Hi All. I just bought a 2022 1500 Classic that I ordered as a factory build. Thought I’d share my experience and thoughts about the truck. While I was waiting for my truck, I did a lot of reading on this forum so I wanted to add a little back.
First of all, some may be interested to know that I took delivery of my truck exactly 1 month and 1 day from the date of order. I was expecting to wait around 6 to 8 weeks but I was pleasantly surprised. The dealer was surprised as well. I did buy a somewhat base truck so that may have helped. It’s a Tradesman RCLB RWD V6. I was replacing a 2007 RAM 1500 RCLB RWD 4.7 that I had bought in 2015 as a second vehicle. I quickly fell in love with it and it became my DD. Unfortunately, its latest problem wasn’t easily remedied and I gave up on it. It had around 160K miles when I bought it and I gave it up at 220K. Besides the engine and alternator, everything in the truck had been replaced at one time or another. I have no idea how the truck was cared for prior so I can’t really fault RAM.
When it came time to find a replacement, my first preference would have been Toyota. However, the 2022 is a complete redesign with a newly introduced (for Tundra) 6 cyl twin turbo engine. I don’t buy the first 2 years of a new design and I don’t like turbos at all. So, Toyota was out. GM, Ford and Nissan were never in the running (had a really bad experience with a Silverado and I just don’t like Ford and Nissan). Also, I wanted a regular cab so RAM Classic it was.
Obviously, the RAM is brand new but I’m impressed thus far with the build quality and design. It’s a couple hundred pounds lighter than the old truck but it feels substantially heavier. I guess that’s good and bad. Good in that everything is much tighter and it feels like a tank but I really prefer the feel of the old truck. It felt much more nimble and maneuverable; the steering was MUCH lighter and the engine felt more responsive.
So far, the V6 seems adequate but that’s about it. The HEMI was just too much engine for me and I didn’t want the drama associated with it. I don’t tow but I do fill the bed to capacity on occasion. I do wish that they still offered a smaller V8 option between the two engines. Around town, the V6 is fine and the gas mileage is impressive so far. On the highway, the V6 shows it’s lack of power. As an example, cruising around 60 and getting up to 70 involves some drama. I’m accustomed to just giving a little gas and having the speed rise steadily in the same gear. In order to accomplish this with the V6, you need to really put your foot down to get anything to happen. I’m not sure how people in hilly terrain get along with this engine. Keep in mind also that my truck configuration is among the lightest.
I didn’t get 4WD because I have a second vehicle that has AWD that’s great in the snow. I’m in central NJ so snow is not a major concern and the worst this truck will ever see is the occasional dirt/gravel road. I did get the LSD so I’ll see how that works out. I think the old truck had LSD and I would shovel a bunch of snow over the rear wheels and it did fine for my area.
So far, my only minor gripe is the clock or lack thereof. How does a work truck not have a dedicated clock? In order for the time to appear on the screen, the radio has to be on. No radio, no screen. I typically don’t drive with the radio on. So, for me to get a clock in the cab, I have to mute the radio and make a screen selection. When I restart the truck, it does not save this preference. The volume on the radio is restored and it defaults to the radio page. I have to hit the mute button and select a different screen on every startup. Very annoying.
Last random thought about Active Grill Shutters: I wasn’t sure if my truck was going to come equipped with them but it did. I was sure, based on what I’ve read here, that I would remove most of the slats. I’m going to leave them for now and keep an eye on the temps. I’m wondering if they changed the operation of the shutters. Mine close and open once on startup to test and then remain open during warmup. This morning, it was in the high 50’s and they remained open. Perhaps it’s not cold enough out yet. So far, I noticed that the coolant temp stays between 199-203F while on the road which seems fine. When idling or backing down my driveway it will climb past that but I doubt removing the shutters will help in that limited scenario. I think the highest I’ve seen is 213F.
) but I like the configuration. In the 7 years I owned the prior truck, I never once missed having a back seat but the extra bed space proved useful many times over. I actually have a tent that's made for the 8 foot bed (wish I had a photo). I set the tent up and throw an air mattress in the back and I'm comfy.
