DIESEL POWER!

[Rick]

The heater is standard on the Dodge trucks. The cord for the heater is an option.
 

And if you don't the cord from the dealer (sorry Jackelope) they only run about $12

[jstone]

Dodge is ahead in the pole. Are they that much better?? Not very comfy, but thats not the inportant part. DEPENDABILITY Are they more dependable

[wildmanoutdoors]

Dodge have always been cheaper! I know 2 owners who bought Dodges because they were cheaper.

[Woodchuck]

I love my chev, but that Cummins motor is as tough as they come hands down.

[Special T]

I love my dodge, but when i look at the cost of the 6 speed manual and the commonrail motor the rest of the truck is made pretty cheep... I bought my standard cab in 05 2wd 1 ton Deually for 29k The cost at that time for the engine and tranny was about 18k you do the math.

[GWP]

I have considered a diesel as opposed to our gas Suburban, but after reading the comments here, I am more confused then ever as to which engine is best. We tow a 24' TT, and are usually loaded down with gear, but our gas 5.3 has done good for us, plus it is quiet and does not 'rattle'. It is a shame they bump up diesel prices just because they can, or I would already have one.

[7mag.]

I have considered a diesel as opposed to our gas Suburban, but after reading the comments here, I am more confused then ever as to which engine is best. We tow a 24' TT, and are usually loaded down with gear, but our gas 5.3 has done good for us, plus it is quiet and does not 'rattle'. It is a shame they bump up diesel prices just because they can, or I would already have one.

They are all pretty good motors. But if you want fuel economy and power, the Cummins is where it's at. They all last a long time, especially if maintained properly. As far as the rest of the truck, I believe it's a matter of preference. My Dodge has 140000 miles, and it still drives like it has 20000. My brother borrowed it a couple of months ago, and he told me that he thought my odometer was broken, because there is no way that my truck drove that nice with that many miles. Also, my Dodge is very comfortable, more than my buddy's new Ford.

[gonehuntin68]

does anyone have or have had a cummins with the 53 block, and did it crack?

[jstone]

GWP, I was in the same boat as you.. I had a suburban towing a 25 foot trailer. 35 gallon tank. Could watch the gas gauge move as i would go over the passes. Said screw it, bought a Ford diesel. I am a Chevy man but all those gas trannys went out. Still i AM glad that i switched. Pulls so much better and you will get better mileage with the diesel. 

[MADMAX]

I can pull an 8500 lb dry 27ft trailer up over Vantage hill at 80 plus no problem and have been pretty happy with mileage while towing on a recent Montana trip.

[6x6in6]

does anyone have or have had a cummins with the 53 block, and did it crack?

Yes I did, in my '98 12 valve.
Never cracked and it's still running with another owner today and 240k on the ticker.
Lord knows I put it to the test though.  700+ hp and many a time of 90+ boost psi with insane drive pressures. 
There was no shortage of air and fuel feeding the cylinders. 

[6x6in6]

does anyone have or have had a cummins with the 53 block, and did it crack?

You got a cracked one or know of someone who does?
If so, here's the fix.
http://www.locknstitch.com/cummins_5_9_block.htm
Many in the drag racing and sled pulling world do this to their 53's before they let go.

[predatorpro]

i get 20 to 21 on the highway with my cummins and 17 to 18 in town

[DRENALINJUNKIE]

Same here i get about 20-23 mpg with my dodge on Hwy, and with my work trailer i get around 13-15mpg. 06 2500 6 speed

[GWP]

Hey! What do you mean the tranny's go out in the gas ones? You mean like mine did 1200 miles after the warranty was over? Probably! Had it rebuilt in a friends shop with HD parts. 140K later and it is still working fine.
Have seen some of the high HP diesels at the local track. Those are SICK! Very cool indeed. Might start looking around and driving some D rigs as we are going to replace one of our vehicles in the next couple of years. We need the room of a Suburban though. Got to have the big station wagon for the dogs and gear!