4th Gen Thoughts

[HVAC2]

Many ED owners were getting hit hard after 36k miles when the EGR cooler failed. 3/36 only covered it. My max care paid for ours 48k miles.

 

[Ozymandias]

Yeah thats an entirely different platform, sad to here about so many problems with the small diesel.

 

[cerberusiam]

The old stuff is SO MUCH better, and capable and reliable and so on..

I looked, and looked again. Where in this thread was that actually proposed? I don't know of anyone that has actually driven and used a newer truck that would think or even utter that insanity. Even the detuned MD's are bloody AWESOME when not over loaded, the LD units are hands down so much more capable, powerful, (decadently luxurious in some cases) than the older trucks. I have drag myself kicking and screaming from the sales floor. I want it!!! (I don't need it but that is easy to lose sight of)

Aside from some annoying idiosyncrasies the new trucks and really, really, REALLY, great!!!

Undoubtedly one of the most laughable statements posted on here for quite some time.....

Ahhh, THERE they are!! The ostriches have finally weighed in. Squawk! Squawk!

What is laughable, in sad and pathetic way, is the total disregard for reality and civility you types seem to have. Seriously, I guess you not READ or comprehend the trends here or anywhere else. Fat dumb and happy AS LONG AS IT STARTS when you turn the key!!! What happens when it doesn't? What happens when that tow bill exceeds the vacation budget and THEN you MUST go thru a dealer to fix when they can fit it in to there schedule, then wait for back ordered parts because 75 OTHER trucks across the US are sitting there with the same problem. Tell me how does that loaner economy car do the job of the 3500 Ram 4x4??? Not so good when you are on a schedule, work OR play, and a simple electronic module or some other innocuous part that is barely stocked decides to give up.

Ever had to replace the complete exhaust\catalyst system when a DEF injector sticks just destroys some $4k of emissions stuff plus itself? Do that ONCE then look at the bottom line on costs. What are you gonna do when the ignition module fails and it won't recognize that playschool key anymore? Just TRY to jump that truck into running to where you can get it fixed cuz you ain't doing it yourself anymore due to the fact it REQUIRES dealer programming to install and set it up. Don't ever do any one a favor jumping their dead vehicle in a parking lot, ANY little inattention or unknown problem will take out a TIPM or ECM and you are in the same boat. Do I dare mention turbos that carbon up, head gaskets that leak for no obvious reason, injector tips that break off, injectors that hang and melt pistons on a hard pull, and the infamous grid heater bolt that burns off and gets sucked into a cylinder. As a commercial driver lose a trailer circuit or even the TIPM and while you can go down the road it is only a matter of time until it costs $$$. How much of this happened to 3rd gens, 2nd gens, (oh my) 12 VALVES!!!! The amount of things that CAN go wrong and HAVE gone wrong, just not to YOU, and you make fun of anyone that DARES make a negative comment.

I have lost count of the phone calls looking for advice or a rec for a dealer, the guys in truck stops, rest areas, on the roadside that I have stopped or chatted with about the problems they have. I have run used parts to guys up to 100 miles away on a Friday night when they lost an idler pulley, a fan clutch, or a transmission line in WAY out of the way places. If that has never happened to you pat yourself on the back, rub the rabbits foot, throw salt over your shoulder cuz it HAPPENS!

Go back and read what I posted after you remove your head. I very clearly pointed out that without a warranty you ARE running the risk of some serious $$$ out of pocket if and when something goes pear shaped. Did not say it was going to happen to the OP or even 500 people, or 5000 people. The risk is there, either ride that horse until it drops or make arrangements. You cannot ignore the fact that every revisions on these trucks increase the complexity, it is a given. With complexity comes the chances of problems, that is proven time an again with experience.

I have lost count of the phone calls looking for advice or a rec for a dealer, the guys in truck stops, rest areas, on the roadside that I have stopped or chatted with about the problems they have. I have run used parts to guys up to 100 miles away on a Friday night when they lost an idler pulley, a fan clutch, or a transmission line in WAY out of the way places. If that has never happened to you pat yourself on the back, rub the rabbits foot, throw salt over your shoulder cuz it HAPPENS!

 

[gsbrockman]

I looked, and looked again. Where in this thread was that actually proposed? I don't know of anyone that has actually driven and used a newer truck that would think or even utter that insanity. Even the detuned MD's are bloody AWESOME when not over loaded, the LD units are hands down so much more capable, powerful, (decadently luxurious in some cases) than the older trucks. I have drag myself kicking and screaming from the sales floor. I want it!!! (I don't need it but that is easy to lose sight of)

Aside from some annoying idiosyncrasies the new trucks and really, really, REALLY, great!!!



Ahhh, THERE they are!! The ostriches have finally weighed in. Squawk! Squawk!

What is laughable, in sad and pathetic way, is the total disregard for reality and civility you types seem to have. Seriously, I guess you not READ or comprehend the trends here or anywhere else. Fat dumb and happy AS LONG AS IT STARTS when you turn the key!!! What happens when it doesn't? What happens when that tow bill exceeds the vacation budget and THEN you MUST go thru a dealer to fix when they can fit it in to there schedule, then wait for back ordered parts because 75 OTHER trucks across the US are sitting there with the same problem. Tell me how does that loaner economy car do the job of the 3500 Ram 4x4??? Not so good when you are on a schedule, work OR play, and a simple electronic module or some other innocuous part that is barely stocked decides to give up.

Ever had to replace the complete exhaust\catalyst system when a DEF injector sticks just destroys some $4k of emissions stuff plus itself? Do that ONCE then look at the bottom line on costs. What are you gonna do when the ignition module fails and it won't recognize that playschool key anymore? Just TRY to jump that truck into running to where you can get it fixed cuz you ain't doing it yourself anymore due to the fact it REQUIRES dealer programming to install and set it up. Don't ever do any one a favor jumping their dead vehicle in a parking lot, ANY little inattention or unknown problem will take out a TIPM or ECM and you are in the same boat. Do I dare mention turbos that carbon up, head gaskets that leak for no obvious reason, injector tips that break off, injectors that hang and melt pistons on a hard pull, and the infamous grid heater bolt that burns off and gets sucked into a cylinder. As a commercial driver lose a trailer circuit or even the TIPM and while you can go down the road it is only a matter of time until it costs $$$. How much of this happened to 3rd gens, 2nd gens, (oh my) 12 VALVES!!!! The amount of things that CAN go wrong and HAVE gone wrong, just not to YOU, and you make fun of anyone that DARES make a negative comment.

I have lost count of the phone calls looking for advice or a rec for a dealer, the guys in truck stops, rest areas, on the roadside that I have stopped or chatted with about the problems they have. I have run used parts to guys up to 100 miles away on a Friday night when they lost an idler pulley, a fan clutch, or a transmission line in WAY out of the way places. If that has never happened to you pat yourself on the back, rub the rabbits foot, throw salt over your shoulder cuz it HAPPENS!

Go back and read what I posted after you remove your head. I very clearly pointed out that without a warranty you ARE running the risk of some serious $$$ out of pocket if and when something goes pear shaped. Did not say it was going to happen to the OP or even 500 people, or 5000 people. The risk is there, either ride that horse until it drops or make arrangements. You cannot ignore the fact that every revisions on these trucks increase the complexity, it is a given. With complexity comes the chances of problems, that is proven time an again with experience.

I have lost count of the phone calls looking for advice or a rec for a dealer, the guys in truck stops, rest areas, on the roadside that I have stopped or chatted with about the problems they have. I have run used parts to guys up to 100 miles away on a Friday night when they lost an idler pulley, a fan clutch, or a transmission line in WAY out of the way places. If that has never happened to you pat yourself on the back, rub the rabbits foot, throw salt over your shoulder cuz it HAPPENS!

It’s really hard for me to take you very seriously at all, particularly when you apparently reply with little more than “copy and paste” techniques, as evidenced by paragraphs #3 and #5. That being said, it’s quite obvious your proofreading skills are equally as poor.

In any event.....I ran commercially in my 2014 RAM 3500 from February 2014 through April 2018 and 362k miles with nothing more than a water pump causing an inconvenience one day. Likewise....my 2018 RAM 4500 has been stellar from April 2018 through present with 176k miles and ZERO issues. Bottom line is if my truck breaks, I’ll repair it. If an emissions related issue is not able to be repaired in a timely fashion and cost, I’ll have one of my many friends pick me up with their gooseneck trailer, tote me home, and delete. Until then, I’m not going to shiver and pisssssss all over the place like a Chihuahua simply because I am outside of warranty. If I can’t afford to repair the truck that’s putting income in my pocket, I’ll simply go toss burgers at McDonald’s.

 

[HVAC2]

Well, some that rant rings true with me. 2015 ED died in Enroute to Cali 2 weeks ago pulling our ATC toyhauler. Crank sensor. Covered under extended fca warranty. Part is out 3 weeks. Tech is buried, I mean huge jobs ahead of ours. Minimum 2 weeks after part arrives. So, left it in Wyoming, came home to Michigan and bought a left over 2018 CTD.

I do like the passion on this forum. Leave for Cali Tuesday. Again....

 

[nukegm]

Well, some that rant rings true with me. 2015 ED died in Enroute to Cali 2 weeks ago pulling our ATC toyhauler. Crank sensor. Covered under extended fca warranty. Part is out 3 weeks. Tech is buried, I mean huge jobs ahead of ours. Minimum 2 weeks after part arrives. So, left it in Wyoming, came home to Michigan and bought a left over 2018 CTD.

I do like the passion on this forum. Leave for Cali Tuesday. Again....

pretty sad something as simple as a crank sensor is 3 weeks out. pathetic, actually. my once new 18 2500 was in shop for 30 days because hydraulic clutch assembly was on national back order. ram actually made my truck payment for that month it was out of service, which i thought was a nice gesture on their end. dealers need more techs. but kids today dont want to get dirty for a living. cheers and good luck to you comrade!

 

[HVAC2]

I retired 2 years ago, most of my career was in regional and national sales mgmt for various large HVAC mfgs. I remember 30 years ago we were in boardrooms talking about technician shortages. Fast forward today, Its much much worse.

Thinking ill keep the eco, that way when the 2500 dies and parts\repairs are 6 weeks out we have a plan b. This is for retirement, not a business!!!

 

[RVTRKN]

Cerberusium has some good points that ring true to me, a company truck, 2014 CTD under warranty bought back because of a simple charging issue the dealer couldn't figure out, even with their technology. There were other major issues, but easily diagnosed and fixed. But I also remember a rumur about plastic gears in the G56. Buy one, and get the OEM 100K mile extended warranty.

 

[HVAC2]

I can give thumbs up for the fca max care. Its a no brainer if you own a ED! My 2400 investment is now up to well over 6k and I have 55k miles of covetsge left. Trip interruption for this alone is at the 1k max per occurance. All towing covered.

 

[HVAC2]

Duplicate

 

[Newsa]

Cerberusium has some good points that ring true to me, a company truck, 2014 CTD under warranty bought back because of a simple charging issue the dealer couldn't figure out, even with their technology. There were other major issues, but easily diagnosed and fixed. But I also remember a rumur about plastic gears in the G56. Buy one, and get the OEM 100K mile extended warranty.

I don't get plastic particles when i drain the fluid.

 

[RVTRKN]

Didn’t get plastic particles , but I sure got golden particles .

 

[RVTRKN]

I made the dealer throw in the FCA Max care in the deal. But they came back with only a 5 year 60K mile version, which I’ll extend before it expires.

 

[EDankievitch]

Like you I made the jump from an 05 to a 4th gen. Well actually I jumped a few times. 89 to 02, I loved the cab of the 02 the best. 02 to an 05. 3 sets of ball joints 5 water pumps and a clutch it was a fair truck. Then the 4 th gen actually 2 4th gen’s. First a 12 nice truck but kept filling the crankcase with fuel. Lemon lawed it after one year. 2nd 4th gen a 13 first year of DEF. System progress growing pains. 3 sets of Ball joints 2 water pumps, turbo actuator and a few sensors an I’ve lost count on how many recalls and re flashes. The 13 is a fair truck. That said I wouldn’t consider anything before 2015. They 14’s and newer have an all new front end better design? I know the ball joints seem to be better. I also would insist on a 3:73 rear end. 3:42 works but once you upsize the tires you wish you had the lower gear set. I really miss the 35 gal fuel tank. The 05 could tow almost 400 miles between fill ups with a nice reserve. Not so on the 13. 280-310 on a good day if I’m lucky towing. I love the extra. Power but I really don’t need it. 600 ft lbs the 05 had was more than enough. Don’t believe me turn off your traction Controll on the next rainy day and take a drive on a freshly paved road.
I’ve said it a few times this is my last RAM based on my last two trucks experiences. Maybe my friends 17’s can change my mind? But as of right now I just want 5 more years out of this one then I’ll see what is out there. Today’s Super duty is very welcoming..... Time will tell.

 

[cerberusiam]

I ran commercially in my 2014 RAM 3500 from February 2014 through April 2018 and 362k miles with nothing more than a water pump causing an inconvenience one day. Likewise....my 2018 RAM 4500 has been stellar from April 2018 through present with 176k miles and ZERO issues. Bottom line is if my truck breaks, I’ll repair it. If an emissions related issue is not able to be repaired in a timely fashion and cost, I’ll have one of my many friends pick me up with their gooseneck trailer, tote me home, and delete. Until then, I’m not going to shiver and pisssssss all over the place like a Chihuahua simply because I am outside of warranty. If I can’t afford to repair the truck that’s putting income in my pocket, I’ll simply go toss burgers at McDonald’s.

You got lucky but that is not what happens a lot of the time. As far as fixing it if it breaks, you won't because you yourself cannot fix a lot of issues and the dealer at times is totally clueless. The title of the thread is "4th Gen Thoughts" not "I don't want to hear the truth just tell me all the good things". In just a short span and very small cross section of owners proves just how narrow your opinion basis is. Now who really can't be taken seriously.

Here is another "oh crap, why me" moment. My sons co-worker purchased new 2018 Dodge Ram, in less than 10k it was on its 2ND rear axle replacement and dealer cannot find the issue. On its 2nd week of sitting in the dealer shop tornado comes along and drops the shop on his truck. A little short of 8 weeks to get his $70k truck back and be able to drive it. Granted, acts of God and just plain bad luck are rare but my point is "stuff happens". Ask yourself if CAN afford to fix out of pocket, drive a loner for a month, or sit in a trailer park in Showlow, Fort Stockton, or the upper Sandusky for the duration. If you can check all the boxes I say geter' done!

Somebody poo pooed the idea of trading every 100k, might want to do a little digging on what some of these emission parts actually have for a life expectancy. Hint; the DEF system is only recommended for 100k lifetime in the best of conditions. Will it die right at 100k (have to clarify this as SOME simply cannot even be circumspect with information)? Probably not but when the life expectancy is set at that there IS a reason that may need to be considered.

Dodge is THE worst about problems immediately setting the engine to max derate. Other platforms have decision tree of criticality of DTC's and problems that is much more forgiving in a lot of cases.

Agian, like the title, 4th Gen Thoughts and discussion of items of interest and possible criticality to a purchase.

 

[HVAC2]

My FCA max care cost 2100 on our ED. It has 65k miles, covered for another 4 years or 55k miles. So, far its covered an her cooler and this current crank sensor and 1k in trip interruption. Its still not fixed going on 3 weeks.

Really glad I bought the 8/125k on the 2500.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I’ve been waiting to post a response. Are these trucks perfect, no. Are these trucks extremely problematic, no. One poster in this thread hauled commercially and had great luck and minimal failures-a great experience. Another poster, Cerb, is a tech and is probably a bit jaded.....it happens and as a mechanic myself, I fully understand what he means. Basically it all boils down to the individual experience. As a whole, these trucks are doing quite well and are giving a much more capable service life than previous models......beyond 150k miles though is when the EPA will most certainly start digging into the wallet.

 

[EricViviano]

Have owned every gen of Ram including an 18. The mileage on the new 4th gen's sucks, the throttle pedal is way to sensitive for off road situations with the manual trans, the TPMS system sucks, rides fairly rough, and of course DEF blows. Other than that it's a great truck, pulls the horse trailer beautifully. Can't wait to delete it. It's comfortable and fits my family of 4 well.

 

[Troubleshooter]

Are these trucks perfect, no. Are these trucks extremely problematic, no. One poster in this thread hauled commercially and had great luck and minimal failures-a great experience. Another poster, Cerb, is a tech and is probably a bit jaded.....it happens and as a mechanic myself, I fully understand what he means. Basically it all boils down to the individual experience. As a whole, these trucks are doing quite well and are giving a much more capable service life than previous models......beyond 150k miles though is when the EPA will most certainly start digging into the wallet.

So if I understand correctly (and disregarding the outliers on either side of the equation) the new trucks are relatively problem-free, I don't need gauges because they self-monitor, and I should just get in and drive. But also to get the MaxCare extended warranty because if the ever do break down, I'm not going to be able to fix it myself, nor will my normal mechanic. It will be off to the dealer's and (maybe) a courtesy car while it's in their shop.

Does that about sum it up?

 

[RVTRKN]

Thats it in a nut shell, yep.