Im on the hunt for my first Dodge Diesel, And I have looked at so many different trucks and read so much info that im having trouble deciding what would best suit my needs. I mostly need a highway truck for hauling a slide in camper, And pulling a small tractor around (MX 5100 Kubota) Nothing to heavy. Id like to have a 1 ton, But 3/4 ton may be all I need? Is this year and engine a pretty good pick? And Ive heard there were some year models to avoid? If so which one?
(1114) 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 SL Rear Dually,Turbo Diesel L6 5.9L Manuel Trans 6 Sp

 

How heavy of camper? Most folks on here will recommend the 3500 dually unless it's a light pop-up.

I can't think of a year to outright avoid, all have their pluses and minuses. I am partial to the '03-'04s as they are pre-emissions, the 4th gens sure are nice though if you can swing one. Most important though is how they've been maintained.

 

Never heard anyone yet complain cause their truck is too big or has too much power. The truck in you listed sounds good. What rear gear ratio does it have? What are the RPM's at 70 mph?

 

An 04 with a 6speed is a very good combo.
Since it's a dually it will do a great job at hauling about any camper you throw on it.

 

For some reason I cant upload a photo

 

2000 rpm's at 70 mph, Thats a standard transmission and in 4th which is high gear. What gears do I have? Because I dont have a clue. Also I had someone tell me that I can no longer get parts for a 95 dodge 12 valve, such as injectors and plungers and so forth. I know that cant be true or else no one would be driving one would they?

 

When you say 4th, lever over to the right and up?

If so, that's 5th

 

Yes like you described , over to the right and up. I wasnt counting the granny gear.

 

A 06 will have 3:73's with the g56 trans that has a .79 od ratio which is almost like having a n5600 and 4:10's. There is the really rare 4:10 ones . I have not seen one ever but others supposedly have.

 

Parts for the 12 valve engines are very easily available.
In fact you can buy two new complete sets of injectors for the price of just one '06 CR injector and they'll probably last at least 200k miles.

 

That dually sounds perfect for a slide in camper of any weight.

Make sure all modes in climate control work properly, and that it starts quickly when hot.

 

^^ agreed. The additional lateral stability provided by the dually is desired regardless of camper weight.

That's a good year of truck.. it will do all you need it for.

 

I sure am glad because Im really liking this old truck a lot. Ive even considered selling my f150 and buying a new Reman engine just for backup, Has anybody looked at those engines on ebay? I think it called it a 12 valve B series. Whats B series? I double check that and read up on it.

 

Im still learning about all this, Im not sure what you mean about all modes in climate control. I think Im following you on the starting when hot though, What does it mean is wrong if it doesn't start easy when hot.

 

Hmm...I'm not sure either about this modes in climate control and the hot starting...

I know it's two extra tires...But I think you would like a dually for your camper..They are very stable truck with the training wheels...

Never heard of a hard start problem with a diesel engine when hot..Diesels love the heat...