Help Prior to ordering new 2017 3500

[brillmtb]

Need input prior to order, hopefully next week

1. Air ride, OEM or aftermarket. Besides warranty it seems that aftermarket installed with wireless system probably as much but has ability to adjust on fly and L to R. Does the factory setup use a softer spring in the back with the air such that unloaded ride would be better then hit the bags as needed? Seems like it would be a good idea but doesn't seem that dodge thought of this.

2. Laramie vs Limited. Fully loaded the only diff I can find that may be "major" is that the leather is much nicer in the limited and it comes with, in my opinion, much nicer 20inch rims

3. I converted my 5th wheel to disc brakes with electric over hydraulic. Are the initial problems with the onboard screen setup and function of the built in trailer brake controller resolved. I don't want to run a new brake controller

4. Alternator, the limited comes with 220. I will not have a snow plow, etc. Seems like that is enough?

5. 5th wheel prep: I was planning on having factory prep but by aftermarket Reese hitch which I believe is available for the wider puck footprint compared to my current hitch.

6. Going Aisin for sure and I hear they will not offer in 2018, not sure I care

I am thinking of going with Dave Smith in ID this time. I am close, in Reno and it seems they will go straight to what they call their wholesale. How would I know. What info is available to check actual wholesale prices.

Thanks

 

[TFucili]

Private Message sent.

 

[Grey Wolf]

A friend of mine in Reno went to Dillon for his 2015 and said he got a better deal than Smith. Just another alternative!
http://www.dennisdillon.com/dealership/about.htm

 

[twon]

1. OEM vs aftermarket, personal preference. There are pros and cons to each that others with more experience can add. Yes, RAM puts a smaller spring pack on the trucks with air bags. That and it all being integrated is why I ordered mine with it. (Cons, can't adjust it to personal preference).

2. I think you are right, wheels and leather are the main difference if you are comparing to a Laramie with all the bells and whistles. Again, just personal preference, I went with the Laramie. While the leather is very nice, was a little fancy for me.

3. I don't have experience here.... yet.

4. Unless the dealership was mistaken, 220 is the biggest you can go now, no more dual alternator option in 2017. (I haven't confirmed this).

5. This is a tough topic. I ordered mine with the prep after doing a little research. Now that it is on its way and I am looking at hitches, I realize I should have done a lot more research before ordering it. I think I still would have ordered it with what I know today, but not sure.

If I was ordering a long bed and in the market for a new hitch, prep without a doubt. If I was going with a short bed (and I did), research what hitch you want and what it will take to mount it. Then make sure that combo is likely to work well between you truck and fifth wheel.

Things to consider for a shortbed,
prep - $400
Adapter - $300-500 depending on brand
Plus cost of hitch.
Slider/no slider/sidewinder

I am going with a B&W OEM Puck hitch (non-slider). This risks contact between truck and fifth wheel on extreme angles.

6. I ordered it as well. I liked the feel of it when test driving. Don't think you can go wrong with either transmission. They seem to have the past bugs worked out here.

My order is through Dennis Dillion, they beat Smith in price, but not by much. I hesitate to give too much of a review as the sale is not final yet. About 3 more weeks to go.

Good luck in your search for the perfect truck.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Limited and Longhorn leather is MUCH nicer than Laramie.

Factory rear air for sure!!! I have had both and it is great.

Factory puck prep for sure with B&W RVK3600 for sure.

Aisin for sure.

 

[brillmtb]

But I have heard the factory air costs as much or more than aftermarket and aftermarket gives more flexibility, increase air, l to r adjustment, etc and if the stock air breaks the truck becomes inoperable.

 

[Vette Racer]

2016 Dually Aisin, 4:10, level air, can't be beat if you are pulling heavy. 2017, good luck.

 

[twon]

I can't imagine why the truck would become "inoperable". It is not the sole system that is carrying the trucks weight, it's just an assist to keep it level. Now with that said, maybe the computer puts you in limp mode if somthing happens, I couldn't tell you that part. But even if you're towing, it would just sag.

Becareful when you are reading about the system, because Ram has three different air systems on the 1500, 2500 and 3500 respectively. The first two are the most popular trucks and therefore, I find a lot of people quoting those systems even when talking about the 3500. The 1500 and 2500 would in fact be inoperable because the 4 airbags are the only thing carrying their weight. Very different systems.

As as for the other things you mentioned, you will have to decide what is more important to you. Cummins and myself (impart from reading Cummins posts) chose what is right for us, that doesn't mean it will be the right choice for you.

You mentioned fine tuning the psi and L/R adjustability. Just make sure to do you research on a system and everything that is needed to accomplish these things. You might find that the cost adds up rather quickly.

You didn't mention of you were going with a long bed or short bed?

 

[crispyboy]

I was studying Ram's body builder guide last week and one item I noticed on the 2500 trucks is that the air ride trucks sat about an inch lower than a standard sprung truck. This would push me towards the air ride system if I had to make a choice as these trucks are too high already.

 

[Cummins12V98]

But I have heard the factory air costs as much or more than aftermarket and aftermarket gives more flexibility, increase air, l to r adjustment, etc and if the stock air breaks the truck becomes inoperable.

The factory has two settings, I leave mine in ALT ride mode aLL the time. I had a good system on last truck but I will take factory with a good warranty and it's performance any day.

NO it will not strand you with a bag failure. Fact is I have never heard of one.

Truck is at RAWR in pic with rV attached and in Alt ride mode in both pics. Ride is great solo or loaded.

 

[twon]

Alt ride mode in both pics. Ride is great solo or loaded.

I thought ALT ride height didn't work on the 3500's with no load in the bed? Am I mistaken or has that been updated? I will be VERY happy if my truck can go into alt ride height with no load!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Alt works just fine solo. Trick is not to turn it off after unhitching.

 

[twon]

That is great news! Thanks so much, I will be hitting you up if I can't get it working.

And thank you for all your posts. Between you and Snoking, you have influenced my build significantly. We love camping, but with the stork dropping off our 3rd soon, it's not so fun to grab a tent and go. I have zero experience towing fifth wheels, but my family and I want to get into it. I have tried to learn as much as possible from those of you that do it often and appreciate you sharing what you have learned over the years.

 

[zb39]

Alt works just fine solo. Trick is not to turn it off after unhitching.

This is correct..........I do the same thing.

 

[Cummins12V98]

That is great news! Thanks so much, I will be hitting you up if I can't get it working.

And thank you for all your posts. Between you and Snoking, you have influenced my build significantly. We love camping, but with the stork dropping off our 3rd soon, it's not so fun to grab a tent and go. I have zero experience towing fifth wheels, but my family and I want to get into it. I have tried to learn as much as possible from those of you that do it often and appreciate you sharing what you have learned over the years.

Happy to help!

 

[BILLUA]

I bought from Dennis Dillon and was a very happy camper....Dave Smith sales lady was a flake and could not return a call or give me a price.

Gunnar Koval at Dennis Smith is awesome!

Don't forget the $1,000 manufactures coupon through USAA if you are a member

 

[brillmtb]

Dealers keep telling me aftermarket air better than OEM. I guess is I knew the OEM air with single leaf rode much better than std spring pack, non air when empty that might be a great way to go.

 

[twon]

Alt works just fine solo. Trick is not to turn it off after unhitching.

This is correct..........I do the same thing.

Is there anyway for me to get it into Alt mode without hitching up? I don't mind strong arming a few sales people into the bed if the weight is needed.

If it's possible, what steps do I need to take to get it in Alt mode for my 600 mile drive home from the dealer?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Is there anyway for me to get it into Alt mode without hitching up? I don't mind strong arming a few sales people into the bed if the weight is needed.

If it's possible, what steps do I need to take to get it in Alt mode for my 600 mile drive home from the dealer?

Thanks for the help!

I think it takes around 500 lbs. So two salesman???????

 

[twon]

So I place 500 lbs or so in the back, activate alt mode, then the 500 lbs can be removed without it coming out of alt mode? Once I turn the truck off them back on later, it should remain in alt mode?

Do you notice any ride difference when empty between normal and alt mode? Or strictly aesthetic?