Looking at a 2014 2500 Laramie, lots of changes and the dealers are clueless..

[jsffd]

So many new changes/ improvements ??? from the 2013, need some advise. Looking to buy a 2014 Laramie 2500 and saying goodbye to my 2003 2500. Anyone had any experience with the new front 3 link? How about the axel disconnect? How about the rear coils springs and how it handles the trailer weight? We all know the factory airbags are delayed, I have been looking at Keldermans kit, hoping I will not need it. I have a 9k 5th wheel and a 30 foot goldrush race car trailer....any help appreciated.... The dealer didn't even know it had a front axel disconnect or the new style hitch system....unbelievable. Thanks

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I believe the front axle disconnect and the front suspension are very similar to what debuted on the 2013 3500. Have you considered a SRW 3500 with Aisin trans?

 

[Wingate]

I am not sure of your needs, but when I looked into the factory prep package, I was NOT impressed. It puts 5 big holes in your bed, the plastic plugs everywhere are down right ugly and will be problematic/torn up when putting heavy loads in the bed. The hitch is ok, but big and expensive.
I just installed a B&W in my 14 model... easiest install Ive ever done.
I dont think the 2500 will have any issues handling the 9k... but I would also suggest an Aisin equipped 3500SRW if you can find one.

 

[SnoKing]

The 2500 with coil rear springs is going to become a grocery getting and not a truck that does rear work. Tall loads like Campers are completely out of the picture now with the 2500. I also think the jury is still out on the 3500 rear air suspension. They placed the air bags way inboard on the axles in a similar position to the rear coils on the 2500. This is not going to be good with any tall load! Somehow Fiat engineers never took basic physics classes in high school and learned about levers. I will bet this is a one year flop and will be changed next year.

The 3500 with traditional springs would be a better rig and as Joe pointed out you can get the Aisin transmission vs the 68RFE. Do it right.

Go get this one.

http://www.kingmandodge.com/New-2013-RAM-3500-Laramie-Kingman-AZ/vd/14765373

They will tell you how to bring it into California.

Chris

 

[JLandry]

...I looked into the factory prep package, I was NOT impressed. It puts 5 big holes in your bed...

Although the idea of a clean drop-and-lock 5th wheel hitch is pretty sweet.

Obviously everyone's needs are different through. The holes and covers won't be a problem for me the way I use the bed, so I really like the tow prep package.

Best regards,

John L.

 

[SnoKing]

How about just one hole in the bed?

#ad


This version attaches to gooseneck ball and is clamped down to pickups bed.

Chris

 

[SnoKing]

Here is a look at the new suspensions.

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/news/1306_2014_ram_2500_five_link_coil_rear_suspension/

Chris

 

[jsffd]

Yes I'd like to have the 3500, but they are scarce and never on sale...

 

[jsffd]

Yea I'm going to stay away from the dodge unit, B and W is the way to go....But what about the bed camera ? It's connected with the Ram tow package. I hope we can still use it.

 

[SnoKing]

RAM seems to be discounting all the 2014 now, and the 2013 in Kingman should be available in the high 40's(The one I linked above). I talked to them about out of state delivery and if it can be sold into California as I asked for someone else. Call them! If I had the money it would be mine!!!! Chris

 

[jsffd]

Yea I will go with the B and W kit. Much cleaner. But finding a 3500 short bed is brutal. The 2500 I'm looking at is $3000 off through Chrysler and $9000 off msrp via dealer discounts....tough decisions

 

[SnoKing]

If you are towing a 5th wheel, why do you want a short box. The slider hitches are a lot more expensive! And I hope you do not have a larger 5th wheel in your plans down the road!

I sure would not want to be RAM's guinea pig on this new coil spring setup on a HD truck.

I think the Lance Camper issue one buyer is trying to work out with RAM is just the beginning of the issues.

Despite all the marketing, it looks like they turned the 2500 into a grocery gitter.

Chris

 

[JLandry]

How about just one hole in the bed?

This version attaches to gooseneck ball and is clamped down to pickups bed.

Did you notice that type of hitch has a measly 20,000 pound (5,000 TW) tow rating, whereas the 4-point drop-in type has a 25,000 pound (6,250 TW) tow rating?

John L.

 

[SnoKing]

Did you notice that type of hitch has a measly 20,000 pound (5,000 TW) tow rating, whereas the 4-point drop-in type has a 25,000 pound (6,250 TW) tow rating?

John L.

I did not say I was in favor of it, just that one hole was required. I would go for the B&W you linked, Curt, or picture frame and mode my Hijacker to fit. Chris

 

[kvtcomdo]

If you are towing a 5th wheel, why do you want a short box. The slider hitches are a lot more expensive! And I hope you do not have a larger 5th wheel in your plans down the road!

I sure would not want to be RAM's guinea pig on this new coil spring setup on a HD truck.

I think the Lance Camper issue one buyer is trying to work out with RAM is just the beginning of the issues.

Despite all the marketing, it looks like they turned the 2500 into a grocery gitter.

Chris

You've said this now twice on the forum.

Is this your opinion or is it based on something more scientific.

One guy with an issue is hardly a trend.

I'm truly not trying to be contrary here as I am sure you know more about this than me, but I have to call into ? your comments without some documantation to the contrary.

If you have some insight that I don't posess please enlighten me.

I have the 2500 Ram Cummins; I haven't hauled anything of significance to date but have certainly seen others on the FORUM's who have without issue.

Seems to me if this were a problem we would be hearing wailing and nashing of teeth from many who were dooped by the Ram engineers and the marketing people @ Ram.

I claim no expertise; just an observer (and owner) who hasn't seen the sky falling yet with the new frame and suspention.

I await to be educated.

 

[SnoKing]

In 2003 Dodge widen the frame rails and that push the springs wider on the axles, and the rear sway bar option went away. Dodge claim because of the wider stance it was no longer required. So many with truck campers went after market to over come sway issues with sway bars.

Now RAM has really brought everything inboard and has no sway bar in the 3500 pictures. The 2500 coil system pictures show a sway bar and the Lance camper guy is in a pickle! Is it the coils or the placement of the coils? I say it is the inboard placement more than the coils themselves. The 3500 air bags are also way inboard. See my post on the other thread going.

I drove a semi tanker that had air suspension on the trailer and we have a Buick Rainier SUV that has air rear suspension, both had/have issues that I will not go into here.

Chris

 

[JJPage]

If you are towing a 5th wheel, why do you want a short box. The slider hitches are a lot more expensive! Chris

I've towed my 5th wheel toybox with my short bed since 2004 without issue, I have a Reese sliding hitch that I never have had to utilize, and wish to heck I would not have purchased because of the extra $ and weight.

Just curious why you are opposed to a short bed... must be because of the possible cab to trailer clearance with some 5th wheels? My toybox has a short front bedroom overhang, and an extended pinbox, clearance not an issue.

 

[PC12Driver]

I'd say it's more probable that you would have clearance issues with a 5ver and a short bed than not. It wouldn't be a problem 95% of the time, but there's always a chance for that one downhill turn when you're distracted watching the trailer tires clear that big rock...

My Dad has a dented C-pillar because he didn't slide his hitch back pulling out of his driveway ("it made it before") and my Uncle popped out his back window because he didn't need a slider hitch since he never turns that sharp. I've pulled with both long and short, and I'd take the long bed just for the added stability. Not worrying about a cab/camper interface is just a bonus.

 

[Wingate]

Although the idea of a clean drop-and-lock 5th wheel hitch is pretty sweet.
View attachment 88129
View attachment 88130
Obviously everyone's needs are different through. The holes and covers won't be a problem for me the way I use the bed, so I really like the tow prep package.

Best regards,

John L.

Didnt know that B&W had a hitch for the factory tow prep... Looks pretty sweet. I already had the Companion out of my 06 model, so for me, the choice was obvious to simply install a turnover ball and move the companion from the 06 to the 14.
When I was looking at new trucks, several of the factory prep trucks had the plastic caps missing or laying in the bed. Just seems they are awful big holes for things to fall into or get hun up on.

 

[JLandry]

When I was looking at new trucks, several of the factory prep trucks had the plastic caps missing or laying in the bed. Just seems they are awful big holes for things to fall into or get hun up on.

The locking plugs (and their associated snap-in trim rings) come from factory in a sealed plastic bag with installation instructions. In my truck they were laying under the back seat (along with other factory accessories) because the dealer hadn't bothered to install them... which was fine with me because it represents one less thing for them to screw up.

The holes are located in recesses on the bed surface so the top surface of the plugs are level with the surrounding raised ribs of the bed floor. In theory, that means they shouldn't get sheared off with reasonable care when loading or unloading something heavy in the bed. Having said that, I definitely wouldn't want to drag a 4000# pallet of bricks on a rotten pallet across them. I'm sure there'd be some collateral damage.

John L.