Built to Last: Why the Cummins Stands the Test of Time

If you’re shopping for a used Ram 2500 for sale, chances are you’re looking for a truck that can deliver serious power, exceptional towing capacity, and long-term reliability. For many drivers, the standout feature of the Ram 2500 extends beyond its rugged build and impressive performance—it’s the legendary Cummins diesel engine under the hood.

Cummins engines are renowned for their durability, reliability, and longevity. With a well-maintained Cummins diesel engine capable of running anywhere from 400,000 to 1,000,000 miles, it’s no wonder that they’re celebrated by truck enthusiasts and professionals alike. But what makes the Cummins engine dependable? As we explore, it’s time to discover why Cummins engines last so long, why they earn our highest recommendation, and what you can do to make the most from the Cummins heartbeat.

A Legacy of Excellence: The Foundation of Cummins Durability

The Cummins name is synonymous with durability and performance. These characteristics have defined the company since 1919, when Clessie Cummins founded the Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana. Clessie was inspired by Rudolf Diesel’s cutting-edge internal combustion engine and set out to improve the design. Within a few years, Cummins debuted the Model U engine, patenting the direct-injection design and putting the company on a new trajectory of innovation and industry-wide advancement.

Knowing the power of seeing things firsthand, Cummins did something extraordinary after he developed the Model U. Rather than relying on news of its capability to spread by word of mouth, Cummins staged an exhibition to showcase the engine. He outfitted an Indiana truck with a Cummins Model U engine and sent it from New York to Los Angeles, making the journey in a record-setting time of 97 hours. The feat is unimaginable, considering the United States interstate highway system had not yet been established.

Built to Go the Distance: Why Cummins Engines Last

Since opening its doors in 1919, Cummins has operated with durability and quality as its core principles. Every Cummins engine is built to withstand the demands of heavy-duty performance, whether towing, hauling, or navigating extreme industrial conditions. This durability has defined the Ram lineup since 1989, when the American automaker joined forces with Cummins to mark a new era of performance and capability in its trucks.

Simple Yet Robust By Design

Cummins engines are renowned for their longevity, which is made possible because of their simple yet robust design. Gas-powered internal combustion engines have many moving parts, but that complexity makes them more prone to failure and significantly more complicated to repair. Cummins recognized this, simplifying his engine design without hindering its output or mitigating its capability.

Cummins diesel engines have fewer components and a streamlined design. With more room in the engine, the oil moves freely, lubricating the components and ensuring optimal engine performance for longer run times. Today, that simplified design improves the engine’s performance and impacts the engine’s routine service and maintenance needs.

A Low-End Torque Philosophy

Cummins engines are renowned for their high torque output, and the Ram 2500 is no exception. Drivers reap the rewards of Ram’s partnership with Cummins, as the Ram 2500 has seen a steady increase in output over the years. The 2022 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six engine under its hood makes 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. After several updates to the engine in 2025, the Cummins’ output increased to 430 hp and a jaw-dropping 1,075 lb-ft of torque. So, why does it matter beyond the numbers?

The Cummins’ higher torque output makes a truck like the Ram 2500 more engaging and capable by improving how it accelerates, how much it can tow, and the payload it can support. These advantages stem from the Cummins’ design, which compresses the air-fuel mixture more before ignition than in a gas-powered engine. This extra compression allows the Cummins to extract more energy from its fuel, leading to more power.

Cummins ensures this increased output doesn’t come with any adverse effects. How? By operating at lower RPMs, the Cummins endures less wear and tear on its internal components. Likewise, the engine runs more efficiently and longer, explaining why Cummins is known for their impressive fuel economy and ability to log hundreds of thousands of miles with routine maintenance.

Maintenance: The Key to Longevity With a Cummins

Cummins engines are engineered for durability, making used Ram 2500 trucks incredibly popular because drivers know even a high-mileage truck has plenty of life left in its Cummins heartbeat. This longevity is intricately tied to proper maintenance, where our dealership is always ready to lend a hand.

Service Essentials

Cummins engines require routine oil changes like their gas-powered siblings, with the frequency dependent on the driving conditions and demands. Beyond this routine service, a Cummins-powered Ram 2500 needs a few more services to ensure its reliability, longevity, and operability.

These preventative services focus on the cooling system, lubrication, fuel system, batteries, and filters. For example, the engine filter prevents dirt, dust, and other debris from damaging the engine, while the coolant system ensures the Cummins maintains an ideal operating temperature to mitigate the potential for overheating.

Driving Habits

We mentioned that the frequency of a routine oil change depends on the driving conditions and the demands placed on the engine. For example, do you rely on your Ram 2500 to tow heavy equipment to job sites throughout the week? Do you stay idling for long periods? Do you have a more aggressive driving style, with sudden accelerations and hard braking? These habits can increase the wear and tear on a Cummins engine, forcing it to work longer and harder.

Why Choose Cummins

There’s one engine that always earns our seal of approval and that is a Cummins. Ram is renowned for blending luxury and capability across its truck lineup, but that balance wouldn’t be as impressive without the Cummins heartbeat. Yet, you’ll want to choose this legendary diesel engine for a few more reasons.

Proven Reliability

Cummins has shaped the global landscape for over a century, displaying its ingenuity since the early 1920s. This legacy has established the brand’s reputation for building long-lasting, reliable engines that defy expectations. Because of this, drivers can confidently shop for a used Ram 2500, knowing that it will exceed their expectations if it has a Cummins under the hood.

Exceptional Long-Term Investment

Cummins-powered trucks like the Ram 2500 offer a higher return on your investment. While diesel trucks are more expensive than new models, the long-term value is unmatched because of the engine’s longevity and fuel economy. This value skyrockets on the used lot, putting your hard-earned money to work in a truck designed to withstand the demands of your workweek and weekends. Moreover, you can expect a higher resale value when you’re ready to trade.

Outstanding Aftermarket Support

Ram partnered with Cummins in 1989, and that partnership continues today. Because of this, Ram 2500 owners enjoy a vibrant community of aftermarket support that adds another layer of value to their investment.

Cummins engines are incredibly versatile, making them easy to repair, modify, and upgrade. With a diesel-powered Ram 2500, you’re part of that community and have a front-row seat to this expertise and support as you get the most from your Cummins every mile and adventure ahead.

Drive Only the Best With Cummins and Ram

In an age where cost-cutting measures and complex designs often compromise vehicle longevity, Cummins engines owe their exceptional longevity to robust engineering. They serve as an example of what remarkable, quality-centric engineering looks like.

Its simple yet robust design sets the stage for higher torque outputs that yield better acceleration and class-leading capabilities. This combination makes the Cummins a standout choice for drivers who want, need, and demand more from a truck like the Ram 2500.

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