Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I've really grown to like this truck. I've a history of lousy car decisions but maybe this one breaks the pattern. I like it so much that, unexpectedly, it's become my daily driver.
Last weekend I drove the boys across the state for a soccer tournament. 6hrs, almost all freeway, pretty flat, cruise control at 78mph. Got >26mpg for sum of out and back.
There's been a couple CELs. The dealer did a software update at my first oil changes that took care of a couple occasional CELs.
Once/month I do a 7-16hr tow pulling a 24' enclosed trailer, 7400-7800lbs. I put some $100 airbags in the back to help the soft rear springs. The truck really tows well. It feels much more "sure" on the freeway then my old F-250. It never wants for power, but then I'm in coastal GA so it's not like I'm climbing over the Continental Divide. The towing mpg is every bit as good, or perhaps slightly better than what I got with the pre-EPA 2000 F-250 and it's well thought of 7.3l Powerstroke.
I have the nice sedan-like comfortable and quiet ride of a Ram 1500, and the towing mpg of a diesel. It really is the best of both worlds.
My first oil change was a surprise. I bought the truck out of state but took it to the local dealer for it's first service. Estimates of oil change costs were pretty high so I wasn't looking forward to the visit. The dealer then informed me that the first 4 oil changes were free.
Note also that relatively inexpensive oil filters are now appearing on the market.
Last weekend I drove the boys across the state for a soccer tournament. 6hrs, almost all freeway, pretty flat, cruise control at 78mph. Got >26mpg for sum of out and back.
There's been a couple CELs. The dealer did a software update at my first oil changes that took care of a couple occasional CELs.
Once/month I do a 7-16hr tow pulling a 24' enclosed trailer, 7400-7800lbs. I put some $100 airbags in the back to help the soft rear springs. The truck really tows well. It feels much more "sure" on the freeway then my old F-250. It never wants for power, but then I'm in coastal GA so it's not like I'm climbing over the Continental Divide. The towing mpg is every bit as good, or perhaps slightly better than what I got with the pre-EPA 2000 F-250 and it's well thought of 7.3l Powerstroke.
I have the nice sedan-like comfortable and quiet ride of a Ram 1500, and the towing mpg of a diesel. It really is the best of both worlds.
My first oil change was a surprise. I bought the truck out of state but took it to the local dealer for it's first service. Estimates of oil change costs were pretty high so I wasn't looking forward to the visit. The dealer then informed me that the first 4 oil changes were free.
Note also that relatively inexpensive oil filters are now appearing on the market.
Last edited:
