Input wanted from current Ram 1500 owners

[Diamondpilot]

Had a 2003 RAM 1500 with HEMI - the thing was literally bulletproof. Did almost nothing but regular maintenance to it - one exception was two front wheel bearing assemblies.

Traded it in on a 2013 RAM 1500 Bighorn. Love it. I easily run 15+mpg combined - upwards to 20mpg on the highway alone. Great features - great price. Have had that for 18 months now and it has been in the shop only once for a small issue with the radio. Software upgrade fixed that.

I measure satisfaction by the Mulligan rule. If you gave me a mulligan - I'd buy the truck again.

Sean.

I had the opposite experience with my 2003 Ram Hemi. 68,000 miles it had 6 repairs to the engine, mainly cooling system stuff. AC compressor, PS pump, heat and AC dash controls, and 2 tranny's. 1st was a dealer rebuild/repair and the second was a Jasper that also developed issues. Traded it in as is in 2005.

Chris

 

[sdboers]

I had the opposite experience with my 2003 Ram Hemi. 68,000 miles it had 6 repairs to the engine, mainly cooling system stuff. AC compressor, PS pump, heat and AC dash controls, and 2 tranny's. 1st was a dealer rebuild/repair and the second was a Jasper that also developed issues. Traded it in as is in 2005. Chris

Yikes!!

 

[s219]

Agree that if shopping for an F-150, you'd be silly not to wait for the 2015 model if you don't need to buy right away.

I recently bought a V8 crew cab and couldn't wait for the new F-150. So I compared the 2014 models of Ram, GMC, and Ford (Nissan and Toyota were out since they are a bit stale at this point). While I thought Ford had the best truck two years ago, GMC surprised me this time around and that's ultimately what I bought -- really stood out as the best V8 Crew truck in terms of gas mileage, handling, and overall design/quality.

Even if you don't think you like GM, at least look at them and take a test drive so you can make a solid decision between the other brands. I learned something with every truck I looked at, and it helped solidify my decision. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the truck brands right now, but they all have little plusses and minuses that really start to sort them and focus the decision making (for example, GMC handling/steering feel was a standout, especially compared to Ford's numb/molasses/battleship feel through the steering wheel).

 

[Fordman1981]

The two rating is a little low on the half ton ram but it ties what it is rated for very well. Honestly if I need to two more than the half ton ram is rated for I use a bigger truck. I have several Rams in my fleet and have had exceptional service out of them. I've been so impressed I just ordered a new 5500. I used to run mostly fords but they have had lots of issues for years now. 6.0 issues two 6.4s that had to have the radiator replaced under 80,000 miles (very common issue should be a recall but ford doesn't stand behind them) had the hpfp go out at 110,000 in one of the 08's ball joints at 80,000 miles on one 92,000 on the other I can keep going but you get my point. For me ford has been the worse to stand behind there product.

 

[PoorPlowboy]

We were in the same boat a few years back. Story starts in 09, we were using a 99 Ram 2500 Diesel for business and needed to add another truck. I've always been a Ford Guy, and was never impressed with the reliability of the Dodge. It had a ton of power, just always had stuff needing to be fixed.

Started the search with the 2010 Ford and really didn't like the feel, and nearly freaked out when I popped the hood. Looked like a maintenance nightmare. After looking at the GMC and then Dodge, we Ended up with a 2010 Tundra CrewMax.

It's been the best vehicle we've ever owned. Drives great, tons of power, tows like a dream and now has 67,000 miles on the clock.

Last year we made a quick stop by the Ford dealer on the way to Toyota to get a 2013 Tundra Doublecab to add to the mix.

If you do your own maintenance, Pop the hood on the Ford, Dodge and then take a look at the Toyota.

Was also pleased to see it was made in Texas.
Brad

Truth has been spoken. I don't know anything about Toyota but there is a Ram 2500, Silverado 2500, and F-250 at work (5.7, 6.0, 6.2 gassers, respectively). The Ford is my daily driver and a nightmare in maintenance. The angled radiators constantly trap crap like piles of leaves, bugs, and junk between them. Gravity won't drop it out. It is the hardest to work on because every system is overly complicated, buried under 3 other unrelated systems, and out of reach unless you are a contortionist.

It is truly engineered for quick and cheap assembly, but impossible disassembly.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Yikes!!

Remember, this was 10 years ago. Today's models are a different beast.

Still though, I would wait for the 2015 F150's that will be out soon.

Chris

 

[Monster5601]

I was in the same shoes as you just over a year ago. I looked hard at all three and discovered all three were more than capable to fill my pay-load and towing needs, a common topic of pissing contests. Before I leave the towing abilities topic, I would like to suggest that you consider a 3:21 axle ratio coupled with the eight speed transmission in the RAM. This combination offers more off-the-line grunt than the older style six speed transmissions with the 3:92 axle ratio but with the economy gains. I often tow around my tractor and have a towing weight of anywhere between 5200 and 7700 pounds, my RAM with the 3:21 axle ratio and eight speed transmission (5.7 Hemi) does just fine and better than equals the towing ability of my now retired 2003 Tahoe.

I ended up buying a 2013 RAM Laramie with the 3:21 axle ratio and eight speed transmission. The truck has excellent road manners and a very quite cab environment but so did Ford and GM. The difference was comfort, I understand this is subjective, I found the seating comfort significantly better in the RAM. This coupled with my like of the interior design of the RAM and two tone color scheme made the decision. I was simply tired of black and grey mono-tone interiors.

As far as economy I get an average MPG of just over 22 on summer blends and 19 with winter blend gasoline. My daily drive is 33 miles one way, mostly country roads, some free-way, and boulevards (using synchronized traffic lights) so my start/stop/idling time is minimal.

With 15 months of RAM ownership under my belt I have not had any issues. RAM updated the vehicle architecture starting with the 2013 model year which changed their electrical interfaces throughout the truck. There has been a few software updates, mostly to the navigation/radio system. The one feature I have that I really love is passive entry/start (not offered by the other two at the time) which allows unlocking and starting the vehicle without pushing a FOB button or using a key.

I think that I answered all of the question you had but I would also like to add what I don't like, Chrysler service. The few times I had to go in to Chrysler service (software updates) they always wanted to keep the vehicle for the day but they do not offer a loaner car unless you purchased the extended warranty with the vehicle. I did, lifetime, bumper to bumper, zero dollar deductible so I had a free loaner. Just an FYI.

If I had it to do again I would re-purchase a RAM 1500. Just to show I am not brand loyal, I am retired from GM, have a son working at Chrysler powertrain, and I work for a Tier 1 supplier supporting Ford programs including the F150 programs. Both the RAM and F150s are built in the Detroit area, a plus for me.

 

[djw250]

Well, I went ahead and bought the Ram last night. I thought about trying to wait for the 2015 F150 to see what it was like, but I hate to buy the first model year of anything and I know my old truck would require major repair well before 2016. I bought the Ram based on several things. I felt it was the best truck considering the price, horsepower and torque, tow rating, and fuel economy and I like the looks and interior comfort. Only time will tell how it holds up, but I have high hopes. Thanks to everybody that gave me input on this thread.

 

[s219]

Well, I went ahead and bought the Ram last night. I thought about trying to wait for the 2015 F150 to see what it was like, but I hate to buy the first model year of anything and I know my old truck would require major repair well before 2016. I bought the Ram based on several things. I felt it was the best truck considering the price, horsepower and torque, tow rating, and fuel economy and I like the looks and interior comfort. Only time will tell how it holds up, but I have high hopes. Thanks to everybody that gave me input on this thread.

And you dare to report this with no pictures? Get on it man! And congratulations.

 

[jejeosborne]

Well, I went ahead and bought the Ram last night. I thought about trying to wait for the 2015 F150 to see what it was like, but I hate to buy the first model year of anything and I know my old truck would require major repair well before 2016. I bought the Ram based on several things. I felt it was the best truck considering the price, horsepower and torque, tow rating, and fuel economy and I like the looks and interior comfort. Only time will tell how it holds up, but I have high hopes. Thanks to everybody that gave me input on this thread.

Today's world of selection, I would have chosen the same truck if you don't require big payload numbers. Take a big inhale of that new truck smell for me. Pictures are required.