Good bye 06, hello 17 or 18

[AMink]

We are currently looking into getting a new ram truck. We currently have an an 06 Megacab 3500. I am thinking Mega dually or longbed crew cab dually. We pull a fifth wheel that maxes at 15000 but I want to be ready in case we ever get something bigger. I also want the stability.

For those who have made the move, what are your impressions of the 17s and 18s? What do you like and dislike? Are there any major differences between the 2 years? I am looking at the Longhorn or one of the other upper packages. Any "must have" options? I want the Aisin and 4x4.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Towing combined up to 29K get the 3.42's, any heavier go to the 4.10's!!!

LongHorn is a great trim level. If you like the seat stitching make sure the proper code is entered if ordering.

Factory Rear Air Ride is a have to have option!!! I carry at least a 6K pin weight and the truck sets the same with or without a load in Alt Ride Height mode. Makes for a nice loaded or solo ride.

 

[NWatchel]

have a look at the 2019 1500's ... if you can wait until the new style makes it to the 2500 / 3500 's

 

[jeepit]

Is DEF out for 2019 or is it 2020?
I would wait for this change.

 

[nukegm]

not exactly the same comparison as you, but i went from a 02 2500 to a 18 2500. the difference is night and day. frame stiffness, ride quality, interior noise level are all greatly improved....not sure how a 3500 today compares to a 2500 today suspension wise, but if you get in to a new ram, i think you will be pleasantly surprised. cheers comrade and good luck! these trucks have come a long way in the past few years....

 

[Tuesdak]

How are you selling the 06 Megacab 3500? Those are worth a lot outside a dealer trade FWIW. Ebay it and see...

 

[TowPro]

I went from an 06 Laramie 2wd to a 15 Tradesman 4wd. The comfort levels in the 15 are much better even though I went from Laramie to Tradesman. Plus I never liked the 06 seats. I think the length of the seat under your butt is 2" shorter than the previous models, and the 15 went back to big seats. Like the seats don't come out far enough towards your knees. I never measured them but that is how they felt.

I sold m 06 to my brother for what they were giving me in trade. he still has it. My 06 had 65K miles on it and only lost 38% of its value in 9 years. Now I have a 2018 Laramie sitting at the train depot, waiting to be delivered to my dealer. Looking forward to bucket seats with full console.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Is DEF out for 2019 or is it 2020?
I would wait for this change.

Dont think DEF is out. It's that all emissions are under the truck in 19 or 20.

 

[AMink]

How are you selling the 06 Megacab 3500? Those are worth a lot outside a dealer trade FWIW. Ebay it and see...

I'm not sure what we're going to do with the 06. It might go to my son. Keep it in the family. On the other hand it'd be nice to use the sale money forward the new truck.

 

[gsbrockman]

Is DEF out for 2019 or is it 2020?
I would wait for this change.

Why? Very few owners with any measurable DEF issues.....

 

[avvblanc01]

How much are you selling the 06 for? I'm in the market for a low mile 06 mega cab!

The 17 and 18 trucks are remarkably smooth. The rear coil suspension is light years ahead of the leaf springs in terms of the ride. The radius arm set up in front is also very very smooth. There are far more electronics however which is both good and bad. Good in that you have a modern stereo with all the hook ups and the info screen that displays parameters like oil pressure and temp is fantastic. It's bad in that there is lots of possible electrical gremlins. I've been in a few 17 and 18 trucks that just weren't right electrically. Long story short though the new trucks are incredibly refined and smooth. Everything about them is light years ahead of your 2006.

 

[Spooled-up]

‘18’s have apple car play and android auto.

Rumor has it that since the ‘19’s are the 30th anniversary with Ram, that they may release the EGR free engine they announced in Europe. All exhaust after treatment is supposed to be downstream of the engine but still use DEF I think.

 

[AMink]

How much are you selling the 06 for? I'm in the market for a low mile 06 mega cab!

The 17 and 18 trucks are remarkably smooth. The rear coil suspension is light years ahead of the leaf springs in terms of the ride. The radius arm set up in front is also very very smooth. There are far more electronics however which is both good and bad. Good in that you have a modern stereo with all the hook ups and the info screen that displays parameters like oil pressure and temp is fantastic. It's bad in that there is lots of possible electrical gremlins. I've been in a few 17 and 18 trucks that just weren't right electrically. Long story short though the new trucks are incredibly refined and smooth. Everything about them is light years ahead of your 2006.

We haven't got that far yet, as far as asking price. I wouldn't say it's low miles (163k) bit certainly a lot of life left.

 

[Cummins12V98]

‘18’s have apple car play and android auto.

Rumor has it that since the ‘19’s are the 30th anniversary with Ram, that they may release the EGR free engine they announced in Europe. All exhaust after treatment is supposed to be downstream of the engine but still use DEF I think.

As i have mentioned several times I spoke to a Lady at the cummins plant in 2016 she was working on the system and she said it was for the 30 year joint venture anniversary and Cummins 100.

 

[Spooled-up]

As i have mentioned several times I spoke to a Lady at the cummins plant in 2016 she was working on the system and she said it was for the 30 year joint venture anniversary and Cummins 100.

You’re probably who I heard it from then.

My local dealer says July or August for announcement of the 2019’s

 

[Cummins12V98]

You’re probably who I heard it from then.

My local dealer says July or August for announcement of the 2019’s

Can't wait to hear the details!!!