First off, this is sort of my first post on here beside a classified listing. I'm hoping to get some insight on a company truck that we have on our fleet. Not trying to start a huge argument or debate, just genuine frustration and questions.
My company has a 2009 3500 quad cab DRW 4x4 6.7L/ auto. Truck was purchased new as an SLT cab and chassis pretty hard loaded for an SLT. It was purchased with the intention of being a traveling truck and pulling our large trailer hauling cattle. This was also the first Dodge we've ever had on or fleet. We've always had Fords. The deal was right on the Dodge and they were trying to get the boss to make the switch. After today, I can comfortably say, that we will not be buying any more Dodge trucks with Cummins engines. This 09 will be the first and last that we have on our fleet.
This decision has been finalized over the $1,985.64 bill we got from the dealership today after the truck shut down traveling with a load of cattle for the second time. Water in fuel light illuminated and the truck developed a fairly serious miss immediately. Drained the separator and saw little, if any, water that came out. Took it in and the report came back yesterday morning: Fuel contamination. Heavy sediments in fuel system. #6 injector toast. Not covered under warranty.
Now, I completely understand fuel contamination being our responsibility. However, we get all of our fuel from the same place and the same pump, AND, we have 6 Ford Powerstrokes that fuel from that same pump that have never had any sort of fuel contamination troubles. We never have troubles in that area with our Fords. And it's not just this single issue that has been a real pain with this Dodge. We've had tie rod ends replaced twice. We've gone through the entire driveline and replaced all 3 u-joints. We've got constant electrical problems; power windows, power locks, power mirrors-- they work whenever they feel inclined. Constant trailer harness/fuse issues that we don't have with any other trucks on our fleet. Bad door seals. Bad door hinges. Just a plethora of nonsense that just puts a bad taste in your mouth everytime you sit in the seat. I might add that this truck has 73k miles on it as of today.
Now, my father has an 05 Dodge 3500 that is a great truck. In fact, he's had 3 Dodges that have all been great and no complaints. All 3 have been 5.9L's though. About the only compliment I can offer of this 09 company truck is the exhaust brake. The transmission is jumpy and unsure, but the exhaust brake is fantastic. The truck is falling apart. I'm nervous about logging anymore miles with it because of it's trouble history thus far. We have debated just taking the hickey on this injector and selling it.
I suppose I'm just wondering if we got a lemon or what? It's not like it's been one specific issue, it's a combination of many poor construction and manufacturing defects. Just unimpressed with this truck and disappointed in all the problems it has dealt us. Really frustrated and not sure why we are seeing all of these issues.
Like I said, all of our Fords have been great. This Dodge has just been a dog. Don't get bent at me, I'm not a Dodge bashing type. Like I said previously, I think my dad's Dodges have been great and I think his 05 has been the best thus far. But this 09 has had too many changes made, and not for the better.
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My company has a 2009 3500 quad cab DRW 4x4 6.7L/ auto. Truck was purchased new as an SLT cab and chassis pretty hard loaded for an SLT. It was purchased with the intention of being a traveling truck and pulling our large trailer hauling cattle. This was also the first Dodge we've ever had on or fleet. We've always had Fords. The deal was right on the Dodge and they were trying to get the boss to make the switch. After today, I can comfortably say, that we will not be buying any more Dodge trucks with Cummins engines. This 09 will be the first and last that we have on our fleet.
This decision has been finalized over the $1,985.64 bill we got from the dealership today after the truck shut down traveling with a load of cattle for the second time. Water in fuel light illuminated and the truck developed a fairly serious miss immediately. Drained the separator and saw little, if any, water that came out. Took it in and the report came back yesterday morning: Fuel contamination. Heavy sediments in fuel system. #6 injector toast. Not covered under warranty.
Now, I completely understand fuel contamination being our responsibility. However, we get all of our fuel from the same place and the same pump, AND, we have 6 Ford Powerstrokes that fuel from that same pump that have never had any sort of fuel contamination troubles. We never have troubles in that area with our Fords. And it's not just this single issue that has been a real pain with this Dodge. We've had tie rod ends replaced twice. We've gone through the entire driveline and replaced all 3 u-joints. We've got constant electrical problems; power windows, power locks, power mirrors-- they work whenever they feel inclined. Constant trailer harness/fuse issues that we don't have with any other trucks on our fleet. Bad door seals. Bad door hinges. Just a plethora of nonsense that just puts a bad taste in your mouth everytime you sit in the seat. I might add that this truck has 73k miles on it as of today.
Now, my father has an 05 Dodge 3500 that is a great truck. In fact, he's had 3 Dodges that have all been great and no complaints. All 3 have been 5.9L's though. About the only compliment I can offer of this 09 company truck is the exhaust brake. The transmission is jumpy and unsure, but the exhaust brake is fantastic. The truck is falling apart. I'm nervous about logging anymore miles with it because of it's trouble history thus far. We have debated just taking the hickey on this injector and selling it.
I suppose I'm just wondering if we got a lemon or what? It's not like it's been one specific issue, it's a combination of many poor construction and manufacturing defects. Just unimpressed with this truck and disappointed in all the problems it has dealt us. Really frustrated and not sure why we are seeing all of these issues.
Like I said, all of our Fords have been great. This Dodge has just been a dog. Don't get bent at me, I'm not a Dodge bashing type. Like I said previously, I think my dad's Dodges have been great and I think his 05 has been the best thus far. But this 09 has had too many changes made, and not for the better.
Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app