Buying a 2011 that sat for 2 years, what to check?

[jltait]

We're looking at upgrading to a 2011 Ram 3500 Mega Cab to pull our 5th wheel and provide more comfort for our family of 5 (5 including the dog). We found a decent deal with a private seller. The truck has been parked for the last 2 years. The bought a summer home and have abandoned camping. The owner said he did start it on occasion. The truck has 63,000 miles.

 My question is, is there anything to be leery about, or to expect to replace. I've looked the truck over well, compared to the beat junk on most used lots, it's really clean. I am already planning for all new tires and batteries. It did start without issue when I looked at it, but It rolled over just a bit slow, so I am suspect of the batteries. I also noticed dry rot on the rear tires, but the front's seemed to be new. Still I am planning to spend the cash to replace those items. I also expect to put in a new fuel filter, change oil/filter right away. Is there anything else I should be considering?

[That Guy]

Basically what you said, and service all the fluids (brakes/diff/trans/power steering/coolant). That's general used vehicle advice particularly when its been sitting, and all the fluids are due for a service if they haven't been done before anyway. Really not sitting long enough or old enough to worry about seals. 

 

The tires will have a date code on them. Can tell how old they are, but they don't like sitting long term, can start flat spotting like you wouldn't believe.

 

 

[Me78569]

A vehicle that new I would just do fluids and verify the tires are good.  I would then hook up to a good heavy load and run it HARD to get the vgt clear of soot and the emissions heated up good and hot.

[jltait]

Thanks guys, everything I've had in the past was pre-emission, so I don't know much about them. I did pick it up this evening. @Me78569 I think your right about the VGT, seems pretty doggy/laggy. On my old Duramax's  (2003, 2005, both bought new) it was recommended to run Stanadyne Performance formula in the fuel for lubricity and cetane. I know this too has a CP3 pump, so would that be a good choice, or is there something better? I know 2 stroke oil is a no-no, with the emissions equipment.

[That Guy]

Is it a manual or auto? Stock, they tend to have a very conservative tune. Manuals even more so. By all rights, they should throw you into the seat..... they don't. My 12v with the same vgt turbo can light very hard by 1500 rpm (18psi) and will put you in the seat by 1800.

 

If you are used to the response of a 12/24 valve..... prepare to be underwhelmed. It is a much more subtle and linear spool and throttle response. 

 

That said, they can get sticky and many have been replaced under warranty for it. 

 

Fuel treatments....There are things that show they help, and Cummins endorses power service. Honestly though, unless the diesel you are getting is questionable or in cold climates, it rarely seems to be needed. Higher cetane isn't necessarily better and the CP3 was designed for ULSD. I run a can of stuff through when the NOx sensor throws a code, then it goes away for several tanks. I suspect that has more to do with it being used as a grocery getter more than anything else for most of its life.

Edited August 19, 2020 by That Guy

[jltait]

@That GuyIt is an auto, 68rfe. It's an early 2011, built in December 2010, so it the 350hp/650tq rating, prior to the bump to 800tq