Curious how to make your 2020 Cummins uniquely yours? Whether you want better performance, a bold new look, or advanced tech features, customizing your ride can transform your driving experience. But with so many options, knowing where to start makes all the difference.
This article breaks down the best ways to customize your 2020 Cummins. We’ll cover practical steps, must-know tips, and helpful insights so you can confidently create a truck that fits your needs and style.
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Customizing Your 2020 Cummins: The Ultimate Guide
When you drive a 2020 Ram equipped with the renowned 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, you’re behind the wheel of a powerhouse built to last and impress. Still, many owners want more—better performance, unique looks, improved ride, and personalized capabilities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most effective ways to customize your 2020 Cummins, from engine tuning and suspension upgrades to practical tips, challenges, cost-saving strategies, and commonly asked questions.
Customization: What Does “Custom” Mean for a 2020 Cummins?
Customizing your 2020 Cummins means enhancing your truck to meet your unique needs, preferences, or style. This can include:
- Boosting horsepower and torque through tuning and upgraded parts.
- Achieving a smoother or more capable ride with suspension kits.
- Enhancing exterior looks with bigger wheels, tires, bumpers, or lights.
- Upgrading interior features for comfort and technology.
- Improving towing, payload, or off-road capabilities.
In short, customizing is about making your Cummins truck truly yours.
Key Customization Areas for the 2020 Cummins
1. Engine Tuning and Performance Upgrades
What Is Engine Tuning?
Engine tuning involves adjusting your truck’s electronic control module (ECM) to change parameters like fuel delivery, air intake, and turbo settings. The goal? More power, better throttle response, and sometimes even improved fuel economy.
Popular Performance Upgrades
- EFI Live / ECM Custom Tuning: Offers deep adjustments for power, throttle response, and efficiency.
- Plug-and-Play Tuners: Devices from respected brands allow you to adjust performance modes for daily driving, towing, or off-road.
- Upgraded Air Intakes and Intercoolers: Improve airflow for cooler, denser air, which boosts performance and longevity.
- Exhaust System Upgrades: Reduce backpressure and improve turbo spool for more power and a better sound.
- Turbocharger Upgrades: Bigger turbos offer increased airflow for serious horsepower gains.
- Fuel System Enhancements: High-pressure pumps and larger injectors support higher power levels.
Important Note:
If you tow heavy or live in a hot climate, always match your upgrades to the demands on your truck. Over-tuning can overstress components if not managed responsibly.
2. Suspension and Ride Improvements
Upgrading your Cummins’ suspension changes the way your truck handles, rides, and performs—especially off-road or under load.
Common Suspension Upgrades
- Lift Kits: Add ground clearance for larger tires and a rugged stance (2–6 inches are common).
- Leveling Kits: Even out the factory rake for a flatter, more aggressive look.
- Heavy-Duty Shock Absorbers: Absorb greater impacts, keeping your ride smoother when hauling or off-roading.
- Air Ride Systems: Allow you to adjust ride height and firmness for different loads.
- Performance Coil Springs: Offer improved articulation and comfort, especially on rough terrain.
Real-World Example
Some Cummins enthusiasts build their trucks for serious off-road use, combining progressive coil springs with high-end shocks and large 37–38 inch tires.
3. Wheel, Tire, and Exterior Styling
How your Cummins looks is just as important as how it performs! Changing the wheels and tires is an instant visual transformation.
Popular Options
- Aggressive All-Terrain Tires: Essential for off-roaders, plus they enhance the stance.
- Custom Wheels: Go larger, wider, or change offset for a bolder look.
- Grille Guards, Bumpers, and Winches: Add both protection and rugged presence.
- LED Lighting Upgrades: Brighter, more reliable, and customizable.
- Side Steps and Running Boards: Combine function and style.
4. Interior Comfort and Technology
The 2020 Cummins already packs comfort and tech, but there’s room for more.
- Aftermarket Seats: Improve support on long drives or hard trails.
- Enhanced Audio Systems: Better speakers and subwoofers for clear, rich sound.
- Touchscreen Stereo Upgrades: For more advanced features, including navigation and smartphone integration.
- Storage Solutions: Custom consoles, under-seat boxes, and tool organizers to maximize space.
5. Specialized Custom Builds
Some owners go all-out, transforming their Cummins into showpieces or dedicated tow rigs.
- Off-Road Dominators: Large lifts, armored bumpers, beadlock wheels, and everything for tackling tough terrain.
- Long-Haul Towing Machines: Focus on cooling, transmission upgrades, reinforced suspension, and braking.
- Work-Ready Setups: Utility racks, lighting, auxiliary fuel tanks, and linings.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Customize Your 2020 Cummins
- Determine Your Needs and Goals
- Decide if you’re going for looks, performance, off-roading, work, or a combination.
- Set a Realistic Budget
- Upgrades can add up quickly. List priorities and plan for both parts and labor.
- Research Compatible Parts
- Double-check fitment for the 2020 model year, as some upgrades differ between years.
- Choose Trusted Brands
- Select reputable vendors to avoid issues with reliability, warranty, and support.
- Order Parts
- Look for package deals or bundles to save; check for shipping costs and times.
- Install Carefully
- Many upgrades are DIY-friendly. For complex mods, consider professional installation to ensure safety.
- Tune and Test
- If you tune or make major changes, always test drive and monitor performance.
- Maintain Regularly
- Keep up with maintenance to preserve reliability with your new mods.
- Stay Compliant
- Understand local laws regarding emissions and safety—some upgrades may impact legality for street use.
Benefits of Customizing Your 2020 Cummins
- Improved Performance: Get more power and torque for towing, hauling, or play.
- Better Ride and Handling: Smoother travel, less squat under load, and better control off-road.
- Enhanced Looks: Stand out at events, work sites, or in everyday traffic.
- Increased Resale Value: Quality upgrades can boost desirability and price if you ever sell.
- Tailored Utility: Make your truck fit your exact needs, whether that’s work, adventure, or both.
Challenges and Considerations
Customizing isn’t without its hurdles:
- Warranty Concerns: Some modifications (especially engine tuning) can void manufacturer warranties.
- Legal Compliance: Certain emissions-related mods may not be legal in all states or provinces.
- Reliability Risks: Aggressive tuning or cheap parts can lead to premature wear or failures.
- Increased Insurance: Some upgrades may raise premiums. Notify your provider for proper coverage.
- Resale Appeals: Extreme customizations might limit the pool of future buyers.
Practical Tips for a Successful 2020 Cummins Build
- Work with Professionals: Especially for engine and suspension upgrades, experienced shops ensure safe installation.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all parts, installs, and tuning. This helps with troubleshooting and resale.
- Balance Upgrades: Don’t overbuild any single part. Increased power means you may need better brakes, tires, or cooling, too.
- Stay Informed: Join Cummins owner forums or local groups for firsthand advice and reviews.
- Regularly Inspect Mods: Catch issues early, especially with suspension or performance parts.
Saving on Costs and Shipping
Custom parts and shipping can be expensive. Try these tips:
- Buy Used (Selectively): Good condition wheels, tires, or even tuners can be sourced from reputable sellers at a discount.
- Comparison Shop: Check prices from multiple vendors before buying. Sometimes, local shops can compete with online giants.
- Bundle Purchases: Packages that include multiple compatible parts may cost less than buying separately.
- Look for Free Shipping Thresholds: Many vendors offer free shipping over a certain purchase amount.
- DIY Where Safe: Simple installs—like cold air intakes or bolt-on exterior accessories—save on labor costs.
Summary
Customizing your 2020 Cummins brings a whole new level of excitement, capability, and satisfaction to truck ownership. Whether you aim for raw towing power, off-road prowess, or head-turning looks, there are endless options—from ECM tuning and lift kits to luxury interiors and rugged exteriors. Plan carefully, use quality parts, and work with professionals for complex upgrades. With the right approach, your Cummins will not only meet but exceed your expectations on and off the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to customize a 2020 Cummins?
Costs vary hugely based on the level of customization. Basic tuning and bolt-on mods may start at a few hundred dollars, while full builds with suspension, wheels, tires, and engine upgrades can easily exceed $10,000.
Will tuning my 2020 Cummins void the warranty?
Engine or ECM tuning often impacts your manufacturer’s warranty, especially if changes are detected during service visits. Some aftermarket “warranty-friendly” tunes are available, but always check the fine print and discuss with your dealer.
What kind of performance gains can I expect from tuning and upgrades?
Safe, reputable tuning can yield 50–150+ extra horsepower and similar torque gains, depending on the supporting mods and fuel quality. More aggressive builds can go higher but may affect reliability.
Are suspension lifts or big tires bad for my truck?
When professionally installed with quality components, lifts and big tires are safe. However, they change your truck’s center of gravity, handling, and may stress steering, brakes, and driveline. Routine checks and proper alignment are essential.
What’s the best first upgrade for a new Cummins owner?
For many, a mild performance tune or cold air intake is a smart start—they give immediate results and set a foundation for future upgrades. Suspension or tire changes are top picks for those who value off-road or aesthetic improvements.
With the right knowledge and planning, your 2020 Cummins can evolve far beyond its factory roots. Make your truck a true reflection of your lifestyle, whether it’s putting in hard work or having fun on the weekends. Happy building!