Newby - wanting to buy a basic quad cab with short bed that I can have lifted.

[Backpacker]

I plan to install after market shocks, skid plates. I don’t want “bells and whistles”. trying to keep the price as low as possible in the used 2019 Ram truck market. What is the most basic trim I should look at that can still maneuver back roads and forest trails in the mountain?

 

[Daniel12]

ST would be your lowest trim. If you're going to be mountain climbing and off-roading, a truck with 3.92 gears would be your best bet for low end torque and ability to increase tire size without stressing it too much.

 

[Travelin Ram]

Higher trims won’t gain you any off road benefit.

Need to clarify on your goals what amount of lift and tire size you are aiming for to get the best advice.

Highest gear ratio, rear LSD in a basic truck would be my pick.

Paging @crazykid1994 for some expertise.

 

[crazykid1994]

A new body 5th gen is your best bet as they were offered with a fuel tank skid plate as well as a few other skid plates. A 3.92 gear set is also a must for turning bigger tires. The only truck that would be different is the rebel as it’s offered with air ride but as stated you want a cheaper truck. Honestly find one that fits your creature comforts. I myself have a 4th gen tradesman with the sport appearance package. They were not offered with a fuel tank skid. Coastal off-road says they have plans to offer one but it’s unknown when they will do I’m stuck with an exposed fuel tank. I’ll be making my own “eventually” any specific interests? What type of off-roading do you do? What height lift and tire size are you looking at running? A 2.5” lift should fit 35s as long as your wheel size and offset are within reason. If you really wanted to save then a 4th gen would be a perfectly fine truck to work with.

 

[Backpacker]

I don’t do any off roading today. I don’t own a truck or a vehicle that should not be taken off road (although I do anyway). My target off road are the rough 4x4 forest roads that lead up to the Appliation Trail, Shenandoah National Park, and Western North Carolina. I want a truck that can safely get me to most trailheads. Maps recommend a 4x4. I often go winter backpacking. Hope this helps.

 

[crazykid1994]

Any basic 4wd ram 1500 with a level kit will do perfectly fine. Eibach would be my suspension of choice for your desires. I believe there is an off-road package available if you can find one but it would not be a priority in my book as any benefits from the off-road package go out the door as soon as you change the suspension. Limited slip and 3.92 gearing is the top priority matched with whatever creature comforts suit you. My 4th gen is almost as bare as you can get given that it’s a tradesman but I’ve done fire roads and bumpy roads to trail heads with 0 issues and never have I ever needed 4wd on those roads. Granted I have always had off-road tires and my truck has the limited slip rear so that is a huge plus. Not saying 4wd would never be needed but they recommend it for those bad days where it’s rained bad and you get washouts. I had my truck when I went into the smokies in Bryson NC and that was a nice trip. Same into cartersville GA into the pine mountains. Fire roads and gravel roads mixed with a bit of half day hiking. What a great trip. Biggest concern for you will definitely be tire choice as cheap tires will not hold up well. I’ve added a few things into my truck to be a better weekend off-road/camper or overlander as it’s actually called.

 

[Backpacker]

Any basic 4wd ram 1500 with a level kit will do perfectly fine. Eibach would be my suspension of choice for your desires. I believe there is an off-road package available if you can find one but it would not be a priority in my book as any benefits from the off-road package go out the door as soon as you change the suspension. Limited slip and 3.92 gearing is the top priority matched with whatever creature comforts suit you. My 4th gen is almost as bare as you can get given that it’s a tradesman but I’ve done fire roads and bumpy roads to trail heads with 0 issues and never have I ever needed 4wd on those roads. Granted I have always had off-road tires and my truck has the limited slip rear so that is a huge plus. Not saying 4wd would never be needed but they recommend it for those bad days where it’s rained bad and you get washouts. I had my truck when I went into the smokies in Bryson NC and that was a nice trip. Same into cartersville GA into the pine mountains. Fire roads and gravel roads mixed with a bit of half day hiking. What a great trip. Biggest concern for you will definitely be tire choice as cheap tires will not hold up well. I’ve added a few things into my truck to be a better weekend off-road/camper or overlander as it’s actually called.

 

[Backpacker]

I have been using Autotrader to search for RAMs, any other sites that you recommend?

 

[crazykid1994]

I have been using Autotrader to search for RAMs, any other sites that you recommend?

You could try the ram dealer lots and see what they offer for used trucks. I like looking directly at the dealer as you can usually work in some deals. Especially if you can get a certified used vehicle that gets you a warranty. Bought my wife’s last car that way.

 

[Travelin Ram]

I have been using Autotrader to search for RAMs, any other sites that you recommend?

Cars dot com. Use the advanced search.

 

[Travelin Ram]

Lately we’ve seen dealers offering significant discounts on new trucks. I would run the numbers and compare the lifetime costs per mile for used vs new.

Historically a 4 year old vehicle would be a smart buy. But since CV the market has at times been out of phase with used vehicles being unreasonably costly.

 

[Udy2554]

Probably hard to find used, but possibly look into a tradesman with PowerWagon “package”? Compare that cost to adding a lift kit etc! Depending on how hard you plan to wheel it, it already has lockers, swaybar disconnect and 4.10 gears and @2” lift!