2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Seeking recommendations for different truck

[TShikoski]

I currently have a '92 W 250 with 185k and though I have installed new ranchos, the wife and I are tired of bumping along. We are seeking an upgrade recommendation for a newer year truck. We have a 4K travel trailer and haul around the country and do back country stuff as much as possible. Seeking auto with a better ride, good reliability and something I wont need to be working on all of the time, but have no experience with the "newer" trucks. Have heard some good and some bad about second gens, and could go newer if needed.



Experienced opinions much appreciated.....



Tom

 

[goodguys75]

cant go wrong with the 5. 9... but if you want comfort... then the new trucks are the way to go... from what i hear... .

 

[HBarlow]

The '06 and '07 Rams are great trucks. They have all the improvements and refinements before Ram shifted to the ISB6. 7.

I eliminated the '03 through '05 in my recommendation because you stated you want an automatic. The 48RE used in the '06 and '07 had all the upgrades and was ready for fully integrated exhaust brake installation from the factory.

The later trucks are even more refined and luxurious but you'll pay a fuel economy penalty with them and if you use the truck for frequent short trips for errands running empty some sooting issues are not uncommon.

 

[GAmes]

The '06 and '07 Rams are great trucks. They have all the improvements and refinements before Ram shifted to the ISB6. 7.

I agree. If I trade up, an '06 is what I'd be looking for. My first Dodge/Cummins was an '92. I feel your pain. The '97 is a vast improvement, but to find one now that is trouble free would be difficult.

 

[SierraRam]

The electronics on the 06-07 5. 9's are updated as well, of course I am a little biased.

 

[JMcCoy]

The newer you go, the more refined it will be. My personal opinion is to stay with a mechanical pump second generation (94-98 12v). Especially since you are familiar with drive train. You mention back country travel. I could address the CAD system in the front axle. A Posi-Loc cable is a decent and easy fix, but a replacement solid axle would be better. A quality built 47re will be more than acceptible.



And the best perk of all, you get to spend time on the second gen forum :-laf

 

[budnate]

take a read on the seats on the 3rd gens, I thought I read where allot of guys complained about them not being very good for long runs down the road...

 

[HBarlow]

The seats of my '01 and '06 were very comfortable for me. I used each of them when I was transporting running 600 mile days, day after day, week after week.

Some will complain about a free lunch.

 

[SFPADGETT]

My choice would be the 94-to 98 (12v), with the 98 quad cab the best of the bunch. Based on our actual experience with the vehicles (as noted below).