Just left a 22 302a XLT with the 2.7EB payload package (3.5 yrs) for a 26 RAM Laramie Level 1, 3.0 SO, 3.92 gearing.
2.7 EB payload package gives the 2.7EB a 3.73 gearing which in turn makes the truck more responsive and looked for a RAM 3.0 with 3.92 gear for that reason. After driving the new RAM for now the short distance of just under 600 miles have found this engine preforms more like a 3.5EB which comes stock with 3.55 gearing. Drove 3.5 EB Max tows for well over 30K miles. Feel the 3.0 SO responds like a 2.7EB but hauls like a 3.5EB. That said wouldn't specifically look for another 3.92 geared 3.0 SO because a 3.55 would and is more than likely a good overall match for the 3.0 SO engine.
Went with the Laramie because a Big Horn even in Level 2 has a manual passenger seat and my spouse requires more adjustment for her back than a manual seat can deliver.
Owned 18 502a Lariat and a 19 701a Platinum and went back to a XLT 302a because of all the gimmicks Ford had gotten into putting into the higher level trucks the 18 was a NON moon roof truck the 19 had a moon roof and NEVER going there again with ANY MFG. Mostly the reasoning behind going Laramie level 1. 2ndly owned a early 21 Power BOAST and dumped it in 9 months because basically Auto mechanics are just that AUTO MECHANICS and not electrical Gremlin chasers.
Got the Bed package which is basically bed lights and a step on the drivers side a very nice adjustable tie down system along with a factory bed liner.
The RAM came with floor mats which basically with all floor liners today render the 2 in the floor rear storage boxes a place for hidden treasures.
Still learning the U connect. Missing is the temp knobs to adjust heat which is either buttons or on the screen to change. Haven't quite figured out the heated seats and steering wheel to come on with the next start at the same level as when turning off the vehicle. Basically got the heat set at 74F vents at defrost and floor and don't touch it. Heated driver seat and steering wheel now come on with each start but on high which means you need to do a on screen adjustment to lower each on every start up. It has been down to -23F and highs in the low single digits so this is good enough until warmer weather. Adjusted the blind spot monitoring to have a auditable alarm while learning the new mirrors. Word of caution on the mirrors they reach out a little further than on a a F150 with NON towing mirrors and backing out of a garage door go slow but the Laramie does have power folding mirrors. Do like the spot mirror in the upper corner. Tow mirrors are not required for what is being towed here.
Gauge cluster Personally like the analog look and still figuring out the right configuration as RAM is a little more flexible on the where and what is seen. Lane sensing is on the right side of the speedometer with 2 vertical lines if they turn yellow and you feel a little shutter in the steering wheel do not be alarmed it is a warning. Do have a pet peeve on a the gauge for transmission temp it is BACKWARDS reading H to the left C to the right which is found to be very confusing. This will be REMOVED when it warms up.
Right now mostly using 4Auto which is definitely nice to have back my MPG is 14mpg. Cold short trips don't help this at all. My one concern was warm up temp in these cold central Wisconsin mornings which is very similar to the warm up time of the 2.7EB which was way better than the 3.5EB.
Would I do it again Yes and would I go 3.0 SO over Hemi. Exhaust sound HEMI hands down rest to early to tell but if 3.0 SO works as good or better than the past 5 turbo powered F 150's I would stay with the 3.0 SO.
Build a RAM 1500 on line, if the pop up comes up go for it it's a $1K rebate, then if you find a in stock 3.0 SO like I did check for the acquisition rebate on qualified vehicles from GM, Ford and Toyota. This is another $2K rebate. Then while on the Build site search for discounted inventory around your area. Went out 100 miles to find this truck for less than the Big Horns being sold locally. Had 3 colors in mind this Graphite, Black and the weird darkish Blue. There is a similar truck still on the dealers lot in White but not my bag.
Now a couple of years back Ford dropped the 5.0 in their Tremors only to bring it back and dealers had some mighty fine discounts on 3.5EB Tremors and just about did it but was in the back of my mind kinda RAM hunting then. So if history is history one may in the future find some handsome discounts on Rebel 3.0 SO trucks.
Good luck.
