New truck advise

[Dazler]

Hi guys I been researching and the more you do the more question you pile up sometimes.

Some info on what I have and why im looking into a truck.
I own a Mitsu outlander sport, now is way to small for the family and we have to travel about 4 hours to hit any major city with big stores.
When we go shopping we have to think twice on what we get as space is a big factor and multiple times we would have benefit from a bigger vehicle.

Never owned a truck but if I do get one it would be a RAM something about them always pick my attention on the road when I see one.
And the fact that they are the only ones with the SUPER big cabin Mega cab.

I will not be towing anytime soon we dont have trailers.
It would be the daily driver as I will get rid of the current car.

Here are some questions that I would like to get advise on.

1.Model - I know the 2500 would be overkill for me but is the one that comes in Mega Cab. Would the 1500 in 2015 be in mega?
2.Engine - 5.7 or 6.4 I ruled the diesel out as sometimes I go just to pick up the mail and is a short drive 5-10min.
3.Ramboxes? I also plan on buying one of those big cover that make it look like a SUV. would they be compatible?
4.would the 2015 2500 come with the 8speed?
5.Bed - would spray on be better or that personal preference any pro/cons?

I also plan on keeping for the long haul, would it be better to get a nicer interior trim or save and get a trim lower?
I would like to get it with the Projector headlight it look even better. so base on the last comment if I get a lower trim it would come with regular headlight. If I get aftermarket headlight are they good or are they know to leak?

I did a quick build on ram.com and the Big Horn 4x4 Mega came to 44,055 with the black appearance package cheapest trim with projector I think.
Laramie 4x4 Mega 46,765

any comment advise regret that you guys made after purchasing a trim are welcome that way I can take and make a better decision.
Thanks!

 

[jbr]

I have 2013 Crew Cab V8 8speed 4X4 3.21 rear end and family of 4.. perfect for us. It's my daily driver (10 miles to work, 12-13 mpg, but I don't care)

If you get a cap on the bed you can't use the ram boxes.

I would look at all trims to see what you like, dislike, and don't necessarily need.
I chose Big Horn because it was in the middle based on my area. I wanted the back window sliding window so the express was not an option.

If I had to do it again I would look more into the V6 3.55 rear or V8 3.92 rear

 

[Andy578]

Hi guys I been researching and the more you do the more question you pile up sometimes.

Some info on what I have and why im looking into a truck.
I own a Mitsu outlander sport, now is way to small for the family and we have to travel about 4 hours to hit any major city with big stores.
When we go shopping we have to think twice on what we get as space is a big factor and multiple times we would have benefit from a bigger vehicle.

Never owned a truck but if I do get one it would be a RAM something about them always pick my attention on the road when I see one.
And the fact that they are the only ones with the SUPER big cabin Mega cab.

I will not be towing anytime soon we dont have trailers.
It would be the daily driver as I will get rid of the current car.

Here are some questions that I would like to get advise on.

1.Model - I know the 2500 would be overkill for me but is the one that comes in Mega Cab. Would the 1500 in 2015 be in mega?
2.Engine - 5.7 or 6.4 I ruled the diesel out as sometimes I go just to pick up the mail and is a short drive 5-10min.
3.Ramboxes? I also plan on buying one of those big cover that make it look like a SUV. would they be compatible?
4.would the 2015 2500 come with the 8speed?
5.Bed - would spray on be better or that personal preference any pro/cons?

I also plan on keeping for the long haul, would it be better to get a nicer interior trim or save and get a trim lower?
I would like to get it with the Projector headlight it look even better. so base on the last comment if I get a lower trim it would come with regular headlight. If I get aftermarket headlight are they good or are they know to leak?

I did a quick build on ram.com and the Big Horn 4x4 Mega came to 44,055 with the black appearance package cheapest trim with projector I think.
Laramie 4x4 Mega 46,765

any comment advise regret that you guys made after purchasing a trim are welcome that way I can take and make a better decision.
Thanks!

i'd suggest a 1500 crew cab with the 3.6L V6 or maybe the ecodiesel if you want better fuel economy and still have higher tow ratings

 

[granite14]

For your use, I'd recommend a 1500 with the 74.5 inch bed , crew cab. The only difference for the megacab is that you can recline the back seats a little and put some stuff in there, but if you will cover the bed, I wouldn't think it would matter, as you could put that stuff in back.

Take your family to sit in the crew cab. I think you'll find it very roomy.

 

[RedNBlack]

Take your family to sit in the crew cab. I think you'll find it very roomy.

This was huge in my decision... I actually took my car seat out of my car and installed it in the truck I was test driving. The quad cab would have worked for me but was MUCH easier getting my son in a car seat in the back of my crew cab.

 

[ramrunner56]

The crew cab on my 1500 is much bigger than any cab you'll ever need. I think the mega is overkill. I got an slt bighorn because I didn't want leather (gets too hot) and it was still a really nice truck. So you could save over 5k there. But ram boxes won't open with a topper, so no need there. I just wish I had that newer gps, cuz damn that's nice

 

[Csanders1992]

If you get a bed cap I'd get a bed rug. That is, if you never plan to remove the cap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SuperTrooper]

Why not look into a tonneau cover instead of a camper top? If I'm not mistaken they make those that can be used with the ramboxes. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Spray in bedliner is good if you keep a lot of stuff in the bed, keeps it from sliding around as much. Always a plus for me with my cooler full of beer!

 

[HemiPower36]

I would go with a bighorn package, 5.7 hemi, 3.55 gearing, 8-speed. If you want to take your truck off the beaten path, then go 4x4, I read nothing in your post regarding terrain that a 4x4 truck would have to chew on. Just an idea, better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

When it comes to full size trucks. Fuel economy is never something that will impress you. Regardless of the engine, you will constantly say to yourself, "oh boy, time for another fill up." Having said that, just go with the 5.7 hemi 3.55. I went 3.92 gearing because mpg can kiss my a**. After owning a variety of trucks, I have found, you never get the window EPA reading, may as well get something powerful. Sounds like you have a long drive on your hand. That is why I said 3.55 gearing instread of 3.92. 3.55 is a happy medium of mpg and power.

I went with the Laramie package for my 2014 Ram. To nice of an interior to have your kids spill soda in. Big horn is still plenty nice enough without having to be paranoid about damaging your fancy leather seats.

I would go crew cab instead of mega cab. Mega cab will give you a small bed and the seats do not even slide back farther. The back seats only reclines or offer a small storage area behind the bench. I think the "Ram box" is a clever idea but I did not get it. I figure, I would spray Line-X on the bed and buy a bed cover. This concept gives you a giant, more practical "ram box." Plus the mega cab, IMO, looks unproportioned.

I recommend for you a Ram 1500 big horn 5.7 hemi, 3.55, 8-speed. Get a bed cover instead of a camper shell. Spray line x. Boom. Bed cover is cheaper than a camper and you have a bigger/ more practical "ram box." Get 4x4 if you think you would benefit in the near or later future. I bought A 2x4 truck once thinking a would save gas, I never noticed it at the pump and I was getting stuck on camping trips. Embarrassing to get your new truck stuck when you buddy's POS makes it through because he has the magic button. 2x4 is a mistake I only made once.

 

[myoung84]

I don't think you can get 3.55s with the 8 speed, only 3.21s or 3.92s...

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

 

[BoldAdventure]

This...

Never owned a truck but if I do get one it would be a RAM something about them always pick my attention on the road when I see one.


I will not be towing anytime soon we dont have trailers.
It would be the daily driver as I will get rid of the current car.

Here are some questions that I would like to get advise on.

1.Model - I know the 2500 would be overkill for me but is the one that comes in Mega Cab. Would the 1500 in 2015 be in mega?
2.Engine - 5.7 or 6.4 I ruled the diesel out as sometimes I go just to pick up the mail and is a short drive 5-10min.
3.Ramboxes? I also plan on buying one of those big cover that make it look like a SUV. would they be compatible?
4.would the 2015 2500 come with the 8speed?
5.Bed - would spray on be better or that personal preference any pro/cons?

I also plan on keeping for the long haul, would it be better to get a nicer interior trim or save and get a trim lower?
I would like to get it with the Projector headlight it look even better. so base on the last comment if I get a lower trim it would come with regular headlight. If I get aftermarket headlight are they good or are they know to leak?

I did a quick build on ram.com and the Big Horn 4x4 Mega came to 44,055 with the black appearance package cheapest trim with projector I think.
Laramie 4x4 Mega 46,765

any comment advise regret that you guys made after purchasing a trim are welcome that way I can take and make a better decision.
Thanks!

Skip the 2500m and take all the above advice. I myself never owned a truck until the one I just purchased, lightly used. I prefer to buy late model used rather than finance a depreciating asset. Makes no sense in my mind to do so.

Anyhow, the crew cab in the 1500 is very nice, and roomy. We couldn't fit a rear facing car seat in the quad, and there is more room on the floor of the crew than the quad. And I just recently had 3 coworkers in the back of mine, all over 6ft tall and they were comfortable.

If you skip the 2500, then the choice should be simple 5.7 Hemi. The Ecodiesel is nice, but honestly, if you spend time doing the math, a diesel will always cost more to own. Just price the oil filters or look up Diesel Exhaust fluid. It's a real thing.

I purchased a Laramie, all the bells and whistles. Leather, premium sound, heated cooled seats, sun roof. It's what we wanted. Like you, we plan to own it for the long haul. I plan on putting 50K on the odometer before I consider trading up.

I think it's personally worth it to go for the nicer interior trim packages. The cup holders and center console are well worth it. You stated you have to travel long distance to get to the stores. I assume this means you and your whole family in the car over long periods. You'll want to be comfortable.

I like the ramboxes personally. That one is up to you, but I find them super convenient and they weigh less than the big metal tool boxes people install. Also, Bakflip makes a very nice compatible tonneau cover that works with them.

Good luck.

 

[HemiStarPower]

Some Good Advice on here! I bought the Crew Cab SLT 5.7L Hemi. It does not have any leather but I feel the interior is rather nice! Nice enough for kids to be in and easy to clean if it gets dirty. I only drive mine 2 out of 7 days but its a great truck.

If you don't wanna tow or anything then a V6 may be something you should look into!

Good luck!

 

[14hemiexpress]

Hey lots of good advice here. My suggestion is to go for a black appearance crew cab 1500 8 speed with 3.21 gear, due to that's the only gear ram offers for the express 8 speed. That gets your lights and the space for your family. I would pass on the ram box because it cuts down on what you can hold in the bed. The ram box works great for the people that keep a lot of tools for fishing poles or rifles ect. I would get a topper for it so you can load it up and not worry about it getting wet or blow out. Crew cab has plenty of room. I'm kinda feeling like I should of gotten a crew instead of a quad. If your not going to tow no reason for the 2500. Big waste of gas IMO. Good luck.

 

[Dazler]

wow yes super advice from all you guys.
That why I decided to come here and ask and get other opinions from people that actually own the truck model im looking to get.
You guys help me steer away from the 2500 to the 1500, from the beginning I knew it was overkill but I only wanted it for the bigger cab.

I did forgot to mention the only truck I been in on the back was a F150 4door and I do believe the space was good actually a lot compared to my current vehicle.
If the RAM crew cab is like that then it should be enough.
I agree with the comment that the Mega look a bit funny, I dint know the rear only reclined to bad it dont slide back.

So far the little one have not spill anything in my car we usually park and eat. So then I guess it would be better to get the nicer trim level.
But on that note reading a previous post, do they get that hot? never owned a vehicle with leather. Do this ones come with the ventilation option and if does it actually works?

For some reason I was not considering the flat cover only the camper style.
Are the flat ones also pretty safe/hard to break in?
BTW the cover is not something I will buy right away it might be months before I get that.
Spray liner is it then.

Forgot to mention it but yes the only version im considering is the 4x4 for previous mentioned reason, better to have it and not need it.

We have a trip plan for this Wednesday. I will go and check them out, I just hope they have some more trim choices, cause on their webpage they only show a few.
I have not look in the used market yet I was thinking to buy new that way it would be easier to get rid of my car as a trade in, I know I will get less from a dealer but it would be easier due to were I live.

And yes I do love the black appearance group the photos I found the truck look amazing. I wonder how hard really is to own a black vehicle as I heard with the softest sand storm or dirt they already look like is been months from the last car wash.
Plus the paint swirl on a shiny day.

 

[Andy578]

I did forgot to mention the only truck I been in on the back was a F150 4door and I do believe the space was good actually a lot compared to my current vehicle.
If the RAM crew cab is like that then it should be enough.
I agree with the comment that the Mega look a bit funny, I dint know the rear only reclined to bad it dont slide back.

the crew really does have plenty of room but make sure you get the split seat so if needed you can carry stuff back there and still be able to have a passenger or 2. same goes for the console in the front, if you wanna be able to fit 3 up there make sure you just get the folding 1

 

[Oilbelcher]

The 1500 crew is very large, more width and legroom than any SUV I have tried. My 3 kids fit great, car seats and room to spare

 

[jcat]

the ecodiesel should still be in the game for you. Short 5-10min trips to get the mail won't get it up to operating temp, but that's ok as long as it's once in a while. Just get it out on the highway, up to temp and romp on it every so often and it'll be fine. Don't forget, that v6 diesel has been in production in some form or another in Europe for years, it's pretty well put together.

For someone like me, though, who only drives 6.5mi to work each way, a diesel would be a no go, I'd never get the moisture out of it.

For what it's worth, I have a crew cab, 4x4 5'7" bed hemi/8spd/3.21 truck. I drive 80% city and am averaging right around 16mpg. I have myself, my gf, her 6 yo daughter and a 90lb chocolate lab, and there's still a TON of room in the cab. I plan on adding a bed cover soon and then it'll be better than any SUV out there, in my opinion.

 

[SuperTrooper]

wow yes super advice from all you guys.
That why I decided to come here and ask and get other opinions from people that actually own the truck model im looking to get.
You guys help me steer away from the 2500 to the 1500, from the beginning I knew it was overkill but I only wanted it for the bigger cab.

I did forgot to mention the only truck I been in on the back was a F150 4door and I do believe the space was good actually a lot compared to my current vehicle.
If the RAM crew cab is like that then it should be enough.
I agree with the comment that the Mega look a bit funny, I dint know the rear only reclined to bad it dont slide back.

So far the little one have not spill anything in my car we usually park and eat. So then I guess it would be better to get the nicer trim level.
But on that note reading a previous post, do they get that hot? never owned a vehicle with leather. Do this ones come with the ventilation option and if does it actually works?

For some reason I was not considering the flat cover only the camper style.
Are the flat ones also pretty safe/hard to break in?
BTW the cover is not something I will buy right away it might be months before I get that.
Spray liner is it then.

Forgot to mention it but yes the only version im considering is the 4x4 for previous mentioned reason, better to have it and not need it.

We have a trip plan for this Wednesday. I will go and check them out, I just hope they have some more trim choices, cause on their webpage they only show a few.
I have not look in the used market yet I was thinking to buy new that way it would be easier to get rid of my car as a trade in, I know I will get less from a dealer but it would be easier due to were I live.

And yes I do love the black appearance group the photos I found the truck look amazing. I wonder how hard really is to own a black vehicle as I heard with the softest sand storm or dirt they already look like is been months from the last car wash.
Plus the paint swirl on a shiny day.

Hardshell tonneaus are plenty secure, they make locking ones, and on top of that, Ram tailgates lock with the doors.

My last vehicle was black, hated it. Swirl Marks and scratches GALORE, and it showed any little bit of dust or dirt. I will never own another black vehicle. But it's all your preference. I live in the backwoods, do a lot of hunting and stuff offroad, going through tree limbs and brush and such, so I chose white to minimalize visible scratches and dirt.

 

[khav]

I have a folding cover with my RamBoxes - BakFlip G2 was about $700 - installed myself pretty easily.

BakFlip Tonneau Cover - Dodge Crew Cab with RAMBox - Details!

 

[cgeorgemo]

I just bought a 2014 1500 Crew Cab. On June 29th I drove 90 miles with the cruise set at 70mph and the AC on I averaged 26.2 MPG on that trip. If I'm easy on the gas I can get around 18 mpg in the city and I just basically use it like a big car as well. I've got the 3.6 Pentastar and the 8 speed Torqueflite transmission but it is a 4X2 not a 4X4.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk