Currently a longtime "car guy" - with a 2018 Camaro SS and a 2016 Cherokee 2wd, which is my first non-sedan/coupe (keeping the Camaro, trading in the Cherokee). I love the Camaro and the Cherokee but man these Ram 1500s have my blood pumping. It's time to trade in the Cherokee so I've trying to figure out my next move.
I've read the enthusiast reviews and I don't think I've ever heard the type of praise I've heard for the 2019-2020 models - I've checked them out in the dealer lot but wanted to throw it out to the Forum before I get serious. I'm reading things like "it's a Mercedes S-class and a pickup all in one" and that sounds great.
My uses: driving "up north Michigan" for fishing (hence the "FlyGuy") with mild off-roading to get to the good spots by the river. Often sandy and unpaved so I'm looking at 4wd, which I've never owned before. I currently don't tow anything but I guess I'd like that capability to tow, say, a 10-foot jonboat. I would like to keep this vehicle for 8-10 years.
I have 2 kayaks so any advice about how to carry those is welcome - I'm getting tired of hoisting those onto the top of the Cherokee. The beds appear too short for them
It's just me and my wife and a dog, we are in our 50s, so don't need the big back seat very often but the Club Cab seems too small for the rare times someone would be riding there.
I've read these are quiet on the highway (is that true?) and I love a good stereo so that's important to me.
Do people find the V6 adequate in power or do most prefer the Hemi?
So I'm wondering if there are any things that you all think I should ponder as I approach this purchase given your experiences. Do you all love these trucks or are there other trucks I should look at? I don't care for the Fords, I would consider a Silverardo, but am open to suggestions.
Thanks all.
FlyGuy
FlyGuy,
Hope all is well. If you are looking at a new Ram, I would for sure consider it. These trucks are great for anyone who wants a vehicle that is reliable, fun, and comfortable. I'm in Michigan as well, so if you need help finding a good price, I can help you. There are a few reasons I would consider the Ram. First, the interior. I see you have heard the interior is Mercedes quality, which I definitely agree. While I was looking at some new 2019 Rams when they first hit the dealerships, I test drove a Laramie Longhorn. Let me tell you, that was a beautiful truck. The interior was wrapped in cocoa leather and had a wood grain steering wheel. It had the moonroof along with the Alpine sound system. That interior was something special. These trucks definitely have the best interiors in the truck game hands down. I have a Big Horn with the black interior, which is exactly how I wanted it. Ram definitely gives many options for their trucks and their interiors. If you are looking for luxury, I feel that you can definitely get it in any trim.
The second reason I would purchase one of these trucks, (and my personal favorite) is the powertrain and drivetrain. The 5.7 Hemi is a workhorse that provides plenty of horsepower and torque throughout the powerband. But this doesn't mean that you need to get the V6 for the extra MPGs. Because of the MDS and other fuel saving technologies in these trucks, the MPGs are actually pretty decent for the Hemis. For what you need, I would say the Hemi is a better fit since you tow a boat every once in a while and also that you drive up north. The Hemi really shines on the highway compared to the V6. The V6, I feel, is a slouch on the highway. It basically takes full throttle to pass someone if you're going 75 and above, compared to the Hemi which has plenty of power to pass. Also, the Hemi is just a great highway cruiser engine, it's very quiet and smooth. And because of the fuel saver technologies, 20 MPG and above is no problem. So I would definitely recommend the Hemi. Along with the engine, the 8HP75 transmission that is in these trucks is awesome. A short 1st gear for a fast takeoff and a long 8th gear for good MPGs. Also, the 2-7 gears keeps the engine in the power band at any speed. My truck is equipped with the 3.92 rear axle ratio, so takeoff and passing power is even better. Even with the 3.92s, the truck still gets 20 MPG on the highway. The 4X4 system in the truck is strong. In Michigan snow, I put the truck into 4WD auto and forget about it. Never had to use 4WD high or low, the truck has no problem in 4WD auto. Getting stuck has never been an issue or a fear in any Ram I have driven, but I also have Ram's Anti-Spin Differential, so now getting stuck definitely isn't an issue or a fear, haha. But if you can't get a truck with the 3.92 gears or the Anti-Spin Differential, it's not a deal breaker. A truck with neither option is still very strong and capable. I've driven trucks with the 3.21 gears and the open differential and traction was never an issue. So the truck will be able to do the off-roading you need it to.
My third reason is the amount of space these trucks have. I see you are looking at which cab size to get, and I would recommend the crew cab. I have sat in the quad cab, and it wasn't too bad for a 5 minute drive, but not big enough for a road trip with 4 or 5 adults. The crew cab for the new 2019 Rams and up has an extra 4 inches of over length over the last generation, so it is very spacious and comfortable. My family has a few of these trucks, so I have been in the back seat a few times for a few hours at a time with no problem. Cruising on the highway in the backseat makes you feel like you are riding in a big limo, haha. Now, I see you have kayaks and are wondering what you can do with them. I'll take a guess and say your kayaks are about 10 feet long? The 5 foot 7 inch bed has a good amount of room, but you could always get the 6 foot 4 inch bed and strap them down, or you could strap them to the roof if you have a roof rack.
The fourth and final reason is the ride comfort and noise level. The suspension is smooth, the transmission shifts are smooth, and the engine is smooth. Inside, the noise level from the road and engine is almost non existant. The Active Noise Cancellation System does a really good job at keeping the cabin quiet at all times. Also, I see you are looking for a good stereo. The standard system in the Tradesman through Rebel is plenty, it is clear and has a strong bass level. Now you could always upgrade to the Alpine or get it standard on the Laramie or up, but the standard stereo is great. The Alpine is a great system as well. Now if you want even more, the Harmon Kardon system is optional on the Laramie and up. All these sound systems are great, so you really can't go wrong.
I see you are also looking at the Silverado as well. I would test drive one and decide for yourself which one you like better. But when you compare the Ram and the Silverado, The interior on the Ram is much better, hands down. Everything from the space to the materials to the technology, Ram definitely is much better. Now capability wise, the 5.7 Hemi will out perform the 5.3. But the 6.2 and the 5.7 Hemi, I find, are very similar. I've driven both and both are very strong engines. I wouldn't say the 6.2 is faster, I would say the trucks are pretty even matched. It really depends on the driver. But these trucks weren't built to be raced, they were built to last. Both will last, but which one do you want to ride in for hours on end and thousands of miles? I decided the Ram because the Silverados just did not impress me.
Now some things to think about. I would see what your monthly payments for the truck would be all together, (monthly payment, gas, insurance, service intervals, etc.) so that you can decide how to configure your truck along with what dealership will give you the best price. Another thing to think about is how you want to take care of your truck. I see you want to buy it, so I would come up with a plan on what fluids and parts you would want to use when servicing your truck. This forum is very helpful with that, so I would do a few basic searches to see what others recommend and how it works for them. Just some things to think about and research so you are ready when buying the truck.
I hope that I helped you with some of the decision-making process when it comes to buying a new Ram. These trucks are fun and reliable, so I think you will be happy if you decide to buy one. I am definitely happy with mine.
Have a good one, Black Ops Ram
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