I have a question that I can not find an answer to within this group or googled on the web.... but, first the background of my question.
I am now retired and my wife and I want to travel. We DO have the funds to purchase a NEW Dodge w/Cummins to pull a 5th Weel (toy-box to carry my Jeep and live in...) and have been looking for both units here in California where we now live.
New Dodges in our area go for 38 to 42K and the trailers are in the 20 to 25K price ranges. I want a manual (hard to find) and a Ram 3500 seems to provide what I may need.
The Question: To save money.... I believe I can purchase a used manual 3500 with 12 valves (1997 or 98) for under 15K and poke an instant 8 to 10K into it and come out with a very reliable truck that will last the "X" number of years we have left. I've been reading within this group the major advantages of the pre 24valve engines and have been persuaded in this direction. My major question is the difference between the 1997 and the early 1998 cummins 12 valves? Are the 97 Dodges the same as the 1998's prior to the 24 valve? And, for either the 97 or
98, what is the most effective engine mods to perform?I plan on purchasing and registering the vehicle outside California because the Trailer will be located in another state (maybe Missouri). The 5th wheel's length will be just long enough to carry my Jeep and provided the necessary space to cook and sleep while on the road (26 to 30 foot max). Once a destination is reached, the Jeep comes out and will be parked under an attached awning (like a car port.) Also, I understand that new regs will be governing the fuel in the near future. Will the mods made to a 12 valve be compatible with the new fuel regs?
Anything you can help me with will be appreciated. If I'm barking at the wrong tree..... let me know that too.....
Reliability, strength and economy are the major factors.... speed of the vehicle is of no major concern..... we will get where we're going when we get there....