Looking to buy 2014 Dually

[Zae]

Hey guys first post, I currently own a 2011 F350 regular cab srw that is used to haul my Lance Truck Camper. My wife and I are looking to go with a bigger camper in a few years so I thought I should upgrade to a dually now. Looked at staying with Ford but found Ram seems to offer more at a better price. It also seems you can get all the bells and whistles in a regular cab configuration unlike the Ford. I looked at modifying my current truck to handle a bigger camper but I don't think I would ever feel 100% about it. I have been going back and forth between the Cummins and the new (and unproven) 6.4 Hemi. My F350 has the 6.2 gas engine and its been great but the Cummins would be awesome but maybe overkill for my needs. I have been talking to a couple of dealers in the San Diego area and of course I would need to order if I want the regular cab with all the options and 4x4. No big deal, I had to do the same with my Ford and there is no rush. I am looking for some help with options. Is the 8.4AN Nav any good? It has a ton a features that the wife likes but maybe a little to much to be reliable. Also I read somewhere it was developed by the RIM Blackberry, not sure if that's a good thing. I would also love to have the manual trans but was reading about the DMF problems people have, is this still a problem on the 14's? Also what is the best axle ratio with the Cummins. And lastly what options should I stay away from? Thanks

 

[Dutch & Di]

Hey Zae.
We have a 2014 Standard Cab 2 wheel drive Dually. We have the 6.7 Cummings and the Aisin transmission. The 8.4 AN Nav is a great screen, easy to read. I have found that it apparently doesn't care for voice commands so much so I just either enter the address or the name of the place we are looking for. Quite reliable so far. I don't feel the list of places is very current at least for what we are looking for.
One word of caution is to be v-e-r-y sure of what you think you are ordering. It seems that sometimes you order an option and it takes away something else & you don't know that. Just to let you know that no matter what you read or are told, you will only get a 28 gallon fuel tank. This is because of the DEF tank has to fit in there. Unfortunately for us we found this out by running out of fuel-also found out the gauge wasn't working correctly & the fuel sensor had to be replaced. The dealer said later he didn't know we didn't get the ordered 32 gallon tank. His response was: it was the 1st 2014 I ordered so how was I supposed to know. You cannot get ALL the bells and whistles as on one with a back seat. Quite a few things so be sure to check.
Shouldn't be a problem for you since you are getting a truck 1st but our standard cab was so much higher than our other Dodge, it caused us to have to purchase step panels just to get in & we're not short. We also had to raise our 5th wheel so it wouldn't hit the rail bed when making an uphill turn into a station.
Overall I love our new truck: the color, the way it rides and the way it tows. There are unfortunately a lot of things I don't like from things we didn't get to problems that has caused us to spend way too much time in dealerships and these things are still not fixed. Our other Dodge lasted for 17 years and when we traded in, she had 341,000 miles on her. Hugs, Di

 

[sag2]

Hey guys first post, I currently own a 2011 F350 regular cab srw that is used to haul my Lance Truck Camper. My wife and I are looking to go with a bigger camper in a few years so I thought I should upgrade to a dually now. Looked at staying with Ford but found Ram seems to offer more at a better price. It also seems you can get all the bells and whistles in a regular cab configuration unlike the Ford. I looked at modifying my current truck to handle a bigger camper but I don't think I would ever feel 100% about it. I have been going back and forth between the Cummins and the new (and unproven) 6.4 Hemi. My F350 has the 6.2 gas engine and its been great but the Cummins would be awesome but maybe overkill for my needs. I have been talking to a couple of dealers in the San Diego area and of course I would need to order if I want the regular cab with all the options and 4x4. No big deal, I had to do the same with my Ford and there is no rush. I am looking for some help with options. Is the 8.4AN Nav any good? It has a ton a features that the wife likes but maybe a little to much to be reliable. Also I read somewhere it was developed by the RIM Blackberry, not sure if that's a good thing. I would also love to have the manual trans but was reading about the DMF problems people have, is this still a problem on the 14's? Also what is the best axle ratio with the Cummins. And lastly what options should I stay away from? Thanks

To answer some of your questions, the 6.4 is a well proven engine. It has been used in the SRT vehicles for two years at 475 HP, and many more years as the 6.1 in SRT vehicles at 425 HP. The 6.4 truck engine is a slightly de-tuned version of the same engine. Very few failures in the car and jeep engines. Most are from overheating from lack of cooling system maintenance. The 8.4 is very nice and has many features. It is manufactured by Harman not RIM. The majority seem to think the 3.42 axle with the diesel is the way to go unless you are planning on maxing out the GVW/CGVW rating. The new automatics are a very nice package as they compliment the engine, exhaust brake, and transmission working together. The manual transmission trucks feel a little under powered compared to the diesel because you lose the torque multiplication of the converter.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Hey Zae.
We have a 2014 Standard Cab 2 wheel drive Dually. We have the 6.7 Cummings and the Aisin transmission. The 8.4 AN Nav is a great screen, easy to read. I have found that it apparently doesn't care for voice commands so much so I just either enter the address or the name of the place we are looking for. Quite reliable so far. I don't feel the list of places is very current at least for what we are looking for.
One word of caution is to be v-e-r-y sure of what you think you are ordering. It seems that sometimes you order an option and it takes away something else & you don't know that. Just to let you know that no matter what you read or are told, you will only get a 28 gallon fuel tank. This is because of the DEF tank has to fit in there. Unfortunately for us we found this out by running out of fuel-also found out the gauge wasn't working correctly & the fuel sensor had to be replaced. The dealer said later he didn't know we didn't get the ordered 32 gallon tank. His response was: it was the 1st 2014 I ordered so how was I supposed to know. You cannot get ALL the bells and whistles as on one with a back seat. Quite a few things so be sure to check.
Shouldn't be a problem for you since you are getting a truck 1st but our standard cab was so much higher than our other Dodge, it caused us to have to purchase step panels just to get in & we're not short. We also had to raise our 5th wheel so it wouldn't hit the rail bed when making an uphill turn into a station.
Overall I love our new truck: the color, the way it rides and the way it tows. There are unfortunately a lot of things I don't like from things we didn't get to problems that has caused us to spend way too much time in dealerships and these things are still not fixed. Our other Dodge lasted for 17 years and when we traded in, she had 341,000 miles on her. Hugs, Di

Di

My wife was frustrated with the voice command on our 11's nav system. It liked me but not her. There is a training program. If you have not used it it will make a big difference.

 

[RVTRKN]

DO NOT get the G56, and this is coming from a manual trans freak. (Look at sig) The dual mass flywheel (DMF) is only part of the problem, when I ordered my 07 C&C, the G56 was only out for less than two years and I had to decide between a German manual or a Japanese automatic, well the Aison has proved to out perform the G56 with one TDR member putting over 500K miles of heavy duty operation and has been flawless. My G56 lost the clutch due to an updated regen program that was reflashed in 09 and converted to the SMF with a clutch that can handle the regen program (SBC DD3250). Now I'm hearing every gear rotating at idle and rollover noises that are driving me nuts. I'm now planning a swap to the much better NV5600. (look at sig) Good luck, and I'll second the advise when ordering to make sure you are getting what you order, been there, done that.

 

[SSteilow]

Here is some information for your mounting brackets for your TC. There is some rigidity issues in the metal for mounting your brakets to the Bed.
So here is info for:

HJ attaches to the bed frame, not the truck frame. I think it's a technicality as some states require "frame" mounts for truck campers?
Some prefer the TorkLift setup that uses the low direct frame mount brackets.
Try to get Tube side steps instead of wheel to wheel. You may have issues with whatever mounting setup your use HP or Torklift.

Hope this information helps out. Best of luck in your search for your New Ram.
Scott

 

[Zae]

Pretty disappointing that Ram does not offer a decent manual trans behind the Cummins. I was hoping the problems with the G56 would have been rectified in 2014. Probably my main draw to the Cummins. I too noticed the options ordering process is a little confusing especially when using the build secwation on the Ram truck website. It doesn't help that the 2 saleman I talk to didn't have a clue about their product.

 

[Zae]

Here is some information for your mounting brackets for your TC. There is some rigidity issues in the metal for mounting your brakets to the Bed.
So here is info for:

HJ attaches to the bed frame, not the truck frame. I think it's a technicality as some states require "frame" mounts for truck campers?
Some prefer the TorkLift setup that uses the low direct frame mount brackets.
Try to get Tube side steps instead of wheel to wheel. You may have issues with whatever mounting setup your use HP or Torklift.

Hope this information helps out. Best of luck in your search for your New Ram.
Scott

Thank you Scott, I currently use the Torklift system with my Ford/Lance combo. Its funny because Ford recommends using a frame mounted system and Lance recommends the HJ bed mounted system. One reason I bought a Ford over others is that they give the consumer the most information about hauling a Truck camper. Ford still offers a camper package although it ain't much on a 1-ton. Only a whimpy swaybar and stiffer front springs.

 

[Doubleclutch]

Zae- it's just that the Cummins has so much grunt, and the only torque control is YOUR right foot. This is my first auto transmission cummins, and the Aisin has won me over! Drive one, and be spoiled. <G> Life is much better now without the less than well loved 56. Quieter too.

 

[rashwor]

With all I am hearing on the Aisin, it will probably win me over when I trade for my next one and I am another 6 speed manual nut. I love my 6 shooter.

 

[Zae]

Just got a call back from one of the dealerships I'm talking to and he said that ordering a regular cab with the 8.4an is not working. It keeps getting "kicked back". I don't understand what cab configuration has to do with having the navitgation.

 

[SSteilow]

Thank you Scott, I currently use the Torklift system with my Ford/Lance combo. Its funny because Ford recommends using a frame mounted system and Lance recommends the HJ bed mounted system. One reason I bought a Ford over others is that they give the consumer the most information about hauling a Truck camper. Ford still offers a camper package although it ain't much on a 1-ton. Only a whimpy swaybar and stiffer front springs.

Zae. Make sure if you buy the Dodge Ram, make sure it is TC Rated. Like you, I am in the market for a Truck 3500/350 SRW, to get my TC. Agree Ford gives more information for hauling Truck Campers. Best of Luck in your search.
Scott

 

[Zae]

Thanks again Scott. I might be wrong but from what I've learned so far is the plow package is the only thing that will not make the Ram truck camper rated.
What kind of TC are you getting?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The powertrain has a 5 year, 100,000 mile warranty. Most of us like to upgrade the DMF and clutch to the South Bend single mass flywheel and their clutch. If you don't hot-shot with very heavy towing, etc. the G56 seems to be OK. It also is a consensus that the Mobil fluid is better than the factory use of ATF, per recent TDR article. After 33 years of manual trans Rams (except for about 4 years of an automatic gasser), I got the ultra HD Aisin and I love it. It is far superior to the other brands' autos, and weighs 160 pounds more than the Chrysler auto, for example. Given the problems with the 6.7 Ford (main bearings, valve heads breaking off, etc) after their less than stellar 6.0 and 6.4, I can't see how anyone can justify those diesels over the proven Cummins. With the new DEF emissions strategy, Cummins has a new high point, and is giving great mpg, especially with 3.42s.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Joe you can't fix the condition that there is no cure for it's called "Blinded By The Blue Oval"

My Aunt's Brother has it bad. Been buying the Oval since the 6.9's with nothing but trouble. Really bad with the 6.0 and 6.4's.

 

[SSteilow]

Thanks again Scott. I might be wrong but from what I've learned so far is the plow package is the only thing that will not make the Ram truck camper rated.
What kind of TC are you getting?

I've seen the same info regarding the snow plow package, will make sure i do not have that option either.
The TC I am looking for in the future at is a Wolf Creek 850 going with the Ram 3500 Crew Cab 4X4 SRW. Waiting to see if Dodge opens up ordering a 3.73 with the Aisin, instead of the 3.42. I've seen a few around the country on-line, but it can be hit and miss, depends on the wants of the area.
Another big issue, have to move back to the mainland from sunny Hawaii, where there are no TC's of any kind.
Scott

 

[Zae]

I've seen the same info regarding the snow plow package, will make sure i do not have that option either.
The TC I am looking for in the future at is a Wolf Creek 850 going with the Ram 3500 Crew Cab 4X4 SRW. Waiting to see if Dodge opens up ordering a 3.73 with the Aisin, instead of the 3.42. I've seen a few around the country on-line, but it can be hit and miss, depends on the wants of the area.
Another big issue, have to move back to the mainland from sunny Hawaii, where there are no TC's of any kind.
Scott

I almost bought a Wolf Creek 850. They are nice campers. We ended up with a Lance 850 because the Lance dealer is much closer to our house. The 3500 is going to handle that Wolf Creek likes its not even there. Check out this guys blog. He owns a Wolf Creek 850 and just traded in his 2011 F-350 for a 2013 Ram 3500. Hes getting it set up to haul it. http://mellomikeswolfcreekcamper.blogspot.com/

 

[SSteilow]

I almost bought a Wolf Creek 850. They are nice campers. We ended up with a Lance 850 because the Lance dealer is much closer to our house. The 3500 is going to handle that Wolf Creek likes its not even there. Check out this guys blog. He owns a Wolf Creek 850 and just traded in his 2011 F-350 for a 2013 Ram 3500. Hes getting it set up to haul it. http://mellomikeswolfcreekcamper.blogspot.com/

Thanks Zae, appreciate the information.
I follow mello mike in the Open Roads RV net forum also. Don't know if your a member. Lot of good information in the TC world there.
Scott

 

[Zae]

Well guys, after 9 months since I posted this thread I ended up buying a Ram dually last week but not with the Cummins. I actually found a 2 identical 2014 crewcab duallys with the 6.4 Hemi that had been sitting on the dealers lot for 8 months (for obvious reasons). They both had some serious discounts, about 11k off MSRP. I just wanted to go test drive one but they discounted them even more and I could not say no. Although I wanted the Cummins, the Hemi handles my 4500 lb. camper with ease and the mpg's have surprised me for a gasser. Thanks for all your help.

 

[RVTRKN]

For that weight, it is a good choice. Good luck and let us know how things go with it. Big discounts would sway me and the cost of Diesel per gallon over gas is inviting as well, if your GCVW is within limits.