Ram 3500 SRW daily driver?

[camp-n-family]

Anybody using a Ram 3500 diesel that can shed some light on driving it as a daily driver? I have a 2500 hemi now that drives comfortably enough. As far as I know the only difference is the extra overload springs. They won't engage unless loaded so I'm assuming the unloaded ride should be similar as my current truck?

The dealers have been calling with trade offers which I usually ignore but the latest is an offer I'd be stupid to refuse. I was planning on another Ram 2500 as I don't need a 1 ton truck but when I price out the same truck in a 3500 series it is only $400 more. Seems crazy. What am I missing?

[Me_Again]

camp-n-family wrote:

Dealers ALWAYS have the tire pressure screwed up on vehicles on their lots. With the 3500 I do not know why the OP did not just let some air out of the tires himself. I would have in his situation, I would have walked over to my truck and gotten my air gauge and set the pressure to what I want for the test drive.

I would've but I was pressed for time that day and didn't have a gauge with me. Either way I was happier with the ride in the 2500 and signed the deal today. Thanks all for the input.

Great, you are the one that has to be happy with YOUR purchase!

Chris

[camp-n-family]

Dealers ALWAYS have the tire pressure screwed up on vehicles on their lots. With the 3500 I do not know why the OP did not just let some air out of the tires himself. I would have in his situation, I would have walked over to my truck and gotten my air gauge and set the pressure to what I want for the test drive.

I would've but I was pressed for time that day and didn't have a gauge with me. Either way I was happier with the ride in the 2500 and signed the deal today. Thanks all for the input.

[Me_Again]

IdaD wrote:


Your truck is rated to carry a whopping 500 lbs more on the rear axle than the truck OP bought. Yay.

You ought to buy a DRW or better yet a MDT/HDT if you want to tie your masculinity into what you drive.

Did I miss a post where OP said he bought a truck? On edit: I see he said he will be signing for a 2500. And yes we all know that you think your coil strung 2500 is just as capable as a 3500 SRW.

I thought the same about my 2001.5 2500 with the camper option, which just happen to have a similar rear spring pack to the 3500's that year. RAM has gone back and forth on several different rear leaf spring setups between the 2500 and 3500 SRW, until 2013/14 when the 2500 got a completely different rear with coils. Why did they not carry the coils over to the 3500 SRW?

[IdaD]

Me Again wrote:

IdaD wrote:


Honda is making the Ridgeline again. Maybe you should test drive it?

What value are you even trying to add with this post?

It was an attempt to point out that if one wants a truck to do real work there is a trade off!

I love may 2015 SRW 3500 CC 4x4 SB. It rides a little ruff under some conditions. I resolved quite a bit of that with Rancho 9000 rear stocks on my 2001.5 and have always lower rear tire pressure when I wanted a better ride empty.

I wanted a truck that could tow a large 5th wheel and cruise better on the freeway bob tail. I got it in the 2015 3500. This is a short section of Hwy 60 between Mesa and Apache Junction that causes a slight stutter for a mile or so. I can live with that for the capability the truck provides.

Dealers ALWAYS have the tire pressure screwed up on vehicles on their lots. With the 3500 I do not know why the OP did not just let some air out of the tires himself. I would have in his situation, I would have walked over to my truck and gotten my air gauge and set the pressure to what I want for the test drive.

Friday I am moving a friends trailer to storage and have to air the rears up, and will let them back down after I also move our trailer to a different lot in the park to have it next to our new park model for two to four weeks before we head back North.

Chris

Your truck is rated to carry a whopping 500 lbs more on the rear axle than the truck OP bought. Yay.

You ought to buy a DRW or better yet a MDT/HDT if you want to tie your masculinity into what you drive.

[Me_Again]

IdaD wrote:


Honda is making the Ridgeline again. Maybe you should test drive it?

What value are you even trying to add with this post?

It was an attempt to point out that if one wants a truck to do real work there is a trade off!

We both love our 2015 SRW 3500 CC 4x4 SB. It rides a little ruff under some conditions. I resolved quite a bit of that with adjustable Rancho 9000 rear stocks on my 2001.5 and have always lower rear tire pressure when I wanted a better ride empty.
The new RAM have fairly good gas filled stocks and are calibrated for trucks that are designed for HD service, so they are not going to be very compliant under light loads.

I wanted a truck that could tow a large 5th wheel and cruise better on the freeway bob tail. I got it in the 2015 3500. This is a short section of Hwy 60 between Mesa and Apache Junction that causes a slight stutter for a mile or so. I can live with that for the capability the truck provides.

Dealers ALWAYS have the tire pressure screwed up on vehicles on their lots. With the 3500 I do not know why the OP did not just let some air out of the tires himself. I would have in his situation, I would have walked over to my truck and gotten my air gauge and set the pressure to what I want for the test drive.

Friday I am moving a friends trailer to storage and have to air the rears up, and will let them back down after I also move our trailer to a different lot in the park to have it next to our new park model for two to four weeks before we head back North.

Chris

[tinner12002]

camp-n-family wrote:
Anybody using a Ram 3500 diesel that can shed some light on driving it as a daily driver? I have a 2500 hemi now that drives comfortably enough. As far as I know the only difference is the extra overload springs. They won't engage unless loaded so I'm assuming the unloaded ride should be similar as my current truck?

The dealers have been calling with trade offers which I usually ignore but the latest is an offer I'd be stupid to refuse. I was planning on another Ram 2500 as I don't need a 1 ton truck but when I price out the same truck in a 3500 series it is only $400 more. Seems crazy. What am I missing?

Yep, drive my 3500 DRW all the time around town with no issues. I do try and get it out on the highway to kinda blow it out so to speak. I park out away from others, I still can go through most drive thrus without curbing tires, won't fit all the way in garage though so I park on the street and fold mirriors in which I do when I park elsewhere too. Driving a 3500 SRW shouldn't be much different from what your driving now. I've driven some SRW 2500s with gas motors and truly believe my 3500 CTD DRW rides much better!!

[rhagfo]

Camp-n-Family,heck then for sure you would not like the ride of my 2001, 2500!!
I can feel the ripples that are left in new asphalt by the rollers!!
I test drove a new Ram 3500 Tradesman Saturday and found it to be smother than my 2500! Passenger seat was occupied so didn't notice seat-belt rattle.

[IdaD]

Me Again wrote:

camp-n-family wrote:
Now that we have separated the men from the boys based on what make they drive, maybe we can get back on topic.

I managed to get out today to find the answer to my own question. I was able to drive 3 trucks back to back. My own '14 Ram 2500 Hemi with winter tires aired to 36psi, a '17 Ram 2500 6.7l @78psi, and a '17 3500 6.7l @76psi. The dealer wasn't able to drop the pressures for my test drives. (service bays were busy)

As I had figured, the ride was considerably different. After several concussions and some back problems I may be a bit more sensitive than others, hence the concern. I drove my truck to the dealer, then the 3500, followed by the other 2500. The exact same route for each.

The two 2500s had no real noticeable change in ride, even with the different tire pressures. If anything, the new diesel 2500 was slightly smoother Manhole covers, railway tracks and large bumps felt the similar in each truck, only slightly harsher as expected in the 3500.

The rest of the drive the 3500 was a different beast all together.
You could feel every little ripple in what appeared to be smooth roads. The truck would shudder and shake without even a crack visible in the road. The empty front seat rattled the whole way and the seatbelts would bang against the doors. By the end of the 15 minute test drive I had developed a mild headache and my back muscles had tensed up.

I expected a truck ride and am used to one, but I didn't expect to feel beat up. Maybe I'm just getting old. After driving the 2500 next my mind was made. Even for nearly identical prices I will be signing for the softer 2500.

Thanks for (most) everyone's input.

Honda is making the Ridgeline again. Maybe you should test drive it?

What value are you even trying to add with this post?

[spoon059]

camp-n-family wrote:
I have not as I have seen and heard of too many problems with the system, especially in cold climates. It is an expensive option that helps with towing ride but from what I have read, doesn't do much for the unloaded ride. Doesn't seem worth it.

Gotcha. I didn't even test it because I couldn't afford it anyways. I love my 2500, I feel that it rides very well for a 3/4 ton truck. Unless I am on exceptionally rough roads, it rides very well. Good luck.

[camp-n-family]

spoon059 wrote:
camp-n-family, maybe I missed it, but have you test driven either the 2500 or 3500 with factory air? It seems that either of those trucks would ride considerably better with an adjustable suspension that is aired down if you aren't hauling weight.

I have not as I have seen and heard of too many problems with the system, especially in cold climates. It is an expensive option that helps with towing ride but from what I have read, doesn't do much for the unloaded ride. Doesn't seem worth it.

[spoon059]

camp-n-family, maybe I missed it, but have you test driven either the 2500 or 3500 with factory air? It seems that either of those trucks would ride considerably better with an adjustable suspension that is aired down if you aren't hauling weight.

[camp-n-family]

Me Again wrote:

camp-n-family wrote:
Now that we have separated the men from the boys based on what make they drive, maybe we can get back on topic.

I managed to get out today to find the answer to my own question. I was able to drive 3 trucks back to back. My own '14 Ram 2500 Hemi with winter tires aired to 36psi, a '17 Ram 2500 6.7l @78psi, and a '17 3500 6.7l @76psi. The dealer wasn't able to drop the pressures for my test drives. (service bays were busy)

As I had figured, the ride was considerably different. After several concussions and some back problems I may be a bit more sensitive than others, hence the concern. I drove my truck to the dealer, then the 3500, followed by the other 2500. The exact same route for each.

The two 2500s had no real noticeable change in ride, even with the different tire pressures. If anything, the new diesel 2500 was slightly smoother Manhole covers, railway tracks and large bumps felt the similar in each truck, only slightly harsher as expected in the 3500.

The rest of the drive the 3500 was a different beast all together.
You could feel every little ripple in what appeared to be smooth roads. The truck would shudder and shake without even a crack visible in the road. The empty front seat rattled the whole way and the seatbelts would bang against the doors. By the end of the 15 minute test drive I had developed a mild headache and my back muscles had tensed up.

I expected a truck ride and am used to one, but I didn't expect to feel beat up. Maybe I'm just getting old. After driving the 2500 next my mind was made. Even for nearly identical prices I will be signing for the softer 2500.

Thanks for (most) everyone's input.

Honda is making the Ridgeline again. Maybe you should test drive it?

If it was rated to tow my trailer I'd be all over that. Great vehicle. Love my Hondas.

[camp-n-family]

Whatchaupto wrote:
camp-n-family: why would you want to buy another Ram after your apparent dissatisfaction with your current Ram after four transmission rebuilds or replacements?

I keep asking myself that too. I am hesitant and hope that maybe I just got a lemon. Many people are happy and have had no issues. I guess everybody deserves a second chance.

As I mentioned, I had no intention of getting another truck right now but the deal is just too good to pass up. My current truck, with all its issues, runs out of warranty within the year. That scares me. It will need new brakes and tires too. They are offering just about what I paid for it (2 years ago) in trade (more if you count the tax savings). Add $20k off sticker and zero percent financing is enough for me to take another chance. If it gives me problems I have a warranty again for the next 3 years, which is enough time for the all new Tundra to come out (in 2020) and it should still be worth nearly enough for a
straight trade.

[Me_Again]

camp-n-family wrote:
Now that we have separated the men from the boys based on what make they drive, maybe we can get back on topic.

I managed to get out today to find the answer to my own question. I was able to drive 3 trucks back to back. My own '14 Ram 2500 Hemi with winter tires aired to 36psi, a '17 Ram 2500 6.7l @78psi, and a '17 3500 6.7l @76psi. The dealer wasn't able to drop the pressures for my test drives. (service bays were busy)

As I had figured, the ride was considerably different. After several concussions and some back problems I may be a bit more sensitive than others, hence the concern. I drove my truck to the dealer, then the 3500, followed by the other 2500. The exact same route for each.

The two 2500s had no real noticeable change in ride, even with the different tire pressures. If anything, the new diesel 2500 was slightly smoother Manhole covers, railway tracks and large bumps felt the similar in each truck, only slightly harsher as expected in the 3500.

The rest of the drive the 3500 was a different beast all together.
You could feel every little ripple in what appeared to be smooth roads. The truck would shudder and shake without even a crack visible in the road. The empty front seat rattled the whole way and the seatbelts would bang against the doors. By the end of the 15 minute test drive I had developed a mild headache and my back muscles had tensed up.

I expected a truck ride and am used to one, but I didn't expect to feel beat up. Maybe I'm just getting old. After driving the 2500 next my mind was made. Even for nearly identical prices I will be signing for the softer 2500.

Thanks for (most) everyone's input.

Honda is making the Ridgeline again. Maybe you should test drive it?

[Cad3dc]

I commute 70miles round trip daily (work in downtown Denver) in my '16 3500 Cummins 4x4 SRW double cab with short wheelbase. I had a '15 2500 prior to my current rig, but it left me stranded with trailer in tow due to transmission failure (my new ride has the Aisn). My new truck has a modrrately harsher ride, but in my opinion, is perfectly tolerable on blacktop, and I adapted quickly. The increased power and peace of mind of the Aisn more than offsets ride quality.