BigDodge1

I am trying to help in a decision making process for my ole' man... Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.

Currently he owns a 12 val, 1996, 2X4, 2500 Cummins. He has 148,000 miles on it and it is starting to come apart; He replaced the rear axle about 6 months ago, now there is air seeping into the fuel line (it is currently in the shop for that), not to long ago he had to fix an oil leak in the pan, gone through 2 sets of brakes in the last 50,000 miles... and so on. He loves the truck and does not want to give it up.

Furthermore, he pulls a fifth wheel trailer with double slide, high profile, about 11,500 lbs. This goes with him all over Texas and back and forth to Colorado. The Colorado trips are once a year and accross Texas are at least every quarter.

Another issue is that he only gets between 10 and 8 mpg from dry to pulling.

I think this truck is nickle and diming him to death and that it is time to move up to a 2005/2006. It is time to let this truck retire to the back 40 where it will die gracefully. I bought a 2003 cummins, am getting 17-18mpg dry or towing, and wouldn't trade it. It has 60,000 miles on it and runs as the first time I put the key in.

Now that you know the background...
Would it be worth it for him to move up to the next generation?
What benefit would it be for him to move to the next generation?
Anyone have a 2005 and tows a trailer such as his, what mpg do you get?

My opinion may not be the same as yours (I may be a little biased); I want him to be able to make the best decision and I knew I could count on ya'll.

WhiteSport600

The motor in his old truck is far from tired. Turn it up a little put an exhaust on it, he'll love it like it was new. I love my 3rd gen, but 12v's do get the best mileage. Mine will get 12-14 towing a wind-resistant trailer such as that. The new 600's mileage is nothing to brag about. The power is impressive for stock, but the 12v could match it easily. The 3rd gens are quieter, ride nicer, roomier etc. I don't know if all that is worth it to him, I'm just saying that the things going wrong with his 96 are miniscule, and that she's along way from being worn out...

wannadiesel

If his mileage is really that bad the pump timing has probably slipped. He ought to be able to get close to 20 mpg empty.

bluebull

I agree with the pump timing being off.

Ripper406

I agree with others that the timming should be checked. However, if he does upgrade get a dually, much safer and more stable to tow that much weight.

John Halter

My 12V got 24 MPG my 4.5 is lucky to see 17

hammerjammer

the A-model fords got great mileage,but they are obsolete,like your dads truck,get a new one if the money is not an issue,if nothing else to get rid of that god-awful noise.

wannadiesel

Burn the infidel!