My family of 5 do alot of camping/travel. So far this year, we've slept in a camper for over 5 weeks. We just returned from a 14 day east coast trip. During this trip, my wife and I discussed the want for a larger camper with more space for our future trips, especially our longer duration travels. This upgrade has been on my mind for awhile now.
We discussed multiple camping options and settled on a few 5th wheel models that weigh anywhere from 7.5k-8.5k dry. These options will require a new tow vehicle, which brings me to this post.
I previously drove a 2014 Silverado, 2wd, 5.3, crew-cab with a towing capacity of 6800lbs and payload of 1900 lbs. The lower capacity reflects the 3.08 rear end.
During my search, I found a dealer in NC that maintained constant communication with me and answered all my requests via email. I was provided an OTD price that was very aggressive and not one dealer was able to come within 5k on the price for a similar vehicle. The selling dealer told me that due to the volume that they do, Stellantis gave them a limited number of vouchers they could apply to vehicles not selling... See: "Lots of new Ram trucks rotting on dealer lots it seems" Other dealers confirmed this voucher to be accurate, limited, and lucky for me... I left a $500 deposit with the agreement that I'd pick it up in two weeks after the trip we were currently on. The truck was detailed and waiting for me upon my agreed upon arrival. Side note, the other day I received a check from the dealer for the difference in the plate transfer cost ($110). My OTD price breakdown showed a $150 plate transfer fee. I was not expecting that! The negotiation that took place gained me an additional $100 off... I ended up paying 21% less than MSRP, OTD.
2024 RAM 2500, 4x4, crew-cab, 6'4 bed, 6.4 gas Hemi, Tradesman
My thoughts after 800 miles. I'm going to compare the truck directly to my old 2014 Silverado...
-I find the ride to be more firm and less forgiving. It isn't jarring but It feels much more "truck" like. Which makes sense as it's rated to tow 15,000lbs and has a payload capacity of 3,500 lbs.
-Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I LOVE the color and look of this truck. Wheels will be replaced after the OEM rubber needs replacement.
-The seats are like lazy boys and eat up alot of the feel from the firm ride.
-The truck ride greatly improved with the 5000lb camper behind it! I was super pleased.
-The transmission is awesome when compared to the sloppy shifting 6L80. It always seems to be where it needs to be.
-The trans must have a thermostat as the temp never moved from 168-170 degrees when towing in 100 degree heat and hilly roads.
-The motor doesn't mind to rev when going up big inclines, which is to be expected as a gasser.
-Unloaded on the highway, I get ~19mpg. Towing I saw ~9-10mpg, which is the same as my Silverado.
-The built-in brake controller is refreshing and very user friendly.
-I like the dash layout, info options, gauges. TPMS, very user friendly
-The dash screen is small but provides two different hitch backup view/angles.
-I prefer the manual 4wd engagement. It's simple and takes 3 seconds to complete the process. 4wLO is impressive!
-I like the look of the two-tone vinyl seats. They look like leather as confirmed by multiple buddies.
-The vinyl seats get HOT in the sun.
-I love the plastic floors. It came with full rubber floor mats which keeps the mess at bay. Cleaning up my kids mess is a breeze!
-The mirrors pull out and have two way power adjustment.
-I dislike the MDS. It can feel it kick in/out. I disable it every time I start the truck.
-It doesn't have apple carplay. I may swap to the 8.4''in screen if I find one cheap in the future. It should be plug and play...
-The trans doesn't have a dip stick!
-It uses a 0w-40 oil, which doesn't leave me with many options!
Overall I'm very pleased with the truck. It tows extremely well. It was at a price point that I was comfortable with and I don't feel that I'm lacking any creature comforts, as of yet. It feels planted and safe with my 3 kids in the back. I'm pretty simple with it comes to my vehicles so this checks all the boxes. I hope to give it to my son, who is 3.
I added wheel to wheel running boards, rollup tonneau cover, rubber bed mat, and a back step (thank you Amazon). I'll Line-x the bed after I put the pucks in for our future 5th wheel.
I'll be changing the oil at 1,000 miles and have a Fumoto valve on hand to install...I plan on 5k mile oil changes with Mobil 1 as that's what Walmart sells in 15 quart bundles for $75...
Cheers
We discussed multiple camping options and settled on a few 5th wheel models that weigh anywhere from 7.5k-8.5k dry. These options will require a new tow vehicle, which brings me to this post.
I previously drove a 2014 Silverado, 2wd, 5.3, crew-cab with a towing capacity of 6800lbs and payload of 1900 lbs. The lower capacity reflects the 3.08 rear end.
During my search, I found a dealer in NC that maintained constant communication with me and answered all my requests via email. I was provided an OTD price that was very aggressive and not one dealer was able to come within 5k on the price for a similar vehicle. The selling dealer told me that due to the volume that they do, Stellantis gave them a limited number of vouchers they could apply to vehicles not selling... See: "Lots of new Ram trucks rotting on dealer lots it seems" Other dealers confirmed this voucher to be accurate, limited, and lucky for me... I left a $500 deposit with the agreement that I'd pick it up in two weeks after the trip we were currently on. The truck was detailed and waiting for me upon my agreed upon arrival. Side note, the other day I received a check from the dealer for the difference in the plate transfer cost ($110). My OTD price breakdown showed a $150 plate transfer fee. I was not expecting that! The negotiation that took place gained me an additional $100 off... I ended up paying 21% less than MSRP, OTD.
2024 RAM 2500, 4x4, crew-cab, 6'4 bed, 6.4 gas Hemi, Tradesman
My thoughts after 800 miles. I'm going to compare the truck directly to my old 2014 Silverado...
-I find the ride to be more firm and less forgiving. It isn't jarring but It feels much more "truck" like. Which makes sense as it's rated to tow 15,000lbs and has a payload capacity of 3,500 lbs.
-Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I LOVE the color and look of this truck. Wheels will be replaced after the OEM rubber needs replacement.
-The seats are like lazy boys and eat up alot of the feel from the firm ride.
-The truck ride greatly improved with the 5000lb camper behind it! I was super pleased.
-The transmission is awesome when compared to the sloppy shifting 6L80. It always seems to be where it needs to be.
-The trans must have a thermostat as the temp never moved from 168-170 degrees when towing in 100 degree heat and hilly roads.
-The motor doesn't mind to rev when going up big inclines, which is to be expected as a gasser.
-Unloaded on the highway, I get ~19mpg. Towing I saw ~9-10mpg, which is the same as my Silverado.
-The built-in brake controller is refreshing and very user friendly.
-I like the dash layout, info options, gauges. TPMS, very user friendly
-The dash screen is small but provides two different hitch backup view/angles.
-I prefer the manual 4wd engagement. It's simple and takes 3 seconds to complete the process. 4wLO is impressive!
-I like the look of the two-tone vinyl seats. They look like leather as confirmed by multiple buddies.
-The vinyl seats get HOT in the sun.
-I love the plastic floors. It came with full rubber floor mats which keeps the mess at bay. Cleaning up my kids mess is a breeze!
-The mirrors pull out and have two way power adjustment.
-I dislike the MDS. It can feel it kick in/out. I disable it every time I start the truck.
-It doesn't have apple carplay. I may swap to the 8.4''in screen if I find one cheap in the future. It should be plug and play...
-The trans doesn't have a dip stick!
-It uses a 0w-40 oil, which doesn't leave me with many options!
Overall I'm very pleased with the truck. It tows extremely well. It was at a price point that I was comfortable with and I don't feel that I'm lacking any creature comforts, as of yet. It feels planted and safe with my 3 kids in the back. I'm pretty simple with it comes to my vehicles so this checks all the boxes. I hope to give it to my son, who is 3.
I added wheel to wheel running boards, rollup tonneau cover, rubber bed mat, and a back step (thank you Amazon). I'll Line-x the bed after I put the pucks in for our future 5th wheel.
I'll be changing the oil at 1,000 miles and have a Fumoto valve on hand to install...I plan on 5k mile oil changes with Mobil 1 as that's what Walmart sells in 15 quart bundles for $75...
Cheers
