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Bill001's avatar
Bill001
Explorer
Jul 12, 2016

RAM 3500 Diesel Owners - Still Like Your Truck?

Hi,
I've owned a Ford truck, and a GMC diesel. My son has owned a Ford diesel.

I'm looking at a Ram 3500 4x4 dually diesel for the 5th wheel (30' 10,000lb unit).

My question is for Ram 3500 owners: Are you still happy with your late model Ram 3500 purchase?

Suggestions for when shopping?

Thanks and enjoy the Summer,
Bill
  • In March I traded a 2013 F350 CC diesel 4x4 LB SRW in on a new 2016 Ram 3500 CC diesel 4x4 LB SRW. Both equipped the same. But mostly I traded the Ford 3267# payload for the Ram 4018# payload.
    I used be a Chevy guy but I really like the Ram. Like the Cummins long stroke, low RPM 900 ft lb torque with the Aisin transmission.
    Get the Laramie with heated/cooled seats. I also got the upfitter switches, wheel to wheel steps, 5th prep, sprayed bedliner, and Sirius/XM.
    Pulling a 12,500#GVW Montana HC 5th. Usually get 10.5-11.5 MPG. With the 3.42 rear gear I sometimes lock out high gear, but I may not in the future.
    Some say they don't like the mirrors but I can see better with them than the Ford.
    9,000 trouble free miles. Yeah I like it.
  • jmtandem wrote:
    Are you still happy with your late model Ram 3500 purchase?


    Eleven years and 145,000 miles and still smiling.


    And yours is a late model????? Chris
  • Bill001 wrote:
    Hi,
    I've owned a Ford truck, and a GMC diesel. My son has owned a Ford diesel.

    I'm looking at a Ram 3500 4x4 dually diesel for the 5th wheel (30' 10,000lb unit).

    My question is for Ram 3500 owners: Are you still happy with your late model Ram 3500 purchase?

    Suggestions for when shopping?

    Thanks and enjoy the Summer,
    Bill


    Do you see a much large 5th wheel in your future? As a dually is over kill for a 30' 10,000 lb trailer. The SRW 3500 are rated to around 17K for a 5th wheel and 7K RGAWR.

    We have had our 2015 3500 4x4 SRW SB Laramie for 10 months and 15K miles now and love it. To date it has been trouble free. With the 3.42 gears it is a real freeway cruise empty and towed the old 12.5K trailer with ease. We have only towed the new 39'4" Bighorn home from Oregon with a stop over night at the Washington coast. I will have to watch my pin weight, however with the Aisin optional tranny and it's low 1st gear, towing power is not an issue.

    If you do buy a dually I would suggest the 3.73 gears, Aisin tranny and rear air suspension. That combo will tow all but the heaviest commercial trailers. Chris
  • Our 2006 still runs like a charm with low mileage. Bought it new, have had several RVs since but there is no question about it, the truck stays.
  • Love the truck. Hate the service. Dealer can't fix anything. Dealership manage to tear up both rear fenders on two separate service visits. Truck has been great though.
  • We have a 2015 Ram 2 x 4 dually. It is a towing machine. We have also had a 2004 and 2012 Ram 2 x 4 dually. Would still have the 2012 if not for the issue with biodiesel. If buying new, get the 4:10 rear end and the Aisan transmission.
  • Great and as I was expecting. I think it also helps to be the original owner if one can afford it.

    Thanks!

    Bill
  • Are you still happy with your late model Ram 3500 purchase?


    Eleven years and 145,000 miles and still smiling.