Things are kind of slow anyway, so I'll throw in a thread about my new-to-me truck: a 2018 Ram Tradesman diesel dually. It's another white truck like my 2001 Dodge, but it is quite a bit different, to put it mildly.
๐The first thing is the noise level, or rather, the lack of noise. Coming from the old 24 valve VP44 to the common rail is amazing. It's very hard to tell from inside the truck that it is running. And out on the highway it's no different.
We bought it with 128,000 miles on it and it seems to run very well. It is the HD with the Aisin 6-speed auto, and the 4.10 rear end. Lots of room inside compared to the old quad cab. Seats are more comfortable IMO. It came with the 5th wheel towing package.
First things were to bring everything up to top drawer condition as much as I can. New Bilstien shocks front and rear, new oil changes: motor oil/filter, transmission oil/filter, and differential oil, air filter change, new shiny wheel covers since it came with steel wheels all 'round.
Sold my old B&W Companion turn-over ball, and bought a used B&W puck model for the Ram. Cost me about $50 difference. One thing about the B&W hitch, the do hold their value pretty well. Ain't that right Cummins?
๐ Now where's my hat?
๐As far as towing goes, this thing is a beast, and that's no joke. The ride is excellent with my 17,400 lb. Momentum 351M behind us. It has 14,000 GVWR, and cargo capacity of 5,900 lbs. In reality, the truck unloaded, but full of gas and the toolbos, it weighs 8740. So the payload actually is around 5270 lbs. Still not too bad.
My main concern after reading about the issues with towing heavy and auto transmissions, was the heat buildup in the transmission. We towed down through very hilly Arkansas, this summer hot, hot, hot, and it simply wasn't a concern with the Aisin. On flat ground with just the truck, the temp was 165ยฐ, on flat ground with the trailer in tow the temp was 165ยฐ, through the very hilly Ozarks the temp started to climb and peaked out at 167ยฐ.
๐ Needless to say, I was thrilled.
I'll try to get some photos posted later, although it's not an "OH WOW" machine by any means.
There ya go Jerry, now you're sorry you asked aren't you. LOL
Howard and Peggy
"Don't Panic"
