2018 Ram 2500 Cummins vs 2017 Tundra

As some of you know, I recently made the jump to a 2018 Ram 2500 Cummins Laramie

As a Toyota fan it was actually a difficult decision but as an automotive enthusiast it was something I have been wanting to do for a while. About 8 months ago I really began looking at new vehicles, F150 Lariats, Ram 2500 Cummins, Chevy 1500 AT4 etc etc.... I wanted a really nice stock vehicle as I no longer took the Tundra offroad. I quickly decided that it was senseless to buy another 1500 truck. I also quickly realized that new 2500 Diesel prices are just silly. So i ultimately decided on a 4th Gen (14-18) Ram 2500 Cummins as I have family that have Chevy, Ford and Ram diesels I weighed everyones opinions heavily.

So I ended up setting a Carfax search for a 2018 Laramie with Sport Appearance Package with under 40k miles. Well last week I found one local and pulled the trigger.

After about a week of driving the Ram I figured I'd make a small comparison that might be beneficial to people thinking of making the jump to a 2500 HD truck.

Pros and Cons list that has come to my mind while driving

2017 SR5 Tundra

Pros:
Simplicity
Reliability
V8 sounded great
Drove/Rode great
Nimble steering
Great After Market Support
Price and Resale
38 Gallon Fuel Tank
Crew Max Cab is bigger than my Crew Cab on the Ram

Cons:
Cheap plastic interior
Low payload
MPG
Layout of Interior
5'7" Bed had limits for me

I seriously don't have a lot of Cons for the Tundra, I really just wanted a HD level truck. In fact the GF is now kicking the idea around of buying a Tundra as her economic car is paid off and we use it for commuting around town anyways.


2018 Ram 2500 Cummins

Pros:
Diesel Power is crazy and Sounds good
17 mpg around town, 22 on highway on stock tire size (Hand Calculated)
Interior layout is better
Laramie Interior is very luxurious
Looks/Styling
Payload and Towing Capacity
Smooth ride for a 2500
Cummins Reliability
Great Warranty
Alpine Sound System
uConnect 8.4” screen is a good size and user friendly
6'4" Bed

Cons: Thus Far
Price
Emissions Crap on modern diesels could be costly for repairs
Size for parking;
Tundra felt more nimble to park and steer
Not as reliable as Tundra, however I feel like the 2500 is better than the 1500.
31 Gallon fuel tank

I plan to stay active on this Forum because I still consider myself a Toyota enthusiast and enjoy staying in contact with a lot of Forum members on here! I understand this is an apples to oranges comparison, I just wanted to post my thoughts as I put a lot of thought into this decision and I know other people on here are contemplating a HD truck too. Please feel free to ask any questions. I'll post some pics of both trucks as well.

Mods Planned for the Cummins:
OEM Black 20" Wheels from "Night Edition" Package
Limo Tint
Flush Tool Box or a Bed Cover
295/60r20 Toyo AT3

Here was the last pic of my Tundra in it's prime


2018 Ram 2500 Cummins Sport Appearance Package

 

Gotta do what you gotta do. Congrats on the new truck. I'm glad you're deciding to stick around, and that many others have done the same. We are more than our trucks, at least some of us are, and it's all about the interactions and info sharing. You'll be a valuable resource to those that are considering a similar move for better payload and towing.

Who knows, you may be back in a Tundra in a few years.

 

What are hauling? Just curious.
My college roomate's dad was the CIO of Cummins. Couldn't get an employee discount. Useless connection... jk

 

Congrats.... ME...Toyota fan for Life

 

Love that Tundra. If it was close I would buy it. Only truck I have now is my old one so I’ll be in the market once we build a house. It’ll be either an HD or Tundra. Just depends on what they do with the new one

 

Let’s see some pics of your Ram!!

 

Right now I just have my RZR and on my double axle trailer, but my parents have a large livestock trailer and if I get more involved in that the Cummins will tow that like a dream.

And yes the Cummins is way overkill for a 1500lb Rzr on a 2200lb trailer haha

 

I'm surprised warranty is listed under the RAM when it's already 2 (almost 3) model years old.

 

7 year 100k bumper to bumper

 

When you’re ready to change out some suspension components.....and you will, especially the trac bar. Look at Thuren Suspensions.......https://www.thurenfabrication.com/

My last five CTD 2500’s had been suspended with Thuren or Carli. I know both and are good people in the business and tuning with suspension/shocks.

 

Thuren track bar is already on order! Glad to hear that you have had good luck/experience

 

Ah so extended warranty, because that's not standard?

It's 3 year 36k standard. And I've seen some issues with Ram extended warrantys only good at the dealer you purchased.

 

Correct. I think standard is 3/36 bumper to bumper and 5/100 power train. Thankfully I have a pretty good contact at the dealer here and I’m remaining hopeful I won’t run into any issues.

 

Must resist, mod money goes towards the RZR haha

 

I respect your decision. We're all leaving the flock. I'm going to a Ford 250 Tremor in the new 7.3 gasser. Tundra's are great... but the HD segment is better.

 

I went the other way. I had two Super Duties from 1998 through 2016. I had sold my boat and after about a year I asked myself while driving home, "why am I driving a nearly 8000 pound truck when I don't tow". My first Tundra was a 2014 and it felt so nimble compared to the Super Dutys I had .

 

check out fordtremor . com. My tremor should be arriving sometime in January. Bunch of ex-tundra guys on there too.

 

If I didn't "want" a diesel, I would have looked at a Powerwagon with the 6.4 or a Tremor with the 7.3 forsure. I watch a lot of "The Fast Lane" on YouTube and have been impressed with the big gas v8's that have come out recently

 

So did you sell or trade in the Tundra?

 

I am on that forum too. Love it that they have a whole sub forum just for problems. Looks like some are having pump issues and some trannys. As a disclaimer I am not saying they suck, I drive one for work and it is fine and their forum is helpful.

https://www.fordtremor.com/threads/2020-super-duty-known-issues.218/

https://www.fordtremor.com/threads/2020-f250-tremor-“transmission-problems-gen1-gen2.1688/

https://www.fordtremor.com/forums/ford-tremor-problems.31/

 

Traded in!

 

Pics of the new rig??

 

Did you part any components out to sell? Lots goodies with the suspension to not get some coin back.

 

You know that most of those problems aren't the norm, nor are they really related to the 7.3, right?

That's like pointing out how bad the tundra is because you've got thousands of anal dudes on a tundra forum complaining about "cam tower leaks." I've had two tundras, and not a single issue. I can find issues on this forum though.

The 7.3 is a big ass fleet motor for large trucks. The SD was made for service. They don't break down as often as you think, even with the 6.7.

 

Sorry I offended your choice in truck, wasnt trying to point anything out. I drive one daily.

 

I sold every aftermarket part thankfully and traded in a stock Tundra