Think I'm getting close to picking up a new Ram.

[dward]

I've been researching and contemplating for about a year and feel like I'm ready to take the plunge.
I've downsized a lot and at this time have a 13 Ram 1500 4x4 Hemi. It's the Express so is pretty basic in the "luxury/techno" dept, but I don't like all the gadgets and feel like I don't need any more. Although, the leather wheel with audio controls and backup camera are nice options.
The 1500 does "OK" towing my 21' toyhauler but coming from a CTD, it's not the same. Biggest problem is payload. I have about 1500 lbs and with 1100 hitch weight, I'm maxed out.
I'm looking at a QC SB 4x4 CTD but am going back and forth on a 2500 or 3500. Either would be more than enough for my TH but I may want to get a slide in camper down the road. This would be around 2-3k lbs which makes me lean toward the 3500. I've had a DRW and big slide out campers so don't want to go that big again. I want to stay small light and mobile to get into tight spaces and off road so a SB and small 8' camper is all I want.
I drove a 2500 Bighorn today and thought it rode better than my 1500. A more "firm" ride but felt tighter and smoother. Even with the torque management, I thought it was more responsive than my Hemi and Loved the E brake.
The smooth, steady pull of the diesel is addicting and didn't realize how much I missed it.
That test drive eliminated any thoughts of the 6.4 Hemi, even though its a great motor.
Sicker on the Big Horn was around $57k. Also hard to find 2500s with tow mirrors.
One thing I didn't realize was how far inboard the coil springs are on the 2500. The mounts are just slightly outboard of the diff pumpkin. This probably wouldn't be ideal for carrying a top heavy camper.
A local dealer has the truck that I think I want. A 15 3500 CC SB 4x4 with Aisin in the Tradesman trim. Options include chrome and comfort package, comfort package, 220 amp alt, U connect 5.0, offroad tires, backup camera and rear park assist, elec 4x4 shift, and trailer brake. Retail is 54,310 but marked down $7500 to $46,810. I told them about Dennisdillion listing them for around $11k of sticker and he said they may have "hundreds" to deal but not that much. Worst case we are about $3500 apart and it would save me a flight to Id and a drive home. I also qualify for the $500 militaty discount so that will help.
My biggest concern is how the 3500 will ride as a DD. I had an 03 DRW and didn't mind it too much but it could be rough. I know it won't ride like my 1500 but I thought the 2500 was pretty smooth.
I could save a few grand and get the standard trans, but I like the idea of the Aisin and even better the HO motor.
This truck would handle anything I would ever upgrade to in the future so I think I should go big now.
What do you all think??
What kind of price should I work for on the 3500? I'm going to try and take it for a drive in the next couple of days.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I like my 3500 so long as the road isn't too rough. I guess you could adjust tire pressure some to help. If you go to ramtrucks.com and go to 2014, build, check inventory 200+ miles, you may well find what you want and enjoy a much lower price.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Get the 3500! Run the rear tires at 45 solo and 72 front solo. Ride will be fine. Asian yes. My 68RFE has been flawless but Medium Duty and more power is da ****!

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I think the 3500 will hold its value better in the long run. Go for it!

 

[DonFitzwater]

I also worried about the coil springs when I got my 2500 LWB. I haul a 500 gallon water tank three days a week and the truck handles it well considering how it's set up. I had a 3500 DRW before and it handled the load better as to be expected but not a drastic difference like some would think. I will be adding Timbrens before I get another slide in camper to help with the higher CG.

 

[MJWenrich]

You didn't mention the elephant in the room. That being the air ride rear suspension on the 3500 which you can now order according to some on this site. I can tell you the ride is definitely more firm on the leaf spring 3500 when used as a DD. Type of road you use as a DD would make a difference. If they are good roads, no problem. As for your price, you don't mention if there is a factory kick rebate available right now. If the discount you are getting includes a big rebate, you should be able to do better on a 57K truck. My 58K truck with a rebate went down to 48.5K. But the truck had been on the lot for about six months and I believe that makes a difference too. The dealers pay for these trucks and want to move them to get their money back. So a '15 will cost more with the air suspension but may be what you are looking for unless ride is not a factor. Just my 2 cents worth. And Joe is correct when he says you may be able to do well looking on line. Internet sales are better than walking in the door and ordering. I found my truck 220 miles away and added the options I did not get by ordering. Made it a 50.5K truck by the time I was finished.

 

[RVTRKN]

I like my 3500 so long as the road isn't too rough. I guess you could adjust tire pressure some to help. If you go to ramtrucks.com and go to 2014, build, check inventory 200+ miles, you may well find what you want and enjoy a much lower price.

I did this and found a truck with most everything I wanted and presented it to my Company, (look at my Signature) and got a very good discount on it, basically we got the CTD for free, after it was all said and done.

 

[dward]

Thanks for the replys.
Didn't get a chance to look at the 3500 today. Spent the day laying a fellow FF/Military comrade to rest. 43 years old. Life is short don't wait to enjoy it.
Anyway, my total discount would be $8k off of a new 2015 that stickers for just over $54k. I'm thinking another $1500 off and that would save me a trip to Idaho were I could get about $11k off.
I'm definately leaning toward the 3500 unless the ride is just so unbearsble I wouldn't want to drive it every day.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

That is a good discount. I have heard stories about Idaho dealers so would not fly there believing everything you hear. Sure the 3500 rides "firm" but it is worth it to me for its capabilities. It is no where as harsh as the first gen 4x4's.

 

[dward]

Thanks
Assuming I'm happy with the 3500, I have a choice of 2 trucks from 2 dealers. One has the aisin and a few more options and stickers for $3850 more. Assuming i get the same deal from both places, which would you guys buy. I think I know what the answer will be but lets hear your reasons.
2015 tradesman CC SB 4x4 CTD white color.
Similar trucks with the following different options and price.
Truck #1 options: Chrome package, comfort package, 68rfe,rear back assist, brake control. Sticker $50,460
Truck #2 options: Chrome, comfort package, protection package, 220 amp alt, Aisin $2995 (minus $600 for rfe),shift on fly, U connect 5.0, owl tires, rear assist, backup camera, brake control. Sticker $54,310

For the $3850 I would get the following options: Prot grp $50, 220 amp alt $100, Aisin $2995, shift on fly $245, owl tires $200, back up camera $200 and U connect 5.0 $660.
Some nice options but the Aisin adds the most $$.
What do you think?
I'm assuming I'll get the same discount from either dealer.

 

[SnoKing]

Like you said, most will say get the Aisin transmission! SNOKING

 

[MJWenrich]

My truck is pretty much like option 2. Based on what you said about going with a little lighter camper but still adding tongue weight with a trailer is exactly why I went with the 3500 and Aison. The folks with the 68 RFE are having good luck with them and you probably would not regret that choice. I tow an enclosed car trailer and will be adding a camper. My 2004.5 was also out of payload weight to do what I want without extensive mods. I believe a lot has to do with what you can afford. The Aison would seem to be a better trans; it has been around for awhile now; and why wouldn't you chose a better trans if you could afford it. It should also last longer and bring a little back if you might have to sell the truck. The other options I like and was advised to consider is a package that gives you the larger EVIC screen. I believe that is listed as a seven inch screen. It is much easier to read for my old eyes than the smaller screen. Don't know if the 5.0 package has that. I really like the back up camera but of course that will not work with the tail gate off when the camper goes on. It's great for hooking up and I don't have to ask the wife to assist me anymore and she never really got the hang of hand signals anyway.

The Big Horn comes with the chrome group options and more. Like in-floor storage bins. I happen to like that group and the 28Z package that includes the 18 inch wheels, folding flat rear storage, fog lamps, and then the Luxury group that that includes the heated seats and the 7-inch multi-view cluster, auto dimming rear view mirror and best of all, the heated steering wheel. Sure you can wear gloves but when it's really cold out, this truck turns on the heated accessories automatically. Nice!!!!

Park Sense is also nice for those low lying cement parking lot poles that seem to lurk behind every bush when you are backing up. Don't ask how I know. Your choice of color is right on too. Their were many trucks configured in white when I was looking but it was difficult to find the eight foot bed in a SRW like I wanted. You would not have as much trouble since there are many more short bed trucks made in 3500 SRW.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I am glad I have the Aisin, bigger U-connect (mine is 8.4 but the 5.0 is a good upgrade over the 3) and backup camera. So, I suggest getting #2.

 

[dward]

Thanks again
Spoke with the salesman for truck #2. He said $11k off a 15 was a dang good deal and I should go to Idaho and buy it. LOL
But, he did knock another $1k off so with my military rebate of $500, I'm looking at $9k off sticker and they offered KBB trade in value for my 13 Ram 1500. With California tax rate I'm looking at $49,700 OTD and a difference of $27,700 with trade.
Towed my TH today and have to admit the little 1500 Hemi didn't do too bad. Once I locked it into 4th gear to keep it from shifting a lot it had plenty of power. TH was empty and probably around 7k lbs and it could be a litle squirlly even with the airbags which do help a lot.
But, I'm afraid if I put a 1000 lb atv in the back and add up to 150 gal of water and all other camping supplies it won't be so happy.
I'm already at 1100 lb tounge weight which puts me pretty close to GVW.
I plan to drive the 3500 Mon or Tue and if I like the ride will probaby jump on the grenade.
i'll keep you posted.

 

[RVTRKN]

Last night a buddy of mine just picked up a used loaded 2014 with 15K on the odometer, a 2500 Laramie Mega Cab CTD, Nice truck.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I would not hesitate to do a deal with Dave smith in Idaho, I bought current truck from there. They will do as they say. I dealt with them and AutoNation in Seattle for my currently ordered RAM. They were both the same price. AutoNation gave me a much better price for my 11 Dually 39K DS was 36K. AutoNation's advantage was they could actually look at my truck in person. Find a different local dealer to go up against DS.

 

[Brocky]

Too bad you guys are on the West Coast.. Cooper Motors in Clinton SC is the Dodge truck dealer here in the Southeast.. They have more trucks than cars on their lot!!

 

[dward]

Search is over, thanks for the advice.
See my new post for details.

 

[photowrite]

x2 Dave Smith

I would not hesitate to do a deal with Dave smith in Idaho, I bought current truck from there. They will do as they say. Snip...

I've 'known of' Dave Smith Motors for many years. This past June I had the pleasure of buying a new 2500 from them. Great price and sales experience.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I've 'known of' Dave Smith Motors for many years. This past June I had the pleasure of buying a new 2500 from them. Great price and sales experience.

I would have bought from them again but the local dealer killed them on my trade!