I’ve been flipping diesels since Cummins still had mechanical injection.
Right now is the best window I’ve seen in 20 years — and it’s not even close.
1. Supply Crash Meets Demand Boom
- 2019–2021 Cummins & Duramax trucks are flooding wholesale auctions (off-lease + repossessions)
- Retail buyers still pay 2019 prices — or higher — because new trucks are $85K–$115K
- Result → $12,000–$22,000 spreads on clean, low-mile examples
2. Real Numbers from the Last 90 Days (Texas)
| Truck | Bought | Sold | Profit | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ram 3500 Cummins Laramie | $48,800 | $64,000 | $15,200 | 18 |
| 2021 F-350 King Ranch Powerstroke | $56,000 | $72,500 | $16,500 | 14 |
| 2019 Chevy 2500HD Duramax LTZ | $44,500 | $58,000 | $13,500 | 9 |
| 2020 GMC 3500 Denali Dually | $61,000 | $79,000 | $18,000 | 22 |
3. The Three Models You Should Be Hunting Right Now
- 2019–2021 Ram 3500 Cummins – Highest retail demand in Texas
- 2020–2022 F-250/F-350 Lariat+ – Powerstroke still commanding premium
- 2019–2021 Silverado/Sierra 2500HD Duramax – Most undervalued at auction
4. Why This Window Won’t Last Forever
New diesel production is down 38%. Lease returns peak in 2025–2026. After that, supply dries up and prices climb again. Anyone telling you “diesels are dead” is trying to sell you an EV.
Bottom line:
If you’re not flipping at least one high-horsepower diesel per month right now,
you’re leaving $100K+ on the table in 2025 alone.
If you’re not flipping at least one high-horsepower diesel per month right now,
you’re leaving $100K+ on the table in 2025 alone.
“I’ve made more money on 2019–2021 diesels in the last 18 months
than I did the entire decade of the 2000s.”
— Randy Adams