5th Gen options necessities?

[LIVINtheLIFE]

So first off I just found this forum today and wanted to ask a few questions in regards to buying a 5th Gen 1500. My current truck is a 96 2500 CTD and let’s face it, its seen as “legendary” to some but it’s old, out dated and not as comfortable as a daily driver and I’ve been finding myself wrenching on it or doing some other update every other weekend lately. Currently in Canada until Jan. 31st is the “4x4 Winter Sales event” which boasts up to 25% off msrp on 2019 Rams.

I have yet to talk to a dealer but from what I gather you cannot build and order 2019 trucks anymore with the 2020’s now in stock. In saying that I have built the truck I wanted online which is as follows:

2019 Big Horn Crew Cab 6’4” Box 4x4
Granite Metallic w/Light Mountain Brown
5.7 HEMI
Trailer Tow Group
Protection Group
Big Horn Level 2
Premium Lighting Group
3.92 Gearing
121L Tank(32 US gal)
E-locker Read Diff

This to me is a perfectly set up as my daily driver, all I want to add is a 2” Front/1” Rear Level and 33” tires for it to be better suited for when I go hunting/fishing on weekends.

Now it just so happens when I searched inventories online this exact truck is at the local dealer minus a few options, it’s a different colour(Rugged Brown Pearl) which is still nice so not a concern. But it does not have the Trailer Tow Group, it has the smaller fuel tank, it has 3.21 gears, and it does not have either of the e-locker or anti-slip diffs it just has the normal diff.

In saying all this I wanted to ask you actual consumers if these options it is missing would be deal breakers? I also built an identical truck in a 2020(which I can order) and it costs about $5000 more(roughly 10% more). Can the Trailer Tow Group be added to the 2019? Is the bigger fuel tank needed? Would 3.21’s be too low of a ratio for the level with 33’s(not to mention towing capacity being lower even tho I don’t tow much over 4000lbs as of now)? And do the anti-spin/E-locker make that big of difference on a 4x4?

These are the big questions I have in my head that are deciding me from pulling the trigger or waiting for future incentives on ordering a 2020. If anyone with these options can chime in that would be great and their experience. A little background as well I use my truck for everything from going to the grocery store to hunting in the backwoods for long periods and I live in rural Canadian Shield with lots of hills and dirt roads. Sorry for the novel guys but I appreciate the help! Thanks.

 

[renzo2213]

So first off I just found this forum today and wanted to ask a few questions in regards to buying a 5th Gen 1500. My current truck is a 96 2500 CTD and let’s face it, its seen as “legendary” to some but it’s old, out dated and not as comfortable as a daily driver and I’ve been finding myself wrenching on it or doing some other update every other weekend lately. Currently in Canada until Jan. 31st is the “4x4 Winter Sales event” which boasts up to 25% off msrp on 2019 Rams.

I have yet to talk to a dealer but from what I gather you cannot build and order 2019 trucks anymore with the 2020’s now in stock. In saying that I have built the truck I wanted online which is as follows:

2019 Big Horn Crew Cab 6’4” Box 4x4
Granite Metallic w/Light Mountain Brown
5.7 HEMI
Trailer Tow Group
Protection Group
Big Horn Level 2
Premium Lighting Group
3.92 Gearing
121L Tank(32 US gal)
E-locker Read Diff

This to me is a perfectly set up as my daily driver, all I want to add is a 2” Front/1” Rear Level and 33” tires for it to be better suited for when I go hunting/fishing on weekends.

Now it just so happens when I searched inventories online this exact truck is at the local dealer minus a few options, it’s a different colour(Rugged Brown Pearl) which is still nice so not a concern. But it does not have the Trailer Tow Group, it has the smaller fuel tank, it has 3.21 gears, and it does not have either of the e-locker or anti-slip diffs it just has the normal diff.

In saying all this I wanted to ask you actual consumers if these options it is missing would be deal breakers? I also built an identical truck in a 2020(which I can order) and it costs about $5000 more(roughly 10% more). Can the Trailer Tow Group be added to the 2019? Is the bigger fuel tank needed? Would 3.21’s be too low of a ratio for the level with 33’s(not to mention towing capacity being lower even tho I don’t tow much over 4000lbs as of now)? And do the anti-spin/E-locker make that big of difference on a 4x4?

These are the big questions I have in my head that are deciding me from pulling the trigger or waiting for future incentives on ordering a 2020. If anyone with these options can chime in that would be great and their experience. A little background as well I use my truck for everything from going to the grocery store to hunting in the backwoods for long periods and I live in rural Canadian Shield with lots of hills and dirt roads. Sorry for the novel guys but I appreciate the help! Thanks.

If you’re not going to tow much, which 4,000 pounds is nothing for these trucks, you’ll be fine with the 3.21. You don’t need a leveling kit to fit 33s, but it does look a lot nicer lol and I don’t have the e-locker and have had no problems whatsoever in extremely deep snow (I live in Massachusetts). 4x4 low should take care of any problem you got. Even when I lived in Louisiana, a 4x4 with no e-locker, taking them off-road to hunt was no problem. You’ll be fine with the one they have on the lot, as long as you’re happy with how it looks. I originally wanted the e-locker on mine but couldn’t find the other options I wanted with it. Haven’t thought about it at all since I bought it. I have the 23 gallon tank, I get roughly 350-400 miles on it depending how and where I drive. But it’s fine for me. I drive about 500-600 miles/week. If you get a good deal on the truck, buy it and swap out the tank. I’ve heard of several people doing that here on this forum


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[SpeedyV]

So first off I just found this forum today and wanted to ask a few questions in regards to buying a 5th Gen 1500. My current truck is a 96 2500 CTD and let’s face it, its seen as “legendary” to some but it’s old, out dated and not as comfortable as a daily driver and I’ve been finding myself wrenching on it or doing some other update every other weekend lately. Currently in Canada until Jan. 31st is the “4x4 Winter Sales event” which boasts up to 25% off msrp on 2019 Rams.

I have yet to talk to a dealer but from what I gather you cannot build and order 2019 trucks anymore with the 2020’s now in stock. In saying that I have built the truck I wanted online which is as follows:

2019 Big Horn Crew Cab 6’4” Box 4x4
Granite Metallic w/Light Mountain Brown
5.7 HEMI
Trailer Tow Group
Protection Group
Big Horn Level 2
Premium Lighting Group
3.92 Gearing
121L Tank(32 US gal)
E-locker Read Diff

This to me is a perfectly set up as my daily driver, all I want to add is a 2” Front/1” Rear Level and 33” tires for it to be better suited for when I go hunting/fishing on weekends.

Now it just so happens when I searched inventories online this exact truck is at the local dealer minus a few options, it’s a different colour(Rugged Brown Pearl) which is still nice so not a concern. But it does not have the Trailer Tow Group, it has the smaller fuel tank, it has 3.21 gears, and it does not have either of the e-locker or anti-slip diffs it just has the normal diff.

In saying all this I wanted to ask you actual consumers if these options it is missing would be deal breakers? I also built an identical truck in a 2020(which I can order) and it costs about $5000 more(roughly 10% more). Can the Trailer Tow Group be added to the 2019? Is the bigger fuel tank needed? Would 3.21’s be too low of a ratio for the level with 33’s(not to mention towing capacity being lower even tho I don’t tow much over 4000lbs as of now)? And do the anti-spin/E-locker make that big of difference on a 4x4?

These are the big questions I have in my head that are deciding me from pulling the trigger or waiting for future incentives on ordering a 2020. If anyone with these options can chime in that would be great and their experience. A little background as well I use my truck for everything from going to the grocery store to hunting in the backwoods for long periods and I live in rural Canadian Shield with lots of hills and dirt roads. Sorry for the novel guys but I appreciate the help! Thanks.

I’d guess you’ll miss the larger fuel tank more than anything else; quite a few forum members have expressed regrets about that.

The trailer-tow group isn’t a big deal. Most components are available separately, and you may not want the non-power-folding mirrors of that package. (Folks with higher trims hate them, as they eliminate the surround-view cameras too.)

If you’re going to run taller tires and maybe do some towing, the 3.92 would make a big difference off the line. Once you get going, of course, the 8-speed helps to compensate.

On a 4x4, you can get by without the locker or anti-slip in most situations, especially since the truck has a traction control system.

Good luck!

 

[Billy James]

So first off I just found this forum today and wanted to ask a few questions in regards to buying a 5th Gen 1500. My current truck is a 96 2500 CTD and let’s face it, its seen as “legendary” to some but it’s old, out dated and not as comfortable as a daily driver and I’ve been finding myself wrenching on it or doing some other update every other weekend lately. Currently in Canada until Jan. 31st is the “4x4 Winter Sales event” which boasts up to 25% off msrp on 2019 Rams.

I have yet to talk to a dealer but from what I gather you cannot build and order 2019 trucks anymore with the 2020’s now in stock. In saying that I have built the truck I wanted online which is as follows:

2019 Big Horn Crew Cab 6’4” Box 4x4
Granite Metallic w/Light Mountain Brown
5.7 HEMI
Trailer Tow Group
Protection Group
Big Horn Level 2
Premium Lighting Group
3.92 Gearing
121L Tank(32 US gal)
E-locker Read Diff

This to me is a perfectly set up as my daily driver, all I want to add is a 2” Front/1” Rear Level and 33” tires for it to be better suited for when I go hunting/fishing on weekends.

Now it just so happens when I searched inventories online this exact truck is at the local dealer minus a few options, it’s a different colour(Rugged Brown Pearl) which is still nice so not a concern. But it does not have the Trailer Tow Group, it has the smaller fuel tank, it has 3.21 gears, and it does not have either of the e-locker or anti-slip diffs it just has the normal diff.

In saying all this I wanted to ask you actual consumers if these options it is missing would be deal breakers? I also built an identical truck in a 2020(which I can order) and it costs about $5000 more(roughly 10% more). Can the Trailer Tow Group be added to the 2019? Is the bigger fuel tank needed? Would 3.21’s be too low of a ratio for the level with 33’s(not to mention towing capacity being lower even tho I don’t tow much over 4000lbs as of now)? And do the anti-spin/E-locker make that big of difference on a 4x4?

These are the big questions I have in my head that are deciding me from pulling the trigger or waiting for future incentives on ordering a 2020. If anyone with these options can chime in that would be great and their experience. A little background as well I use my truck for everything from going to the grocery store to hunting in the backwoods for long periods and I live in rural Canadian Shield with lots of hills and dirt roads. Sorry for the novel guys but I appreciate the help! Thanks.

1. Color is subjective, or course, you have to be able to live with it. The brown is nice.
2. I wouldn't want (and don't have) trailer tow group because it comes with the enormous mirrors. You can add a trailer brake control later if you need it. I don't see Tow Group as a deal breaker or even that desirable.
3. I have the smaller fuel tank and I don't mind it. On a highway trip I get around 500 miles out of it; by then I'm ready to stop and take a break anyway. I think the only time that the larger tank would be essential is if you are towing a large and heavy trailer long distance; because you might have to stop every 200 miles or so otherwise.
4. I have 3.92 gears and I like them. 3.21 would not have been a deal breaker for me though. I think the Hemi is powerful enough that it gets along fine with 3.21. Now, however, if you plan to put big tires on your truck then 3.92 should be a deal breaker (33 would be the absolute Max I would do with 3.21 gears).
5. I don't off road so E-locker wasn't even a consideration for me. Anti (Limited) Spin was a deal breaker for me though. The reason that Anti-Spin was a deal breaker is because I don't want my tires spinning when I pull out every time its raining. I have a friend with no Anti-Slip in a RAM and he always complains about the rear tires spinning when pulling out on wet roads; I didn't want that and don't have that with the Anti-Slip. I think Anti-Spin is a must have.
6. Protection group is something you can easily add after purchase; so I wouldn't even worry about that.

I see that you wanted a Big Horn Level 2 and Premium Lighting. Have you considered shopping for a Laramie to get more of the items you want? From my experience, once you option out a Big Horn the price will actually exceed what a similarly equipped Laramie would cost (due to many Big Horn options being standard on a Laramie).

Many people on this forum (including myself) have purchased their trucks for 20% off or more without end of year pricing or employee pricing. Don't get sucked in to buying a truck that you will be disappointed in because of the available incentives. Incentives change all of the time. In addition, no matter what you pay there will always be a better deal somewhere; its easier to accept if you get what you wanted in the first place. These are pretty expensive trucks....maybe give up a couple little things, but don't give up everything for a "deal".

 

[LincolnSixAlpha]

I would suggest focusing on the items that can be added or changed down the line, in your list there are more than a few items that I'd focus on, besides color.

2019 Big Horn Crew Cab 6’4” Box 4x4
Granite Metallic w/Light Mountain Brown -- your personal decision. I chose white, my last white care was a 1990 Chevy Z24, so been a long time for me.
5.7 HEMI -- A must, obviously but I specifically wanted a non-E-Torque motor, this may or may not be a concern for you.
Trailer Tow Group -- Personally this is a must for me, although I've nothing to tow at the moment. That said, the hitch AND the brake controller can be added at a later time. I just added the factory brake controller to mine.
Protection Group -- Unless your offroading a lot, not worth it. My truck has these parts as it's a Rebel, but honestly, I feel they offer marginal protection at best. Probably a solid pass in your case.
Big Horn Level 2 -- A must-have in my humble opinion.
Premium Lighting Group -- A must-have in my humble opinion. Who doesn't love bright LED lights?
3.92 Gearing -- Either way. It can be changed at a later date in the future should you need different gearing. To the other's points, the 5.7 Hemi is not lacking torque, so rolling on 33's isn't going to be much of an issue.
121L Tank(32 US gal) -- I'd pass, not a deal-breaker.
E-locker Read Diff -- I have e-locker, of course, on the Rebel. But I live in AZ, and there's a lot of offroading. Will I use it, yes when in the mud or whatnot. Will I use it climbing or wheeling -- No, because the truck is WAY too big to do any serious rock crawling, meaning the serious stuff. But an LSD diff is probably best for most anything anyhow. I'd pass on the e-locker and look for LSD.

 

[LIVINtheLIFE]

Thanks for all replies. Most of these answers are what I expected. I try to keep in mind that I’ve been doing all my daily commutes and hobbies with a 96 Ram 2500 Diesel for years now so really anything new is most likely an upgrade. I just wanted to hear the consumers thoughts on the deal, especially considering I’ve been payment free for a few years now driving this older truck so if I’m going to go through with it I’m going to get what I want, with obviously some exceptions considering sometimes incentives and deals will end up being cheaper in the long run even if you have to add some options later. Ultimately tho I could probably live without the larger fuel tank granted mileage is well enough that when I go somewhere for a weekend in the backcountry I can make it back to the nearest station without issue. Levelling kit and 33” or 34” tires are more for clearance and better tire selection then anything because of backroads and winter conditions. I’ve never had an anti-slip or e-locker so that kind of feature would be new to me and just wondering if it’s all as cracked up as it says it is. Last thing to consider is tow package and gearing. 3.92’s would be a plus, for the larger tires I plan on using and the potential of possibly towing heavier in the future should I purchase a camper or anything within the next 10 years or more I hope to be owning this truck. That is also the reasoning for the tow package and tow mirrors, although I could go without them right now I may want them in the future.

 

[LincolnSixAlpha]

Thanks for all replies. Most of these answers are what I expected. I try to keep in mind that I’ve been doing all my daily commutes and hobbies with a 96 Ram 2500 Diesel for years now so really anything new is most likely an upgrade. I just wanted to hear the consumers thoughts on the deal, especially considering I’ve been payment free for a few years now driving this older truck so if I’m going to go through with it I’m going to get what I want, with obviously some exceptions considering sometimes incentives and deals will end up being cheaper in the long run even if you have to add some options later. Ultimately tho I could probably live without the larger fuel tank granted mileage is well enough that when I go somewhere for a weekend in the backcountry I can make it back to the nearest station without issue. Levelling kit and 33” or 34” tires are more for clearance and better tire selection then anything because of backroads and winter conditions. I’ve never had an anti-slip or e-locker so that kind of feature would be new to me and just wondering if it’s all as cracked up as it says it is. Last thing to consider is tow package and gearing. 3.92’s would be a plus, for the larger tires I plan on using and the potential of possibly towing heavier in the future should I purchase a camper or anything within the next 10 years or more I hope to be owning this truck. That is also the reasoning for the tow package and tow mirrors, although I could go without them right now I may want them in the future.

Regardless of what you end up with, I think you'll be MORE than happy with the new truck. I came out of a new (JL) Wrangler, and I love my new Ram Truck. Even more so than the past Chevrolet trucks that I've owned. The Rebel I purchased was NOT the one I was researching online before showing up to the dealer. In fact, it was the cheapest Rebel on the lot, but other than the brake controller, I wasn't missing or wanting for anything. The only other items for me on my list that were must-haves were a non-E-Torque motor, and I wanted LED lighting. Offroad lighting is a must here when taking trails at night. And why in 2020 cars are still being sold with LED lighting as being an option is beyond me. I believe every car should have LED lighting.

Good luck with your decision, but I think you'll be more than happy with your choices coming out of a '96.

 

[LIVINtheLIFE]

1. Color is subjective, or course, you have to be able to live with it. The brown is nice.
2. I wouldn't want (and don't have) trailer tow group because it comes with the enormous mirrors. You can add a trailer brake control later if you need it. I don't see Tow Group as a deal breaker or even that desirable.
3. I have the smaller fuel tank and I don't mind it. On a highway trip I get around 500 miles out of it; by then I'm ready to stop and take a break anyway. I think the only time that the larger tank would be essential is if you are towing a large and heavy trailer long distance; because you might have to stop every 200 miles or so otherwise.
4. I have 3.92 gears and I like them. 3.21 would not have been a deal breaker for me though. I think the Hemi is powerful enough that it gets along fine with 3.21. Now, however, if you plan to put big tires on your truck then 3.92 should be a deal breaker (33 would be the absolute Max I would do with 3.21 gears).
5. I don't off road so E-locker wasn't even a consideration for me. Anti (Limited) Spin was a deal breaker for me though. The reason that Anti-Spin was a deal breaker is because I don't want my tires spinning when I pull out every time its raining. I have a friend with no Anti-Slip in a RAM and he always complains about the rear tires spinning when pulling out on wet roads; I didn't want that and don't have that with the Anti-Slip. I think Anti-Spin is a must have.
6. Protection group is something you can easily add after purchase; so I wouldn't even worry about that.

I see that you wanted a Big Horn Level 2 and Premium Lighting. Have you considered shopping for a Laramie to get more of the items you want? From my experience, once you option out a Big Horn the price will actually exceed what a similarly equipped Laramie would cost (due to many Big Horn options being standard on a Laramie).

Many people on this forum (including myself) have purchased their trucks for 20% off or more without end of year pricing or employee pricing. Don't get sucked in to buying a truck that you will be disappointed in because of the available incentives. Incentives change all of the time. In addition, no matter what you pay there will always be a better deal somewhere; its easier to accept if you get what you wanted in the first place. These are pretty expensive trucks....maybe give up a couple little things, but don't give up everything for a "deal".

I never did consider a Laramie but I guess I could build one to see the difference. I did own a 2015 GMC SLT loaded at one point. The touch screens, displays, heated seats, and power options were very nice hence why I’d want the Level 2 Big Horn. But leather is not my thing, it gets -40C here or colder for 4 months out of the year, leather is a pain in my climate I live in and a premium cloth is much more comfortable. Also the air ride does not work with our climate either, lots of ppl that have had them have a lot of issues. I may be wrong but I thought these options were standard with the Laramie which is why I never considered it. After discovering some of these things with the GMC I always wanted to pull the trigger on a loaded Outdoorsman Ram, but now that the time has come for a new truck and that trim is not offered I figured the Big Horn was the next best option.

 

[saturn298]

So first off I just found this forum today and wanted to ask a few questions in regards to buying a 5th Gen 1500. My current truck is a 96 2500 CTD and let’s face it, its seen as “legendary” to some but it’s old, out dated and not as comfortable as a daily driver and I’ve been finding myself wrenching on it or doing some other update every other weekend lately. Currently in Canada until Jan. 31st is the “4x4 Winter Sales event” which boasts up to 25% off msrp on 2019 Rams.

I have yet to talk to a dealer but from what I gather you cannot build and order 2019 trucks anymore with the 2020’s now in stock. In saying that I have built the truck I wanted online which is as follows:

2019 Big Horn Crew Cab 6’4” Box 4x4
Granite Metallic w/Light Mountain Brown
5.7 HEMI
Trailer Tow Group
Protection Group
Big Horn Level 2
Premium Lighting Group
3.92 Gearing
121L Tank(32 US gal)
E-locker Read Diff

This to me is a perfectly set up as my daily driver, all I want to add is a 2” Front/1” Rear Level and 33” tires for it to be better suited for when I go hunting/fishing on weekends.

Now it just so happens when I searched inventories online this exact truck is at the local dealer minus a few options, it’s a different colour(Rugged Brown Pearl) which is still nice so not a concern. But it does not have the Trailer Tow Group, it has the smaller fuel tank, it has 3.21 gears, and it does not have either of the e-locker or anti-slip diffs it just has the normal diff.

In saying all this I wanted to ask you actual consumers if these options it is missing would be deal breakers? I also built an identical truck in a 2020(which I can order) and it costs about $5000 more(roughly 10% more). Can the Trailer Tow Group be added to the 2019? Is the bigger fuel tank needed? Would 3.21’s be too low of a ratio for the level with 33’s(not to mention towing capacity being lower even tho I don’t tow much over 4000lbs as of now)? And do the anti-spin/E-locker make that big of difference on a 4x4?

These are the big questions I have in my head that are deciding me from pulling the trigger or waiting for future incentives on ordering a 2020. If anyone with these options can chime in that would be great and their experience. A little background as well I use my truck for everything from going to the grocery store to hunting in the backwoods for long periods and I live in rural Canadian Shield with lots of hills and dirt roads. Sorry for the novel guys but I appreciate the help! Thanks.

I have a 2020 bighorn sport
level 2 w/ led package
non tow package but added factory controller
Added 33s
leveled 2 in front

I have the 26 gallon tank. with 3.21 gears no load, I can go 400-460 miles ish. Pulling my SXS or 4 snowmobiles I get about 300 or so. when I went to get my truck I really had to think about gearing. Then realized I don't go all that far for what I tow. But that's the heaviest I tow and I only go max 3-4 hours away. Im going to be adding the airlift hd airbags because I don't like the little bit of squat that is produced.
The limited slip differential would've been nice, or the elocker but Im very content with how it is without. especially here in the Midwest with all the snow. When in 4x4 it really scoots! (even when I had the factory garbage tires.

 

[LIVINtheLIFE]

Regardless of what you end up with, I think you'll be MORE than happy with the new truck. I came out of a new (JL) Wrangler, and I love my new Ram Truck. Even more so than the past Chevrolet trucks that I've owned. The Rebel I purchased was NOT the one I was researching online before showing up to the dealer. In fact, it was the cheapest Rebel on the lot, but other than the brake controller, I wasn't missing or wanting for anything. The only other items for me on my list that were must-haves were a non-E-Torque motor, and I wanted LED lighting. Offroad lighting is a must here when taking trails at night. And why in 2020 cars are still being sold with LED lighting as being an option is beyond me. I believe every car should have LED lighting.

Good luck with your decision, but I think you'll be more than happy with your choices coming out of a '96.

Yes you make a lot of valid points in your first post. Fortunately for me all trucks on the lots where I live come with the Class IV receiver hitch regardless. Dealers realize it’s a necessity. Now that you’ve verified I can add the factory trailer break controller down the road if needed that’s a big plus in searching for a 2019 rather then ordering, although costly I already knew I could add the tow mirrors later but wasn’t sure about the factory controller, aftermarket controllers are ugly and a pain. Same goes for the Protection Group, skid plates are easy to add yes but I wasn’t sure about tow hooks, we may not go mudding or off-roading a lot for fun around here but in winter conditions while hunting or camping I’ve had to use my truck to save other vehicles, my SxS and pull out whatever need be in the backcountry. As long as the tow hooks can be added later without major modifications to the bumper then that’s a major plus as well. Leaving really the only questionable options now are the gearing, diff and fuel tank size. And after a lot of mpg threads I’ve read and the glory of the 8-speed matched with the HEMI it really sounds like 3.21’s arnt that bad matched with 33’s or 34’s. Bottom end torque doesn’t sound to be of issue with this combo and the added benefits of highway mileage is great. The only downside is the tow capacity, which honestly in my mind 8000lbs is plenty for a 1500. Yes they can tow more with the 3.92’s, but a 12000lbs capacity is a lot and if I was regularly towing anything near that I would opt into another 2500 but with the 6.4L. Differentials and fuel tank size I still gotta think about but more doors have opened no doubt in finding a cheaper 2019 model and then adding options later, it may still work out to be cheaper then ordering a 2020 in the long run. Thanks again

 

[Billy James]

I never did consider a Laramie but I guess I could build one to see the difference. I did own a 2015 GMC SLT loaded at one point. The touch screens, displays, heated seats, and power options were very nice hence why I’d want the Level 2 Big Horn. But leather is not my thing, it gets -40C here or colder for 4 months out of the year, leather is a pain in my climate I live in and a premium cloth is much more comfortable. Also the air ride does not work with our climate either, lots of ppl that have had them have a lot of issues. I may be wrong but I thought these options were standard with the Laramie which is why I never considered it. After discovering some of these things with the GMC I always wanted to pull the trigger on a loaded Outdoorsman Ram, but now that the time has come for a new truck and that trim is not offered I figured the Big Horn was the next best option.

I think that Leather is included with the Laramie; mine has leather heated seats and steering wheel to help with cold weather (cooled seats for hot weather). I don't have air suspension; I believe it is an option on Laramie and standard on Limited. I liked the old Outdoorsman Trim myself; I was a little disappointed to not see it when the 2019's came out.

 

[LincolnSixAlpha]

Yes you make a lot of valid points in your first post. Fortunately for me all trucks on the lots where I live come with the Class IV receiver hitch regardless. Dealers realize it’s a necessity. Now that you’ve verified I can add the factory trailer break controller down the road if needed that’s a big plus in searching for a 2019 rather then ordering, although costly I already knew I could add the tow mirrors later but wasn’t sure about the factory controller, aftermarket controllers are ugly and a pain. Same goes for the Protection Group, skid plates are easy to add yes but I wasn’t sure about tow hooks, we may not go mudding or off-roading a lot for fun around here but in winter conditions while hunting or camping I’ve had to use my truck to save other vehicles, my SxS and pull out whatever need be in the backcountry. As long as the tow hooks can be added later without major modifications to the bumper then that’s a major plus as well. Leaving really the only questionable options now are the gearing, diff and fuel tank size. And after a lot of mpg threads I’ve read and the glory of the 8-speed matched with the HEMI it really sounds like 3.21’s arnt that bad matched with 33’s or 34’s. Bottom end torque doesn’t sound to be of issue with this combo and the added benefits of highway mileage is great. The only downside is the tow capacity, which honestly in my mind 8000lbs is plenty for a 1500. Yes they can tow more with the 3.92’s, but a 12000lbs capacity is a lot and if I was regularly towing anything near that I would opt into another 2500 but with the 6.4L. Differentials and fuel tank size I still gotta think about but more doors have opened no doubt in finding a cheaper 2019 model and then adding options later, it may still work out to be cheaper then ordering a 2020 in the long run. Thanks again

If you follow this posting in the forums, you can actually do the addition of the trailer brake controller yourself. I just completed it and provided updated screenshots for my 2020. As for the two hooks on the front, to be honest, I'm not quite sure how strong they actually are. But they are not certainly what I'd classify as heavy duty. For sure I'd rather use a hitch insert with D-ring attachment rather than those two front tow hooks if I could for a given situation. As for towing, I'd agree that once you get close to 10K or so, you might as well start thinking about a 2500 or 3500 for that duty. I won't tow more than that, for sure. As for 2020, vs 2019, I can tell you that the dealers near me in Phoenix maybe only have one to two trucks on the lot that are 2019's. The vast majority of them have been sold off, so they were all 2020's when I purchased mine three weeks ago.

Installing and Programming brake controller:

Installing Factory Trailer Brake Controller and DIY Software Update

Hello Forum, So, I called around to several Houston area dealerships and kept getting quoted ~$700 for the purchase and install of a factory trailer brake controller. This seemed outrageous to me, and so I set out to find information about what all was involved in this installation. In the...

5thgenrams.com

Tow Hitch Shackle w/D-Ring:

https://www.amazon.com/LIBERRWAY-Shackle-Receiver-Capacity-Electro-Galvanized/dp/B079FNGH9

 

[mikeru82]

I never did consider a Laramie but I guess I could build one to see the difference. I did own a 2015 GMC SLT loaded at one point. The touch screens, displays, heated seats, and power options were very nice hence why I’d want the Level 2 Big Horn. But leather is not my thing, it gets -40C here or colder for 4 months out of the year, leather is a pain in my climate I live in and a premium cloth is much more comfortable. Also the air ride does not work with our climate either, lots of ppl that have had them have a lot of issues. I may be wrong but I thought these options were standard with the Laramie which is why I never considered it. After discovering some of these things with the GMC I always wanted to pull the trigger on a loaded Outdoorsman Ram, but now that the time has come for a new truck and that trim is not offered I figured the Big Horn was the next best option.

The Laramie seats are leather trimmed, not full leather. There are other materials there too. Plus, they do come standard with heated seats and steering wheel, which pretty much negate the issue with leather in cold weather (at least for me). If you really don't like the leather, you can always add seat covers. I had seat covers in my previous truck, and they were very nice. And to confirm what Billy James said above, air suspension is not standard on a Laramie.

 

[LIVINtheLIFE]

Thanks guys. I will look into Laramie as well but as said leather sucks in the cold unfortunately. Yes heated seats help for sure as my 2015 GMC had them too but that hard cold leather for 15 mins or so isn’t fun haha. Regardless at the end of the day it will all depend on price, there are the same number of 2019’s on the local lot as 2020’s(small town dealer about 15 of each) but only 3 of those trucks having the CrewCab with 6’4” Box which is a must for me. Quad cabs are too small for having gear in the back and I can’t live with the short box. If they’re willing to deal on the 2019 plus adding the missing options(protection group, brake controller, etc.) then i’ll most likely walk out the door with a new truck. But if ordering a 2020 ends up being the same price or cheaper that is the route I will take. There is also about 4 or 5 other dealers within 500km of me that I may call and search inventories on knowing I can add these options. Thanks