Ride Quality Ltd vs PW

[A4Owner]

This might seem like a stupid question but I've never had a truck. Would the ride quality of the new LTD be night/day versus a Power Wagon? Like wouldn't owning a PW be like riding on top of Mt. Rushmore?

 

[Ramroo]

We are not to be trusted. Go drive what you are considering. Everyone’s opinions are different. Seriously.

But since you asked…
I owned a PW. Tall is good for me. I don’t suggest it if you don’t think you will use 4WD a lot and potentially need a winch. Mine was an older one and not a good daily driver, sucked on the expressway. New ones are probably fine but ain’t gonna maneuver and be as comfortable as a limited.

 

[6of36]

Waiting on my new Limited, but had a Laramie. Most comfortable riding vehicle I have ever owned. Totaled it last January, and couldn't really afford to replace it, due to the price going up $3,000 in 18 months, and no lease deals. I leased a 21 Durango R/T. Great car, not a Ram lol. I generally leased, so I just got close to what I wanted, because the dealers always order what they like, or think will sell, and I could accept that to drive a couple years. This time I ordered exactly what I want, and will drive it for the next 20 years.

 

[A4Owner]

What do you mean by great car but not a Ram? I'm a sedan owner so I don't quite follow...I think I do but I really don't.

 

[silver billet]

The 1500 LTD with air suspension will ride much better than the PW. The PW is a 2500 heavy duty truck. It's suspension is softer than a regular 2500, but the air suspension in a 1500 is still much better.

If you're comparing 2500 LTD to a PW, you may want to ask on hdrams.com forum instead as this forum is 1500's.

 

[6of36]

What do you mean by great car but not a Ram? I'm a sedan owner so I don't quite follow...I think I do but I really don't.

NOTHING rides better than a Ram. Better ride and comfort level than Cadillacs I have owned. The best vehicle made for long trips.

 

[devildodge]

The 1500 LTD with air suspension will ride much better than the PW. The PW is a 2500 heavy duty truck. It's suspension is softer than a regular 2500, but the air suspension in a 1500 is still much better.

If you're comparing 2500 LTD to a PW, you may want to ask on hdrams.com forum instead as this forum is 1500's.

HDRAMS.com is currently down. Not sure why.

 

[silver billet]

HDRAMS.com is currently down. Not sure why.

Looks like expired ssl certificate. That site has been slow for me for days but think this is a different issue.

I find it odd that the certificate expires, it's certified using let's encrypt and it should automatically update the certificate as it gets close to the expiry date.

 

[devildodge]

Looks like expired ssl certificate. That site has been slow for me for days but think this is a different issue.

I find it odd that the certificate expires, it's certified using let's encrypt and it should automatically update the certificate as it gets close to the expiry date.

I was thinking both had something to do with... SOMETHING BIG IS COMING...if you know, you know.

But, these sites always drop off and cause issues often.

 

[Brutal_HO]

HDRAMS.com is currently down. Not sure why.

DNS and cert updates (again)

 

[Brutal_HO]

Looks like expired ssl certificate. That site has been slow for me for days but think this is a different issue.

I find it odd that the certificate expires, it's certified using let's encrypt and it should automatically update the certificate as it gets close to the expiry date.

It's been an ongoing issue the server admin (not site admin) hasn't been able to resolve. Cloudflare issue or something.

 

[mikeru82]

I was thinking both had something to do with... SOMETHING BIG IS COMING...if you know, you know.

But, these sites always drop off and cause issues often.

That's exactly what went through my head.

 

[WXman]

The 1500 LTD with air suspension will ride much better than the PW. The PW is a 2500 heavy duty truck. It's suspension is softer than a regular 2500, but the air suspension in a 1500 is still much better.

If you're comparing 2500 LTD to a PW, you may want to ask on hdrams.com forum instead as this forum is 1500's.

Yeah the HD's are not even 5th Gen trucks. I have no idea why FIVE years have passed and Ram still hasn't updated the HDs. It's pathetic.

 

[silver billet]

Yeah the HD's are not even 5th Gen trucks. I have no idea why FIVE years have passed and Ram still hasn't updated the HDs. It's pathetic.

As I see it, the only place its "lacking" when compared to the competiton is in rear cab, the floor isn't flat and it's not quite as big (megacab notwithstanding).

They updated the looks, the interior, the drivetrain, all the important bits. I think the Chevy 2500 possibly rides a tiny bit better due to IFS, though the Ram 2500 has air bags in the back which might give it nicer ride too, so hard to say.

What do you feel is missing on the Ram HD vs the competition?

 

[Brutal_HO]

As I see it, the only place its "lacking" when compared to the competiton is in rear cab, the floor isn't flat and it's not quite as big (megacab notwithstanding).

They updated the looks, the interior, the drivetrain, all the important bits. I think the Chevy 2500 possibly rides a tiny bit better due to IFS, though the Ram 2500 has air bags in the back which might give it nicer ride too, so hard to say.

What do you feel is missing on the Ram HD vs the competition?

The frame, the axles, the brakes... The Cummins was updated (then the HPFP fixed LOL).

I rode in my nephew's brand new 2500 dirtymax. It's quick, but my Ram is way more comfortable.

still not sure if the OP is asking to compare the 1500 or the heavys?

 

[WXman]

As I see it, the only place its "lacking" when compared to the competiton is in rear cab, the floor isn't flat and it's not quite as big (megacab notwithstanding).

They updated the looks, the interior, the drivetrain, all the important bits. I think the Chevy 2500 possibly rides a tiny bit better due to IFS, though the Ram 2500 has air bags in the back which might give it nicer ride too, so hard to say.

What do you feel is missing on the Ram HD vs the competition?

Well you mean besides the fact that they are using a 14 year old body with an 11 year old V8 engine and sell them for brand new prices? Do this: go to a dealership and open the doors on a 5th Gen truck a few times. Then walk over to a 4th Gen truck and open/close the doors a few times. The difference in body quality and build will immediately become apparent. Even the handles feel better on the 5th Gen. Then as mentioned the rear legroom and floor that isn’t flat are major issues. People want space. People want to haul boxes and items in there. The frames are old and therefore a lot weaker than what Ford and GM are using, and the countless videos online lately of people breaking Ram 3500s in half doing common jobs is evidence. The HDs NEED to be updated ASAP. They are quickly becoming the laughing stock of the HD truck industry. I'm convinced that without the Cummins contract they'd be bleeding sales like mad.

The engine package also needs updating. Ford and GM both have recognized that people are moving back to gasoline due to diesel costs. That’s why Ford has two all-new V8s to pick from, while GM has a new 6.6 with another new engine coming soon. Ram? Well if you are OK with an engine only capable of 429 lb/ft that drinks fuel like it’s sponsored by OPEC then I guess you’re happy.

The transmissions could use updating. The 8HP trans isn't bad, it's just lacking ratios compared to the competition. The Aisin in the HO Cummins is a joke. 6-speed? In 2023? And everyone who has one says they shift very poorly. Compare this to the sweet 10R100 that Ford has, or the new Allison GM is using.

 

[silver billet]

Well you mean besides the fact that they are using a 14 year old body with an 11 year old V8 engine and sell them for brand new prices? Do this: go to a dealership and open the doors on a 5th Gen truck a few times. Then walk over to a 4th Gen truck and open/close the doors a few times. The difference in body quality and build will immediately become apparent. Even the handles feel better on the 5th Gen. Then as mentioned the rear legroom and floor that isn’t flat are major issues. People want space. People want to haul boxes and items in there. The frames are old and therefore a lot weaker than what Ford and GM are using, and the countless videos online lately of people breaking Ram 3500s in half doing common jobs is evidence. The HDs NEED to be updated ASAP. They are quickly becoming the laughing stock of the HD truck industry. I'm convinced that without the Cummins contract they'd be bleeding sales like mad.

The engine package also needs updating. Ford and GM both have recognized that people are moving back to gasoline due to diesel costs. That’s why Ford has two all-new V8s to pick from, while GM has a new 6.6 with another new engine coming soon. Ram? Well if you are OK with an engine only capable of 429 lb/ft that drinks fuel like it’s sponsored by OPEC then I guess you’re happy.

The transmissions could use updating. The 8HP trans isn't bad, it's just lacking ratios compared to the competition. The Aisin in the HO Cummins is a joke. 6-speed? In 2023? And everyone who has one says they shift very poorly. Compare this to the sweet 10R100 that Ford has, or the new Allison GM is using.

Can the HD use some updates? Yes. But I don't agree with the intensity of your post. The 6.4 8 speed is a little down on power compared to GM's 6.6, but GM (as of now) is still only shipping 6 speed gas which is far worse than the cummins with 6 speed diesel and worse performance than the 6.4/8 speed. TFL having tested all 3 gassers towing up the ike clearly shows the Ram being very competitive (second place). The 2024 gm is finally getting the 10 speed, there are concerns for the 10 speeds on both ford and gm forums (not as good as their older transmissions). I would like to see a bigger engine from Ram, no doubt. GM's "coming soon" isn't an argument, first it has to actually be confirmed for a specific model year (haven't read anything yet) and secondly we can assume Ram has something "coming as well". You can't judge current products on what is coming down the pipe.

Ram's interior is night and day better than current GM's interior, space not withstanding.

There is no "weak frame" issue, the recent video was from a guy who was by some estimates several thousand over his payload. If you care to google it you can find F350's broken in half and Gms too.

The Aisin is far from a joke; that transmission is used in very heavy equipment like busses, if you want to bet on a diesel drivetrain that will last the longest with the fewest issues, I'd bet on the cummins/aisin over the competition with 10 speed. More gears sounds nice, but have you actually towed heavy with all 3 brands and found the cummins lacking? Doubt it.

The Ford 7.3 is very powerful for a gasser. And it's also chewing up the camshift (and lifters) at 30,000 miles. Reports of this on YT and the forums, we're just getting started with this but it appears that the 7.3 has severe issues though we don't know if it's all 7.3's yet or just a range. The new 6.8 is basically the same engine with smaller displacement, I'd avoid it too for now until the 7.3's problems are narrowed down.

I wouldn't worry about "laughingstock", for a start my pride isn't that fragile that I need to validate my purchase against my neighbours feelings, and secondly all three brands have week spots in their lineups and room for improvement. You win some (looks, interior, ride, cummins) you lose some (6.4, back seat).

 

[Brutal_HO]

Well you mean besides the fact that they are using a 14 year old body with an 11 year old V8 engine and sell them for brand new prices? Do this: go to a dealership and open the doors on a 5th Gen truck a few times. Then walk over to a 4th Gen truck and open/close the doors a few times. The difference in body quality and build will immediately become apparent. Even the handles feel better on the 5th Gen. Then as mentioned the rear legroom and floor that isn’t flat are major issues. People want space. People want to haul boxes and items in there. The frames are old and therefore a lot weaker than what Ford and GM are using, and the countless videos online lately of people breaking Ram 3500s in half doing common jobs is evidence. The HDs NEED to be updated ASAP. They are quickly becoming the laughing stock of the HD truck industry. I'm convinced that without the Cummins contract they'd be bleeding sales like mad.

The engine package also needs updating. Ford and GM both have recognized that people are moving back to gasoline due to diesel costs. That’s why Ford has two all-new V8s to pick from, while GM has a new 6.6 with another new engine coming soon. Ram? Well if you are OK with an engine only capable of 429 lb/ft that drinks fuel like it’s sponsored by OPEC then I guess you’re happy.

The transmissions could use updating. The 8HP trans isn't bad, it's just lacking ratios compared to the competition. The Aisin in the HO Cummins is a joke. 6-speed? In 2023? And everyone who has one says they shift very poorly. Compare this to the sweet 10R100 that Ford has, or the new Allison GM is using.

@silver billet post is mostly on point.

Do you own or have driven extensively a Cummins HO/Aisin?

I have.

The Cummins doesn't need all those gears - at most an 8 speed (ZF would be nice) but the Aisin is by no means a "joke" (current small batch K1 snap ring issue notwithstanding). My truck shifts smooth and pulls hard. The modern Gm built Allison is a joke and stands up to tunes no better than any others, the new 10-speeds in the Ford and Gm are a joke with recalls and constant gear hunting. They shift like a Jack F'ng Russell Terrier on speedballs. If Ram were to use an Allison it would no doubt be a real Allison 2000, not that GM built POS A1000. If the rumors hold true, we'll see an 8 or 9 speed ZF in 2025, possibly a mid year 24 release.

Who's "everyone" that says their Aisin shifts poorly? You're regurgitating old internet gossip from pre-19 truck owners and others like yourself that don't' actually own one. The current TCM code on the Aisin shifts smooth.

As posted, I just had a 1500 loaner for a week. The doors felt tinny and weak compared to my "ancient' 4th gen cab. Rattles when closed.

The frame issue is non-existent, again you're just regurgitating internet rumor mill BS. That truck (and some others) was grossly overloaded. It also broke in Baja. Most of them were also welded on improperly. There's plenty of F-xxx trucks and others with broken backs from excess overloading.

"Laughing stock?" Hardly. What are all the hotshots driving?

 

[devildodge]

@silver billet post is mostly on point.

Do you own or have driven extensively a Cummins HO/Aisin?

I have.

The Cummins doesn't need all those gears - at most an 8 speed (ZF would be nice) but the Aisin is by no means a "joke" (current small batch K1 snap ring issue notwithstanding). My truck shifts smooth and pulls hard. The modern Gm built Allison is a joke and stands up to tunes no better than any others, the new 10-speeds in the Ford and Gm are a joke with recalls and constant gear hunting. They shift like a Jack F'ng Russell Terrier on speedballs. If Ram were to use an Allison it would no doubt be a real Allison 2000, not that GM built POS A1000. If the rumors hold true, we'll see an 8 or 9 speed ZF in 2025, possibly a mid year 24 release.

Who's "everyone" that says their Aisin shifts poorly? You're regurgitating old internet gossip from pre-19 truck owners and others like yourself that don't' actually own one. The current TCM code on the Aisin shifts smooth.

As posted, I just had a 1500 loaner for a week. The doors felt tinny and weak compared to my "ancient' 4th gen cab. Rattles when closed.

The frame issue is non-existent, again you're just regurgitating internet rumor mill BS. That truck (and some others) was grossly overloaded. It also broke in Baja. Most of them were also welded on improperly. There's plenty of F-xxx trucks and others with broken backs from excess overloading.

"Laughing stock?" Hardly. What are all the hotshots driving?

Do you remember the guy at HDRAMS who was so angry that when he pulled into his delivery sites that no one was gonna know he had a new truck

After we tirelessly explained every single change he continued how people would notice his doors.

Good times.

 

[silver billet]

@WXman, I feel you may not necessarily be the most common customer. I get the feeling that you're easily bored with your rides, trading them in every year for something new and "fresh" and "exciting". It's your money and I'm not suggesting anything wrong with that other than that there is no way any brand can possibly keep a guy with your preference and buying style, happy. Most of us buy every few years or once a decade so brands have lots of time to make trucks new and improved for the average customer.