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Hold it or Trade it?

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2018 2500 tradesman headlight input

Watch Out! Key Fob works outside truck

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BHolland

TDR MEMBER
Had some major life changes recently that greatly affect my driving habits. Currently own a 2012 3500 dually with 61,000 miles. Had a 3 horse trailer along with a 10ft heavy camper. Also tow a snowmobile trailer. Wife developed Alzheimer's and so got rid of the camper, horse trailer and horse. Thinking of going back to a 2500 short bed 4x4. Wondering if the 2019 is worth the trade-in bath I would take on a trade-in. Just me and the dog now...
 
Tough situation to be in.....If it's not a big financial burden for you....why not. You might be surprised by the value of your old truck. No shame to having a new truck.

Sam
 
Sorry to hear of those life changes.
I’m thinking that your truck is pre DEF? I would consider the trade just based on that, and how your needs have changed. The DEF trucks run so much better, get better fuel mileage etc.
 
Sorry to hear of wife's health issues. I suggest a method I follow:

1. Go to dealer and make your BEST deal on the truck you want WITHOUT a trade.

2. After you're confident you've made the BEST deal, ask them to calculate a deal WITH your trade.

3. This way, you're not playing CAR MATH with it. It helps if you determine AHEAD of time how much THIER truck is worth and how much YOUR truck is worth.

What you end up assessing is the DELTA, or difference and is it agreeable.

Just my approach. Good luck and God Bless you and your wife.

Ron
 
Had some major life changes recently that greatly affect my driving habits. Currently own a 2012 3500 dually with 61,000 miles. Had a 3 horse trailer along with a 10ft heavy camper. Also tow a snowmobile trailer. Wife developed Alzheimer's and so got rid of the camper, horse trailer and horse. Thinking of going back to a 2500 short bed 4x4. Wondering if the 2019 is worth the trade-in bath I would take on a trade-in. Just me and the dog now...
Since you ditched the camper, horse trailer, and horse.......if you have the itch to go 2500 or 3500 SRW......I’d highly suggest going with the 6.4L HEMI and 4.10’s.
 
The 2500 w/ the 6.4 Hemi is a very nice and capable truck. I loved mine. But I found out when I traded it in that it's a rare truck and not many people want one. I'd say more than 90% of the Ram HD trucks are CTDs. I got a smoking deal when I bought the 6.4 because of that, but took it in the shorts a bit when it was time to go. Just sayin'....
 
Check out a 1/2 ton pickup. If you don't have a need for a 3/4 or 1 ton the ride is a lot better in a 1/2 ton. Just saying the excuse to raise taxes because of bad roads ... well the roads are not getting any better regardless of all the new taxes to fix the roads. MPG and maintenance costs favor a 1/2 ton esp with diesel prices being more than gas most times.
 
comrade - sorry to hear about your loss. id say trade it. you might need the distraction of a new vehicle.....and you may be surprised at the value your current truck might be holding...and who knows, the dog might really like the new truck smell... :) cheers, and be good to yourself.
 
I understand the argument for a gasser or 1/2 ton, but honestly, there's no replacement for a CTD. Some participants here on the TDR either regret leaving the Diesel island, or losing some wheel studs. They're either looking to come back or are coming back.
Weigh your options, you have good trading stock.
 
I would vote 1500 or 3500 SRW. The way the TPMS works on the 2500 these days that vehicle is not marketable to me at all. If you were not towing anything heavy the 1500 can do a lot.

Either way I think I would be looking at a different vehicle.
 
I would vote 1500 or 3500 SRW. The way the TPMS works on the 2500 these days that vehicle is not marketable to me at all. If you were not towing anything heavy the 1500 can do a lot.

Either way I think I would be looking at a different vehicle.

The change in lifestyle you may want to wait until you have a new plan for what you want to do overall. Then get a vehicle that fits. It's a minor change to SRW and short bed because the small parking lots simply suck for those as well. Today is "too much truck" and the major expensive question is that going to be true in the future?

The fast shifting ASIAN trans is another reason for a 1 ton. I didn't say butter smooth and who cares in a rough riding 1 ton... the 2500 auto's appear to need two memo's to select the proper gear to get out of their own way and then finally get the rig moving.

X2 on the tire pressure reporting system on 3500's.
 
Had some major life changes recently that greatly affect my driving habits. Currently own a 2012 3500 dually with 61,000 miles. Had a 3 horse trailer along with a 10ft heavy camper. Also tow a snowmobile trailer. Wife developed Alzheimer's and so got rid of the camper, horse trailer and horse. Thinking of going back to a 2500 short bed 4x4. Wondering if the 2019 is worth the trade-in bath I would take on a trade-in. Just me and the dog now...


First and foremost, I am sorry to hear of your wife's situation. My wife and I spent the last 9 years caring for my mother who had dementia in our home. She passed in January and I can certainly relate to all of the life changes that you are experiencing at this time.

As far as the truck is concerned, I feel that it is worth getting rid of it at this point. You can always pick up another one at some point if you end up towing or hauling heavy again. A fresh start with a new vehicle may just be a bright spot for you in this otherwise difficult time.

Lastly, it isn't just lip service when I tell you that if you need anything during this time, please don't be afraid to ask. We have been down this road and will be more than happy to listen to what you are going through and offer any assistance or kind words that we can. My father is living with us at this point also and he really struggled when mom first passed. But, I'm sure that he also would be available at any time to lend an ear.

Again, best of luck with your decision and I'll be praying for you and your family.

Justin
 
First of all thanks for everyone's support for my situation. Life goes on! Been doing some spec-ing on RamTrucks.com to see what kind of price I am looking at. I am wondering at what my 2012 DRW will actually bring at a trade or private sale. The two dealers in my area are both quoting Kelly book values which top out at $36K. The truck has a SnugTop canopy, Torklift heavy hitch, and a front end receiver hitch. Friends tell me I should be getting close to $40k. I do see some for that price on Auto Trader. Just wondering how hot a commodity this non-def 2012 4x4 is in my local market?
 
Thought I'd throw another perspective in here. Bought my wife a 2019 Ram 1500 5.7L V8 4x4 crew cab with auto retracting steps. Very easy in and out... had ankle fusion (surgery 12 weeks ago and been very easy. Very powerful runs on regular unleaded.

We bought this truck potentially our last new vehicle.

Anyway, best of luck deciding.

Cheers, Ron
 
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Wow Ron, sorry to hear about your wife too! You’ve got your basket full!
My MIL had a ankle replacement about 10 years ago, and that’s been very successful.
Getting back to the OP, BHolland, be careful when negotiating in a trade and the truck market trends vary area to area. You couldn’t give away a dually around here.
 
Sorry Wayne, I have the fused ankle. But the truck sits lower and the retracting steps make it easy to get in and out of. Still has 1800 lb payload and 8500 trailer towing, but quieter, less maint, no def, and uses reg unleaded.

Anyhoo, another option to consider.

Cheers, Ron
 
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