Test drove a Cummins last night.

WyoTraveler wrote:
All I ever saw on the Ram was car mirrors.

As someone who doesn't buy the top of the line and wouldn't get the power extend, power fold mirrors anyways, I LOVE my Ram tow mirrors. While they may resemble "car mirrors" when in regular mode, when they flip out to tow mirrors they provide GREAT visibility. I really like them.

OP, If you are buying new and considering a 5er I would encourage you to look really hard at the 3500. With a Cummins in the 2500, you are looking at around 2500 lbs of payload. With the new coil springs you get a really good ride in a 3/4 ton, but its not wise to "cheat" the ratings.

I didn't test drive any 3500's with air suspension (it was outta my price range, no sense teasing myself), but they offer a much higher payload and apparently have a great ride as well. If it is in your budget and you plan to tow a 5er, that is your best bet.

I love my Cummins. I've been getting about 17 driving around town. Its not really city driving, but it sure isn't highway driving most of the time. Lots of red lights, lots of traffic. I'm pleased with 17 at those weights and those conditions. Haven't taken it on a longer trip without the trailer yet though. At one point on the highway to the beach I was getting 14 mpg (flat ground, open highway) pulling a 9000+/- trailer. Once I hit traffic and lights again, it dropped to around 12. Again... super pleased to even get 12. My gas truck was getting 8.

WyoTraveler wrote:
Dodge builds a good truck. Unless they have changed the only downside is towing mirrors. Hard to beat the Ford towing mirrors. Motors in & out and folds with a push of a button. All I ever saw on the Ram was car mirrors.

Had those horrible power mirrors on my last Chevy. Rarely worked as advertised, or and dont even ask about replacement cost! Thanks, Ill keep my fold up Ram mirrors. Stable, solid, and offer good visability.

Going from your vintage of truck (I used to have one) to any newer truck will be "smooth." I think some of the newer sound deadening gives a lot of that sensation.

My new Chevy sounds like an electric golf cart compared to my 06 duramax.

Get the truck you want. Having 5er prep from the factory is, I think, a good thing if you're going to go down that road. I believe B&W makes. A hitch specifically to fit it.

Dodge builds a good truck. Unless they have changed the only downside is towing mirrors. Hard to beat the Ford towing mirrors. Motors in & out and folds with a push of a button. All I ever saw on the Ram was car mirrors.

Vanished wrote:
The 3500's have about an extra 1500 lbs payload over the 2500's and ride rougher with leafs vs coils- and yes that Cummins is sweet! ;)

3500 cane be fitted with factory Air suspension.

The 3500's have about an extra 1500 lbs payload over the 2500's and ride rougher with leafs vs coils- and yes that Cummins is sweet! ;)

Oh ****, what did you go and do???? Lol

Buddy has a '13-2500 CTD Mega, very nice truck. The room in the back seat is crazy!!! Ride is very nice as well. He now has a 5ver with the 6'x" bed the Mega has and with an auto slider (Pull Rite I think), had not had any issues at all. Though they have only been on 3 trips so far since purchase this spring.

IF you consider the Ram Box, only the Reese Sidewinder will work without the need to modify the pin box. A situation where when the salesman's lips moved he was lying!

As for sb vs lb.... How old are the kids? What about a Mega Cab if they are still younger? Maybe IB will post up his experience having a Ram sb with a 5ver and what hitch he has. Can't remember if he has the hitch listed in his signature or not.

Was this a 2500 or 3500? As you know, for about the same price the 3500 has about 1k lbs more payload. Not sure if it has the same rear suspension now or not though.

Sounds like the factory prep is not a must have in reading the thread about the new Ford being ordered.

Did you at least go check the new Chevy trucks out being a die hard for so long? That way you can say at least you compared them.

Good luck!!!!