Ram 2500 as a commuter...

[Bruce Beard]

Had to drive into Boston yesterday from southern RI in late morning commuter traffic. This is something we thankfully have to do only a few times a year. We decided to take the Ram...
I'm probably beginning to sound like a broken record but "who knew it would be this good"?
Between the extra height (can you say visibility?), the engine torque and surprise, surprise...the exhaust brake, the drive in bumper to bumper traffic at 60 to 75 mph was effortless! Tow haul mode and the full exhaust brake made for just enough braking effect on throttle off to make the drive a joy.
I've done that drive in a lot of vehicles including MINI's, a 5 series BMW sedan, an X-5 BMW and a couple different Mercedes Benz sedans and in my previous F-150. Never have I been more relaxed or comfortable than I was driving my Ram.
I never would have guessed...especially at the difference between the F-150 and 2500 as they are, after all, both trucks...
The difference was simply amazing!

Bruce

 

[16919]

I agree....I love my Ram

 

[Deleted member 995608]

We always take the truck. Wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[R_Walter]

How do you like living back east? Where do you park a truck in downtown Boston?

 

[Ram4Sam]

Welcome to the party... I've been commuting in one since 1991.... Although they seem to be getting bigger every time I trade up.......

Sam

 

[Bruce Beard]

How do you like living back east? Where do you park a truck in downtown Boston?

Living in RI is pretty awesome...as long as you ignore the politics! We sail and it is prime sailing territory...
As for parking, we had an outdoor parking lot at our destination. It was easy!
Bruce

 

[Larry Willard]

I agree the truck is best for the traffic, but can present a real problem depending on where we have to go, so at home it is usually the car since parking garages have to low of a clearance in the DC area, but when traveling it is no choice but to take the Ram.

 

[SnoKing]

Just remember with the exhaust brake the people behind you do not see brake lights!!!!!!!! I use to always remind friends on a RV trip that I slowed down without brake lights if they were following me! SNOKING

 

[Cummins12V98]

If you manually drop the gears you slow down MUCH faster!

 

[SSage]

No biggie if the cost don't burn you up. I drove my trucks daily off and on when I was hauling for my construction work. Also like to have a Honda around and I gotta say I rather save the unloaded miles and use the cheaper to maintain 4 banger, tires are cheaper! I like my trucks, but for city traffic the fully loaded 2014 CRV AWD works too and I don't care about the miles, they last longer than I want to keep them. Nice to have a little CRV to buzz around in too. And a couple motorcycles, a Jeep too and a ... well it never ends. I'm trying to make my old trucks last and last. Hopefully I won't need a new truck for a long time.

 

[Wayne M.]

I commuted into Manhattan daily with my CTD's from 2003-2008, and still today but more local. It was a great deal in the city. It was amazing the city fuel mileage I got/get with it- never less than 17 MPG. That's phenomenal for such a size vehicle! And yes, you are the bully in the sea of small skates. I wasn't the only CTD in Manhattan headed to a tunnel at 1500 either.
Just for an idea on the no brake light/ exh brake issue, the commuter coaches I see have Amber flashing lights up top/rear when they decel. Possible to do something like that?

 

[crispyboy]

I drive a skateboard - econobox for my commuting. I don't want to put all the miles on my most expensive to replace vehicle and sacrifice the econobox to the road salt. With the older emission system I am also worried about clogging things up.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My life is worth more than a few $$$. I commuted in a VW PU diesel for 300K with my knees against the dash. Commuted in a 86 C20 diesel for 300K. Commuted in 98 RAM diesel 300K. Commuted in 2011 RAM dually diesel for around 20K. I LOVE lots of steel around me.

 

[Tuesdak]

For those worried about vehicle life and the *ahem* cost of running a large truck as a commuter vehicle...

I have had a front row seat to the cost of a midsize car in a near fatal collision. 25+ surgeries later and 4 years off of work my family member is just now getting back to work only interrupted by more surgeries. 1 Million Miles 6MPG at $6.00 fuel cost doesn't come close to the medical expenses. Although this was a midsize car vs. a drunk Alien in a 1980's van head on (they all walked away) you have Elk, Deer and other large objects that can appear on the roadway.

The Elk our 1993's 3/4ton truck hit - the driver walked away while it totaled the truck and the Elk. Other vehicles in the tow yard didn't look so good with a big hole in the windshield where another road rat Elk's head entered the vehicle.

Yeah hard to steer when the bumper hits the front tire and the fan belt locks the engine up.

Cost, MPG? These are not a factor in vehicles I use.

 

[Newsa]

After getting hit by people texting and falling asleep at the wheel, i.got the heaviest truck my wife would allow.
We both love it and drive it everywhere

 

[w6pea]

I can justify a 2500 Laramie, as a daily driver. I could not justify a 3500 Laramie as a daily driver. I like my truck I love my truck SWMbO loves it too!