First Truck (edit: did it)

[CB Smith]

Hi all!

Hope you all are enjoying quarantine as much as possible. I've been lurking on this forum for a few months now, and have been thinking about getting a Ram for awhile now.

First off, I'm in my 40's, and have driven BMW's and Audi's for the last couple of decades. I currently have an Audi S6. It's pretty nice, sometimes too nice, and I think the utilitarian aspect of having a truck and not having to worry about door dings and whatever as much is very appealing. Plus the 1500s look terrific. I know they aren't Audi quality interiors, but they are as close as anything from the States as I've ever seen.

I initially looked at Tacomas, like a TRD Pro, but the wife said I need "to get a man's truck". I laugh at that but there is an argument that the price difference btw a TRD Pro and a new RAM is marginal.

I'd love to be able to haul stuff when needed, and I mountain bike a lot (the S6 has a huge trunk but still...), and we've talked about getting a boat. All decent reasons to get a truck.

Anyway, my hesitation, and reason for my post, is I'm a little apprehensive about the size of full sized trucks these days. How much of an inconvenience is it for a guy/gal in the suburbs? I have a crazy side-entry garage so we're going to have to do some juggling with parking space, but I'm more worried about every day parking. It's not like we live in NYC, but still not exactly out in the country either.

I'm narrowed it down to a local truck and a truck down in AR, both Limiteds with the Black edition, multi-function tailgate, etc. We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

 

[tron67j]

I have had Porsche's, a Z-28 Camaro, and multiple other types of vehicles and find I worry as much about my truck as when owning those. With a truck you either beat it and don't worry about washing it or you park as far away from store doors as possible to avoid dings. Trucks are wider, doors open further, and they stick out into the drive lane. But I love having a truck, missed them every time I was without one, and won't be without one ever again. Every choice has a trade-off, and since you are driving some nice vehicles you are probably not going to find it too different than you already have it. Your door dings will just be lower on your truck. Get some nice body molding to help mitigate it. Nice truck options you listed, can't go wrong. Good luck.

 

[Papa Red]

You'll be fine with a truck. It just takes a little practice with the size and it will become a non-issue. My truck is 22' long and I manage to park it in a side load garage with no problem. Good luck with your choice.

Red

 

[turkeybird56]

Hi all!

Hope you all are enjoying quarantine as much as possible. I've been lurking on this forum for a few months now, and have been thinking about getting a Ram for awhile now.

First off, I'm in my 40's, and have driven BMW's and Audi's for the last couple of decades. I currently have an Audi S6. It's pretty nice, sometimes too nice, and I think the utilitarian aspect of having a truck and not having to worry about door dings and whatever as much is very appealing. Plus the 1500s look terrific. I know they aren't Audi quality interiors, but they are as close as anything from the States as I've ever seen.

I initially looked at Tacomas, like a TRD Pro, but the wife said I need "to get a man's truck". I laugh at that but there is an argument that the price difference btw a TRD Pro and a new RAM is marginal.

I'd love to be able to haul stuff when needed, and I mountain bike a lot (the S6 has a huge trunk but still...), and we've talked about getting a boat. All decent reasons to get a truck.

Anyway, my hesitation, and reason for my post, is I'm a little apprehensive about the size of full sized trucks these days. How much of an inconvenience is it for a guy/gal in the suburbs? I have a crazy side-entry garage so we're going to have to do some juggling with parking space, but I'm more worried about every day parking. It's not like we live in NYC, but still not exactly out in the country either.

I'm narrowed it down to a local truck and a truck down in AR, both Limiteds with the Black edition, multi-function tailgate, etc. We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

The total length on the MY 19's CC are 233" from front bumper to rear bumper. Just so U know.........................I can just get it into my garage...

 

[Jim M]

The biggest problem I'm (still) having with my 1500 Limited is knowing just where that left front corner is when I'm turning right into a garage or parking space. I tend to give it a lot more room than necessary. Might have to put a stick on the corner until I get used to it. Never had a problem with my 3500.

 

[CB Smith]

Sorry for the newb question, but I can have the dealer take the tonneau cover off and give me some $$ back? I'd rather get something like a Bakflip.

 

[condor767]

Hi all!

Hope you all are enjoying quarantine as much as possible. I've been lurking on this forum for a few months now, and have been thinking about getting a Ram for awhile now.

First off, I'm in my 40's, and have driven BMW's and Audi's for the last couple of decades. I currently have an Audi S6. It's pretty nice, sometimes too nice, and I think the utilitarian aspect of having a truck and not having to worry about door dings and whatever as much is very appealing. Plus the 1500s look terrific. I know they aren't Audi quality interiors, but they are as close as anything from the States as I've ever seen.

I initially looked at Tacomas, like a TRD Pro, but the wife said I need "to get a man's truck". I laugh at that but there is an argument that the price difference btw a TRD Pro and a new RAM is marginal.

I'd love to be able to haul stuff when needed, and I mountain bike a lot (the S6 has a huge trunk but still...), and we've talked about getting a boat. All decent reasons to get a truck.

Anyway, my hesitation, and reason for my post, is I'm a little apprehensive about the size of full sized trucks these days. How much of an inconvenience is it for a guy/gal in the suburbs? I have a crazy side-entry garage so we're going to have to do some juggling with parking space, but I'm more worried about every day parking. It's not like we live in NYC, but still not exactly out in the country either.

I'm narrowed it down to a local truck and a truck down in AR, both Limiteds with the Black edition, multi-function tailgate, etc. We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

Greetings sir and congrats on deciding to get a truck!

I was in the same exact boat, although I drove mostly Accords and most recently a nicely tricked out VW Jetta GLI. Fast little sucker, but too cramped. I always wanted a truck, and not just any truck but a full size Ram. I did look briefly at mid sizes such as the Tacoma but 1) they cost almost as much as a full size Bighorn and 2) they were pretty cramped on the inside for a truck.

I first bought a used 19,000 mile 2017 Ram Sport last summer. Beautiful beast, with a crew cab and a 6’4 bed. Loved it and believe me... you get used to the size and how to manage it real quick! And this was me coming from a VW Jetta so yes you’ll be fine! The problem with the Sport was that I found out it was a Canadian built model so the warranty was void - dealer never told me. Oops.

So after only three months, in October I found a smoking deal on a brand new 2019 Bighorn in Patriot blue, the color I love. Fully loaded bighorn With all the bells and whistles, for $38700 before TTL. Jumped on it and couldn’t be happier. Will never go back to a sedan, love having a truck! I think you will too.

Pics of both trucks below.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!
2017 Ram Sport

Current 2019 Bighorn

 

[CB Smith]

Well I took delivery on Saturday of a new 2020 Limited with the black appearance package. We traded in the wife's old MDX and she got my Audi, so it's kind of a double win for me, in case I have the need for speed it's still available.

The more I drive it, the more I like it. I even can barely park it in the garage! That was a must have, especially with all the spring storms. It gives me an excuse to clean out the garage and reorganize it a bit.

I really like the truck, but like any damned fool, starting to look at mods already. Just little stuff. The truck is pretty on point as it is. I'll have to take some pics later today.

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this thread.

 

[mikeru]

Congrats on your new truck! I hope you enjoy it for a long time. But I have to say, so much for the utilitarian aspect you were looking for. The Limited's are really nice trucks. We just bought a 2020 Limited too, and it's every bit as nice as our Audi. In some ways nicer. If you wanted something you could just knock around with, you might have bought a Tradesman model. Or something used. But there is nothing utilitarian about that truck.

 

[Graygoose]

congrats.

I also tell myself, its brand new and doesn't need anything....then the list starts.

 

[CB Smith]

Finally took a pic. I'm pretty pleased, although half the time it sits here and the other half it's in the garage. I'll get used to parking it eventually. ;-)

 

[TXFireMedic]

looks good man. Enjoy it, you will never want to go back to a car again. Just back into every spot to park. Makes life easier to get out of the parking spot.

 

[Chris Karczmit]

Enjoy your new truck. I used to own an Audi. A few actually. Great cars. There’s something about this truck that will make people take notice. It’s awesome. Congratulations and good luck!

Chris

 

[cutterman]

I’m confused after reading these post.... You mean people actually park cars in garages..

 

[bluebeast1562]

The total length on the MY 19's CC are 233" from front bumper to rear bumper. Just so U know.........................I can just get it into my garage...

I too cannot fit my Ram in garage.

 

[shadowhawk]

We had to swap car spots in our garage because my truck is too long. We couldn't walk around it if the truck was in the middle of the garage. my 3rd stall is double deep with a side service door. I park in the 3rd bay. I have about 3 inches clearance with mirrors extended when I pull into my spot. I also use a laser pointer to make sure I get in the right spot so I don't close the garage door on my truck, and that passengers have enough room to open doors.

 

[turkeybird56]

Ref back to post #4:

 

[shadowhawk]

Ref back to post #4:

View attachment 203062 View attachment 203063

what's a couple inches among friends!

 

[turkeybird56]

what's a couple inches among friends!

Nice straight line, I could get myself in a lot of trouble, LMAO. I do have more room in my far left bay, but alas, I got hossies and there be hay there, LOL.

FYI: Watch the height of these also. My 19 is a stock Bighorn, no air, with 18" tires, which means 77" tall. U will not fit in a lot of overhead places, SO watch that maybe more than length. Especially if U like go to Casino's in NJ, They were built in 80's, and a lot of the garages are 76" or less. IF U R lifted, do not even think about it, Just Saying. ask me how I know, LOL.

 

[CB Smith]

Crazy stuff! I don't feel so bad. I have to drive past the garage and back in while trying to not hit the fence you can barely see in post # 11 with the nose of the truck. I'm in a similar situation as Shadowhawk, so I had to rearrange the garage since no one is getting around the truck while the garage door is down.

Otherwise I'm getting used to the truck, and really haven't missed the Audi too much. I'm getting lots of compliments too, I didn't realize there was a bit of sparkle to the paint until after I agreed to buy it since the truck was kinda dirty when I test drove it.