2018 2500 vs 2019 2500 ?

[Johnny Ram]

Ok so very close to buying a 2500 crew cab with the 6.4 Hemi ... dealer has a 2018 2500 SLT with an MSRP of about 50K and a 2019 2500 Tradesman with an MSRP of about 47K ... I can have either one for about 42K out the door. Both are black ... which one should I get and why ? Posting this on the 4th and 5th Gen Forums since it involves both. Pro's / Cons ? Thank you.

 

[SouthTexan]

Depends on which is more important to you. A few more bells and whistles in the 2018 or better gearing with the 8-speed in the 2019. One of the biggest complaints with the 2014-2018 6.4L trucks is the 6-speed trans gearing being too far apart affecting towing performance.

 

[68PowerWagon]

Man Ram Trucks have just gone through the roof! In 2016 I got my 2500 Outdoorsman for 50k. Got it out the door for 38k. It doesn't have every option, but it does have many bells & whistles. It is like ST stated... it kind of depends on what you are doing with the truck. I personally do not like the new body style as well as I do the 4th gen. I have heard many great things about the 8 speed & just a few bad from the 1500 guys. I am not sure how much difference there is between what they put in the 1500 compared to the 2500. I really like how the 8spd. shifts in our Durango with the 3.6.

 

[mtnrider]

If I was going with a gas engine in a HD truck it would be the 2019 just to get that 8 speed transmission.


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[392DevilDog]

2019

 

[Bldrinker]

2019 no questions

 

[Johnny Ram]

Really appreciate the feedback ... looks like every single post has said 2019 ... so that kinda narrows it down ... I'm going to have to buy an aftermarket grill for the 2019 ... That big "RAM" ain't cutting it for me, far prefer the RAM logo instead.

 

[ScrubsR1]

I suggest you give the Ford 6.2 a second look if you're set on a HD gas truck.

 

[jaflowers]

2019 for the transmission alone. That's the #1 difference.

 

[Johnny Ram]

I suggest you give the Ford 6.2 a second look if you're set on a HD gas truck.

Yeah I kinda did look at the Ford HD but the price point is higher from what I've seen and I think the RAM looks alot better

 

[mtnrider]

Really appreciate the feedback ... looks like every single post has said 2019 ... so that kinda narrows it down ... I'm going to have to buy an aftermarket grill for the 2019 ... That big "RAM" ain't cutting it for me, far prefer the RAM logo instead.

So my 2 cents here...

Stick with the 19 but move up to a higher trim truck. You already are wanting to change something. Next it will be "I wish I had that option, then this option" etc. It will cost you more in the long run to start swapping stuff out then to just move up 1 trim level now.
Yes it will be more expensive initially but cheaper in the long run and you will have what you want and not a "compromise".

.

 

[Johnny Ram]

So my 2 cents here...

Stick with the 19 but move up to a higher trim truck. You already are wanting to change something. Next it will be "I wish I had that option, then this option" etc. It will cost you more in the long run to start swapping stuff out then to just move up 1 trim level now.
Yes it will be more expensive initially but cheaper in the long run and you will have what you want and not a "compromise".

.

I think this is generally good advice ... thank you ... but for me I like my truck kinda bare bones ... the Tradesman with just a few add ons that I could list ... not interested in fancy gadgets, a big screen, nicer interior materials like leather, don't really want a carpet, and definitely do not want any of that computer crap that you pay for in the higher trim levels ... just bought a new SUV and had to turn off all that crap that tries to drive for you. The only thing I see on the 2019 that I want to change is the Grill ... don't like words on my front end ... you see the new Chevy pick up with CHEVROLET splattered across the grill, I don't like that ... all subjective.

 

[22hemi13]

19 all the way. You can fix that tradesman up but you’ll never take a fancy 18 and get the bad ass 8spd in it

 

[G. Mcpherson]

Consider the Grill your first Mod!

 

[1stindoor]

I picked up my 2018 2500 earlier this year when the lot was full of 2019s and 2020s were on the horizon. I went the 2018 route because of the savings (big difference with the 2019 at that time). In your case, I would go with the 2019 because of the transmission, the relative cost of the both of them, and the fact that you're not pulling off the lot in a two year old vehicle (regardless of mileage) on Day One of ownership.

 

[Johnny Ram]

I picked up my 2018 2500 earlier this year when the lot was full of 2019s and 2020s were on the horizon. I went the 2018 route because of the savings (big difference with the 2019 at that time). In your case, I would go with the 2019 because of the transmission, the relative cost of the both of them, and the fact that you're not pulling off the lot in a two year old vehicle (regardless of mileage) on Day One of ownership.

Good info and good insight ... I agree ... moving on the 19' for the reasons you state.

 

[coobie]

I suggest you give the Ford 6.2 a second look if you're set on a HD gas truck.

 

[ScrubsR1]

Just trying to encourage someone to do the research I failed to do when I mistakenly purchased a "hemi" powered Ram. Posting what I did is obviously not going to go over well with fellow Ram owners...your response is understandable.

 

[crazy jerry]

Just trying to encourage someone to do the research I failed to do when I mistakenly purchased a "hemi" powered Ram. Posting what I did is obviously not going to go over well with fellow Ram owners...your response is understandable.

ford might not be a bad option if they didnt have so much front end troubles. ive been following the new model since they arrived in late 2016 and the death wobble problems on those trucks has spiraled out of control. even low mileage 2019 models are needing front joints replaced. leaking cabs isnt as widespread but still a major concearn imo. im not a fan of the vacuum hub 4x4 system either, because at some point in time it will likely quit working for one reason or another

 

[Ratket]

Just trying to encourage someone to do the research I failed to do when I mistakenly purchased a "hemi" powered Ram. Posting what I did is obviously not going to go over well with fellow Ram owners...your response is understandable.

Price price price.
The 6.2 is a “ Decent motor” but it’s way out of date.. I think by 9 years now? That’s why they released their HD gas motor the 7.3. I got nothing against fords, just dollar for dollar you get more with Ram and that’s something everyone wants, more for less.