1st week with the 600

[Scooby]

I've just completed my first week of ownership of the 04. 5. After driving for a week, I must say that I am overall very happy with the truck...



A few observations:



1) The motor feels TIGHT! It really feels like it needs to be broken in - much more so than my 01 did when I bought it new. It doesn't seem to rev quick unless I stand on the pedal. I know the power is there, but it just feels "tight". The 04 305/555 truck I test drove earlier in the year didn't feel this tight either.



2) The steering and braking are excellent - night and day difference compared to the 2nd gen trucks...



3) Whereas I miss the engine noise (somewhat), I love the sound of the exhaust and the fact that I don't need my 1500 watt stereo anymore. My wife kept having to tell me to stop yelling at her when I took her for her first ride in the new truck - I guess I was used to the old one. Oh, and my neighbors thank me on a daily basis.



4) Favorite silly feature: Fold flat storage floor- all trucks should come standard with this option - it's a beautiful thing!



5) I'm getting 14. 2 mpg so far... with 1100 miles on the odometer... mixed driving... not great, but not too bad for a 7800lb truck that isn't broken in.



6) Not sure if I hear a "humming noise" coming from the rear end or not... you guys have me hearing things!



7) I have a rattle or pinging around 1800 rpm which I guess is normal - never noticed on the 01 - couldn't have heard it!



8) Interior is nice, but the taupe seems to show marks more easily than my camel interior did on the 01.



9) Don't like that I couldn't get a full blown Laramie package without the electronic transfer case - but I've gotten over it.



10) Overall, I really like the truck and am looking foward to breaking this motor-in... I just gotta learn to row faster!

 

[swexlin]

9) Don't like that I couldn't get a full blown Laramie package without the electronic transfer case - but I've gotten over it

So did I!



2700 miles so far on mine - fantastic machine.

 

[KBertetto]

9) Don't like that I couldn't get a full blown Laramie package without the electronic transfer case - but I've gotten over it

I agree, but now it's possible with the new Laramie "J" Package. I sure wish this package was available when I ordered. The dial-a-drive has worked great so far, but I just don't care for it.

 

[JeffreyHahn]

Just under a thousand miles on mine. Picked it up in St. Louis last Sat. Can't believe the difference between this one and the 12 valve I had. Last tank 467 miles with a fill of 25. 03 gal. 18+ mpg hand calculated. Packed the tank-wish it was as easy as my TDI. Truck is tight and quieter than my TDI. Getting some gear whine from NV5600, but this could be break in. I won't worry about it until 10k.

Driving around Detroit is something else. A lot of rowing, even on the interstates. Still getting used to the 6 speed vs. the 5 speed. Thank you, Tomeygun!

 

[Scooby]

Originally posted by Bert&Holli

I agree, but now it's possible with the new Laramie "J" Package. I sure wish this package was available when I ordered. The dial-a-drive has worked great so far, but I just don't care for it.

The problem with the J package is that you don't get other Laramie features like a power passenger seat and a few other small items...

 

[Scooby]

Originally posted by streetsweeper

Last tank 467 miles with a fill of 25. 03 gal. 18+ mpg hand calculated.

Wow, you are doing great on mileage... I wonder what the difference is... sounds like we have similar rigs except mine is a 3. 73 rear end which you'd figure would be better for mileage



Are you driving ultra-conservative or anything?

 

[WStoops]

Mine is just over a week old too. Same observations as you except this is my second one with the load flat rear floor. They need to add some anti-skid stuff to it. Don't put a pepperoni pizza on it then drive home in a hurry. Don't ask how I know that.

Don't like the idea of the electronic 4x4 shifter either. My fords that had it were junk. So far this one is fine. Leather seat bottoms are really short, lots shorter than the premium cloth seat bottoms on my 03. Still comfy though and the heat is really great. Wife loves the fact she can adjust the passenger heat up while I have the AC on. I agree, the engine seems really tight. Pulls hard if you get on it. Mileage seems good. Overhead goes WAY down if you get aggressive with the go pedal. Upper 15's on the first tank hand calculated, all in town. One highway ride of 20 miles showed 19. 2 on the overhead. No engine ticks, vibrations or rear end noises. GPS is really cool. Front right suspension squeak on bumps. Handling is really good, cornering way better than my 03 1500. Wish that blue high beam indicator light dimmed with the others. Headlights stink. Better than the 03 but not by much. Driving lights to come.



04. 5, 3500 laramie, quad, 48re, antispin, 3. 73's, every option available, found on dealers lot, cancelled pending order. patriot blue/silver, short bed. TDR grill badge pending. I'm in love.

 

[DPelletier]

Some pretty accurate observations, I would say. I'll second the anti-skid on the load flat floor!



Dave

 

[EEngel]

Congrats

Scooby,



Congrats on the new truck.



I also came from a 2001. My observations were almost identical to yours.



And yes, the moter is very tight. It will loosen up and it seems to gain strength and mileage.



Enjoy!

 

[phloop]

So how many of us bought white Quadcab Laramie Dually's with-in the last week?

 

[WStoops]

I would add something about the trailer tow mirrors. I was thinking they would be vibrating on the road but they do not, even when extended. Really well designed. BFG on/off road tires sing. Lack of rear wheel well liner is irritating on a 47K+ truck. Bought them yesterday, $95, tax incl. The Mopar step is also nice. As a side benefit, it keeps mud and sand (I live at the end of 4 miles of dirt road in NW CT) off the sides of the truck. Seems to generate less brake dust on the front wheels than any truck I have had in recent years. One other thing, as a former ASE Master tech and diesel mechanic, I am impressed with the workmanship on this truck. Body work (little wrinkles) leaves something to be desired and not yet on a par with the other 2 big guys but the rest of the workmanship is impressive.

5 inch Mopar exhaust tip is impressive. I'll second the other posts about the paint scratching easily. Looking into a product called 5 star shine, a paint sealant. Report on that to follow at some point. Wish I had the taupe interior as the gray leather shows dirt like crazy. Fog lights don't do much.

 

[phloop]

I have something else to add to this. I've read a couple of mentions on the lack of lighting. Try out a set of the Sylvania Silverstar bulbs in the lights. They have kinda of a blue tint to the bulb but do not add a blue tint to the projected light. Kinda spendy but are really nice, supposed to be just under HID bulbs in color and brightness.

 

[stevenknapp]

Do you know what bulb type the Ram requires?

 

[phloop]

The headlights are 9007's and the fog lights are 9006's. I got the Silverstar's at Wally world for $38 per two pack of bulbs.

 

[phloop]

The headlights are 9007's and the fog lights are 9006's. I got the Silverstar's at Wally world for $38 per two pack of bulbs.

 

[Gbrady]

I have a 3500, 4x4, six speed, SRW, and LB. I have 1,100 miles now. The over head on the first tank said I was getting 12. 2 and then jumped to 14. 2 mpg with in 600 miles. I took the time to top off on the tank each refill. Hand calculated I got 16. 1 on my first check. That was mostly highway at 65 mph. The over head is now reading 15. 1. I am very pleased with 16. 1 so early and hope I see the same improvement on my next check.



Gary Brady