Ram 1500 owners…Hemi & 3.92s?

[Grit_dog]

What better place than RVnet to get some good unbiased opinions…:B

I need to purchase a work truck soon. Company truck going away, vehicle allowance starting (with a gas card).
It’s gonna be a half ton. Has to be <5 y/o.
Having been impressed with the overall reliability of our last 2 Dodge gassers, SRT Chargers, I’m pretty well honed in on a 2019+ Ram 1500. Hemi, no Etorque (I’m on the hook for repairs to my vehicle) and trying hard to find one with 3.92s. May as well be as quick and fast as it can be for the budget…I don’t drive Miss Daisy…
Who’s got one?
Better yet anyone have a newer 8speed with 3.21s and 3.92s? As much of a seat of the pants difference as it should be?
How well does tow/haul work on the 8HP? Our Charger can change shift profiles on the fly and it’s literally the only transmission that appears to not be able to be confused by the driver. (Although props to the new Ford/GM light duty 10 speed. It too knows what to do 99.9% of the time).
Is the MDS very noticeable like one of those “great” Dodge features that make you want to press an extra button every time you drive it? Or is it seamless? It is seamless in our SRT but different vehicle different engine and tuning and it really only works in Eco Mode it seems in the Charger.
Reason for questions is if I don’t find a decent price used one soon I’ll probably go new which will mean basically buying sight unseen back east somewhere not called the PNW where cars cost more than they should! (Although if I have time I’d probably go test drive one locally if going new)

[Grit_dog]

TurnThePage wrote:
My 2015 Ram 1500 has the hemi, 8 speed, and 3.92 gears. I love it. It scoots nicely and has been an excellent commute and tow vehicle. On the steering wheel, you can push the "gear down" button once, which takes it out of MDS mode (which isn't that noticeable in the first place). You have to do that every time you shift the vehicle out of park/neutral.

That's good to know, there are 2 buttons that can kill the MDS (each time it's started of course).
How many miles? You have an early 8HP trans. As good as it was back in 2015 still?

[Grit_dog]

@ MFL, mkirsch and Lwiddis, a HD isn't prohibitive, in fact, found a nice 2500 gasser (used) that is worth looking at.
Fuel cost, non issue, also reimbursed separately.
But I've run the scenarios cost wise with most reasonable options of keeping 2 newer trucks (current diesel and "something" else that fits the work requirements)
or downsizing to one do it all truck and the 2 trucks thing is actually preferable both practically and financially, given all the considerations.
I'd drive a HD all day every day, no issue, but theres no denying the comfort and bit smaller "size" although those aren't prominent factors in the decision.

He!!, who knows, I could end up with 2 big diesels....but not the plan I'm rolling with now.

[Grit_dog]

IdaD wrote:
I'd be looking pretty hard at a Tundra if I were buying a half ton. If it's a last gen truck they were pretty dated and fuel hogs but bombproof from everything I've ever heard.

Thought's crossed my mind for sure. I'm getting hung up on the initial cost difference for comparable trucks and the fact that this truck I feel will be an interim solution for a couple years when not only the vehicle market will be different but so will our personal situation.

[Grit_dog]

Pbutler97 wrote:

Grit dog wrote:

Reason for questions is if I don’t find a decent price used one soon I’ll probably go new which will mean basically buying sight unseen back east somewhere not called the PNW where cars cost more than they should!

Don't bet the farm on the going east thing. Dealers here are holding firm at MSRP and some are still holding firm at MSRP+ outrageous market adjustment adds. Looked at a black 2023 GMC 2500 CC, gas, longbed last night. Sticker price, non negotiable. Trade value offer was at least $6K less than mid range in black book or what I would take.

The winds are changing direction though, but sounds like you'll not be able to wait.

I was always able to make out good on the allowance deal company thing and pocket some coin up until the last time @ 2018. Hopefully you can too. The last time I had that deal and reported that it was used for business though, all the insurance companies really raped me. That never had happened before. The allowance covered it but barely.

For sure, not banking on it, and you're right, it's not across the board, but what I'm seeing since I've already been looking and figgering a bunch, is mid level 1/2 tons have some significant discounts at some dealers (talking new trucks). High optioned 1/2s and basically all HDs don't seem to be discounted yet.

Haven't broached the insurance thing yet. Already carrying an umbrella (personal) and yes still need to add additional insured. Was told it's $100-150/mo for that. If it's significantly more that will s uck, but the compensation plan is pretty good with the new outfit.

BUT the big change for me and folks in similar situations is Unreimbursed Employee Business Expense tax deductions went away in 2018. That used to be huge for me some years. Now I can't deduct a f%*(^!ing thing!!

[IdaD]

I'd be looking pretty hard at a Tundra if I were buying a half ton. If it's a last gen truck they were pretty dated and fuel hogs but bombproof from everything I've ever heard.

[TurnThePage]

My 2015 Ram 1500 has the hemi, 8 speed, and 3.92 gears. I love it. It scoots nicely and has been an excellent commute and tow vehicle. On the steering wheel, you can push the "gear down" button once, which takes it out of MDS mode (which isn't that noticeable in the first place). You have to do that every time you shift the vehicle out of park/neutral.

[Lwiddis]

I wouldn’t automatically rule out a 3/4 ton either.

[mkirsch]

Why waste the fuel and endure the comparatively harsh ride of an HD truck if he doesn't have to?

I don't know what Grit expects this truck to do except get him from A to B, but I can't imagine he's regularly carting around 2000+lbs of cargo if he's considering a half ton.

My Chevy with 3.08 on a 6-speed does ok, even towing 6000lbs, so I have to think a hemi with an 8 speed and 3.92's would feel like it could pull a house down.

[MFL]

Grit dog said: "It’s gonna be a half ton"

Is this a requirement, or a preference? If you own it, seems a HD would best suit your overall needs. I know you drive fast, cover lots of miles, but fuel cost is on the company, most times?

A HD would give some rugged drive train options from all three, and proven dependable engines from GM and Ford, equal to the hemi dependability.

Jerry

[Pbutler97]

Grit dog wrote:

Reason for questions is if I don’t find a decent price used one soon I’ll probably go new which will mean basically buying sight unseen back east somewhere not called the PNW where cars cost more than they should!

Don't bet the farm on the going east thing. Dealers here are holding firm at MSRP and some are still holding firm at MSRP+ outrageous market adjustment adds. Looked at a black 2023 GMC 2500 CC, gas, longbed last night. Sticker price, non negotiable. Trade value offer was at least $6K less than mid range in black book or what I would take.

The winds are changing direction though, but sounds like you'll not be able to wait.

I was always able to make out good on the allowance deal company thing and pocket some coin up until the last time @ 2018. Hopefully you can too. The last time I had that deal and reported that it was used for business though, all the insurance companies really raped me. That never had happened before. The allowance covered it but barely.

[dedmiston]

Can’t ya hold out for one of them EV pickups? :B