2013 Ram Truck Advice

Often, we have to consider the source.
JIMNLIN's link is the official Ram bodybuilder guide.
It's very specific that the frames are the same, and it's from the manufacturer of the vehicles.

45Ricochet, the links you posted are third-party and are vague.
The Allpar article linked in the CumminsForum thread is also vague, but it does state:
For 2013, Ram Heavy Duty trucks are using new frames, built with high-strength 50 KSI steel, to increase stiffness, improving noise reduction, ride, and handling.

The Ram 2500 and 3500 are "Ram Heavy Duty" trucks, and notice no mention of frame differences.

http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2013/intro.pdf. Its all in here.

The 3500 and 2500 share the same 68RFE. The 3500 SRW has the 68RFE and the Aisin. I thought everyone knew that. There is no reason a 2500 needs the Aisin when the 3500 SRW clone has it.
However my reply was aimed at the myth the 2500 and 3500 SRW didn't share the same chassis/frame.

The link you provided says nothing other than a partial 2500 tow ratings.

For '13 the 2500 GVWR has been raised to 10000 lbs vs '12 2wd 9000 (2wd) and 9600 for the 4x4.

For '13 the 2500 RAWR has been raised to 6200 lbs vs 6000 for the '12 models.

For '13 the 2500 GCWR has been raised to 25500 lbs vs the '12 22000 lbs.

For '13 the 2500 tow ratings had a big increase because of the new truck.
Example; the 2500 68RFE 2wd crew cab Laramie long bed has a 17650 lb tow ratings vs the '12 same truck 14800 lbs.

The same configured 3500 SRW tow rating is 17220 lb which is less than the '13 2500 truck.
Now look at the Ram frame/chassis numbers for the '13 2500/3500 SRW and we see there the same or they were at the time Ram updated the Body Builder website for the new '13 models.

JIMNLIN wrote:

someone wrote:
Be aware that for some reason Ram chose to put the new heavy duty frame only on the 1-ton trucks and the 2500 still has the old frame.

This myth will never die.
The '13 2500 and 3500 SRW share the same frame/chassis/running gear according to RAM Body Builders Guide tech sheets and Rams advertising.
In fact the '13 2500 has the same or higher tow ratings than the '13 3500 SRW. The '13 2500 Ram also has the higher FAWR/RAWR numbers than the '12 models.
Ram first issued the '13 one ton specs which lead to some folks speculating the 2500 was somehow different.

:H THIS link doesn't support your claim. Apples to apples on a SWR the base weight is higher on the 3500, and the GVWR is 2k more for the 3500.
You can't get the Aisin transmission with a 2500 nor the 5er hitch package. I believe the base weight difference is the bigger frame. That is exactly why the 2500 came off the line first with no hiccups and the 3500 had a problem in production which delayed its release date. Not the same truck clearly.

On edit, another link :W
Cummins Forum

someone wrote:
Be aware that for some reason Ram chose to put the new heavy duty frame only on the 1-ton trucks and the 2500 still has the old frame.

This myth will never die.
The '13 2500 and 3500 SRW share the same frame/chassis/running gear according to RAM Body Builders Guide tech sheets and Rams advertising.
In fact the '13 2500 has the same or higher tow ratings than the '13 3500 SRW. The '13 2500 Ram also has the higher FAWR/RAWR numbers than the '12 models.
Ram first issued the '13 one ton specs which lead to some folks speculating the 2500 was somehow different.

Atvanish,

I agree. 15k off msrp is very difficult to obtain. I will pass on this truck and wait until the 2014's come out. I am sure the deal will be better then.

APT wrote:
$15k off new $50k+ MSRP Ram trucks in my area. I expect less than that for anything "used".

I also would go straight to the 3500. That Cummins is a heavy beast.

Is that for real or do you have to live in a certain neighborhood, work for New Holland, while being in school (4H) and a recent college grad that has a '13 Chrysler lease turn in while you're active military and finance thru them? All at the same time - which is 100% impossible?

Sorry for the rant - I've talked to a few dealers that advertise like this but every time you call them it's Invoice - current incentives.. (or maybe a few hundred under). Best I can get is about $8k off MSRP before taxes..

I've also had the same argument with a local dealer that wants $50k for a 'demo' longhorn '12 3500 SRW (10k miles!)and won't budge...

$15k off new $50k+ MSRP Ram trucks in my area. I expect less than that for anything "used".

I also would go straight to the 3500. That Cummins is a heavy beast.

$50k is too much for a used truck that stickered at 56k.
It's pretty common to get about $10k off of sticker price for new.
I'd be looking at low 40's for that truck or just go buy a new one for mid to high 40s

RamTC wrote:
Big changes coming for the 14' 2500. I believe they start taking orders next week?

http://www.allpar.com/trucks/ram/2014-heavy-duty.html

Wow looks like the rear suspension will be very nice on the 3500's.

How bout the LongHauler being a go!

"Run Forest Run"