2014 Ram 3500 SRW...6.4 HEMI saga

[Sticks]

This thread is going to be an ongoing blog (so to speak) of this particular new vehicle experience. Mileage, Use, Maintenance costs, Problems, etc.

Well, first off I just did several things I'd swear I'd never do or do again. A pile of reasons I went with this truck and options. Primarily cost. Second in line is the use. This is going to be my commuter truck, not recreational.

Bought a NEW model year truck and took the depreciation up the arse.
Bought a vehicle with a first time run with an engine design.
Bought a truck with a gas burner instead of Prius Repellant.
Bought a truck with an Automatic
Bought a vehicle with power locks, windows, and mirrors.
Bought a vehicle with way too many electrical features.

So, here it is;

WINDOW STICKER
2014 MODEL YEAR RAM 3500 TRADESMAN CREWCAB 4X4 LONG BOX
PRICE INFORMATION
MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE OF THIS MODEL INCLUDING DEALER PREPARATION
Base Price: $ 37,985
RAM 3500 ST CREW CAB 4X4
Exterior Color:Bright White Clear Coat Exterior Paint
Interior Color:Black / Diesel Gray Interior Colors
Interior:Cloth 40 / 20 / 40 Bench Seat
Engine:6.4-Liter V8 HEMI(R) MDS Engine
Transmission:6-Speed Automatic Transmission
STANDARD EQUIPMENT (UNLESS REPLACED BY OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT)
FUNCTIONAL/SAFETY FEATURES
Advanced Multistage Front Airbags
Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Supplemental Side-Curtain Front and Rear Airbags
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
3.73 Rear Axle Ratio
Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Electronic Stability Control
Sentry Key(R) Theft Deterrent System
Speed Control
Power Door Locks
Power Accessory Delay
Power Front Windows w/ 1-Touch Up and Down Feature
Automatic Headlamps
Power Heated T-Tow Mirrors w/ Puddle & Signal Lamps
730-Amp Maintenance Free Battery
160-Amp Alternator
Tip Start
INTERIOR FEATURES
Air Conditioning
Uconnect(R) 3.0 AM/FM
Media Hub (USB, Aux)
6 Speakers
Instrument Cluster with Display Screen
40 / 20 / 40 Split Bench Seat
Front Armrest with Cup Holders
Second-Row In-Floor Storage Bins
Rear Folding Seat
Rear Under Seat Storage Compartment
12-Volt Auxiliary Power Outlet
Tilt Steering Column
Rearview Day / Night Mirror
Driver / Passenger Assist Handles
EXTERIOR FEATURES
18-Inch x 8.0-Inch Steel Wheels
LT275/70R18E BSW All Season Tires
32-Gallon Fuel Tank
Locking Tailgate
Class V Receiver Hitch
7-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness
Trailer Tow with 4-Pin Connector Wiring
Tow Hooks
Tinted Windshield Glass
Tinted Glass Windows
Halogen Quad Headlamps
Incandescent Tail Lamps
Cargo Lamp
Full Size Spare Tire
Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
PRICE INFORMATION (contd.)
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Customer Preferred Package 22A
Protection Group
Chrome Appearance Group $ 795
18-Inch x 8-Inch Steel Chrome Clad
Wheels
Bright Grille
Bright Front Bumper
Bright Rear Bumper
Heavy Duty Snow Plow Prep Group $ 135
220-Amp Alternator
Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield
Popular Equipment Group $ 650
Cloth 40 / 20 / 40 Bench Seat
Carpet Floor Covering
Front and Rear Floor Mats
Remote Keyless Entry with All-Secure
6.4-Liter V8 HEMI(R) MDS Engine $ 1,495 - Look - they double tagged me for the 6.4 engine. It's included in the base price
180-Amp Alternator - Not sure what alternator I ended up with, but I paid for two
Uconnect(R) 5.0 AM/FM/BT $ 660
5.0-Inch Touch Screen Display
SiriusXM Satellite Radio w/ 1-Yr Radio
Subscription
For More Information, Call 800-643-2112
Integrated Voice Command with
Bluetooth(R)
Overhead Console
Rearview Mirror with Microphone
DESTINATION CHARGE $ 1,195
TOTAL PRICE:* $ 42,915

Assembly Point/Port of Entry:SALTILLO, MEXICO

FINAL ASSEMBLY POINT:
SALTILLO, MEXICO

Added into out the door total;
Trailer Brake Control (who orders a 3500 for stock with out a trailer brake control that in this day and age should be a standard item?)
Spray in over the rail bedliner

Financial suicide - $42k with all taxes paid

I take delivery in the next few days. They have to do the negotiated installs.

 

[TFucili]

I will be following this closely. Since selling my '05 I have been contemplating getting a truck again, but seriously considering the 6.4. Pretty much exactly what you spec'd out, except I might consider 4.10s.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I hope you got a good discount on it. The leftover '13 diesels are going for $10-15 under sticker if you look around. Even the '14s are going for near those discounts.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I have also stumbled across a few '13 hemis at similar discounts, one was a longhorn.

 

[EGroeneveld]

So what is the ''saga''? You got a new truck so congrats!

(Yes I know its not a diesel but not everyone needs a diesel, nor wants to pay the extra $10K for a diesel)

 

[JJPage]

Sticks, Following your other thread I understand your decision and agree with it. I like the truck you chose, some nice options included. I believe you will be happy with it and it will serve your purpose well.

The only difference I would prefer, especially in regards to a work truck, I would not want carpet, only a full rubber floor mat would be my choice. Heck, I even tried to get that option on my personal rig, dealer wanted $400 to take out carpet and install the factory rubber mat, I cheaped out, but have had regrets about it since. Very convenient to open all doors and spray the mud from your passenger's feet out...

Just read your last entry in the other thread, vinyl floor....

 

[Sticks]

Saga - as in it's going to turn into one. Some have expressed interest in how this ~ 6.4 Hemi in a 1 ton ~ plays out.

The truck currently has carpet, and I will have to address that with something, at least for the front seats since the back is probably gong to get loaded up with paperwork and other stupid crap I'm going to have to haul around, ergo no passengers.

The back seat...That is one thing Dodge finally got right. The back is ROOMY. First truck that I have sat in the back where my head did not hit the ceiling, and I have tons of leg room.

Also going to have to get some running boards made, it's a climb to get in, and I'm 6'3. Not paying $600 for wheel to wheel when I can make them for maybe $100 - $200.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Sticks, is the engine based on the existing 5.7?

 

[crispyboy]

Seems like you already have a lot of buyers remorse. To me it sounds like a nice truck and should do the job just fine. It will probably climb hills a little slower and stop a few more times at the fuel pump. Seems like an easy trade-off compared to the complexity and expense of a diesel motor with costly emission components and turbo.
Keep us posted in your honest assessment of this gas truck.

 

[Sticks]

UPDATE - Got a call yesterday at about 3:00p local. Bad planning on the part of the dealership. They left the truck outside over the weekend, and by the time the body shop got around to mine for the bed liner, they had to wash out all the snow that was in the bed (couple inches), then let it sit inside long enough to warm up so the bedliner would stick. It would not be done until early evening, and the evidently the one guy that can do trailer brake controller installs left at 3:00. Maybe Tuesday afternoon I'll take delivery.

DFitzwater - I've read both sides on this. It's either a bored and stroked 5.7, or it was a from the ground up build. I do know that there are some differences between this 6.4 engine and the one that they put in the sports car models, other than a programming de-tune.

Crispyboy - I had buyers remorse before I even started signing paper work. $42k for a base model pickup. That's obscene. Especially with no diesel. I plan on being optimistic about this, and am not going to drive around hating the truck. My biggest issues is going to be getting my '02 to understand why there is a '14 parked next to her and the one being driven every day.

 

[TFucili]

$42k for a base model pickup. That's obscene.

Amen to that!

 

[Sticks]

Well, picked up the new girl last night. I'll try to get some pictures posted this weekend, maybe some side by side with my 02 if I can get her a bath.

Remember the good old days when you bought a new vehicle and it came with a full tank of gas/fuel? Not so much anymore. Gotta fill up in the morning and start my official log.

I've got two trip meters, and both maintain an avg fuel economy. I'll keep the first one reset every tank, and the second for lifetime average...according to the computer, and of course the hand calc every fuel up to see how it stacks up for accuracy.

Really hate the head rest.

 

[NIsaacs]

How about some technical spec's, like GAWR, GVWR and tow rating. Does the gasser have the same axles as the diesel, front axle disconnect and new front suspension??

Nick

 

[Sticks]

I'll look up those details today.

 

[RVTRKN]

What did they do about the double billing on the Hemi?

 

[EGroeneveld]

Can't wait for pics and reports! I'm thinking of the 6.4 Hemi for a run around town truck and lighter hauling. Can leave my TC on my dually than all the time. I looked at the eco-diesel but its to low for my tastes, spendy new tech scares me a little bit plus the big one is it does not have a 8 foot long bed in a crew cab combo.

 

[jgillott]

What did they do about the double billing on the Hemi?

If I read the Ram Build & Price site correctly, the standard engine on a 3500 SRW 4x4 is the 5.7L Hemi. The 6.4L is shown as a $1495 extra cost option. I was under the impression that the 6.4L was standard now, but apparently it is not.

 

[Sticks]

EVIC Mileage to date - 13.8...115 miles

What did they do about the double billing on the Hemi?

If I read the Ram Build & Price site correctly, the standard engine on a 3500 SRW 4x4 is the 5.7L Hemi. The 6.4L is shown as a $1495 extra cost option. I was under the impression that the 6.4L was standard now, but apparently it is not.

If you look at the OP, that is all the info off the window sticker as it comes from RAM, and was in the window. What did they do about it, nothing. Just shrugged their shoulders, and told me it was taken off in the dealer discounts/adjusted MSRP. It may or may not be a typo, on the build list. Same with the alternator. I'll probably give Corp a call and see what the deal is. I'd be shocked if they did anything about it. That would be a lot of refund checks they would have to issue.

Tow ratings and capacities - There is a lot of conflicting information out there. I did not get a chance to copy down the info on the door sticker - the only thing that is going to be 100% dead on.

I can tell you what this truck does not have. It does not have the air assist rear suspension (which I though was going to be standard on the HD trucks) or coil overs. Still have the same old leaf spring setup in the rear. A bit fewer leafs than my '02, and no overload leaf on top. Currently I am still driving around at curb weight, plus spray in bedliner (which has to go back to the dealer to do the "Over the rail" part that they were supposed to do). It rides a bit smoother than my '02 loaded with my daily carry (tool box with 300#). Even the few potholes that I hit (not on purpose) were not as bone jarring as I would have expected.

Pics will probably show up this weekend. I need to give both of my kids a bath first, then find a place to get them side by side.

Handling - We got a few inches of snow overnight and that left the roads either snow packed or iced in some areas. I know a great deal of the handling and drive-ability on snow and ice is TIRES, which on a new vehicle, are not the best. Truck did great. I even tried to break loose a little a couple of times and it would not, and that was with the stability control button left off (unless you push the button to turn it off) and I kept it in 2wd. The ABS woks as expected, quite a bit of feedback through the pedal.

Road Noise - The cab is QUIET. You can hear the engine if you romp on it*, but otherwise it is really quiet in the cab. 50k miles of rough roads will tell the tale if the new trucks start developing the squeaks and pops in the cab. * - FWIW a WOT burn destroys the EVIC fuel economy if still under 50 miles. It's kind of funny to see it holding 14.2 then drop to 11 after a 5 second burn. If my '02 had it, It would probably keep me from doing that sort of stuff.

 

[Sticks]

EVIC Mileage to date 16.2. Hand calc 15.59 - 463.0 miles

Sorry, still no pictures yet.

SO, I filled up for the first time today. 25.002 gallons, 389.8 miles, 10:42 driving time. 15.59mpg averaging about 36mph. Probably closer to 40 (timer keeps ticking even with the engine off). Morning drive is usually about 15 minuets surface streets, and 15 minuets highway at 59mph. The evening sucks and is usually stop and go traffic for all but 5 min. I did have to take 1 longer highway trip yesterday (200 miles) and that averaged 79mph. The EVIC graph during the bulk of the highway at the 79mph showed about 18mpg on the flats. Not as terrible as I was thinking it was going to be. It actually did better than my 02 for longer trips at that speed (I'm lucky to pull 16mpg).

Still need to get the requested specs and pictures. I'll try again this weekend.

 

[TFucili]

Thanks for the update. I am definitely tuned in to your "saga".