New truck advice/help

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Creep0321

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Not entirely sure if this is the correct forum, so please move if the mods see fit. I am looking to purchase a new (or used) Ram when I return to the states in March. I used to have a 2007 1500 Bighorn Hemi 4x4.

Now I’m looking for advice to what best fits my needs, from the experience on this forum. I have narrowed it down to wanting an 18/19 (really love the 19 interior) Laramie or higher, Crew cab 4x4. Everything else is undecided from 1500 to 2500, what engine, and gear ratio etc....

I will have a 20 mile commute (90% highway) and would love good gas mileage. However in the future there is a possibility of towing a travel trailer for a family of 5. Budget is 40-45k. Please help ha.
 
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MADDOG

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I'd look at the Ecodiesel 1500 unless you plan on towing a trailer that requires a 2500's tow capacity.
 
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Creep0321

Creep0321

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I’ve basically rulled out the eco diesel due to the problems that they have been having. Thought it would be perfect though.
 

MoparBrent

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This really depends on your towing needs in the future. Besides that I would recommend a 1500, 5.7 hemi, 3.92 gears, 4x4.

Anything less than that and don't be expecting to be happy or tow much at all.
 

CoHam

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For what it’s worth; I have a 2019 Crew Cab Laramie 4x4 with the 5.7 Hemi (not the e-torque) and a 3.21 axle ratio. I live at over 6000 feet altitude (which robs engine power) and I’ve installed larger than stock diameter tires. The larger tires decreases torque to the pavement, and I expected to need a change to my axle ratio to make up for it (like my other trucks and Jeeps). However, I honestly feel that I still have plenty of torque (and I’m kind of a power junkie) so I’m keeping the 3.21 gears in hopes it will help with highway gas milage. I have not towed anything real heavy, but I’m confident this will barely notice my enclosed motorcycle trailer. I did recently install an Edge Pulsar module which definitely helped with throttle response.
 

troutspinner

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Good gas mileage and truck is a relative thing. A truck will never get gas milesage like a car so expect 15-17 around town, 20 hiway.

If you are going to tow, I always recommend the highest gear ratio you can get, unless it’s diesel or turbo, then you can go mid level on gearing. That higher gearing however is going to negatively affect your gas mileage.

My wife and I had a travel trailer for several years so I have a good amount of experience towing a 31’ 7500 +/- trailer. Trust me when I say this, you do not want your truck to be anemic when it comes to this chore. In a Ram, I’d recommend the 5.7 with 3.92. Honestly though, I would higher recommend the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost with 3.55s when it comes to towing. I love my hemis but that Eco laughs at a 8000lb load, it is such a different and more positive experience than towing with a NA engine. It is however a Ford....
 
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Creep0321

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What about the 3.6L ram with the 3.55s?
 

phlram

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I have 3.92 gears and my mix of city/highway is more like 20/80... currently @ 14 mpg. Gas mileage was not a factor for me, though it's surprising to me that in my Charger Scat Pack, which has a 6.4 V8 engine, in the same route I was averaging 19.5 mpg.
 

Neil E

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If you don't do any towing, go with the 3.6, 3.55 combo. My RCSB averages 26 on the highway.
 
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Creep0321

Creep0321

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If you don't do any towing, go with the 3.6, 3.55 combo. My RCSB averages 26 on the highway.
There is a possibility of towing a TT with a dry weight of up to 5500 lbs no more then 6 times a year.
 

HammerHead

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There is a possibility of towing a TT with a dry weight of up to 5500 lbs no more then 6 times a year.
I picked up a 2018, 2500 with 410 gears. Let me tell you the 6.4 & 410 combo is a thing of beauty. On vacation I got 16.8 on the highway at 75MPH. Truck is bone stock and I can honestly say it doesn't need a thing. Had a 2013 with the 5.7 and my new truck is by far more capable. I got the Tradsman 4x4 with the off road package and it haves everything I want, leaves me wanting nothing more.
At a minimum test drive one and get a feel for it; I have a good feeling you will buy it.
 

Neil E

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There is a possibility of towing a TT with a dry weight of up to 5500 lbs no more then 6 times a year.


Yeah, mine is rated at 7200 lbs towing, and I have towed a 4k pound trailer. I just meant if he doesn't tow a lot.
 
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Creep0321

Creep0321

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I picked up a 2018, 2500 with 410 gears. Let me tell you the 6.4 & 410 combo is a thing of beauty. On vacation I got 16.8 on the highway at 75MPH. Truck is bone stock and I can honestly say it doesn't need a thing. Had a 2013 with the 5.7 and my new truck is by far more capable. I got the Tradsman 4x4 with the off road package and it haves everything I want, leaves me wanting nothing more.
At a minimum test drive one and get a feel for it; I have a good feeling you will buy it.
Will do devil, when I get back anyway, only seen one ram so far here in Europe.
 

McBroom

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I’ve got the 2500 with the off road package. I love it and I’m sure you will love it too. I’m averaging about 15/18.5 on 93 octane. It’s extremely comfortable and very capable off road. 0915b2312b1c5936b7bd6db7de80d9ea.jpg
SEMPER FI DEVIL DOG
STA 0317


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road
 

HammerHead

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I’ve got the 2500 with the off road package. I love it and I’m sure you will love it too. I’m averaging about 15/18.5 on 93 octane. It’s extremely comfortable and very capable off road. 0915b2312b1c5936b7bd6db7de80d9ea.jpg
SEMPER FI DEVIL DOG
STA 0317


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road
That's a nice Blue Pearl Devil Dog; but look at the Silver Bullet :)

IMG_0799.JPG
 

McBroom

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You know the silver bullet has bad connotations in the Corps, for some haha.

I know what you mean


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road
 

McBroom

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This thread has become a Marine Reunion haha.

There’s a lot of us JARHEADS on here. I’ve met several each from a different era. And we all are exactly the mindset.
We still have utmost respect for our other branches but we Marines tend to stick together.
Bricks and mortar (hard heads n brotherhood) SEMPER FI!!


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road
 

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