So my 2012 RAM 3500 was in the shop for two weeks with a P0420 CEL. Turns out that it had to do with a cat, and the part was on back order, not scheduled for release until late August.
I spoke with two technicians about the likelihood of it being troublefree between now and then, and was less than reassured by both of their responses - “maybe, but if it collapses on itself the truck will not have enough power to move far on its own”. Looked into aftermarket options, but I live in an emissions testing county and the great state of Colofornia will not allow any non OEM parts for emissions compliance.
With a 3000 mile round trip pulling the RV was literally a day away, I quickly went on a new truck search. I can tell you from my experience, there is still a significant shortage.
I used the RAM build a truck site, and searched a 100 mile radius from
Denver. My criteria was pretty simple. RAM 3500, HO engine, crew cab, Laramie or better trim, 50 gallon fuel tank, 5th wheel prep package. I was open to 2022 or 2023 trucks. My search only resulted in a very small handful of trucks available (if I was open to Tradesman trim, options would have been much better). I then started calling dealers to see who was willing to sell on the EP program for a truck on the lot, and that narrowed my choices much further.
Found a dealer 100 miles away that had a truck that met the criteria (Laramie trim, technology group with adaptive cruise and the advanced tow package in a long bed). I left the house at about 1000 am, did the paperwork (which took much longer than I thought it should) drove it to an RV dealer near home, getting there about 30 minutes before they closed), picked up a new Anderson ultimate hitch that uses the goose neck in the prep package), hitched the trailer, and headed towards Portland.
We drove over 1300 miles in a day and a half, all around the Portland area, and then back in two days. Here are my observations.
Without question, this is the biggest upgrade I’ve ever experienced in a vehicle. There simply is no comparison between my 2012 and this 2023. Out trip took us up I80 to I84. While there are not any hills like I70, we still encountered some grades, although you hardly knew it with the Cummins/Aisin. It’s simply impressive.
Love all the cameras and the adaptive cruise. Wish I could have got massaging seats. I also miss my auxiliary fuel tank. Even with my relatively small 12,000 pound trailer, stability in the old DRW was better (especially when we encountered winds around the Columbia gorge). I still am happy we got a SRW - it’s nice to run it through a car wash instead of hand washing.
I am sure I have some upgrades in the near future. I put running boards on the truck on Sunday. Clear bra and window tint Thursday. Probably need air bags and maybe bigger tires. Who knows what else.
My anticipation was to keep my last truck for another 100,000 + miles, but so far I have no regrets that I was forced to upgrade.
I spoke with two technicians about the likelihood of it being troublefree between now and then, and was less than reassured by both of their responses - “maybe, but if it collapses on itself the truck will not have enough power to move far on its own”. Looked into aftermarket options, but I live in an emissions testing county and the great state of Colofornia will not allow any non OEM parts for emissions compliance.
With a 3000 mile round trip pulling the RV was literally a day away, I quickly went on a new truck search. I can tell you from my experience, there is still a significant shortage.
I used the RAM build a truck site, and searched a 100 mile radius from
Denver. My criteria was pretty simple. RAM 3500, HO engine, crew cab, Laramie or better trim, 50 gallon fuel tank, 5th wheel prep package. I was open to 2022 or 2023 trucks. My search only resulted in a very small handful of trucks available (if I was open to Tradesman trim, options would have been much better). I then started calling dealers to see who was willing to sell on the EP program for a truck on the lot, and that narrowed my choices much further.
Found a dealer 100 miles away that had a truck that met the criteria (Laramie trim, technology group with adaptive cruise and the advanced tow package in a long bed). I left the house at about 1000 am, did the paperwork (which took much longer than I thought it should) drove it to an RV dealer near home, getting there about 30 minutes before they closed), picked up a new Anderson ultimate hitch that uses the goose neck in the prep package), hitched the trailer, and headed towards Portland.
We drove over 1300 miles in a day and a half, all around the Portland area, and then back in two days. Here are my observations.
Without question, this is the biggest upgrade I’ve ever experienced in a vehicle. There simply is no comparison between my 2012 and this 2023. Out trip took us up I80 to I84. While there are not any hills like I70, we still encountered some grades, although you hardly knew it with the Cummins/Aisin. It’s simply impressive.
Love all the cameras and the adaptive cruise. Wish I could have got massaging seats. I also miss my auxiliary fuel tank. Even with my relatively small 12,000 pound trailer, stability in the old DRW was better (especially when we encountered winds around the Columbia gorge). I still am happy we got a SRW - it’s nice to run it through a car wash instead of hand washing.
I am sure I have some upgrades in the near future. I put running boards on the truck on Sunday. Clear bra and window tint Thursday. Probably need air bags and maybe bigger tires. Who knows what else.
My anticipation was to keep my last truck for another 100,000 + miles, but so far I have no regrets that I was forced to upgrade.
