New to RAM - from a $72k Denali to a $20k Tradesman

[Neil E]

This dealer is 2 hours from me. It's where I got my truck. It seems they have the most to choose from, and I was very happy with my price. They have 31 regular cabs.
https://www.kernersvillechryslerdod...e=Truck+Regular+Cab&sortBy=internetPrice+asc&

Heck, they even have a diesel V6 in tradesman Regular cab. Haven't seen one of those before.

 

[Shawn226]

This dealer is 2 hours from me. It's where I got my truck. It seems they have the most to choose from, and I was very happy with my price. They have 31 regular cabs.
https://www.kernersvillechryslerdod...e=Truck+Regular+Cab&sortBy=internetPrice+asc&

Heck, they even have a diesel V6 in tradesman Regular cab. Haven't seen one of those before.

To the OP; The ecodiesel is nice as well. Definitely not shy on the torque for pulling, however, they’ve been hit or miss on issues, and the best fix seems to be Tune and delete ASAP which as a Duramax owner I’m sure you know your way around that. Kernersville is where I got my ecodiesel from. I live 8 hours away and the savings was well worth the 16 round trip

 

[mohemipar]

OP if I were you I wouldn’t discount a 2500 Tradesman RCLB with the 6.4 Hemi. You will still get all of the simplicities of the Tradesman 1500 but a more functional bed and a more durable truck under the skin. As long as you are OK with some slightly worse MPG and a stiffer ride.

Maybe 1500 is better for you, but I’d look at the 2500 at a dealer or two. Especially since you are already coming out of a 2500 truck. The Ram HDs are built much more stoutly than the GM’s. Just take a look at the suspension, frame, radius arms, etc.

 

[atrupo]

I've driven plenty of both V6s and Hemis. The V6 feels like an Hemi with the 5 or 6 speed transmission and 3.55 gears. Its definitely plenty of engine. BUT that's what I said about the 4.7 until I hopped in a 5.7. There's definitely a fun factor that you'll miss out on.

 

[Jrod]

YES!!! This right here!!

I don't need any room for passengers. The only time I may need some extra space is when going to the range.

If I ever get divorced this will be my credo!

Keep living the dream brother!!

 

[FXCLM5]

dang 1st world problems, some want to downgrade their luxury vehicles, where I am trying to save $$ for the next trim model.

Dont forget to leave out the AC and cruise control and special order the roll up windows and no power locks.

Sux the last few purchases leave a bad taste in your mouth.

 

[fljab]

I own a RCSB Tradesman with the 5.7, and have had it less than a yr (Oct'17). If you want to keep costs down - as I did - then you are looking at a base truck that has only a few options. Mine only had the Hemi, trans, and spray in bedliner. Gears are 3.21 - I wish now had negotiated 3.92 into the deal, but it still gets along pretty good. The 8 sp trans is a great equalizer. It all depends on what you want to do with it. I personally prioritized having a hemi and knew that meant sacrificing other options. I would say definitely get a 5.7 vs the V6. I love the power, and it gets reasonable mpg when you keep your foot out of it.

I paid $23.2K OTD, and I'll have it paid off next yr sometime. I thought that was pretty good and it was an easy deal as they were anxious to get rid of their RCSB trucks - mine had been on the lot for 9-10 months. If you are a veteran and USAA member, there is another $1000 incentive to be had and helped my bottom line for sure.

I'm so glad that I went back to basics to have a new truck that runs well, has cold AC, and does everything I need it to do. It's just the wife & I, so no big need for extra room. Ram does put a nifty shelf behind the seats, and I've found you can get quite a bit of stuff in it like groceries or whatever when you're out and needing to bring shopping things home that you don't want to put in the bed. I have planned to get a tonneau, but hasn't happened yet.

For '19, I believe Ram is no longer offering RC trucks except for the Classic line, which as I understand it, is basically an '18 platform, so getting that would work, or a leftover '18. The big thing is, if you want to stay at the price level you mentioned, then many of the recommendations to get 4x4, 2500, and other bigger options ain't gonna happen. You'll have to decide what you can live with and what's available. If you want more options, then you'll pay more.

 

[fljab]

Dont forget to leave out the AC and cruise control and special order the roll up windows and no power locks.
.

AC and CC is standard on a Tradesman. but yes, roll up windows + manual locks are too.

 

[crockett]

Oh wow! So many good responses and suggestions. So much better than the GM board I used to frequent. Really starting to like it here. Thanks guys!

I went v6 as well (though I will say that it is certainly no slouch with an unladen truck at 305hp.)
I did it for two reasons:
1. My little hobby farm (6 ac.) doesn't require a massive work truck.
2. My day job requires me to drive into the office twice a week... 50 miles each way.
One caution, though: with a v6 and a 3.21 gear ratio, towing might get cramped at 4800lbs max or so. So if you do the v6, be sure to get a bigger axle ratio.

That's an important piece of information for me. I'll add a higher than 3.21 gear ratio to my list. Thank you.

Get the Hemi, 392 gears, 4x4 and crew cab. 5 years from now you will be glad you did.
I went from a Ram 1500 single cab to a GMC 2500 to a 2018 Ram 2500 with the 6.4 and hands down my 2018 is the best and most capable truck I've had. Consider the Ram 2500 Tradesmen; worth a test drive.

I found compatible stories in the past few days, many regretting the limited space in a single cab truck. My situation is a bit different though. When I sold my old 2010 GMC truck, I did the motorcycle only thing for well over a year and had no problems. Everything had to fit into a large backpack, or was ordered online. So a single cab truck will be no issue at all. I also retired early, I don't have to go anywhere.
I'll see if I can find a cheap 2500 single cab, but 4x4 and crew cab is a no-go, and I doubt if they can be had at the low $20s.

I would recommend getting somewhat of a back seat. If you want to do a road trip or something you will have extra space to put extra stuff. The 4x4 is a must as well.

Please see above.

If I were to list out my minimum requirements, I'd list them in the following order:
-Hemi - it truly is a fun engine to drive. It is good passing power at highway speed and good for rocket launches too.
-Stereo upgrade - nothing is worse than a long trip with a radio that distorts when you turn it up.
-Tow package - if you ever need to tow something significant and dont have it, you could be SOL or need another truck. If you plan on keeping the truck for a while you never know.
- 4X4 - the 4X4 used to look different and ride higher when I bought my first, and I liked the look. Won't be without it because you never know when you need it. I had a 32' travel trailer off the grid earlier this year, and if I didn't have 4X4, they'd still be looking for my body. Would not have made it out without help.
- limited slip dif with good ratio - I hated seeing vehicles that would spin only one wheel in the rain. My vehicles have always left two marks on the road.
To me, engine is the most important. I went from a 318 (which was meh) to a hemi and decided I'd always get the most engine I could afford (except for diesel). For me having plenty of power makes for a more enjoyable driving experience. I like my hemis.
One of the reasons you stated for not wanting high end model was so you wouldn't worry about door dings. Have you thought about buying a nicely optioned truck that is a few years old with some character (dings) already? Can get really nice truck at a good price and won't worry so much about dings?

Used trucks are way overprices these days. I spent a lot of time searching for it. I major dealer discount is much more attractive. Also, most local trucks look like crap because nobody takes care of them.
Limited slip dif is rather rare in the new offerings I saw, or they don't mention it. I have to ask for the window sticker from now on

Longer wheelbase is generally a smoother ride so long bed would ride nicer, but also less manoeuvrable.

I can deal with the maneuverability, my GMC is even longer. I guess the longer bed is both smoother but also bounces more easily.
Since I'm not going to pay for 4x4, I can go with a long bed as well. No off road capability needed.

One challenge is that dealers typically don't stock regular cab models, most of them go to fleet customers and only a few are special ordered for private use. So maybe a QC is not that bad, I'm single too but love that I can have all sorts of stuff in the back seat.
If you are set on a regular cab, keep an eye out for rental sales. E.g. here in OR there are a few sub 10k miles/sub $20k 2017 U-haul RC long beds, Hemi, cloth, chrome (steel wheels though), power & remote entry for sale at Carmax.

That goes along with my observation, and the single cab models are selling out. I checked last month the first time and there had been many more offers with great discounts.
A used rental is a no-go. They never get treated well.

I have owned a variety of trucks and I will just share my lessons learned:
1) Get the V8. Your truck will be thirsty regardless so may as well enjoy the extra passing power.
2) get 4x4. You never know and I have found myself needing it more than I thought. Plus, truck will be thirsty regardless.
3) you are getting the V8 with 4x4 (mentioned above), then, get 3.92 axel ratio. Again, truck will be thirsty regardless. May as well to that power to the ground.
4) get somewhat of a backseat. Doesn’t need to be the crew cab. Just something. let’s face it, sometimes you gotta sleep in your truck and being able to recline that front seat is key. Plus, you can put your groceries, guns, blow up dolls, etc back there and they are protected.
Tradesman is a great start. I like where your head is at. I got the Laramie. Yeah it’s nice inside. But at the end of the day, the body, brakes, frame, trans, engine, etc are all the same across the trim packages. I essentially paid an extra 10-15k to sit on a dead heated/cooled cow leather seats lol. Dumb lol.
Hope this helps. Learn from my mistakes in the past. My Ram is treating me great btw
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you for your feedback. Pretty sure I'll take the additional cost for the HEMI by now, but 4x4 is out of the price range. Same with a bigger cab. I actually looking forward to a single cab. That's classic in my eyes, they way it used to be.

 

[crockett]

V-8 long bed is the way to go if you want the most comfort that you can get due to the longer wheelbase. The big problem you're going to run into is finding one and in the price range your looking for. I looked at every dealer around here that I could think of and could only find ONE regular cab: https://www.rickhendrickdodge.com/n...eston+SC-d37d56720a0e0a6b179469dcd4e0942c.htm Of course its seems to be exactly what your looking for and the price is right but that might be a tall order to fill in the long run as we get further away from 4th gen production and I seriously doubt the 2019 Classic will be available in a regular cab due to the low sales volume. I wouldn't spend too much time deliberating over it or you might have to buy a used truck instead.

Thank you for the link. That would have been the perfect deal if the truck would have power windows and locks. That really is a must.
I read an article a few days ago where they explained why the new model single cabs will be delayed. They are moving to another manufacturing plant, and the new style single cabs will take at least until 2020.

just my .02 cents. I test drove a long bed regular cab and a short bed at the same time. The back end seemed less settled in the long bed. Had a tendency to bounce a little more.

That's what I would expect from a longer bed. It will most likely still be better than my 2500 GMC. I really liked the driving characteristics of the RAM short bed. Much better than the F-150.

V6, 3.55, RCSB and you'll be set. That's what I have and it did take a lot work to locate one but I love it and it's exactly what I needed. Mine's a 4x4 Big Horn, but only paid $24K out the door.

That's a great deal! I doubt there are more at the same source..?

This dealer is 2 hours from me. It's where I got my truck. It seems they have the most to choose from, and I was very happy with my price. They have 31 regular cabs.
https://www.kernersvillechryslerdod...e=Truck+Regular+Cab&sortBy=internetPrice+asc&
Heck, they even have a diesel V6 in tradesman Regular cab. Haven't seen one of those before.

Thank you for the link. I think I stumbled over this dealer yesterday at some point.
This truck is on my list, but a bit over my limit: https://www.kernersvillechryslerdodge.net/new/Ram/2018-Ram-1500-70ee00cc0a0e0ae865c400f54ba10e28.htm

To the OP; The ecodiesel is nice as well. Definitely not shy on the torque for pulling, however, they’ve been hit or miss on issues, and the best fix seems to be Tune and delete ASAP which as a Duramax owner I’m sure you know your way around that. Kernersville is where I got my ecodiesel from. I live 8 hours away and the savings was well worth the 16 round trip

Would love a small diesel, and I also read about the issues, but with deleting goes the warrenty,and if the engine says good buy, I'll be dead in the water.

By the way: one reason why I'm selling my Dmax is because the new engine can't be deleted anymore. GM started encrypting all the vehicle modules, not just the ECM. After 2 years there is not one delete kit for the L5P engine, and basically all tuning companies gave up.
While I wasn't going to delete my GMC right away, I hate companies that prevent me from doing whatever the hell I want with my property.

OP if I were you I wouldn’t discount a 2500 Tradesman RCLB with the 6.4 Hemi. You will still get all of the simplicities of the Tradesman 1500 but a more functional bed and a more durable truck under the skin. As long as you are OK with some slightly worse MPG and a stiffer ride.
Maybe 1500 is better for you, but I’d look at the 2500 at a dealer or two. Especially since you are already coming out of a 2500 truck. The Ram HDs are built much more stoutly than the GM’s. Just take a look at the suspension, frame, radius arms, etc.

I'll look into the 2500, but doubt that I will find any below $25k. I wouldn't mind higher tow ratings and a stiffer setup, I just don't want to go up in the price. If I would do that, chances are that you won't hear from me for several days and then I'd show up with that loaded F-450. No compromises for me. Either cheap, or all the way out. I would not have any fun with the middle part.

I've driven plenty of both V6s and Hemis. The V6 feels like an Hemi with the 5 or 6 speed transmission and 3.55 gears. Its definitely plenty of engine. BUT that's what I said about the 4.7 until I hopped in a 5.7. There's definitely a fun factor that you'll miss out on.

I'll write down another vote for the 3.55 gear if I'm going with the V6. Thanks!

YES!!! This right here!!
If I ever get divorced this will be my credo!
Keep living the dream brother!!

You nailed it. I divorced some 5 years ago. She walked out, ask for papers, and remarried 5 months later. Go figure. I won't do this mistake ever again. My new wives have names like Dillon Reloading and Wilson Combat. Less expensive, no nagging, no stress.

dang 1st world problems, some want to downgrade their luxury vehicles, where I am trying to save $$ for the next trim model.
Dont forget to leave out the AC and cruise control and special order the roll up windows and no power locks.
Sux the last few purchases leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Less options, less stuff that will break eventually. My plan is to keep this truck around until it (or I) fall(s) apart.

I own a RCSB Tradesman with the 5.7, and have had it less than a yr (Oct'17). If you want to keep costs down - as I did - then you are looking at a base truck that has only a few options. Mine only had the Hemi, trans, and spray in bedliner. Gears are 3.21 - I wish now had negotiated 3.92 into the deal, but it still gets along pretty good. The 8 sp trans is a great equalizer. It all depends on what you want to do with it. I personally prioritized having a hemi and knew that meant sacrificing other options. I would say definitely get a 5.7 vs the V6. I love the power, and it gets reasonable mpg when you keep your foot out of it.

I paid $23.2K OTD, and I'll have it paid off next yr sometime. I thought that was pretty good and it was an easy deal as they were anxious to get rid of their RCSB trucks - mine had been on the lot for 9-10 months. If you are a veteran and USAA member, there is another $1000 incentive to be had and helped my bottom line for sure.
I'm so glad that I went back to basics to have a new truck that runs well, has cold AC, and does everything I need it to do. It's just the wife & I, so no big need for extra room. Ram does put a nifty shelf behind the seats, and I've found you can get quite a bit of stuff in it like groceries or whatever when you're out and needing to bring shopping things home that you don't want to put in the bed. I have planned to get a tonneau, but hasn't happened yet.
For '19, I believe Ram is no longer offering RC trucks except for the Classic line, which as I understand it, is basically an '18 platform, so getting that would work, or a leftover '18. The big thing is, if you want to stay at the price level you mentioned, then many of the recommendations to get 4x4, 2500, and other bigger options ain't gonna happen. You'll have to decide what you can live with and what's available. If you want more options, then you'll pay more.

Great feedback! Really matches my ideas in several aspects. I'm a USAA member, so tanks for that hint. Will be looking into that rebate right now. Does your dealer still have some on the lot?

 

[fljab]

Great feedback! Really matches my ideas in several aspects. I'm a USAA member, so tanks for that hint. Will be looking into that rebate right now. Does your dealer still have some on the lot?

I don't know at the moment. Last yr when I bought mine there were 3; 2 with the hemi, and other with V6. They were all similar otherwise (color, options). Oddly, they had them priced exactly the same. Maybe the hemi trucks had been there longer, not sure.

Anyway, I just tried to get on their website but I couldn't for some reason. It's Titusville Chrysler Dodge Ram: https://www.titusvillechryslerjeepdodge.com/ - Titusville, FL; across from Kennedy Space Center in Central Florida.

I was there yesterday scheduling service plus have a little warranty issue. I didn't see any RCSB trucks, but wasn't looking for them either. I have to go near there tomorrow, so if you can't get on the website or otherwise want me to look, let me know tonight and I'll swing by.

 

[crockett]

I don't know at the moment. Last yr when I bought mine there were 3; 2 with the hemi, and other with V6. They were all similar otherwise (color, options). Oddly, they had them priced exactly the same. Maybe the hemi trucks had been there longer, not sure.

Anyway, I just tried to get on their website but I couldn't for some reason. It's Titusville Chrysler Dodge Ram: https://www.titusvillechryslerjeepdodge.com/ - Titusville, FL; across from Kennedy Space Center in Central Florida.

I was there yesterday scheduling service plus have a little warranty issue. I didn't see any RCSB trucks, but wasn't looking for them either. I have to go near there tomorrow, so if you can't get on the website or otherwise want me to look, let me know tonight and I'll swing by.

Titusville is just on the other side from me. Website isn't working here either. I'll try again later. Thank you.

 

[fljab]

I use Google maps, enlarge the area a bit, then put "ram dealer" in the search box and it comes up with all the dealers in that area of map. I then click on the dealer and search stock. Found one so far at Boniface Hiers in Merritt Island you might like: https://www.bonifacehierschryslerdo...2018-RAM-Ram+1500-Tradesman-3C6JR6AT0JG234634

You can do the same thing and search them all as you have time.

 

[Dale_K]

I bought a 2018 Quad Cab Tradesman this spring and I love it. There was a special at $22,900 but that only applied to folks with a bad credit rating. Chrysler actually gives a special rebate for bad credit - go figure. So it cost me $24,150 and I like the freedom from worry that comes from not having a fortune ******* in the truck.

Anyway, I'm holding the window sticker and the base truck has power windows/locks (but no remote fob), cruise, A/C and a auto dimming mirror with a backup camera.

My truck has the spray-in bed liner delete and black crystal paint, which cancel each other out and a $195 option for Bluetooth with voice recognition. It will stream off your phone.

Very comfortable ride, nice steering, quiet too. The vinyl seats are OK. The only thing I wish was added would be the factory trailer brake controller. It doesn't cost much and I think you get a better dash cluster.

The extra utility of having a back seat for more secure storage is nice and I think the resale value will be better by more than the original price bump.

 

[fljab]

Anyway, I'm holding the window sticker and the base truck has power windows/locks (but no remote fob), cruise, A/C and a auto dimming mirror with a backup camera.

I think the pwr windows and locks might have been an '18 addition. My '17 has manual. In the RCSB, it's not a big deal. My windows stay up all the time anyway in the FL heat, but admit the locks would be nice to have. Altho, I don't have the fancy and expensive key fob either, just a regular key.

 

[Addicted2fishing]

Guy on my street has a single cab express with appearance package. Looks great


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ramdriver2018]

I made the jump from quad cab 4x4 to an st RCSB 2wd. Completely different truck to drive. I never liked the heavy front of a 4x4. I liked the 4x4 less when I knew it was costing me a couple mpg and I used the damn thing only a handful of times in a decade....and those times were because my tires sucked.....because I had 4x4
The only downside was how hard a 2wd can be to find.

 

[ronheater70]

I'm about to sell my 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Duramax, just paid it off and waiting for the title. I had a lot of trouble with my last 2 GM products and I simply have to move on. The other GM vehicle was a 2016 Corvette, eating through 2 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. It took me forever to force GM to buy it back.

Needless to say, I have lost my appetite for expensive cars and trucks. I miss being able to just get to places without worrying about dings or being mad for paying so much money and receiving an inferior product.

This time around I'm planing to go the opposite route by trying to find the best price nationwide on the most affordable RAM Tradesman single cab truck.

I have always liked simple single cab work trucks and since I'm single, I don't need any room for passengers. The only time I may need some extra space is when going to the range. I'll probable end up with a tonneau hard cover.

I did a test ride with the Ford F-150 equivalent but didn't like the ride quality. Really like the RAM though.

In order to keep the price as low as possible I'll try to keep the options low:

Required
- 2018 RAM 1500 Tradesman
- Single cab
- White or Granite Crystal Metallic
- short or long bed (not sure yet)
- Power and Remote Entry Group
- Spray-In Bedliner

Maybe options
- HEMI
- Chrome Appearance Group (or Express model?)
- Trailer Brake Control
- If possible Heavy-Duty Vinyl
- Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle

I'd love 4WD but that price bump is too much.

I'm currently not pulling anything but will need it down the road occasional. We are talking U-haul moving trailer, maybe a jet ski or a smaller travel RV.

1.) What do you guys think? Any suggestions? Am I missing something?

2.) I really want a low price work truck. I saw some offers online in the $20-22k range but most dealers throw a bunch of incentives into the pricing that are not available for many. Where can I get the best dealer discounts?

Based on your experience with GM, I'm not sure you'll be much happier with Ram..Honestly.

 

[RLJ10X]

Damn Crock, 46 and retired. Way to go.

Track day at Jennings, in your avatar?

Personally, I think you're going about this backwards. You're looking to buy a price.

Instead: Buy a truck. Make a list of what you want. Buy what you want. 2 weeks after you get your truck, you'll forget all about what you paid. But if you don't get what you want, you'll have to live with it forever.

My choice if I lived in Florida would be a 2WD Chrystal Granite RCSB. 5.7, 3.92 limited slip, middle of the road trim. Definitely electric windows. Nice to have that passenger side windo open, with the driver's side closed.

 

[coobie]

Based on your experience with GM, I'm not sure you'll be much happier with Ram..Honestly.

You seem somewhat BITTER..Go buy a ford..