, iron block...

As with anything it depends on how its cared for. I'm sure the EcoDiesel will last a long time too, but it hasn't been around long enough for anyone to get serious mileage on one yet.

 

A couple of Eco owners have over 130k miles in one year and each is a heavy tow. They seem to really shine when worked hard. One tows Airstreams for delivery around the country, the other is a 5 day a week tow vehicle towing from SLC UT to Green River WY through the Wasatch mountains. Both are still going strong at this point so that is a good indication for longevity.

Check out MoparEcodiesel on YouTube for some good info on the 3D. Some videos are long and wordy but worth it.

You may have to subscribe to his channel over there.

 

Fantastic Info!!!! I think either engine you go with is going to treat you very well. I would look at what you NEED out of the truck and go with whatever fits best. The Eco is going to easily beat the Hemi on gas mileage, however depending on what part of the country you are in, diesel may or may not be cheaper than gas. Many of the guys that have Hemi's have driven the Eco, however will not give up their Hemi just because of the sound and strength it provides. So if you're looking for something sporty and throaty, I would go for the Hemi.

Good luck with the decision and let us know what you decide!!

A couple of Eco owners have over 130k miles in one year and each is a heavy tow. They seem to really shine when worked hard. One tows Airstreams for delivery around the country, the other is a 5 day a week tow vehicle towing from SLC UT to Green River WY through the Wasatch mountains. Both are still going strong at this point so that is a good indication for longevity.

Check out MoparEcodiesel on YouTube for some good info on the 3D. Some videos are long and wordy bit worth it.

You may have to subscribe to his channel over there.

 

Thanks, great info here.... I will check out the vids. I would not recalling be towing much, maybe some dirt bikes on a rail type trailer. I have an 06 Megacab 3500 dually long bed 6spd for towing our 5th wheel around. I am getting a job at a different company which requires a lot of driving. Better fuel milage is always nice, but I will be keeping this truck for a long time. My 99 GMC 1500 5.3 truck made it 380k without any trouble.

I am hoping to get 10 years out of this new Ram 1500. I am planing on buying it in the next 2-4 weeks. Just undecided on the Hemi or the Eco Diesel

 

I travel about 30k per year. That made the eco diesel an easy decision.

Well maintained diesels gave a reputation for long life, so that part does not concern me.

The hemi will cost you in fuel. I had a 2010 and my mileage was costly, so I sold it in a year. Now I'm going back to a truck with the economy of the eco diesel.

The hemi power and sound are really nice, but like all good things they come at a cost...

 

time will tell of course. there is every reason to believe the 3.0L VM will last a really long time - it is not 'new' - it is new to the US. what is likely more of a question mark will be the emissions systems and how long they are able to function before requiring service.

to that end, i'd suggest there are after market solutions to that side of the equation.

in the end - both trucks should serve you well with proper maintenance. over time, there is more payback on the EcoDiesel if you truly are a 10 year owner.

 

When does the savings in running diesel offset the cost of getting the motor vs the Hemi?

 

It really is a business case based on your annual mileage and how many years you plan to keep it. For me, it was going to take about 12 years to break even since I drive <12K a year and expect to keep it about 10 years. Just factor in the extra cost for the diesel engine up front and the average delta cost per gallon and use the average hwy/city mileage (or whatever most applies to your situation)....

 

You have to factor the higher maintenance cost of the ED (fuel filters) and the possibly higher resale value of the ED too. It's tough to make a good business case for the ED right now with the low gas prices. Then you just let personal preference take over. I spent 5 years working on diesels, I hate the smell of it now so that made up my mind.

 

What Diesel Smell?



I'm not too sure if when you say 'you hate the smell NOW', do you mean that you've been around it too long? Or do you mean that you don't like the current smell of diesels because they don't really smell anymore?
I ask this because it could be misleading to a reader. The EcoDiesel with it's current emissions set up with the DEF fluid doesn't even smell like diesel anymore and they don't put out any black soot either. I had to prove this to my wife because both of us never liked being stuck behind a transit bus seeing that black plume come out and the stench. We would immediately hit the recirculation button.
Anyway, before we bought our diesel, we had to do the diesel test. Yeah, that's right, turn on the engine then both of us walked around back to the tailgate and actually had a conversation back there. NO BAD DIESEL SMELL. Different yes (because of DEF fluid, just like a Mercedes BluTec), but much more like a gas engine and definitely not offensive. Anyway long story short... We bought the EcoDiesel and have never been happier!

 

I am not sure about Ram engines, but diesels are known for their high miles dependability worldwide. Its the nature of the beast.

 

Art - I just traded my 03 Hemi for the 3.0 v-6. My hemi had 202k and was still strong and running clean. No drips, smoke or noise. It never had 'old fluids' in it, and used it to tow boats, a travel trailer and many times a heavy tandem utility trailer. The mileage on the 03 was nothing to brag about, but incredibly I've been getting 22+ in town with this new mini diesel. Steve

 

Diesel fuel still stinks just as much as it ever did. When I worked in it every day I must have gotten used to it but now every time I get a sniff of diesel fuel it turns my stomach.

I agree the exhaust is much cleaner but you still have to fill the tank, can't avoid it.

 

Well, I pull the trigger yesterday. I bought the Granite Metalic Grey 2015 Ram 1500 Laramie 1500 Crew Cab. My last work truck was a 1999 GMC 1500 ext cab 2wd and I put 380k miles on it. Did the trans at 260k.

I bought the Maximum Care warranty, because I will burn through the 36k mile warranty in no time.

 

I bought the Maximum Care warranty, because I will burn through the 36k mile warranty in no time.

Not a bad call. Mine was up in less than 2 years

 

so did you go Hemi or EcoD?

 

I went with the Hemi. I also have an 06 CTD Megacab for my heavy hauling. I just bought the Hemi truck for my freeway/work truck.