What Ram should I buy?

[greywolf2112]

Greetings from Florida. 58 years old, not a gearhead but like to tinker, do things myself, and am very particular (since I can't use the anatomical word) about researching things I'm looking to buy, gathering opinions, etc. before pulling the trigger.

In my life I've owned and operated various cars and trucks (Olds, Toyota, Ford, Chevy, Suzuki, Honda) but never a Dodge product.

I've had two 2004 2500 series Suburbans, a v6 Ford F150, an F250 (2008 with v10), and currently a 2015 Expedition with the EcoBoost.

Recently on a trip while towing my travel trailer (5500 pounds) for the first time, we got stranded 4 hours from home when the transmission took a dump. I've put a bit of money recently into the Expedition (brakes, tune up, ironically the transmission service (drain, filter, fill - this MIGHT have caused this issue if done improperly but I'll never be able to prove it)) and the wife likes it a lot so we're going to get a new transmission and keep chugging along.

My other vehicle is a 2014 Prius that I use around town, commuting to work (5 miles one way). 3 days after our little experience with the Expy I got rear-ended on my way to work by an uninsured driver. Due to age I didn't have collision on my Prius so I'm stuck with the repair bill. I got damn lucky it wasn't totalled and I wasn't seriously injured.

We've decided we are going to replace it with a full sized truck for safety, utility, and as another tow vehicle for our trailer and boat (which would allow us to bring both with us on vacation).

Since I've owned Ford and GM trucks/large SUVs, I decided to perhaps give the other guys a try. I'm not interested in Nissans, and Toyota Tundras seem . . . . overpriced and the seats and interior comforts seem sub-par. I know they are "reliable" but they just aren't singing to me. GMs are . . . . sort of pathetic in my humble opinion. I'm a little leery now of Fords after my side-of-the-road experience with the Expy, though that may not have been Ford's fault if the people who did my transmission service screwed something up.

This leads me to this forum. Obviously you guys own Rams and are biased, but I'd love to hear some opinions.

My needs:

I only commute to work 10 miles a day (5 each way). When we take long trips, we are using our 2015 Expedition (73,000 miles). I have a 5000 pound travel trailer (empty, so maybe add another 500-1000 if weighted down with items) that is about 23 feet total in length. I also have a 20 foot Tritoon with a 90hp Suzuki, probably about 4000-4500 pounds total. My other car is a 2014 Prius with 100k on it. I use it primarily for driving to work and occasional errands, but most of the long trips I'm using the Expedition for comfort and safety, or I'm towing.

I've been wanting to get a truck to replace the Prius. 10 miles a day commuting is nothing, and even though I get 45 mpg in the Prius, and get about 18 in the Expedition, in the grand scheme of things it isn't a huge deal overall given how few miles it is. I've been thinking about a truck for backup towing, and also to allow me AND the wife to tow both the travel trailer and the boat when we go on trips.

I've since decided against the Tundra for many reasons (cost, difficulty finding what I want, and seat comfort). Given my usage of perhaps less than 5k a year of driving, I just can't justify the extra $$ for one. What do I care if I'll get another 100k out of it if I am realistically only going to put 50k on it in the next 10 years?

I've owned a 2008 F250, a 2011 F150 v6, a few 2500 Suburbans (2004), and now a 2015 Expedition with Ecoboost.

Never owned a Ram. I read good things about them from 2020 and on (not sure I want to dip my toe into the EcoDiesel, especially given how little I drive, short commutes, etc.) but the Hemi is solid, I believe. The one thing a lot of people mention is COMFORT of the Rams, and I know that is important to my wife (and me, honestly, as I am 58 and not getting younger, and my job involves a lot of heavy lifting, I'm tall, and I like the idea of a comfortable road experience).

I know either the F150 (either 5.0 or Eco) is popular and has a lot of good things going for it, but my recent experience with losing a transmission at 73k miles, not to mention the "cheap" feel of the interior and components and niggling little things over the years with the various Fords I have had has me thinking of giving the Ram a try.

Always appreciate your opinions, guys - thank you.

 

[diymirage]

i hear nothing about kids, so are you looking for a single cab?
personally, id go with a 2500 with the 6.4, that allows you to pull all you want

be carefull choosing a trim level because some of them (especially the powerwagon) take a big hit in payload)
since it doesnt seem like your in a hurry, see what year and mileage your budget allows and take few on test drives

 

[ramffml]

I think you've already found the perfect truck; get a 5th gen 1500 with the 5.7 hemi, I prefer one without ETorque but you can't find those new anymore. The 1500 has more than enough to support your towing needs, while being very comfortable to use as a daily driver. I tow a similar sized trailer and have 0 issues.

 

[greywolf2112]

i hear nothing about kids, so are you looking for a single cab?
personally, id go with a 2500 with the 6.4, that allows you to pull all you want

be carefull choosing a trim level because some of them (especially the powerwagon) take a big hit in payload)
since it doesnt seem like your in a hurry, see what year and mileage your budget allows and take few on test drives

No kids, no grandkids. Two dogs but they won't be going anywhere in the truck with us (Expy used for that).

No plans on ever towing much more than 7500 pounds.

 

[greywolf2112]

I think you've already found the perfect truck; get a 5th gen 1500 with the 5.7 hemi, I prefer one without ETorque but you can't find those new anymore. The 1500 has more than enough to support your towing needs, while being very comfortable to use as a daily driver. I tow a similar sized trailer and have 0 issues.

Tell me more about the ETorque. If I don't want that, could I find a 2024 model without it?

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

If I was you, I'd look for a 1500 classic with the hemi. I would stay away from the v6, the etorque and the hurricane. Or wait till the new models come out with the new v8. Speculation is CJRD is reducing prices 35% for 2026 models and you will get better options

 

[ramffml]

Tell me more about the ETorque. If I don't want that, could I find a 2024 model without it?

I don't know for sure when they stopped selling hemis without ET, if I remember correctly its somewhere around 2022. ET is not the end of the world, most do not seem to have any issues with it as far as I can tell, my preference is for a simpler truck as there is less to go wrong.

Otherwise yes a 4th gen or "classic" never comes with ET on the hemi, but the 5th gen is a pretty nice upgrade on the 4th overall; better ride, nicer interior, flat floors in the rear, generally a little more payload on similar equipped trims, little bigger all around etc.

 

[Docwagon1776]

I'm not biased in the slightest as far as the big 3 goes. I've owned all of them and test drive all of them whenever I'm in the market.

You left out budget and if you're only looking at used or new and what kind of trim level you're looking at. Do you want leather, 360 cameras, ventilated seats, etc. or do you want a stripper?

In general, I'd avoid a 3/4 ton unless you really need the tow capacity. The loss in fuel economy and range, ride comfort, ease of parking, etc. is a consideration. I say this as someone who currently owns a Power Wagon (sort of a light 3/4 ton) and has owned GMC and Ford 3/4 tons in the past. Avoid diesel with your use type. The Hemi is likely your best bet for the weights you want to tow. The 8 speed tranny/5.7L combo is a solid one.

The Ram is the most comfortable of the big 3 and, trim to trim, has the nicest interior. The Hemi and 8 speed combo drives great. I also like GM's 6.2L/10 speed combo but it wants premium fuel and has a peanut tank for some reason. Ford's 3.5EB/10 speed hunts gears too much for my liking. I haven't driven a current Coyote/10 speed. Ford has the last intuitive console shifter and their display is more usable. Uconnect isn't the best and the Ram's largest screen leaves too little room for physical buttons and takes your eyes off the road more than I like to use it.

 

[David Vandercook]

 

[Dan Topp]

If I could have a do- over I wouldn’t have listened to my wife and got a 3/4 ton instead of the 1500. She was trading in a awd 14 glk250 so she had the reins. Since then I needed 1 ton springs because of the hauling and trailering. But hemi for sure.

 

[tron67j]

Another vote for the 2500 with 6.4. I have had excellent luck with it, rides nice, and you won't ever have a problem with payload capacity and towing (as mentioned above, stay away from Power Wagon, it is a really nice truck but payload and towing are cut way back).

I bought the Tradesman and then did a bunch of upgrades, all factory parts for cheaper than I could have bought a higher trim truck. Overhead console, 8.4 radio, fog lights, plus many other upgrades. I like doing things myself and like the result.

There are a lot of threads in here about how to do things so shouldn't be trouble. Vendors to provide parts and wiring, it's all here.

Good luck.

 

[ramffml]

Really guys? 5500 pounds and you're recommending a 3/4 ton? A durango could pull that safely.

He's looking for COMFORT, and backup towing. A 3/4 ton recommendation is ... overkill, though I can think of less flattering terms too.

 

[tron67j]

The original post indicates they have had 3/4 yin vehicles so assume they would know what to expect, but I have to say my newer 2500 rides as good as my cousin's 1500, so offered as an option. Also, the original post indicates up to 6,000 pounds but the subsequent post indicates 7,500 pounds, could even higher weights happen(?). The OP is towing boats, travel trailers, and maybe other types of trailers. I don't know how heavy the hitch weights are but since there is a range of possible max weights listed, then the OP needs to really study what they want the truck to do for them in the future as the +/- 1800 pounds of payload capacity could get eaten quickly if subtracting 1200 or more off the bat for trailer tongue and hitch weight, lose a few hundred more for accessories like a bed cover, running boards and the like are nearing 3/4 ton territory.

Just feel the OP needs to have the options since they asked for our opinions, and mine is to consider the possibility that a 2500 might be one.

 

[JHoward]

Greetings from Florida. 58 years old, not a gearhead but like to tinker, do things myself, and am very particular (since I can't use the anatomical word) about researching things I'm looking to buy, gathering opinions, etc. before pulling the trigger.

In my life I've owned and operated various cars and trucks (Olds, Toyota, Ford, Chevy, Suzuki, Honda) but never a Dodge product.

I've had two 2004 2500 series Suburbans, a v6 Ford F150, an F250 (2008 with v10), and currently a 2015 Expedition with the EcoBoost.

Recently on a trip while towing my travel trailer (5500 pounds) for the first time, we got stranded 4 hours from home when the transmission took a dump. I've put a bit of money recently into the Expedition (brakes, tune up, ironically the transmission service (drain, filter, fill - this MIGHT have caused this issue if done improperly but I'll never be able to prove it)) and the wife likes it a lot so we're going to get a new transmission and keep chugging along.

My other vehicle is a 2014 Prius that I use around town, commuting to work (5 miles one way). 3 days after our little experience with the Expy I got rear-ended on my way to work by an uninsured driver. Due to age I didn't have collision on my Prius so I'm stuck with the repair bill. I got damn lucky it wasn't totalled and I wasn't seriously injured.

We've decided we are going to replace it with a full sized truck for safety, utility, and as another tow vehicle for our trailer and boat (which would allow us to bring both with us on vacation).

Since I've owned Ford and GM trucks/large SUVs, I decided to perhaps give the other guys a try. I'm not interested in Nissans, and Toyota Tundras seem . . . . overpriced and the seats and interior comforts seem sub-par. I know they are "reliable" but they just aren't singing to me. GMs are . . . . sort of pathetic in my humble opinion. I'm a little leery now of Fords after my side-of-the-road experience with the Expy, though that may not have been Ford's fault if the people who did my transmission service screwed something up.

This leads me to this forum. Obviously you guys own Rams and are biased, but I'd love to hear some opinions.

My needs:

I only commute to work 10 miles a day (5 each way). When we take long trips, we are using our 2015 Expedition (73,000 miles). I have a 5000 pound travel trailer (empty, so maybe add another 500-1000 if weighted down with items) that is about 23 feet total in length. I also have a 20 foot Tritoon with a 90hp Suzuki, probably about 4000-4500 pounds total. My other car is a 2014 Prius with 100k on it. I use it primarily for driving to work and occasional errands, but most of the long trips I'm using the Expedition for comfort and safety, or I'm towing.

I've been wanting to get a truck to replace the Prius. 10 miles a day commuting is nothing, and even though I get 45 mpg in the Prius, and get about 18 in the Expedition, in the grand scheme of things it isn't a huge deal overall given how few miles it is. I've been thinking about a truck for backup towing, and also to allow me AND the wife to tow both the travel trailer and the boat when we go on trips.

I've since decided against the Tundra for many reasons (cost, difficulty finding what I want, and seat comfort). Given my usage of perhaps less than 5k a year of driving, I just can't justify the extra $$ for one. What do I care if I'll get another 100k out of it if I am realistically only going to put 50k on it in the next 10 years?

I've owned a 2008 F250, a 2011 F150 v6, a few 2500 Suburbans (2004), and now a 2015 Expedition with Ecoboost.

Never owned a Ram. I read good things about them from 2020 and on (not sure I want to dip my toe into the EcoDiesel, especially given how little I drive, short commutes, etc.) but the Hemi is solid, I believe. The one thing a lot of people mention is COMFORT of the Rams, and I know that is important to my wife (and me, honestly, as I am 58 and not getting younger, and my job involves a lot of heavy lifting, I'm tall, and I like the idea of a comfortable road experience).

I know either the F150 (either 5.0 or Eco) is popular and has a lot of good things going for it, but my recent experience with losing a transmission at 73k miles, not to mention the "cheap" feel of the interior and components and niggling little things over the years with the various Fords I have had has me thinking of giving the Ram a try.

Always appreciate your opinions, guys - thank you.

Imo, GO test drive a RAM 1500/2500, used or new and that'll give you something to compare to from your past vehicle ownership(s).

I'd prefer the HEMI 5.7 liter v-8 non-E-Torq over the v-6/eco diesel in the "older" RAM 1500 and either the HEMI 6.4 liter v-8/Cummins diesel in the 2500.

Good luck and Happy motoring!

 

[1stindoor]

I am on my second 2500 with the 6.4. No issues at all with either of them (knock on wood). I've had several GMC and Chevy 2500s and 1500s. I also tow a 21' Nitro bassboat nearly every weekend. While a 1500 (5.7) will get the job done, I prefer the 2500. Couldn't justify the diesel with my daily drive and towing. I doubt you would need a diesel based on your post. If I was in the market for a new truck I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Ram 2500.

 

[DanAR]

I’m guessing you are looking for a low mileage, used truck. If you said that above I overlooked it. I suspect left over, new 1500 hemis are getting scarce on new car dealer lots anyway unless you decide to step up to a 2500 and the 6.4 Hemi. So a low mileage 2021 or 2022 1500 w/o e-torque is probably your best bet although like some have said, I don’t think e-torque is a complete no-go issue. A used V-8 Tundra would be my next choice for a reasonably reliable vehicle but from what I have read they really use the gas.

 

[Badger 13]

I say test drive the big 3 and see which one you like or the most comfortable in. Everyone has opinions, but at the end it is your decision to make.

 

[Marshall]

Been driving Dodge/Rams trucks for 60+ yrs, Had a couple Fords, but got over that.
The 1980 F150str 6 ,4 speed was OK
Last 3/4 ton was many yrs ago.
I would suggest you just test drive, or rent a newer one for a couple days and see how you like it.
I think all the new ones are very good, Brother is a Duramax guy, and drove lots of Fords, but he also trades every 3-4 yrs. My new one is 10 yrs old now. Gee where does the time go?

PS I forgot, had a couple or 3 IHC's as well, those where real trucks. Ride was truck like as well.

 

[Sportyg]

Greetings from Florida. 58 years old, not a gearhead but like to tinker, do things myself, and am very particular (since I can't use the anatomical word) about researching things I'm looking to buy, gathering opinions, etc. before pulling the trigger.

In my life I've owned and operated various cars and trucks (Olds, Toyota, Ford, Chevy, Suzuki, Honda) but never a Dodge product.

I've had two 2004 2500 series Suburbans, a v6 Ford F150, an F250 (2008 with v10), and currently a 2015 Expedition with the EcoBoost.

Recently on a trip while towing my travel trailer (5500 pounds) for the first time, we got stranded 4 hours from home when the transmission took a dump. I've put a bit of money recently into the Expedition (brakes, tune up, ironically the transmission service (drain, filter, fill - this MIGHT have caused this issue if done improperly but I'll never be able to prove it)) and the wife likes it a lot so we're going to get a new transmission and keep chugging along.

My other vehicle is a 2014 Prius that I use around town, commuting to work (5 miles one way). 3 days after our little experience with the Expy I got rear-ended on my way to work by an uninsured driver. Due to age I didn't have collision on my Prius so I'm stuck with the repair bill. I got damn lucky it wasn't totalled and I wasn't seriously injured.

We've decided we are going to replace it with a full sized truck for safety, utility, and as another tow vehicle for our trailer and boat (which would allow us to bring both with us on vacation).

Since I've owned Ford and GM trucks/large SUVs, I decided to perhaps give the other guys a try. I'm not interested in Nissans, and Toyota Tundras seem . . . . overpriced and the seats and interior comforts seem sub-par. I know they are "reliable" but they just aren't singing to me. GMs are . . . . sort of pathetic in my humble opinion. I'm a little leery now of Fords after my side-of-the-road experience with the Expy, though that may not have been Ford's fault if the people who did my transmission service screwed something up.

This leads me to this forum. Obviously you guys own Rams and are biased, but I'd love to hear some opinions.

My needs:

I only commute to work 10 miles a day (5 each way). When we take long trips, we are using our 2015 Expedition (73,000 miles). I have a 5000 pound travel trailer (empty, so maybe add another 500-1000 if weighted down with items) that is about 23 feet total in length. I also have a 20 foot Tritoon with a 90hp Suzuki, probably about 4000-4500 pounds total. My other car is a 2014 Prius with 100k on it. I use it primarily for driving to work and occasional errands, but most of the long trips I'm using the Expedition for comfort and safety, or I'm towing.

I've been wanting to get a truck to replace the Prius. 10 miles a day commuting is nothing, and even though I get 45 mpg in the Prius, and get about 18 in the Expedition, in the grand scheme of things it isn't a huge deal overall given how few miles it is. I've been thinking about a truck for backup towing, and also to allow me AND the wife to tow both the travel trailer and the boat when we go on trips.

I've since decided against the Tundra for many reasons (cost, difficulty finding what I want, and seat comfort). Given my usage of perhaps less than 5k a year of driving, I just can't justify the extra $$ for one. What do I care if I'll get another 100k out of it if I am realistically only going to put 50k on it in the next 10 years?

I've owned a 2008 F250, a 2011 F150 v6, a few 2500 Suburbans (2004), and now a 2015 Expedition with Ecoboost.

Never owned a Ram. I read good things about them from 2020 and on (not sure I want to dip my toe into the EcoDiesel, especially given how little I drive, short commutes, etc.) but the Hemi is solid, I believe. The one thing a lot of people mention is COMFORT of the Rams, and I know that is important to my wife (and me, honestly, as I am 58 and not getting younger, and my job involves a lot of heavy lifting, I'm tall, and I like the idea of a comfortable road experience).

I know either the F150 (either 5.0 or Eco) is popular and has a lot of good things going for it, but my recent experience with losing a transmission at 73k miles, not to mention the "cheap" feel of the interior and components and niggling little things over the years with the various Fords I have had has me thinking of giving the Ram a try.

Always appreciate your opinions, guys - thank you.

I also agree test drive both the 1500 and the 2500 which ever one you pick go with the limited interior upgrade your wife will love you for it.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

>No plans on ever towing much more than 7500 pounds.

That's what everyone says.