Just a comment on reliability

[Boonieman]

The Ohio River is up right now and has my creek backed up. I'm pretty sure I could cross it if I wanted to, but I still have plenty of beer for me and food for the dog, so I don't need to get across and all is well. My point being is that where I am it is fairly rugged, and reliability and functionality are my two highest priorities. I try to buy stuff that works right, not just looks cute. If it happens to look good like these new Rams do, then that's just a bonus for me. My ole 2001 CTD had 85000 miles on it when I traded it. The only thing I ever had to touch on it was to change one of the license plate light bulbs... . no brake jobs needed, no leaks, nothing. I just didn't like the auto trans for my needs, or I never would have traded it. If this 2003 is half as reliable, I'll be very satisfied. I already realize the 4X4 part of it is far improved form my 2001. This is coming from a person who was never a fan of Chrysler, but I have to admit they are impressing me of late. Of course, dropping the Cummins in their trucks was a stroke of wisdom for sure. Sorry... I just can't help bragging on my new truck!

 

[DPKetchum]

But can it SWIM:--)

 

[Boonieman]

Yes, it can swim. It can do all that and more. I put a couple pics on the Users Rigs. I went across the water no problem... just to see if I could do it.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Be careful though, if you ingest water in any large volume it crack pistons, bend rods and destroy cranks due to the high compression. I've seen it and it aint purty.

 

[Boonieman]

So true! I am no advocate of crossing deep or moving water because it sure can fool ya, and fast! The water I was crossing is backwater with no current, and I have no inclination to toy around with a $40M dollar vehicle for play. Good advice Prairie!

 

[DPKetchum]

I was really worried about the dog food thing. Run out they can get a little upset.

 

[Boonieman]

Dont worry about the dog. If she runs out of food, beer will do in a pinch. Ha! I'll tell ya, these fields are really soft right now. I'm so impressed with the way the new 4X4 systems works! Up til now, the best 4X4 system I've had was on a Nissan. This one tops that.

 

[klenger]

Water? ... in a river? Who would have thunk. I've lived in Tucson for 7 months now and have yet to see a drop of water in any of the rivers here.

 

[azpete]

Buried mine in the mud today just north of you klenger outside of Oracle. Took me an hour to get out. I'm sick of all this rain but we sure do need it.

 

[DPKetchum]

Now if by chance you get flooded in until mid summer give us a shout and i'm sure someone can airboat or drop a few cases to you.

 

[bighammer]

... . and the water would be REALLY COLD this time of year.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Originally posted by klenger

Water? ... in a river? Who would have thunk. I've lived in Tucson for 7 months now and have yet to see a drop of water in any of the rivers here.

Thats why we call a river a wash... ..... No h2o

 

[willyslover]

If ya do water crossings... be sure to check out your gear cases and Diff's... . the vent tubes are way low on mine , might be on yours also and you DO NOT water to stay in the fluid areas ... talk about reliability issues

 

[Boonieman]

Well, the water went down... so I can restock on supplies! I'm glad I didn't have to go thru the water, but I will definitely check those vent tube locations. Water is also a bad thing on wheel bearings, etc. I have a 96 Honda 300 ATV that I submerged in the creek a few years ago. The only thing showing were the handlebars. I got the tractor and pulled it out, figuring the worst. I drained all the gas and crankcase fluids. The oil looked like a milkshake. I pulled the sparkplug and blew all the water out of the cylinder, put the plug in and put in fresh gas, had a cold beer for a few minutes and the thing started up!! I still have that Honda and believe it or not, it's still on the same original spark plug that came with it and it runs fine. It does smoke a little when I first start it up after it's been sitting for a coupel weeks, but hey... I'm not complaining. But I know I got real lucky and I am really shy now about doing any watercraft-wannabe's with my Dodge or any thing else!

 

[DPKetchum]

Years ago i worked in a Honda motocyle shop/even before 3 wheel atv's. Anyway a tech their bought a Honda 550 4 cyl. motorcycle with less then a 1000 miles that had been stolen and dumped in a pond. Was there 6 months or so. Brought it to the shop,drained and lubed everthing,just cleaned the points. Did install new spark plugs and it fired up,ran good. He kept it a few months and rode it often. sold it for good money.

 

[dnitzel]

The chevy guys at work all tell me how BAD the Dodges are, especailly my new 3500. I've had three Dodges, they've NEVER had any trouble, or have been left stranded. One of the lead Dodge detesters with one of our company trucks was driving one of our chevy 1500 4x4 (they are all chevys at work) and it "just stopped for no reason" again. Only 35k miles, been in the shop at least every other month, like a few of the others, but still, in their eyes, the best truck made. I guess it's all in the eyes of the beholder.



I'm shocked at the amount of abuse some of the jap ATVs take. I've had seven Yamaha's since 1985. If you're 50 miles from your truck and kinda lost, it really crosses your mind IF this thing is going to make it back after a day of hard sand duning, beating on the rocks, driving through streams, et el. I never worry about my Dodge CTD getting me home as well.

 

[RichV]

Originally posted by Boonieman

So true! I am no advocate of crossing deep or moving water because it sure can fool ya, and fast! The water I was crossing is backwater with no current, and I have no inclination to toy around with a $40M dollar vehicle for play. Good advice Prairie!

$40M ? :--) Guess I won't be replacing my truck anytime soon outta my price range. Just hoping they realize how bad my truck is and total it

 

[Boonieman]

Well... it might not have been exactly $40M dollars... . I could have been exaggerating slightly... . but it was way more than I EVER thought I'd spend on a vehicle. I had a weak moment... .

 

[RichV]

I hear that Boonieman. Wish I could replace my truck, but first depends on what the insurance company does. Also have to find a job. Then I can entertain getting a new one, really don't need one. But who really needs anything! OK OK OK just gotta have a Dodge Cummins Diesel!!!! Oo.