2004.5 Mid-life purchase

[Pegg38]

At about the age of 5 I was introduced to the TONKA truck. Seed was planted. Then at about the age of 12 the TV show “Movin On” only further fueled this obsession. Remember??? Claude Akins as Sonny Pruitt. Well here I am, just turned 40, wife said good-bye and I’m living in a van down by the river. Never fulfilled my childhood dream but decided to purchase 2004. 5/2500 4x4.

The order hasn’t been made yet; white over silver or graphite…it’s driving me nuts.



Here’s the problem. I have absolutely no practical need for this vehicle a. k. a mid-life crisis. My boat weights less than 2000 lbs. The commute to work is 7 miles one way, four days a week.

From the research I’ve been doing, short trips and no load kill this engine. Buying a more practical vehicle is not an option!!!



Besides moving further away and buying a larger boat what can I do??? I have a buddy who has a 24-foot boat, (heavy) which I plan to tow just to assist with break in but what can be done for the short commute besides moving? Would a long trip on the freeway say once a week be OK? Any other advice for a first time diesel owner would be appreciated.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Sell the van, buy a 9 1/2 foot slide in camper. Buy the truck, you will need it to get chicks. I promise it will help... .

 

[Chris N5CWM]

Take the long way to and from work.



At least once a year rent the biggest travel trailer you can, hitch it to the Ram, and spend some time with other diesel-holics! There are several events around the country each year. I've been to the LSTDR Rally in Kerrville TX. (Lone Star TDR).



I can relate to the need for a big truck coming from some unexplainable place in our heads. I bought a 2001 Ram 3500 duallie 6x6 to tow a 6,000 lb boat/trailer! Had it for a year, and sold it for a SUV (well, a really overgrown SUV. . LOL. . 3/4 ton Suburban with the 496 V8 and 4x4). Within a month I was rolling down the window every time a Cummins Ram pulled up next to me at a traffic light. Had to get another Cummins! Ended up with my current Ram which has been trouble free for 52,000 miles. Now I'm starting to desire the 325/600 Cummins NV5600 combo in a 2500 4x4. When does it end! Hopefully I'll be 90 driving a diesel something...

 

[boonsur]

The truck can definately be good for your outlook. I'ts hard to command such a machine and not feel a little better about yourself/things. People will be able to feel your testosterone coming a block away. As for distance, you'll probably find a lot of reasons to extend your trip. Any excuse to keep driving. And, I'd recommend the graphite. Sharp color when clean, and it sounds like you'll have the time/passion to do it.

 

[StephenThomas]

Greg Boardman must have been reading my mind. I was thinking along the same lines... . sell the van, buy the truck and a travel trailer to live in and tow on occasion.



The other justification for getting a Ram CTD is the longevity of the truck as well as improved fuel mileage. What a great B-day present for yourself!

 

[Rocket]

Originally posted by Pegg38

I’m living in a van down by the river.

Good ol' Chris Farley RIP buddy.

 

[jungledave]

I only drive 12 miles to work. As soon as my 04 is warmed up I just have to flog it. Not a day goes by that I don't try to blow it up. Don't worry you can't hurt it. It Is A Dodge.

 

[gogriz91]

I did the same thing a few years ago. Only had about 5K lbs that got towed twice a year.



You only live once, and if you can truly afford it, then indulge yourself. It'll do wonders for your morale.



Take it out once a week and run it for an hour or so at 70-75. That's a reasonable trip and is a good enough workout to make up for those short commutes.

 

[EMD-Run8]

You'll love the truck! I only have a little over 550 miles on mine and my hat's off to the good folks in Saltillo, Mexico. The engine---well ya know I've been a diesel nut since I was a kid. Nuff said there. As far as the short commute, mine is only twice that far but it is mostly on the Interstate. I would just give the truck a good 4-5 minute warm up in the morning and don't worry about it. Like the man said---take the long way and don't be afraid to kick a little turbocharger in for good measure! Enjoy

 

[klenger]

Getting an RV will take care of any extra money you have around.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

Try a little off-roading , not rockin' & muddin', just a few hour drive on some Off Highway Vehicle trails. You may have to drive a couple of hours to get to interesting places if you run out of close by places to explore and what a ride to do it in ! Never had a problem filling my truck with other people to ride along or folow in their rigs. Great highway confort,good off road capabilities & easy on fuel. Can't beat it... . Caution ,It may be habit forming. I can,t stop and I don't tow either,but I think I get alot out of this truck.

Good luck and don't wait ... . Mark T.

 

[klenger]

Pegg38:



Tell us a bit more about what you are ordering please. I can think of four points of justification, if you need them.



1) The diesel will get much better milage than almost any gasser truck out there.



2) You are helping the US economy.



3) You are helping the Mexican economy (that's good IMO).



4) Resale will be much higher on a diesel truck than a gasser.



"If a little bit is good, then too much is just right" - Jim Green

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

What, sniff, a heart rending story, sigh #ad




Reminds me of long, long, time ago when I was going to the U at Missoula, MT. As I walked to school I would pass this 69 F250 4X4, lime green, with the unmistakable purr of a diesel. Finally, had to stop and ask the owner about what the hay? He showed me a inline six stuffed in the rig. How beautiful.



Then when Dodge came out with the Cummins I was nigh on to coveting Everytime I'd pass one coming toward me I'd have to check and see if it had the "red badge" of honor. So it became a health and safety issue - crink in the neck from rubber necking and taking my eyes off the road. Told the wife "someday I'm going to get one of those". She knew the words "Dodge Cummins" without having the slightest idea what I was talking about when ever I'd crane my neck to look at a passing truck.



Some suggestions: Gotta dump the van ASAP. Get a tarp/tent/topper/camper/trailer (which ever you can afford after plunking down the cash for the CTD and gunrack. The van conjurs up images of some scroungy dude with bandana and smoke wafting from the windows instead of the exhaust, flashback, yeesh. I imagine the ground can get kind of soft "down by the river" during the wet times of the year. So you probably could justify the 4x4 CTD just so you don't get stuck .



Next, you'll need at least a faithful dog to replace said "wife", another flashback, yeesh. My "girls" love me, listen to me, follow me, and are glad to see me when I come home. In due time you can pick out the right one from the horde of chicks Boardman mentioned. Life is good.



ORDER exactly what you want the first time, period. Quad cab, 4x4, box length, 2500/3500, SRW, DRW, color, options, and etc. so you don't have to "upgrade". Finally, stay away from TDR bombing/pimping posts or you'll spend all your money on doodads and have nothing left to court the aforementionied chicks :-laf

 

[EMD-Run8]

The other thought is that if you don't need the 4x4 get the 4x2. They still ride up there pretty good. I really had to argue with myself about getting a 4x4. I just really don't have a practical use for it down in florida. If I did I would have. But absolutely------get what you want the first time. Then you can enjoy good camarderie here on the TDR (not to mention the truck)-------they're a great bunch! Beware though------once you buy the truck you'll be thinking you now own an UNOBTANIUM EXOTIC CAR WITH A TAILGATE!!!!!!!!! Oo.

 

[Crunch]

Originally posted by Pegg38

Well here I am, just turned 40, wife said good-bye and I’m living in a van down by the river.

Chances are that van is going to slide into the river some day, and you are going to need something to pull it out. Get the Dodge Cummins. Wife might even come back then, but Dodge thought ahead and put locks on the doors...

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

Originally posted by Chris N5CWM

Take the long way to and from work.

A study suggests taking a new route to work can make your brain create more connections, thus increasing your brain power. So you can tell your wife you need the new truck to get smarter.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Crunch observed:

but Dodge thought ahead and put locks on the doors...

:-laf #ad
:-laf

 

[lil red cummins]

when did need , necessity or logic ever have ANYTHING to do with buying a CTD??????????



i don't need mine, i have 6 other vehicles. i cannot justify it for work or pleasure at this time. however i DID want it. that was all the justification i needed. and don't even think of taking it away from me. i have become very attached in a little over one month.



so go buy the truck !!! its the right thing to do!!!



jim

 

[Iwant1]

Originally posted by lil red cummins

when did need , necessity or logic ever have ANYTHING to do with buying a CTD????

Yeah I had a half-ton that pulled my Jeep ok. But when I lived in Indiana I made the mistake of attending a few local pulls and then Thunder in Muncie Now check my sig

 

[FATCAT]

(1) Life is short

(2) If it makes you happy and you want it ... GET IT!



End of discussion.