buying a new Ram

[NonFord]

Do a bit of research before you choose the rear air option if using a truck camper. On a truck camper forum I frequent there were discussions a while ago of problems with the rear air if people load heavier campers in the bed of the truck. The rear air struggles to lift the camper, gives an error message. Not sure if it's true, but worth some research.

Scott

I'm not sure about this statement. I have an 855s and fully loaded is north of 4k and I am tickled each time I load her on. System works perfect and when going down the road the ruck rides great. I couldn't be more happier with this setup.

 

[HVAC2]

My first takeaway on our 2018 2500 was how compliant the ride is. I really expected a much harsher experience coming from a 1500. When towing it really soaks up the bumps, especially the rear axle.
We do have a 4x2 Laramie crew cap short box.

I have no complaints on the suspension both front and rear. Excellent design.

 

[Herman8r]

Thanks again for the replys.

HVAC2, do you tow a fifth wheel or travel trailer?
Thanks

 

[HVAC2]

Thanks again for the replys.

HVAC2, do you tow a fifth wheel or travel trailer?
Thanks

2017 ATC 28 front bedroom. Toyhauler trailer. Approx 8k lbs with a hitch weight of around 1100 lbs.

 

[Herman8r]

I am revisiting this post I started back in January. I still haven't purchased a truck. Covid kind of slowed that down!
But now I am ready to move forward. Got my "EP" purchase code from the in-laws (they are awesome!) and I have until 1/4/21 to close the deal.
Finding a truck with an 8 ft bed is tough! I want white but I may have to go outside the box. My wife says I am monochromatic!!
So the solution is to order a 2021. I am still on the fence between a 2500 coil rear suspension an a 3500 leaf spring with the optional Air Suspension option.
I am guessing the ride on a new 3500 will be about the same as my 2006 2500 4X4. I am looking at the Big Horn Package Level 1. Undecided about tire/rim upgrades. I have attached a summary of the 2500 package. I will not get the spray in bed liner as I will do that with Linex or Rhino. Have had both before.
I am going online later on to do the 2021 3500 build for comparison.
I welcome any comments.
Cheers!

 

[AH64ID]

The ride on the 3500 with auto-level will be better than your 06, all the time. That’s with placard pressure in the tires, run proper pressure and it’s likely the best ride of any HD pickup empty and loaded.

I would also get the OEM bed liner/bed package with the lights and step.

You may look at a Laramie too. I never really did but ended up buying one, as it was a used truck and other options were more important. The seats are much more comfortable than my dads ‘17 bighorn! Worth every penny of a not very expensive upgrade.

 

[Herman8r]

AH64ID...Thanks for your reply.
The only reason I thought of not getting the OEM bed liner/bed package with the lights and step is I don't see the need for the rear step as I will put a shell on it. Also, in regards to the bed liner, I was thinking of also doing the bed coating and also on the lower rocker panels and maybe a small strip around the fenders. My 2006 has a fair amount of paint chips from driving off road and on gravel roads. Not bad really but I notice it.
I was playing around with the 2021 build online. I will plug in the Laramie package to see how it changes things. They do look nice!
I just saw the new(I think) Timberline Green color. It kind of grew on me. Maybe!!
Thanks again!

 

[AH64ID]

Even with a canopy the bed step is very useful, I use it all time time with or without my canopy up. My wife calls it my old man step, and I’m oddly ok with it.

I also didn’t see the 50 gallon fuel tank. Worth it, period. It would be worth it if it cost 3x as much.

 

[Herman8r]

I did the fuel tank option.
Now you have me thinking about the "old man step"

One after market add on for sure will be AMP running boards. Have them on my '06 and love them as does my hunting/fishing buddy!!
Of coarse, the other after market items will add up also.

 

[AH64ID]

I did the fuel tank option.
Now you have me thinking about the "old man step"

One after market add on for sure will be AMP running boards. Have them on my '06 and love them as does my hunting/fishing buddy!!
Of coarse, the other after market items will add up also.

I have heard that the OE electric folding running boards are made by AMP. Another one of those things that it might be easier just to have a factory warranty on, like the spray in bedliner.

There are also certainly times we’re going after market is worth it.

Last but not least it ’s also very easy to spend other peoples money.

 

[Herman8r]

I saw that option. And the price is awesome. Only thing is when I select that option ---I am directed to another "needed" option..I think the Level 2 with a $4000 upgrade charge more or less. I may have read that wrong. I will ask the dealer about it.
I am going to buy at Dillon Dodge in ID. I can use my "EP" code, purchase in ID and register in Michigan (just became a resident after retirement) and only pay sales tax in Michigan.
Tried buying in CA (winter home now--old residence) but I would have to pay CA & MI tax!

 

[nukegm]

but I would have to pay CA & MI tax!

and this, comrades, is why people are leaving certain states in droves. herman8r - good luck with your purchase. keep us posted....cheers!

 

[Elsbury]

I had an 06 2500 4x4. Wife refused to ride in that truck unless the fifth wheel was attached lol. I tried several things to get it right...springs etc. but it still rode rough. Now have the 2019 Mega cab dually and the wife wants to take the truck everywhere lol. You know you are in a tow beast but it is night and day over that 06 which I loved. The Ram OEM auto steps are a huge improvement over the AMP's I had on the 06. Feel very heavy duty. I have the air suspension option. We really love the truck. Ii bought mine from Hunter Ram of the west in Lancaster CA. I was looking at Dave Smith but got this truck way closer to home for a great price. Best of luck with your purchase.

 

[Herman8r]

Elsbury, with the OEM auto steps, do you have the Level 2 Equipment Group? When doing the online build, in order to get the OEM Aoto steps, I have to upgrade to the Level 2 package which raises the price by $5200 including the step.
Oh, I just saw your Sig. You have the Limited including the HO Cummins. NICE!

 

[Herman8r]

I called Hunter last week. The guy I talked to said if I lived in Michigan, I would have to register the truck in CA. and then transfer to MI. I said I will not pay a total of 16% in combined sales tax. That would be insane! The reason I recently made Michigan my home state was tax purposes. And well....it is nice & quite there compared to So Cal !

 

[Elsbury]

Not sure about the equipment group. I originally went to buy a Bighorn Mega dually but it was a 2020...they had this 2019 and gave it to me for a killer deal. It had all the bells and whistles with the sunroof delete which was fine with me. Plus the wife was with me lol. I think she likes the truck as much as I do. I was doing research on the AMP retracts for the bighorn and was a little shocked at the installed price. Might be worth it if the level 2 group has the stuff you like in it. Trust me...when we were looking at the limited compared to the Bighorn I was thinking " But I don't need all that crap". Now that I have the limited I'm loving all the extras. That Cruise control is amazing with the exhaust brake and towing. Not sure if that is in the level 2 group...guess I should go look. If it has the 12 inch screen that was another option I thought I didn't need but now that I'm used to it I really enjoy it. I get you on the taxes and quiet...I been looking into Montana but I hear a lot of Cali people are moving there now.

 

[Elsbury]

Which trim level are you looking at? The Laramie I could only find a level 1 group for just under 3700. I guess it depends on your basic trim level?

 

[Herman8r]

Looking at the Level 1 trim package on the Laramie. But I looked at so many yesterday my head is spinning!
I have the AMP steps on my 2006. put them on myself. Excellent hardware and fit. Was easy to do.

Yes, folks from CA do tend to want to get away. Wyoming is one my favorite places as I am addicted to fly fishing, not to mention shooting sports & hunting. But not so much for the wife. We were both raised in the mid west. Bought a place on Lake Michigan in 1999 for retirement and finally we are taking advantage of it.

 

[Herman8r]

AH64ID,
Do you know what type or brand of bed liner is on the Ram? Linex? I like Rhino but it does get dull after a while. I have Linex on some of my trucks in my fleet. It does seem slick compared to Rhino but shure is durable.

 

[AH64ID]

AH64ID,
Do you know what type or brand of bed liner is on the Ram? Linex? I like Rhino but it does get dull after a while. I have Linex on some of my trucks in my fleet. It does seem slick compared to Rhino but shure is durable.

I don't know if its name brand or FCA brand, but I'd guess its FCA.

I've had both Rhino and Linex and prefer the Linex. Dad had a Turbo Liner (Dave Smith) on his 06, I liked that the least of those 3.

I don't for suire know what was on my 05, but I think it was Linex. No tag thou.