Factory Order RAM 3/4 Ton 2500

[dshizzel]

I'm looking forward to ordering a 2015 Ram 2500 from the factory. I've decided against having the 5th wheel/Gooseneck prep done since it seems to really only accommodate the Mopar frame/rail assy and seems to be a waste of money based on what I want to do (see below).

I want to get the short bed (6.4'). My last TV was a '99 QC LB.

I plan to get the RamBox storage management, and will offset the narrower space and shorter bed with a Sidewinder setup and standard 5'er hitch. I've read some posts in other forums that, on balance, indicate that 5'er towing with RamBox is not a problem this way. (eg, hitting the sides of the boxes when sharp cornering.

I'll likely end up with a Heartland 5'er with the angled front cap. Between that and the Sidewinder, I should be ok for maneuverability.

My question to the forum is what options would absolutely preclude the addition of the hitch. For example, the auto-rear leveling, or full size spare tire.

Any other advice you could offer would be great, as well.

Thanks!

[mrkoje]

dpatt67 wrote:
While I'm glad you are happy with your choice on trucks, I'm not sure what you're talking about concerning the quality of Ram trucks. I have had many Chrysler vehicles, both pre and post Fiat, and have never had a bad one. Most on here have had similar experiences, so why the sudden worry over the current Chrysler?

I was kind of thinking the same thing. :h Easily reverse the roles though - I don't understand why anyone would consider purchasing a Ford with a diesel after their horrible history over the last decade.

[dshizzel]

Final note -- there was another reason or two that I excluded RAM.

Though I artlessly blurted something about quality, and notwithstanding my earlier experience, I really wanted an extended cab rather than a crew cab.

That was something I took away from the RAM experience and I really liked that.

The super cab long bed will be just about the same size as the truck I'm used to. One final factor was fuel tank size. With the 158" wheel base, the 37.5gal tank is standard whereas I think the additional 5gal was an option on the RAM.

I think I made a good choice for me, and I apologize if anything I said seemed to be attacking others' choices. That wasn't my intent. I should have been more articulate about what I was thinking.

Thanks again, guys!

[shepstone]

Congratulations on the new truck. Make sure you post up some pics when you get it.

[rhagfo]

JIMNLIN wrote:
Since you brought up your 16 year old '99 model ancient technology Dodge problems as your reasons for quality concerns on a new Ram I would reiterate its a perfect example of unfounded concerns on your part.
Hell I had a ancient technology one ton DRW Ford truck in commercial service that gave me nothing but problems from the git-go but I'm wise enough to realize the new gen one ton DRW Ford is a world apart from those old trucks.

Your the one guiding your threads direction with your comments. You asked for advice in your 1st post.
You can expect others opinions on your comments.

IMO you'll like any of the new gen Ram, GM or Ford trucks over any '99 brand truck.

X2 to your statements!

Dshizzel, Sorry you chose to go Ford based on what sounds like a beater 99 Ram. My 2001 is still strong and running well at 277,000 miles. If you think spending $3,000 for replacing the VP44 injection pump on your Ram, wait until your new fords CP4 high pressure pump fails.

[bigcitypopo]

The truck in my sig, has a 2500lb payload... The 4x4 was 2200lb...

[mountainsam]

I seem to have missed the page where the Ram is out. Sorry to hear that. But I am sure you will get a very nice TV with the Ford.

[mountainsam]

I just bought a 2014 2500 Tradesman with the chrome package and shift on the fly electric 4 w/d Cummins. It is very well equipped for the lower end. I also have the factory fifth wheel package. However, one issue I did not consider are driving lights. We live in the mountains and I really miss the low side lighting on these sharp mountain curves. For that reason alone I would go SLT if I were do it again. I also use the Sidewinder because that's what I had with my 05 Ram 6.4 bed. I now have a long bed but will stick with the sidewinder. If I don't like the combination I can always remove the wedge and put the bolts back in the turret. Just finished the folding cover today and with the picture frame from eTrailer and my Reese 16K hitch the cover has 2" of clearance.

[JIMNLIN]

Since you brought up your 16 year old '99 model ancient technology Dodge problems as your reasons for quality concerns on a new Ram I would reiterate its a perfect example of unfounded concerns on your part.
Hell I had a ancient technology one ton DRW Ford truck in commercial service that gave me nothing but problems from the git-go but I'm wise enough to realize the new gen one ton DRW Ford is a world apart from those old trucks.

Your the one guiding your threads direction with your comments. You asked for advice in your 1st post.
You can expect others opinions on your comments.

IMO you'll like any of the new gen Ram, GM or Ford trucks over any '99 brand truck.

[dpatt67]

Well, you certainly wanted one for this entire thread. Like I said, you buy what you want, but I did, and still do, wonder what suddenly changed your mind...

[goducks10]

I highly doubt any 1999 year vehicle can compare to a 2014 vehicle.

[dshizzel]

OK, since you ask.

Like you, I've also had a Ram. It was a '99 2500 long bed QuadCab Cummins, and for the most part it did the job.

But, there were enough glitches and outright problems with it that I decided to take a pass this time.

Warranty back in '99 wasn't as extensive as it is now, so it was out of warranty when, after 6 years, the lift pumps went out and eventually caused the fuel injectors to need replacing. That was over $3,000.

I had periodic issues with sensors going in and out, notably, the dash instrumentation and, most notably, the speedo, odo, and fuel gauge.

In one case, a sensor failed that caused my fuel system to shut down 20 miles east of Albuquerque with a trailer on the back. ON A SUNDAY. Triple-A to the rescue, and I thanked God that it was just a $300 sensor replacement to get me back on the road and that there was a qualified diesel shop I could take it to.

The front dashboard became cracked and brittle and the left door speaker would go in and out, depending on how hot it was.

That being said, I loved that truck and it took us on a lot of great trips.

When I sold it almost two years ago, I took $6,000 cash for it. It was still running and road legal and it was a great deal for the person that bought it, but I was between trailers, and it wasn't worth it to me to hang onto it.

I think, rather than hijack this thread further, that's enough said on the merits of RAM. I don't hate 'em; I just don't want another this time.

[JIMNLIN]

Followup -- I decided to go agnostic on the brand name. I, instead, looked for price, features, and quality.

Chrysler's recent ownership by Fiat disturbs me about the focus on quality. I work for a manufacturing company, and I know it starts from the top down.

I'm a huge GM truck fan. I've owned many more GM truck than other brands for private use and in commercial service.
In fact I own a 1/2 ton and a one ton DRW Chevy currently along with a Dodge Cummins truck.
IMO your concern for quality with a new Ram is misplaced and unfounded.
However its your choice. Ford or a GM truck will also serve you well.

[dpatt67]

While I'm glad you are happy with your choice on trucks, I'm not sure what you're talking about concerning the quality of Ram trucks. I have had many Chrysler vehicles, both pre and post Fiat, and have never had a bad one. Most on here have had similar experiences, so why the sudden worry over the current Chrysler?

[dshizzel]

I just wanted to say something about the (for me) truck buying process. I'm not the kind to drive all over hell and gone to get a $100 better deal. If I perceive I'm getting a fair deal, I just go with it.

My last truck, the '99 Dodge, I factory ordered and I know I paid about $28k for the SLT. Fair price back then.

16 years later, I start out on TrueCar.com and configured the truck I wanted, hit 'continue', and about 7 dealers received an email. I did it for Ford and Chevy.

I got a bunch of email responses that seemed to be 'bots but 2 dealerships responded more personally. One was a combined Chevy/Ford dealer, and other was Chevy.

The Chevy dealer did their best, but the prices were high and there were fewer rebates. Even invoice pricing was a bit steep.

The combined Ford/Chevy dealer said that, for what I wanted, they couldn't recommend the Chevy because Ford just had more rebates and it was a better deal. They configured the exact truck I wanted, including the factory/dealer installed 18k 5'er hitch, and called it at straight invoice.

DW and I drove out, reviewed the deal, and wrote a deposit check.

Now, here's the funny thing: I'm still getting 'bot emails and follow ups from other dealers. To each one, I reply I already have a deal and with whom.

A) they never even tried to question or beat the deal I got.
B) they don't seem to understand how to 'strike while the iron is hot'. I think they just grab a stack of old internet 'leads', hand 'em to the new guy, and say "see what you can do with these".

I have to say, I'm pleased to not have had to deal with sales people and closers and such, and I highly recommend services like Truecar.com if you don't want to hassle. Heck, any of 'em will probably do the job: KBB, AAA, Costco. In fact, I think I DID use Costco back in '99 🙂

Thanks again, everyone!