New Owner - 2013 RAM 2500

[tig_d]

Hi all, brand new to the forum and to the RAM family in general. My better half just purchased a 2013 RAM 2500 so I'm starting to look into how we can best take care of this truck with about 160k on the odometer. I had encouraged her to drive a little further for something a bit newer and lower-mileage but this is what we have now. We're hoping to use it to plow our driveway and maybe the neighbors in rural Minnesota next year so I'm sure I'll be inquiring about the best route to go with that in a few months.

We'll be taking it in to our shop for a once-over (yes, should have before buying, don't get me started) and did already mention it to the guys there. We were told to treat the 5.7L Hemi with care because they "tend to eat themselves." Is there any truth to that? I welcome any guidance on how we can best make this thing last. This cold season, we just need it to be a reliable second 4WD vehicle so we can both get to work, transport kids, etc. when the roads aren't great. Otherwise just an around-the-homestead truck and eventually like I said something we can plow with.

I can do brakes, bearings, regular maintenance, that kinda stuff; but I've never torn an engine apart or any advanced mechanical work. I learn what I can online from forums and videos but know when to just take it to the shop. Thanks in advance for the community and any guidance and suggestions the RAM veterans around here can offer!

 

[Treburkulosis]

The 5.7 has its issues just like any other truck. Typically its Uconnect stuff which is across the board with all of Chrysler products. The 5.7 is a great motor. Make sure you run a good synthetic oil pennzoil platinum is what I believe yours should take. Just check out the owners manual to be sure. Others of us have run different oils Redline, Quaker state, Mobil 1, or Castrol edge "what I run" are all good oils. Also grab yourself a good filter. I would make sure the tune up has been done. I would check the transmission fluid. Swap out your differential oil and check your PCV valve as well. I would pretty much change all of your fluids so that you know you have a fresh start. Check out your idle hours as well. Hemi's dont fair well with high idling times. Good looking truck! Welcome!

 

[tig_d]

Thanks a lot, that gives me some good places to start — I'll go ahead with changing out the fluids and the usual filters after checking the manual to be sure on everything.

Edit to add: 1057 idle hours +3730 driving. Any particular thoughts/concerns?

 

[Treburkulosis]

I was a long time Ford guy and it felt overwhelming when I got mine. They are good trucks and will serve you well. Just take care of it and it will be fine.

 

[Treburkulosis]

Thanks a lot, that gives me some good places to start — I'll go ahead with changing out the fluids and the usual filters after checking the manual to be sure on everything.

Edit to add: 1057 idle hours +3730 driving. Any particular thoughts/concerns?

From what I have read anything over 20% is excessive. 746 is 20% if my math is correct. As long as your oil pressure is fine and you dont hear any unusual noises I wouldn't let it worry you. Just know that long periods of idling isn't good for them. If you need any help with what fluids etc let me know. I will gladly point you in the right direction. I literally just did all of this in August to mine.

 

[Harley Harrold]

 

[Joe w.]

Welcome

 

[Papa Red]

Welcome to the forum.

Red

 

[Southern Ram]

Welcome.