Meet the new 2013 RAM HD Trucks...

[jgillott]

"Waiting to see if the DEF is going to do what I think it will for the fuel mileage... . '

That is exactly what I am afraid of... ... .

Sam

Same here. The '04. 5 has tons of miles on it at this point and it isn't going to last forever. I don't however want to be tempted to buy another one until we really need to if that makes sence.

 

[JNLarson]

Dealers are apparently still receiving new 2012s.

Ram website will show "in transit" and I personally witnessed new trucks being unloaded at a dealership last week.

Dealer had a small lot but it was jammed full of new Ram heavy duties.

 

[dlmetzger]

Here's a link with a few more details: http://www.sae.org/mags/aei/11410

 

[Yo Hoot]

Thanks good link.

They go to urea on all models.
Axle disconnect up front comes back.

Overall heat rejection through the engine coolant radiators, oil-air TOC, and CAC is 25% greater in the 2013 model. This means lower air and fluid temperatures throughout the powertrain to meet an engineering bogey designed to improve durability.

 

[EDankievitch]

You might be right about the kicking my self for not waiting for the 13 or 14 or 15... But the fact remains that this 12 is a nice truck just it eats fuel like there is no tommrrow. I've had 4 Dodge/ Rams with the Cummins engine package all the trucks would give between 18 and 20 mpg day in and day out. The 12 is lucky if it can give 15-17. 5 Mpg. They are saying the 13's will be back as good or better Mpg's than the older trucks. The 12 is just over 100 miles less on 30 gal of fuel than the 05. That works out to over 1000 miles less for every 300 gal of fuel. And I haven't even added into the cost the short oil change requirements (about 2200 to 2500 miles) due to fuel contamanation. That is a huge loss and increase in opperating costs. Even with the DEF fluid which sells for $12 for 2. 5 gal (and a gal lasts about 1000 to 1250 miles on the 12's chassie cab trucks) you are way ahead with the 13's. So... ... Hey RAM hurry up and release the 13's you can have my 12 as soon as you do!

 

[rscurtis]

Look at the bright side, Ed, you didn't lose it in the storm.

 

[JHumphries]

Look at the bright side, Ed, you didn't lose it in the storm.

How is that luck?
Can you say insurance payoff!
By the time you get the payoff, the 13's will be out. The only issue is if you CANNOT live without a truck for a few months, or if a beater will not do the job.

 

[JerryNelson]

That is one nice truck and it comes with a real nice price tag $$$$$. Sure makes my paid off 05 look pretty good.

 

[EDankievitch]

True, I didn't loose it in the storm, But then again I was well prepaired even my boat was safe. Living on an Island you have to watch the weather and think ahead. Blows my mind how many don't think then panic at the last min.

 

[Wingate]

Pretty sure I will be purchasing a new truck in the 3rd quarter of 2013... IF the fuel mileage is back up to atleast somewhere close to my 06 model and nobody is reporting massive issues or failures. Think I will just keep the 06 model...

 

[rscurtis]

In issue 78 on page 44, under "Suspension", the article mentions that the 3500 will have the new three-link front suspension, and page 43 mentions that both the 3500 DRW and SRW will have the Aisin transmission option in addition to the 385 HP engine. This leads to several questions. 1. Will the 2500 continue with the present 5-link suspension? 2. Will there really be a 3500 SRW? (I suspect the answer is yes, the TDR is never wrong). 3.

If the answer is yes, what is the intended use of the 3500 SRW? What will it do that a 2500 can't do? 4. How much more towing capacity and GVWR capacity will it have over a 2500? 5. Being a 4-wheel truck, will it go to F or G rated tires to accomplish this?

 

[Wingate]

Seems I'm not the only one interested in purchasing a 3500SRW 4x4 next year. .
All good questions... hope you get some answers. .

 

[dshatzer]

It is refreshing to see no one has picked up on the new engine controller computer with rolling security codes, effectively blocking any attempts at add-on power boxes. 850 ft/lb of torque should be just fine.....

 

[rscurtis]

The 555 ft/lb that I have is just fine.

 

[HBarlow]

In issue 78 on page 44, under "Suspension", the article mentions that the 3500 will have the new three-link front suspension, and page 43 mentions that both the 3500 DRW and SRW will have the Aisin transmission option in addition to the 385 HP engine. This leads to several questions. 1. Will the 2500 continue with the present 5-link suspension? 2. Will there really be a 3500 SRW? (I suspect the answer is yes, the TDR is never wrong). 3.
If the answer is yes, what is the intended use of the 3500 SRW? What will it do that a 2500 can't do? 4. How much more towing capacity and GVWR capacity will it have over a 2500? 5. Being a 4-wheel truck, will it go to F or G rated tires to accomplish this?

I don't think any tire manufacturer makes an F or G rated tire for 17" wheel. I've never seen or read of one anyway. Perhaps some ChiComm willpop manufacturer offers one?

The only way to achieve any load carrying capacity with srw is with a $5000 set of 19. 5" wheels and tires and they won't touch the factory rating of a drw truck.

 

[NIsaacs]

I don't think any tire manufacturer makes an F or G rated tire for 17" wheel. I've never seen or read of one anyway. Perhaps some ChiComm willpop manufacturer offers one?



The only way to achieve any load carrying capacity with srw is with a $5000 set of 19. 5" wheels and tires and they won't touch the factory rating of a drw truck.

It is going to be interesting to see what Ram does about the new "best in class" weight ratings. Like AH641D said, the 17" tires and wheels seem to have been ignored in favor of 16" and 18". The GVW tag in my '01 is somewhat generic and lists the weights using the standard tire 245/75x16E when it was actually ordered with the optional tires 265/75x16E. With the 285/75x16E Toyos rated at 3750 lbs each gives me 7500 lbs for the rear axle, I think I will re-stamp my GVW tag:-laf



Nick

 

[Ross]

No manufacturer ever told of going backwards with its new model...

I remember when the 1998s were released, the 24 valve was supposed to be more powerful, with 10-15% better fuel economy than the low-tech 12 valve. While the mileage wasn't bad, it sure as heck wasn't 10% better than my 97 that I traded in for the "New Improved" 1998 model. I hope all the hype is true on the 2013 is true, but I'm hanging on to my money until the new truck proves itself in the real world. I will never be a guinea pig for the auto industry again.

On another note, I see the 2013 has updated electronics? I wonder if they are getting rid of the TIPM, or at least have engineered some kind of protection circuit into it? I know several people that have traded brands entirely just on the TIPM issues with Dodge.

On the surface, I love the new truck, but I'll have to wait until some hard users are out on the road giving us some real world reports...

 

[Ram4Sam]

It is refreshing to see no one has picked up on the new engine controller computer with rolling security codes, effectively blocking any attempts at add-on power boxes. 850 ft/lb of torque should be just fine.....

That is a matter of opinion... .....

Sam

 

[CUMMINZ]

I only have 66k on my 07. 5 and it has all the towing bells & whistles it needs for towing. I'm waiting for the 8 speed auto.

 

[HBarlow]

It is going to be interesting to see what Ram does about the new "best in class" weight ratings. Like AH641D said, the 17" tires and wheels seem to have been ignored in favor of 16" and 18". The GVW tag in my '01 is somewhat generic and lists the weights using the standard tire 245/75x16E when it was actually ordered with the optional tires 265/75x16E. With the 285/75x16E Toyos rated at 3750 lbs each gives me 7500 lbs for the rear axle, I think I will re-stamp my GVW tag:-laf

Nick

Nick,

I spent a lot of time studying factory brochures and on line material before I ordered my '01. I don't remember any optional tires being offered as you mentioned. I remember those larger 265/75 tires being OEM standard on Ram 2500s. Ram 3500s had 235/85s.