By The Dixie Pickers
If you’ve spent any time researching custom haulers, you’ve probably found yourself asking one question:
“Should I buy a Cummins or a Detroit?”
It’s one of the most common conversations we have with customers, and like most things in the trucking world, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Over the years, we’ve owned, driven, bought, sold, and serviced trucks with both engines. We’ve heard every opinion imaginable. Some customers will only own a Cummins. Others won’t consider anything but a Detroit.
Our advice is usually the same.
Don’t buy an engine because of internet opinions. Buy the engine that fits how you plan to use your truck.
Here’s why.
Let’s Get One Thing Out of the Way…
Both Cummins and Detroit build exceptional engines. If one were clearly superior, the market would have decided that years ago.
Instead, you’ll find loyal owners on both sides of the debate because both manufacturers have earned strong reputations for durability, performance, and reliability.
At The Dixie Pickers, we aren’t trying to convince customers that one is “good” and the other is “bad.”
That’s simply not true.
Why So Many Buyers Love Cummins
Cummins has one of the strongest reputations in the diesel world.
Mention the name to almost any truck owner, and chances are they’ll have a story.
Many grew up around Cummins-powered farm equipment, commercial trucks, or heavy equipment. Others have owned Dodge Ram pickups with Cummins engines for years.
That familiarity creates confidence.
Customers often tell us they want a Cummins because they’ve owned one before and never had problems.
That’s hard to argue with.
The Cummins L9, found in many Freightliner M2 106 custom haulers, has become one of the industry’s most respected medium-duty engines. It delivers smooth power, dependable performance, and plenty of capability for recreational towing.
For most RV owners, horse trailer owners, and recreational users, it offers everything they’ll ever need.
Why Detroit Has Earned Its Reputation
Detroit has changed dramatically over the past couple of decades.
Many buyers still remember Detroit engines from years ago and assume today’s engines are the same.
They aren’t.
Modern Detroit engines are incredibly refined.
- They’re quiet.
- They’re efficient.
- They’re powerful.
Many owners appreciate how smoothly they deliver power, especially when towing heavier loads over long distances.
Customers who spend weeks at a time traveling often tell us how relaxed the truck feels on the highway.
Detroit has become a favorite among many commercial fleets for good reason.
Reliability? Here’s Our Honest Opinion.
People often expect us to declare a winner.
We can’t.
Because in our experience, the biggest factor in long-term reliability isn’t the badge on the valve cover.
It’s maintenance.
We’ve seen Cummins engines with hundreds of thousands of dependable miles because they were serviced on schedule.
We’ve also seen Detroit engines do exactly the same thing.
On the other hand, we’ve seen expensive repairs on both brands because maintenance was ignored.
Oil changes delayed. Cooling systems neglected. Minor issues left unaddressed until they became major ones. Engines are remarkably durable.
Neglect isn’t.
Service Matters More Than Most Buyers Realize
One question we encourage customers to ask isn’t:
“Which engine is better?”
Instead, ask:
“Who will be servicing my truck?”
Both Cummins and Detroit have extensive service networks across the country.
If you travel regularly, knowing where you can receive qualified service is just as important as knowing what’s under the hood.
Fortunately, both manufacturers are well supported throughout North America.
What About Fuel Economy?
We hear this question all the time.
The honest answer?
There usually isn’t enough difference for it to determine which truck you should buy.
Driving habits. Trailer weight. Terrain. Cruising speed. Axle ratio. Tire size.
These factors often have a greater impact on fuel economy than whether the truck is powered by a Cummins or a Detroit.
If you’re choosing an engine based solely on fuel mileage, you’re probably focusing on the wrong part of the buying decision.
Which Engine Holds Its Value Better?
Here’s something many buyers overlook.
The resale value of a custom hauler depends on much more than the engine.
Condition. Maintenance history. Conversion manufacturer. Interior. Documentation. Overall presentation.
Those things influence value every day.
A meticulously maintained Cummins-powered truck will almost always outperform a neglected Detroit-powered truck.
The opposite is equally true.
Buy condition first. Engine second.
So…Which One Would We Buy?
Customers ask us this all the time.
The answer usually surprises them.
We buy the truck, not the engine.
If an exceptionally clean Freightliner arrives with a documented maintenance history, an outstanding conversion, and obvious pride of ownership, we’re interested regardless of whether it has a Cummins or a Detroit.
Why?
Because we know what matters over the long haul. The owner. The maintenance. The care.
Those things matter far more than the name on the engine.
What We Tell Every Customer
If you’ve narrowed your search to two beautiful custom haulers and the biggest difference is the engine, you’ve already done the hard part.
At that point, don’t lose sleep over whether you’re buying a Cummins or a Detroit.
Focus on:
- The truck that’s been cared for.
- The truck with the better history.
- The truck that fits your trailer.
- Your travel style.
- Your budget.
We’ve watched customers enjoy hundreds of thousands of trouble-free miles with both.
That’s why we don’t sell engines.
We help people find the right truck.
And that’s exactly how we’ve built relationships with our customers for more than 40 years.
About The Dixie Pickers
At The Dixie Pickers, we believe buying a custom hauler should be an informed decision—not a rushed one. Whether you’re comparing chassis, engines, conversions, or floorplans, we’re here to answer your questions honestly and help you choose the truck that’s right for your family.
Because in the end, the best custom hauler isn’t the one with the most impressive specifications.
It’s the one that gives you the confidence to turn the key and head toward your next adventure.
Every Mile Is a Memory. Enjoy Them All.
