hello all..... helpful advice needed

[RamDiver]

It is with wisdom that you speak ..... have driven the Pentastar, but not the big brother

If you manage to test drive a Hemi, don't be shy. Inform whoever goes with you that you need to know how the engine can perform.

Find a deserted on-ramp and wind it up. I prefer to kick it down a couple of gears with the steering wheel ERS buttons and then mash the skinny pedal.

I've practiced this process while testing any 'new to me vehicle'. Maybe not the downshifting part, but that makes it much more stimulating in my Hemi.

.

 

[Papa Red]

Welcome to the forum.

Red

 

[Jon NC]

Welcome to the forum.

Red

If my budget would allow...... I WANT YOUR TRUCK !!!!!!

BTW. it would even fit in my garage ...... just not my budget

Have been to Nebo / Lake James several times

 

[Marshall]

I would really suggest you drive both of them a bit, you may have ,I would have to go back in the posts. A V6 will do all you May want.
I was in the daughters newer Sorento yesterday, It made a great lot of noise and after a while it would move, and wake up, in town. small motor with a turbo maybe?
thou it was a lot nicer then her old one with 250k on it.

I find my 2014 ram quad cab with the 6.5 box easier to drive and park around town then the wife's Honda CRV, that don't have parking sensors.

Had a couple trucks with 18 and 20ft grain boxes, so those where not down town trucks.

 

[Mojo88]

If you manage to test drive a Hemi, don't be shy. Inform whoever goes with you that you need to know how the engine can perform.
Find a deserted on-ramp and wind it up. I prefer to kick it down a couple of gears with the steering wheel ERS buttons and then mash the skinny pedal.
I've practiced this process while testing any 'new to me vehicle'. Maybe not the downshifting part, but that makes it much more stimulating in my Hemi.

Yep, I do similar acceleration test, every time, every vehicle. Usually use an on-ramp, starting around 15mph, then floor it (letting the trans do all the shifting), and see what happens. Also a brake test. If the sales guy is with me, I tell him before each episode, haha.

 

[oe542bob]

My $.02! Quad cabs are not comfortable to sit in the rear for any length of time. Seats have a straighter upright back and of course less leg room. Crew cab will be much more comfortable.
Since you live in NC, a V-6 will have to be worked, meaning you have to put your right foot into it. Although it some cases the mileage is a couple mpg higher vs. the Hemi, in your case it will be not be much different IMO.
All my 1500s had the Hemi ( 4th is a 2022 ). We’ve also have/had Jeep Grand Cherokee Summits which all had the V-6. ( 5th is a 2025 )
Easiest truck to find will be a crew cab 5.7’ bed.
One option I have on my (ordered) 2022 is the multi function tailgate. Drops down like a regular TG, or swings out like a regular door. I also have had Ramboxes. Yes there is less cubic feet of space, but that space is relocated to have access standing along side the truck. Super handy to access clothing (on driver’s side) and various tools (passenger side)
If I need to haul too much stuff I have a 5’X10’ dump trailer or a 7’X18’ enclosed trailer.
I do have a Hemi eTorque motor and currently have 27,000 miles. A friend of mine had 180,000+ miles on his ‘21 1500 eTorque and never had any trouble.
FYI, 2022 was the last year you could get a Hemi with or without eTorque.
GL with your search.

 

[gilleydog]

have 2017 ram crew cab 4x4 short wide bed 5.7 8 speed 3.92 gears would be hard to change any thing slower - lifter problems do alarm me so i use Red line 5w30 and Lubeguard and all is quite 80k

 

[John Schmidt]

Hi. I have a 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 5.7 with both E-Torque and MDS. Initially I wasn't too excited about either MDS or E-Torque, but really have grown to appreciate both. My truck is used for the most part, to drive between WI and FL (South in Fall, North in Summer), so I really only put about 4 to 5K miles per year on the vehicle. I regularly get 22-23 mpg on those trips. I imagine that city driving would take that down to 18 or so. I really enjoy the truck and take several steps to avoid any lifter/cam issue (hemi tick) including oil changes at 3-4k or 6 months (whichever comes first) religiously. No idling (thanks E-torque and start/stop which work really well), and use of good oil (Red Line) and filters. For a range of model years - including the 2020, there was an issue with the brake light/cab lighting assembly on the top of the cab which faces back because it has a problem with water leaks. I replaced it on my own at a cost of like $30.00. I never had a leak, but enough people did, so it was kind of pre-emptive. I also understand that the exhaust manifolds tend to warp - which presents/results in another ticking noise - sometimes inaccurately diagnosed as the hemi tick caused by lifters/cams - so I might pull the manifolds off, have them milled/planed down, new gasket, bolts, reassemble - again pre-emptively, probably next summer. (I'm hoping that I can avoid bolts breaking off inside the head by doing this earlier, rather than later). They (bolts) can be removed a couple of different ways if they do break, but the whole job is much simpler if they don't break. I did put a nicer sounding muffler on the truck, removed the Active Grill Shutters (all but two or three), kill switch, one size taller tires, I think that's about it.
I'd vote for the 5.7 even with the known potential issues, which I think can be minimized, if not eliminated - with good maintenance procedures.
Thanks.
John

 

[Jon NC]

I would really suggest you drive both of them a bit, you may have ,I would have to go back in the posts. A V6 will do all you May want.
I was in the daughters newer Sorento yesterday, It made a great lot of noise and after a while it would move, and wake up, in town. small motor with a turbo maybe?
thou it was a lot nicer then her old one with 250k on it.

I find my 2014 ram quad cab with the 6.5 box easier to drive and park around town then the wife's Honda CRV, that don't have parking sensors.

Had a couple trucks with 18 and 20ft grain boxes, so those where not down town trucks.

Yes - always test drive first

Never EVER will buy anything w/o test drive

I don't see how people buy used and just have it delivered to their home (Carvana, anyone?)

I have done without backup camera and sensors for many years, but now that we have them in our Nissan and Mazda, I like it !

I did drive a 22 with 3.6 quad ... we had it as a rental for about 10 days

 

[Jon NC]

Yep, I do similar acceleration test, every time, every vehicle. Usually use an on-ramp, starting around 15mph, then floor it (letting the trans do all the shifting), and see what happens. Also a brake test. If the sales guy is with me, I tell him before each episode, haha.

Makes me wanna go test drive a Hemi......

Yes... brakes are good for happy travels

 

[Jon NC]

My $.02! Quad cabs are not comfortable to sit in the rear for any length of time. Seats have a straighter upright back and of course less leg room. Crew cab will be much more comfortable.
Since you live in NC, a V-6 will have to be worked, meaning you have to put your right foot into it. Although it some cases the mileage is a couple mpg higher vs. the Hemi, in your case it will be not be much different IMO.
All my 1500s had the Hemi ( 4th is a 2022 ). We’ve also have/had Jeep Grand Cherokee Summits which all had the V-6. ( 5th is a 2025 )
Easiest truck to find will be a crew cab 5.7’ bed.
One option I have on my (ordered) 2022 is the multi function tailgate. Drops down like a regular TG, or swings out like a regular door. I also have had Ramboxes. Yes there is less cubic feet of space, but that space is relocated to have access standing along side the truck. Super handy to access clothing (on driver’s side) and various tools (passenger side)
If I need to haul too much stuff I have a 5’X10’ dump trailer or a 7’X18’ enclosed trailer.
I do have a Hemi eTorque motor and currently have 27,000 miles. A friend of mine had 180,000+ miles on his ‘21 1500 eTorque and never had any trouble.
FYI, 2022 was the last year you could get a Hemi with or without eTorque.
GL with your search.

Good stuff.... yeah, I understand about the difference between a 6 and 8 cylinder.....you have a good point....the 6 would turn into a screaming mimi while the Hemi walks you up the mountain.....food for thought.......

I would really like to get the ram boxes, but not many have them..... I use the back seat area in my Sport Trac for tools, wood cutting stuff, etc. Would like the Ram box to keep the interior clean....
If I can avoid eTorque , I will..... I usually keep my vehicles for the long term.....thus no turbos for me , avoid 'new and improved' potential headaches......even though it's good to hear about your friend not having any problems with it....

THANX

 

[Jon NC]

have 2017 ram crew cab 4x4 short wide bed 5.7 8 speed 3.92 gears would be hard to change any thing slower - lifter problems do alarm me so i use Red line 5w30 and Lubeguard and all is quite 80k

THANK YOU !!!

 

[Jon NC]

Hi. I have a 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 5.7 with both E-Torque and MDS. Initially I wasn't too excited about either MDS or E-Torque, but really have grown to appreciate both. My truck is used for the most part, to drive between WI and FL (South in Fall, North in Summer), so I really only put about 4 to 5K miles per year on the vehicle. I regularly get 22-23 mpg on those trips. I imagine that city driving would take that down to 18 or so. I really enjoy the truck and take several steps to avoid any lifter/cam issue (hemi tick) including oil changes at 3-4k or 6 months (whichever comes first) religiously. No idling (thanks E-torque and start/stop which work really well), and use of good oil (Red Line) and filters. For a range of model years - including the 2020, there was an issue with the brake light/cab lighting assembly on the top of the cab which faces back because it has a problem with water leaks. I replaced it on my own at a cost of like $30.00. I never had a leak, but enough people did, so it was kind of pre-emptive. I also understand that the exhaust manifolds tend to warp - which presents/results in another ticking noise - sometimes inaccurately diagnosed as the hemi tick caused by lifters/cams - so I might pull the manifolds off, have them milled/planed down, new gasket, bolts, reassemble - again pre-emptively, probably next summer. (I'm hoping that I can avoid bolts breaking off inside the head by doing this earlier, rather than later). They (bolts) can be removed a couple of different ways if they do break, but the whole job is much simpler if they don't break. I did put a nicer sounding muffler on the truck, removed the Active Grill Shutters (all but two or three), kill switch, one size taller tires, I think that's about it.
I'd vote for the 5.7 even with the known potential issues, which I think can be minimized, if not eliminated - with good maintenance procedures.
Thanks.
John

That's a good report.....Appreciate it !

 

[Jon NC]

Hey everyone, THANK YOU for your informative responses.... I really do appreciate it !

Anyone who feels they can add more , PLEASE reply....

I am sold on test driving a Hemi just to feel it....

I will do the Jon test on a Quad.....

Anyone with the 3.6....please respond !

Anyone who hauls payload on 1500, up to the realistic limit, what mods have you done ?

Anyone with eTorque, please share the good, bad or ugly

!

 

[Marshall]

If you where a lot closer, you could play with mine for a while, it is stock with the 8 speed and hemi, 3.92 gears,
It is great fun, and way nicer then the 2010 it replaced.
Back seat is hardly ever used for people, so its not a issue now.

The only problem I have ever had with these trucks is passing semi trucks and then meeting the radar boys popping over the damn hill.
Then they want to chat with me.

They don't agree with my theory that passing , get her done now, I hate people that ****** along and take miles to pass. Most of my roads are 2 lane.
It don't take long to go from 90 -125 km/h when passing.

 

[Jon NC]

This is all about priorities. I don't have passengers in the back seat often, but never have a tall passenger behind me. I'm 5'10" with a 31.5" inseam.

I do however pickup several cords of wood each winter, carry two 12' or 13' kayaks weekly or more often, and stuff the box with scuba gear. A 5'7" box would be useless to me.

Maybe, you need to find a Crew Cab with a 6'4" box to meet with your needs.

You wouldn't be the first person to hop on a plane and drive home with your new ride.

There are a couple of outstanding dealers who sell below MSRP who also sell pre-enjoyed trucks.

I have no idea of their used prices, but they both have high reputations. And, you can likely see their inventories online.

Granger Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Dealer in Granger IA | Dallas Center Woodward Johnston Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Dealership Iowa

Granger Motors of Granger IA serving Dallas Center, Woodward, Johnston, is one of the finest Granger Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram dealers.

www.grangermotors.com

Lake Charles Chrysler Dealer in Lake Charles LA | Beauregard Parish Calcasieu Parish Sulphur Chrysler Dealership Louisiana

Mark Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Lake Charles LA serving Beauregard Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Sulphur, is one of the finest Lake Charles Chrysler dealers.

www.markdodge.net

.

I have relatives who live close to both of those locations....THANX !

 

[Guitar Guy]

My two bits:

My last four new trucks have been Dodge / Ram 1500 4x4 hemi. I am SOLD on the hemi engine. I also have an F150 SuperCrew bought 18 years ago. Good truck.

The hemi: I have always got 18 mpg or better OVERALL gas mileage. Mostly highway miles. And when I need to pull a trailer load (cargo trailer overloaded with band equipment, 14' utility flatbed for general stuff i.e. mowers, UTV, mulch, materials) I have all the power I could want. I have never done any work other than maintenance on any of these trucks and I drive them for 100k to 130k before replacing. Reliability just doesn't get better.

After three quad cabs, my newest Ram is a crew cab. I only bought that because I could not get a new Ram with the classic (not e-Torq) hemi engine. I did not want a new gadget-laden engine and do not regret that decision at all. I worried that I would miss the extra room in the shorter crew cab bed, but actually I haven't, mostly because I have a utility trailer if I need extra room for hauling.

Price - reliability - performance - I don't think you can beat the Ram/hemi. It's not as plush as the others, but dude, it's a truck! And I don't feel the need to pay extra for heated toe cushions or an HDTV in the glove box. It has what I need in a truck.

Enjoy!

Tom

 

[boswell bear]

Hey everyone. Decided to register and ask for your input. I will need to be replacing my old tried and true P'up in the next year or 2.... I am in my late 50's, have worked many construction jobs but have been a nurse for the last 20 years.

I have never owned a Ram/Dodge other than a Chrysler Concord - have never owned Dodge/Ram p'up, but my brother has. He has owned all domestic brands, my Dad is pure Chevy, me ....I plead the 5th. I am not here to bash other brands, and I appreciate conversations that avoid that.

I am here because Ram gives a few options I like. I also like their look, how they drive, etc. I recently had a rental - - 2022 ? with 3.6.

I was surprised and impressed.

To start with, I am leaning towards a full crew cab, (NOT quad) 4x4 with the Pentastar.

The truck I chose will end up with will get mostly highway miles, hardly ever towing anything, but will be used for loading/hauling firewood - our primary source of heat.
In the past, a 3/4 or 1 ton with 8 foot bed would be appropriate, but now that Im next door to 60 years old, it's not so mandatory. Timbrens may come in useful or some aftermarket coils for the back to lessen the sag when fully loaded.

Not looking at new, but one that's used, 2020 or newer.
3.6 quad - not crew- the rental I had - we used it to haul a FULL load of bulk mulch----while it didn't effortlessly fly down the highway - the pentastar was the little engine that could. It did what I wanted. I never go any more than 15 miles with any load..... firewood? I live in the middle of WNC - forests in every direction - we got smashed by Helene - I have a LOT of free firewood within a mile of my front door.

So what am I asking?
While I don't N E E D a Hemi - can you give me valid reason for it? (NO OFFENSE - not here to bash!!) Sure the extra power - but what is REAL WORLD MPG ?) Hemi tick? How can this be prevented ? I do maintain all my vehicles FAITHFULLY - oil changes are NEVER neglected
95% of the time it will be highway miles with no load - - -

Plus many other questions I will think off after signing off - - -
I am not an auto mechanic, but have been around farm equipment growing up and construction equipment for a decade. I know a lot about a little and a little about a lot - and specifically Ram trucks - I know very little.

What would you recommend ? I wish I could get a longer bed, but I do need a back seat for people over 4 foot tall....so I need the full crew cab.

As far as power - I am replacing a 210 hp /240 torque 4x4 that Ive had for 20 years now (not a Ram)..... It's done all I need, and PLEASE give me a nickel for every time it hauled a load of firewood - LOTS of nickels - and towing - and pulling out tree trunks (4 wheel low).

I have a lotta honey do to do today, Ive gotta go - but will check back later to see any advice is shared.

Thanks all in advance - appreciate any and all constructive comments

I just traded in my 2021 Ram1500 Pentastar. I loved it, but am moving to a 3400 lb slide-in camper. To be honest, I'm not sure about the 6-cylinder in the 1500. I averaged just about 20-22 mpg, driving like an old man - which I am - mostly within a 50 mile radius of my home. In the winter, here in Wisconsin, that average would drop down to about 17.5. It had the "shift point" adjustment button and I tried it both with high rpm (higher shift points) and low. In my case, the lower seemed to give better mileage. I should add, it was an Eco version with the psuedo-hybrid electric drive feature.

I never carried huge loads, it was usually just me and my service dog, and it did do its best mpg on long highway drives. Is this better than the V8? I've no idea since I'm not sure how accurate anyone's claims are. I did all mine the old fashioned way, paper and pencil, over three years.

Like you, I'm not trying to start anything. Just relating my own experience. I have a nagging suspicion that a V8 might have been more economical, but that may just be the result of me reading a bunch of false claims.

 

[Yardbird]

 

[Jon NC]

If you where a lot closer, you could play with mine for a while, it is stock with the 8 speed and hemi, 3.92 gears,
It is great fun, and way nicer then the 2010 it replaced.
Back seat is hardly ever used for people, so its not a issue now.

The only problem I have ever had with these trucks is passing semi trucks and then meeting the radar boys popping over the damn hill.
Then they want to chat with me.

They don't agree with my theory that passing , get her done now, I hate people that ****** along and take miles to pass. Most of my roads are 2 lane.
It don't take long to go from 90 -125 km/h when passing.

Thanx for the offer !