Looking for newer truck - need input on difference by years, options, body, etc.

[Dan_69GTX]

Need help on various topics. I've NO experience past 2002 trucks - sorry.

Is there a link someone can provide for the major maintenance on the 4th gen trucks?

How expensive is maintenance on say a 2009 truck compared to a 2012? Does one require more than the other?

Do the 2011.5+ that use DEF get much better mileage than the pre 2011.5?

Buying a used truck what big things need to be checked?

Can 4 6'2 adults fit in the newer 1500 crew cab trucks?

Sorry about the general questions. I just started looking and am digging through back issues to see what I can glean.

Dan

 

[RustyJC]

DEF didn't come in on the pickups until 2013.

Rusty

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Need help on various topics. I've NO experience past 2002 trucks - sorry.

Is there a link someone can provide for the major maintenance on the 4th gen trucks? Just add DEF & diesel and go. 15K oil change intervals

How expensive is maintenance on say a 2009 truck compared to a 2012? Does one require more than the other? Relatively identical trucks except for body change

Do the 2011.5+ that use DEF get much better mileage than the pre 2011.5? ​DEF wasn't added until 2013

Buying a used truck what big things need to be checked? Same as any other used vehicle

Can 4 6'2 adults fit in the newer 1500 crew cab trucks? ​Yes. As long as you get the crew cab and NOT the quad cab. New crew cab bodies have a decent amount of rear seating

Sorry about the general questions. I just started looking and am digging through back issues to see what I can glean.

Dan

​Hope this helps

 

[schmeg]

The cab dimensions are the same for the 1500/2500/3500. Back seat is huge. If you get into a CTD, get something new or at least a '14. That year they supposedly worked the front end issues and you definitely want a DEF truck. The DEF usage is minimal. They run better than non DEF motors that had to meet EPA. The problem is try finding a 2-3 year old CTD that isn't sky high on asking price. You might as well buy new at that point unless you run into a good deal. I would not buy a 2007.5 to 2012 CTD. Too many issues. Thats just me. Either stay with a 5.9, or get new or pretty new.
If you go used, not only get a CArFax pulled on it, focus on the transmission, front end. I would ask if maintenance records are available. I wouldn't buy a used diesel unless someone could prove how often all filters and oil were changed.
Maintenance cost: 12 quarts of CJ-4 oil and a Fleetgard/MOPAR filter can usually be had for $75 or so. Do it yourself. Some change at 7500 miles. The newest trucks have a 15K spec. I'm not good with that myself. Fuel filters are $125. at Geno's Garage every 15K. Do it yourself. Its easy. Save big bucks. The Ecodiesel 1500 only has one fuel filter, so it will be a bit cheaper. Oil for that truck used to be stupid expensive, but FCA just redefined the oil spec making it far cheaper to change the oil. Either truck, do your own maintenance and save, or bring to the dealer and open up your wallet. Just keep good records.
There are plenty of Youtube videos on line that outline routine maintenance on the CTD and ED. Also subscribing to TDR will give you a library of knowledge.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

^^^ He's very correct about the used truck pricing. I swore I would never buy another brand new truck, but the price was so close, I couldn't pass up a new one.

The 3rd gen 5.9's with 100k miles or less are stupid high in price. $30k +++++++++

2007.5 to 2012 -essentially the same truck with a body change in 2010

2013 - DEF and interior redesign

2014 and newer - 3500: new chassis, front axle change, new front suspension / 2500: rear coil suspension with four link trailing arms

I'm sure i'm missing a few things.

 

[RustyJC]

4th gen body was introduced in 2010, not 2011. Prior to my current 2016 in my signature, I had a 2011 3500 Laramie crew cab dually with 350/650 Cummins. That truck performed just fine for us. I upgraded to the 2016 because we upgraded to a 3000 lb heavier 5th wheel that was well beyond the 2011's ratings.

Rusty

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Thanks to all who responded. Well, I did it....sigh.....Now I have to get "divorced" from my 1996 and figure out how to swap over all my mods (tool boxes, air system, air horns, etc) to my new very expensive love. A 2016 Ram 2500 Big Horn CTD, Auto, 4X4 in Delmonico Red Pearl Coat.

 

[EGroeneveld]

I went from a 2011 to a 2016 Ram 3500. 4*4 Cummins Dually CC Laramie

The 2016 is light years ahead of the 2011. In power and capacity.
DEF is as easy as adding washer fluid.
Better mileage too.
Best part is the 15K oil change intervals are real on the 2016. My 2011 never got past 5k miles before wanting one.
And then a lot of great little things: headlights, seats, butt coolers, auto wipers, auto highbeams, etc...

You have my permission to buy a new truck, LOL.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Cool! I guess technically the bank owns it for now.....

Now I got 179 miles on it.