2012 Ram 1500 Vs 2014-2015

[otterslide]

I'm looking to buy a Ram 1500 for towing a travel trailer. I'm finding a few good deals with low mileage that are made in 2011 and 2012.
I could afford to get a 2014-2015 also if needed, but the mileage between them is the same. The shape the older ones are in is a little worse but not very bad and the discount is quite big.

I'm wondering other than electronic gadgets, is there a big difference between the older years like 2011-2012 and the newer ones? In terms of reliability? This is for the 5.7 V8 Engine.

Anything particular to inspect when buying? I've done a lot of mechanic work on compact cars but never worked on trucks.

Any help is appreciated.

thanks.

 

[69GWC]

Get a newer one with the 8sp.

 

[tidefan1967]

For towing purposes the newer models with the 8spd auto especially with 3.92 gears will run circles around the older models not to mention the earlier models esp. 2011 seems to have a higher incidence of cam/lifter issues. If you did go with the earlier models I would look into 4.10 gears and have the engine and transmission checked out thoroughly before pulling the trigger.

 

[Ribtipram]

Get a newer one with the 8sp.

This is a must have. I had a 14 qc with the 3.92 and 8 speed and loved it. Put 115k on it before trading it in. Besides exhaust bolt it was a trouble free truck.

 

[kurek]

The 8 speed transmission is nicer. 2013+ got better traction control. The 5.7 got five extra horsepower after 2013 and they revised the body and frame to lose some weight (aluminum hood, more high-strength steel to cut weight in the frame, different bed supports and bumpers that weigh less), the front suspension unsprung parts got lighter for better handling, the thermal management system between the engine and transmission was revised to bring the transmission up to temp faster for both efficiency and longevity.

Depending what packages you opt for there was different stuff available of course, like you could get anti-spin rear diff (also known as LSD) in 12 but it got a lot better with the addition of the new traction control system in later trucks. Air suspension became available but it was also still possible to get steel suspension.

 

[otterslide]

For towing purposes the newer models with the 8spd auto especially with 3.92 gears will run circles around the older models not to mention the earlier models esp. 2011 seems to have a higher incidence of cam/lifter issues. If you did go with the earlier models I would look into 4.10 gears and have the engine and transmission checked out thoroughly before pulling the trigger.

Ok, so whatever I find, it looks like it should have the 8spd. The travel trailer will be 6000lbs in total. With this weight, will there be a bad choice of 8spd gear ratio, or any 8spd I find will do?

I am not sure what the tow package adds either and how to check if it has it. Is there any easy way to notice for a 2014+?
I think I can add most important things for towing that could be missing, for example a brake controller, right?
The more criteria I add the harder they get to find, I'm hoping my trailer weight is not that demanding and any 8spd will do.

Thanks.

 

[tidefan1967]

Depending on the cab configuration and whether its a 2X4 or 4X4 either gear will work although you would have plenty extra with the 3.92's and of course all this is assuming you go with the HEMI as it has the highest ratings among the different engines. The max trailer weight rating for the crew cab 5'7" bed like mine is a little over 10K for the 3.92s and slightly more than 8K for the 3.21s. You might be a little close with the 3.21s after loading up all your other stuff including passengers.

 

[Gero]

Ok, so whatever I find, it looks like it should have the 8spd. The travel trailer will be 6000lbs in total. With this weight, will there be a bad choice of 8spd gear ratio, or any 8spd I find will do?

I am not sure what the tow package adds either and how to check if it has it. Is there any easy way to notice for a 2014+?
I think I can add most important things for towing that could be missing, for example a brake controller, right?
The more criteria I add the harder they get to find, I'm hoping my trailer weight is not that demanding and any 8spd will do.

Thanks.

For 6000lbs TT you'll be fine with the 3.21 8spd. Just make sure you check the vin to see if it has a tranny cooler. You'll definitely want a factory integrated brake controller but if it's not equipped, you can add (around 300 to 400) and possibly tow mirrors if your trailer is wider than 7.5ft.

 

[avantiguy]

2014 and up have 100,000 mile spark plugs as opposed to 30,000 in previous years as well as the 8 speed.

 

[MartyZ]

2014 and up have 100,000 mile spark plugs as opposed to 30,000 in previous years as well as the 8 speed.

With 16 Plugs, This is actually something to consider.