2015 SRW Ram 3500 Cummins (First year review)

[Greene728]

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!

[Cummins12V98]

brulaz,

You should try towing with a 98 12V for a while. My wife and I are thrilled at how we can actually carry on a conversation at ANY time in our 15 LongHorn dually towing a combined 33K.

At below 1100rpm in 2nd the trailer brakes along with the truck brakes should be working well enough as to not be an issue.

[Cummins12V98]

Grit dog wrote:
Running 70+psi in The front tires without additional weigh that require it is crazy IMO. Unless you just take out your false teeth so they don't rattle out!

Btw, not hard to get high miles out of bfg rugged terrains. They gotta be the hardest compound worst wet/snow/sand/anything but dry pavement tires ive ever run.
Perfect for pounding pavement cross country with heavy loads.....in good weather.

You may want to look at your actual front tire weights and compare to the weight/inflation chart. Then add 5psi for the fact the tires will have edge wear. Done this for hundreds of thousands of miles with great results and no MISSING TEETH!

[Grit_dog]

^Sounds like you'd be better off in a Buick or Cadillac....

[brulaz]

We like our RAM 2500 CTD 68RFE as well, it's an excellent tow truck. But we do have a few complaints:

Unlike the OP, we find the CTD noisy. Not talking about the low-speed diesel clatter, although there is that. And towing in 6th is quiet, whenever that is possible. But when towing in the hills in 5th gear the overall engine noise at rpms over 1800 is rather high for all-day driving comfort. And when the boost goes over 50% on the gauge, it gets worse and you can feel it as well as hear it.

As well, when going up a hill in cruise the down-shifts are way too dramatic and noisy. That's the main reason we cruise in 5th gear in the hills. The constant drone in 5th is preferable to the downshift drama.

Our issue may be that we purchased an SLT (Tradesman? in the US). The more expensive models might have more sound deadening material.


We did get the SLT Lux option which adds the fancy bench seat, gages, leather steering wheel and other stuff, all of which we love.

But the seats are fairly high off the floor, even in their lowest position, and I have a hard time entering the truck without hitting my head on the door frame. On the other hand, I can stuff lots of stuff under the seats. And I find the driver's seat are very comfortable over the long-haul.

Another complaint is the ignition interlock. Sometimes we have to play with the gear shift to get the key out. Maybe the dealer can fix that.

Finally, the low rpm (~1100) cut-out on the Exhaust Brake has been a problem on steep, slow speed, 2nd gear descents. Actually the problem is not the cut-out, but getting the EB to re-engage without having to speed up too fast. I've got some ideas, like upshifting to 3rd then back down to 2nd that we intend to try next time.

Otherwise the truck has worked very well for us over the last 12K km (~5000 miles towing). About 11mpg towing, 19mpg not.

[Me_Again]

Searching_Ut wrote:
I pretty much only use my 2015 3500 for towing, and now have a little over 8000 miles on it. Gas mileage averages right around 10mpg while towing, only a couple tanks running without the trailer but hit almost 20mpg at 80 to 85 mph. DEF usage much higher than others reporting, around 12 gallons to go 8k miles. Lots of whistles and bells, even dims highbeams for me, decides when wipers need to be intermittent or full blast. GPS maps could use updates, and voice controls are worthless for the nav stuff, work fairly well with phone, text messages etc. Rear air suspension is really nice, ASIN transmission mixed bag as it tends to hunt to much. TransForce tires actually get good traction towing in snow, rain, and do good on dirt roads if they are dry and don't have a lot fo gravel. They are wearing rather quickly though. IBC is sad to the point of being dangerous. Overall though, nice truck, towing beast, acceptable on paved roads empty, a little sad on the dirt roads which is just the way it is with 1 tons.

Try the IBC in heavy electric over hydraulic. Makes drum trailer brakes work better. RAM is working on a fix. Chris

[spoon059]

I have similar results from mine. I bought it used about 13 months ago with 10K miles and currently have almost 25K miles. We tow in the Eastern mountains quite often and it tows like a dream. The exhaust brake is awesome, I use it every time I start the truck, as well as tow/haul to keep the engine from lugging around town.

The trans felt a little goofy when I first got it. I'm not sure whether I just got used to it or whether it has "learned" how I drive, but it feels great now. No weird surging or unusual torque convertor lock ups.

The ride is very comfortable, I'm hard pressed to believe that I am in a heavy duty pickup truck with 70 psi in the tires.

My average fuel mileage is around 16 or 17 combined... but most of my driving is either in town or towing, so I'm pleased. Out on the highway and I can get lower 20's at 70+ mph. I'm astonished and super pleased with those numbers!!!

These new diesels, across the board, are great trucks. We as consumers are truly blessed with the new offerings. Time will tell with the new emissions nonsense, but a relatively clean burning diesel pickup getting 22 on the highway and 12-13 towing and making 385 hp and 850 lbs of torque is pretty darn cool in my opinion!

[Searching_Ut]

I pretty much only use my 2015 3500 for towing, and now have a little over 8000 miles on it. Gas mileage averages right around 10mpg while towing, only a couple tanks running without the trailer but hit almost 20mpg at 80 to 85 mph. DEF usage much higher than others reporting, around 12 gallons to go 8k miles. Lots of whistles and bells, even dims highbeams for me, decides when wipers need to be intermittent or full blast. GPS maps could use updates, and voice controls are worthless for the nav stuff, work fairly well with phone, text messages etc. Rear air suspension is really nice, ASIN transmission mixed bag as it tends to hunt to much. TransForce tires actually get good traction towing in snow, rain, and do good on dirt roads if they are dry and don't have a lot fo gravel. They are wearing rather quickly though. IBC is sad to the point of being dangerous. Overall though, nice truck, towing beast, acceptable on paved roads empty, a little sad on the dirt roads which is just the way it is with 1 tons.

[Greene728]

Overall I love the truck and wouldn't change a thing. Great daily driver, family hauler and tow machine. It pulls my 32' fifth wheel effortlessly.

Perfect IdaD!
Pretty well sums it up.

[Greene728]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Your trans is unlocking between shifts and is normal for a 68RFE.

I figured as much and haven't given it a second thought. Just weird sometimes when towing. Almost like it slips for a second or two, then engages and is gone with the wind!

[Grit_dog]

Running 70+psi in The front tires without additional weigh that require it is crazy IMO. Unless you just take out your false teeth so they don't rattle out!

Btw, not hard to get high miles out of bfg rugged terrains. They gotta be the hardest compound worst wet/snow/sand/anything but dry pavement tires ive ever run.
Perfect for pounding pavement cross country with heavy loads.....in good weather.

[Old-Biscuit]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
"I run Michelin At2 tires.......Fronts are 55 psi all the time"

I know you are "OLD" but you might take some advice and run your front tires to 72psi all the time. This comes from someone that easily gets 100-120K on 3rd gen take offs. I ran 72 front of my 98 4x4 and now 65 front 98 2wd.

These BFG's have 80K.

We have been down this road before....

[IdaD]

Greene728 wrote:
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.

I bought mine in June 2015 and I echo your comment regarding the EVIC and the mileage overall is amazing. I've topped 23 (yes, hand calc'd) on exclusive long highway runs. Freeway and city is obviously lower. 11 towing seems to be about average with my fifth wheel. Overall average seems to be a little over 17.

My experience with DEF has been a little different. Towing it seems to use quite a bit. Not a material cost or much of a nuisance, but I go through some DEF. I cooked through most a tank on one 2500 mile tow trip, granted I was moving and we were pulling through Idaho, Nevada and the Sierras in California (LOTS of up and down and topping out over 8k on multiple occasions). I'm sitting at about 19,300 right now.

Overall I love the truck and wouldn't change a thing. Great daily driver, family hauler and tow machine. It pulls my 32' fifth wheel effortlessly.

[Cummins12V98]

Your trans is unlocking between shifts and is normal for a 68RFE.

[Greene728]

Let me add to what I said about the tranny. The shifts are funny sometimes towing. I'm sure it's doing what it was programmed to do and it's nothing at all bad. When dropping from 5th down to 4th it almost seems like there is a slight delay is the main thing. I probably do need to run it in for a program check/update.
I just hardly ever go to the dealer as I do my own maintenance. Note....doing your filters for the first time be prepared to wrestle with the engine mounted fuel filter and oil filter. I'm convinced they have a very large Silverback gorilla who installs them at the factory! I was honestly afraid I was going to break the fuel filter canister when doing it the first time!
And my fuel mileage I quoted empty was best case and on the interstate running 70-75mph. Honest real world average is more in the 17.5 range give or take a little.
Glad to see so many others are enjoying theirs as well!

[wowens79]

Greene728 wrote:

wowens79 wrote:
Great to hear the good review. I'm starting to research some, I'll be looking in a year or so.

I'm in Newnan also, did you get it from the local dealer? I like to shop local, but I'm also cheap.

Awesome! Nice to see another local on here.
I tried to use the local dealer in Newnan but found them hard to deal with and could not work out a deal after two different attempts.
We finally worked out a great deal at Scott Evans CDJR in Carrollton. I highly recommend giving them a shot. Our experience there was very good. The owner even took the time to come introduce himself during the deal process and was very involved in the process till the deal was done. Even called a few days later to see how things were going and asked if we needed anything. Not very common anymore these days and impressed me a lot.
Best of luck to you!

I had heard similar about the local dealer. A co-worker bought an Eco-diesel from Evans also, and was happy with them. The local guy did not want to order him what he wanted, and would not make him a decent deal.

Thanks for the feedback. Now I've just got to make it through the day so we can head to WestPoint in the morning!