Need help deciding on a Ram 1500

rjlarge · Aug 24, 2017

Hello all! I've been lurking for a while now as I've been looking at possibly buying a used Ram. After looking and looking I have it narrowed down to 2 but I'm having a hard time deciding.... hoping someone with more knowledge of these trucks then me can help!

Ok here are the 2..... as of right now both are being offered at the same price.

1) Black 2012 Ram 1500 Sport 4x4 Crew Cab, 57K, 5.7 Hemi, 3.55 rear, GPS, Sunroof, back-up camera, running boards, tonneau cover.

2) Black 2014 Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 Quad cab Big Horn. 40k, 5.7 Hemi, 3.21 rear, brake controller, heated seats, heated steering wheel, running boards, tow mirrors, back-up camera.

We have a 3500 lb tt that we would tow a handful of times a year as well as 2 kids, 8 and 13.

Both trucks are also in about the same nice condition. I might be forgetting some things but Im sure you get the jest of it!

Look forward to getting some input and opinions!

Thanks!!
Robert

unxpctd · Aug 25, 2017

If you're towing I think you'd prefer the 3.55 rear end...anyone with a 3.21 can correct me if I'm wrong.

Both seem solid...the 2014 with the brake controller would be nice...and it already has the tow mirrors.

Kind of a toss up..depends on what you're specifically looking for? Need GPS? Towing a lot? Really want a sunroof?

If I was towing a trailer such as what you stated I'd go for the 2014...but thats me...even with the 3.21's it shouldn't be too bad.

Good luck with your choice! Tough one!

zrfraser · Aug 25, 2017

2 kids? Go with the Crew Cab. I have a QC with three kids, all in car seats and its cramped back there for sure. The other stuff can be added or taken away, but its hard to add more legroom.

UnsatFC · Aug 25, 2017

I agree go with CC. I have a quad and with 2 kids it's cramped.

huntergreen · Aug 25, 2017

Hands down the 2014. The 8 speed with the 3:21 ratio pulls better than a 6 speed with 3.92 due to the way the 8 speed is geared. Better mpg along with 100000 mile plug change vs 30000 mile change.

kltk1 · Aug 25, 2017

I have a QC, while it's ok for my 8 and 12 year old grandkids, if I were doing a lot of travel with them I, or they, would prefer the added space of the CC. If you're going to tow a 3500lb TT, the 3.21 will be enough. If you decide to go up in trailer size/weight you still have some room to play but, as most will attest, when you're talking TT's you're likely going to run out of GVWR/GCWR before towing capacity. No matter what gear ratio you have.

Not sure where you live but this is my first vehicle with a heated steering wheel and, here in NJ, it's a welcome option when it's cold. Heated seats I've had for many years and would never want to be without them. Good luck with whichever you choose.

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UnsatFC · Aug 25, 2017

As far as towing goes the Crew Cab is rated for 8,350lbs and the Quad Qab is rated for 8,000.

snapper23 · Aug 25, 2017

I would pick the crew cab. The value of the truck will be better when your ready for your next up grade. Performance wise the 3.55 gears will.oit perform the other in towing and the look of the sport is more appealing. good luck. Hope to this helped out.

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TerraNewf · Aug 25, 2017

Crew cab all the way, traded my QC and couldn't be happier and also the bonus of 6.4 Bed.

Rzrman328 · Aug 25, 2017

Kids?

Crew for sure.

911ems · Aug 25, 2017

I'm towing a 28' bunk house dry weight of 6300 with an 8spd and 3.21. Tows just fine and doesn't hunt for gears. Plenty of reserve power.

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EagleChief · Aug 25, 2017

How about holding out and finding a 2014 Crew Cab? That way you get the 8 speed trans, which is what you want for towing. And, probably no more than you will throughout the year, the 3.21 gears should be fine. And, you can have the extra room for the kids. Crew Cab is the way to go if you're going to be carrying them around.

Ratket · Aug 25, 2017

What's the price on these two trucks??
You definatly want a crew cab.
Maybe pass on both these trucks and keep looking.

Devin1349 · Aug 25, 2017

I have a QC with 3.55 and its rated at 8,600 now I really like the extra space in the bed but I really would've loved to get a CC, now as far as kids go I'd definetly look at the Crew Cab, now if the kids are not always in the truck and if you would use the truck more as a home depot weekend warrior id pick up the bigger bed, but again its subjective to what you will be using the truck for most. to end I'd suggest continue your search remember there will always be another Ram that you will drool over, and once in a while you'll find a crew cab 6'4 bed i.e. ecodiesel but thats my 2 cents.

Devin1349 · Aug 25, 2017

P.S. the Ecodiesel has a good tow rating, all the bells and gadgets you could ask for, not to mention higher mpg :naughty:

JJP71584 · Aug 25, 2017

I've had both, a QC and now I have a Crew Cab...huge difference...and I have 2 kids, definitely go with the Crew. Assuming price is similar.

rjlarge · Aug 25, 2017

Thanks to everyone for the input and suggestions! After looking at the quad cab again today, I think we decided to go with a crew cab. The only down side is I cant find an 8 speed in our budget with low miles. Thinking we will have to settle for a 6 speed and I can only seem to find 3.55 gears........ plan on looking at 2 more tomorrow

Ratket · Aug 25, 2017

What's you're price range?
- I suggest waiting till you find what you want-
I looked for 6 months before I bought my truck.

rjlarge · Aug 25, 2017

Ratket said:
What's you're price range?
- I suggest waiting till you find what you want-
I looked for 6 months before I bought my truck.

Looking at trucks between 20-25k. But would love to be closer to 20

Ratket · Aug 26, 2017

Ok where are you located?

Need help deciding on a Ram 1500

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