2015 SRW Ram 3500 Cummins (First year review)
Ok, so not quite a year (will be October 27th). But I wanted to do this and give a true, honest opinion to anyone possibly looking at something similar to mine as there wasn't a great deal out there info wise when I purchased mine from a real consumer actually using the truck every day.
First off, I love the Cummins. It still exhilarates me and makes me feel like a fat kid in the candy store every time I drive it! The power, fuel economy, quietness, and overall pure refinement of this engine is truly remarkable. I can get 21mph + or - interstate running easily (yes, that's hand calculations also) found the EVIC display to be very accurate also. DEF usage is basically irrelevant. Ive put just under 5 gallons in since new and is sitting at 10,887mi as I type this and half a tank of DEF on board.
Towing this year has been in the neighborhood of 2500 miles (absolutely nothing for some of you guys I know). Two trips to Florida and 6-8 other local outings to CG's in our area of West GA and East AL. My 5th weighs in the neighborhood of 9500 loaded and this truck handles it literally like child's play. But soon I hope to get a different rig slightly larger which was what made the decision to go 3500 in the first place. I also have a 24ft deck over gooseneck that I haul my tractor on that is equally man handled by the truck. The exhaust brake is now a mandatory item for me! What a difference it makes. My IBC has worked flawlessly too. I've read others who have had problems with them and I'm not sure why cause I couldn't be more pleased with mine. Towing MPG are anywhere from low of 12.2 to high of 14.5 depending on roads, wind, speed, and of course, weight being moved. The trans has been very good also. I have the 68RFE and yes, it shift's kinda awkward sometimes, but overall I'm very pleased with it and glad I saved the money vs. the Aisin. Its a fabulous trans I'm sure, just not warranted for my needs.
Overall truck. I sometimes wish I would have gotten a few more bells and whistles, but the Tradesmen package mine has included the chrome package, convenience package, inc. satellite radio, bluetooth, back up cam and sensors, electronic 4x4, factory sprayed liner, etc. So even though its not loaded, its extremely functional and comfortable. The things I miss are...audio controls on steering wheel (which I plan to add sometime), more adjust-ability of power seats, power folding mirrors, more options to monitor instrumentation display, dual climate control. The last one I always thought was kinda silly. But anything below say 75 and my wife is freezing and I'm sweating bullets. But for the price difference, I honestly don't think I'd change it if I could. I added seat covers (Marathon covers) and like them just as well as any leather I ever had. So although nice, I dont really miss the leather. The junk Firestone TransForce HT's it came with were traded off pronto! I now have MasterCraft AXT's and love them so far. Great ride, traction, aesthetics, and very reasonably priced! The ride is outstanding for a 1 ton truck IMO. Not having TPMS works out great as when I'm not towing I lower the rears to 60 psi and it works out great. And best of all, no aggravating light in my face babysitting me. I realize this can be a PITA to some, but I have a compressor in the garage which makes the adjustment's a breeze.
And most importantly, not one single issue so far (knocking on wood). I came from Ford and could not be happier with my decision. I will admit though that the new 2017 SD is really something! I look forward to seeing how things work out for them. Competition is a great thing and will be beneficial across all brands. But for the near future, ain't nothing prying this Cummins away from me! I hope this will help someone out. And if I left something out that anyone would like to know, please ask!
First off, I love the Cummins. It still exhilarates me and makes me feel like a fat kid in the candy store every time I drive it! The power, fuel economy, quietness, and overall pure refinement of this engine is truly remarkable. I can get 21mph + or - interstate running easily (yes, that's hand calculations also) found the EVIC display to be very accurate also. DEF usage is basically irrelevant. Ive put just under 5 gallons in since new and is sitting at 10,887mi as I type this and half a tank of DEF on board.
Towing this year has been in the neighborhood of 2500 miles (absolutely nothing for some of you guys I know). Two trips to Florida and 6-8 other local outings to CG's in our area of West GA and East AL. My 5th weighs in the neighborhood of 9500 loaded and this truck handles it literally like child's play. But soon I hope to get a different rig slightly larger which was what made the decision to go 3500 in the first place. I also have a 24ft deck over gooseneck that I haul my tractor on that is equally man handled by the truck. The exhaust brake is now a mandatory item for me! What a difference it makes. My IBC has worked flawlessly too. I've read others who have had problems with them and I'm not sure why cause I couldn't be more pleased with mine. Towing MPG are anywhere from low of 12.2 to high of 14.5 depending on roads, wind, speed, and of course, weight being moved. The trans has been very good also. I have the 68RFE and yes, it shift's kinda awkward sometimes, but overall I'm very pleased with it and glad I saved the money vs. the Aisin. Its a fabulous trans I'm sure, just not warranted for my needs.
Overall truck. I sometimes wish I would have gotten a few more bells and whistles, but the Tradesmen package mine has included the chrome package, convenience package, inc. satellite radio, bluetooth, back up cam and sensors, electronic 4x4, factory sprayed liner, etc. So even though its not loaded, its extremely functional and comfortable. The things I miss are...audio controls on steering wheel (which I plan to add sometime), more adjust-ability of power seats, power folding mirrors, more options to monitor instrumentation display, dual climate control. The last one I always thought was kinda silly. But anything below say 75 and my wife is freezing and I'm sweating bullets. But for the price difference, I honestly don't think I'd change it if I could. I added seat covers (Marathon covers) and like them just as well as any leather I ever had. So although nice, I dont really miss the leather. The junk Firestone TransForce HT's it came with were traded off pronto! I now have MasterCraft AXT's and love them so far. Great ride, traction, aesthetics, and very reasonably priced! The ride is outstanding for a 1 ton truck IMO. Not having TPMS works out great as when I'm not towing I lower the rears to 60 psi and it works out great. And best of all, no aggravating light in my face babysitting me. I realize this can be a PITA to some, but I have a compressor in the garage which makes the adjustment's a breeze.
And most importantly, not one single issue so far (knocking on wood). I came from Ford and could not be happier with my decision. I will admit though that the new 2017 SD is really something! I look forward to seeing how things work out for them. Competition is a great thing and will be beneficial across all brands. But for the near future, ain't nothing prying this Cummins away from me! I hope this will help someone out. And if I left something out that anyone would like to know, please ask!
