In the market for a used super C diesel motorhome (Medium Duty Truck chassis) and trying to figure out what model years I want to avoid. Have had two pre-emissions (06&08) Duramax, which have been great engines, but want to go newer. For reference the newest I can probably afford is the 2015ish range.

What was the progression of emission
controls and when did the manufacturers really get it figured out where they didn't cause problems? Seems like the first step was just Re-gen then DEF? What does "bulletproofing" entail and how effective is it?

Most of the motorhome chassis of those years had either Cummins or some version of the power stroke (which I feel like had their own issues?).

Thanks

AgTech88 said:

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when did the manufacturers really get it figured out where they didn't cause problems?

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LOL.

About the time the manufacturers figure out how to make a diesel not a piece of unreliable crap, the EPA moves the goalposts. See 7.3, 6.0, 6.4, and 6.7 Ford diesels. The 6.7 is pretty damn reliable and dialed in so I expect the EPA is diligently working on ways to dick that up before much longer.

Bulletproofing is correcting failure prone parts and accessories to make a motor more reliable.

If I wanted a Ford diesel that was powerful and relatively trouble free, I'd go with a 2015 or newer 6.7. Still has DEF and all of the emissions stuff but they've largely gotten it settled in provided you use the truck and diesel as it was intended which you will be doing.

BrazosDog02 said:

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About the time the manufacturers figure out how to make a diesel not a piece of unreliable crap, the EPA moves the goalposts. See 7.3, 6.0, 6.4, and 6.7 Ford diesels. The 6.7 is pretty damn reliable and dialed in so I expect the EPA is diligently working on ways to dick that up before much longer.

Bulletproofing is correcting failure prone parts and accessories to make a motor more reliable.

If I wanted a Ford diesel that was powerful and relatively trouble free, I'd go with a 2015 or newer 6.7. Still has DEF and all of the emissions stuff but they've largely gotten it settled in provided you use the truck and diesel as it was intended which you will be doing.

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This is sound advice. I'd add an S&S DPK to that motor and keep a spare cold side charge pipe on hand and run it confidently.