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Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on August 31, 2013, 09:42 PM:
So, I finally broke down and bought a half ton. First time in 32 years I haven't owned a 3/4 ton 4x4. Ended up with a Ram 1500. Liked the EcoBoost too, but was able to get the Ram quite a bit cheaper, with a WAAAAY better warranty (got the dealer to throw in a lifetime bumper to bumper), and it fits my needs just fine.
Rides about a million times smoother than my last truck. Which, was the whole point of a half ton. My spine just couldn't take the covered wagon ride anymore. Literally couldn't walk standing up straight, or without considerable pain, for a month after the last three day offroad trip in my old diesel.
It's a lowrider. Less ground clearance than anything I have driven in a long, long time. Going to have to be careful with it, I guess. That sucks, but it is what it is...
First hunting trip in it won't be for another five or six weeks. Will take it on a couple family camping trips before then though.
- DAA
Posted by KaBloomR (Member # 4252) on August 31, 2013, 11:39 PM:
Beautiful truck! And you're right about the late-model 1/2 ton 4x4s, they ride like Cadillacs. Love the color!
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 01, 2013, 06:57 AM:
Good deal, Dave. 'splain me, camo red? Just kidding.
My Suburban was red, and I am convinced it attracts attention. I recall you mentioning that you always drive 20MPH over the speed limit.
Good luck, LB
Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on September 01, 2013, 08:32 AM:
Nice truck. Nothing wrong with a red truck other than it will be a little tougher to pick up chicks with... ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posted by DanS (Member # 316) on September 02, 2013, 08:50 AM:
Red with black trim or chrome. Nice...
Lifetime warrantee? Interesting.
I did get a job that was guaranteed for life, but the Supt. explained how they get out of it was to just kill me.
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on September 02, 2013, 08:53 AM:
Sweet truck!
Mark
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on September 02, 2013, 10:06 AM:
Leonard, I had a red '04 Cummins - exact same color as this one, now that I think about it, lifted, big tires, and you are right, it attracted attention.
I don't have any influence on the color selection though. Cindy always picks the vehicle colors. I always pick my battles, and this isn't one I choose to engage in ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
. But given my druthers, every vehicle we own would just be white.
Dan, it's a Mopar lifetime Max Care warranty. It's not perfect, but it's pretty good. Does have a $100 deductible, and doesn't cover literally everything from bumper to bumper, but does cover all mechanical and electronics. Lifetime is defined to be over when the cost of a warranty repair exceeds blue book trade in value. So, if I keep it 15 years and it needs a new motor, it probably won't cover it. But there is an awful lot of expensive electronic gee gaws on this truck that it will cover, for a long, long time. And, it is transferable one time, either transfer of ownership on this truck, or transferring it to another new Chrysler product I buy.
And, unless the truck turns out to be a stinker I just can't live with, I think I'm going to be stuck with it a long, long time. Oldest just started college, youngest will be about ready to start when he finishes, Cindy will need a new car before I get to think about another new truck, etc., etc., etc. This thing could end up in my driveway until I'm either retired or dead whichever comes first. Seriously.
So, explained all that, to simply say, they really put the hook in me pretty good and made it hard to go with the EcoBoost when they threw that in to sweeten the deal. The EB is definitely more capable when it comes to tow/haul stuff though. I don't do much towing or heavy hauling anymore, so that wasn't a real big deal to me. If it was, it would have made the decision a lot harder.
Put the first 70 miles of dirt on it yesterday. Including some bad washboard and cobble in the Uintas. I'm way happy with how this thing rides in those conditions. Even better than I had hoped, when compared to my last truck (note, I've already put Bilstein 5100's on all four corners).
Did 290 miles round trip yesterday, including the dirt, with some big elevation changes (got up over 10,000'). Averaged 17.4 MPG for the day (hand calculated).
Pretty dang happy with it so far. Will have to see how I feel about it in another year or two though. Easy to get sucked in and blinded by the newness .
- DAA
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 02, 2013, 12:01 PM:
It's all about priorities, Dave. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Along the same vein as a 15 year truck, I'm guessing you will never need another rifle? Ew! That's harsh!
I tend to keep vehicles an embarrassingly long time, maybe ten years but 15?
I owned a 1975 International ¾ ton Pick Up, the last year they made them... (with good reason) Hmm? It was red. I traded it in after about a year and a half and I still own the '77 280Z I traded it for. (there's a contradiction somewhere?) I will say one thing about regret; the Pullman camper I had on it was worth more than the fucking truck.
Also, I own a Dodge ½ ton 360cid powerwagon, circa 1974 with 450,000 miles on it. If it only had disc brakes!
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by TRnCO (Member # 690) on September 03, 2013, 09:58 AM:
wow, that's some serious bling right there. Coyotes will see you comin' for sure, but they won't see it comin' because they'd never suspect that a serious coyote hunter would be driving such bling.
Congrats Dave. Hope it lasts a life time.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 03, 2013, 11:09 AM:
Yes, Ol' Dave might not remember my solution for "bling"?
Just as soon as you pull off the blacktop, pull over and get out a can of WD40. Spray the entire truck except maybe not all the glass?
Then, drive at high speed for ten miles and your red truck will now have a serious coating of road dust which makes excellent camouflage.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on September 03, 2013, 05:04 PM:
Very nice Dave.
This post is very helpful for the simple fact my "new truck" just turned 15 years old the other day and the time is soon coming for something new. Without much investigation on my part so far, the Ecoboost and the half-ton Dodge have caught my interest.
If you don't mind, I'd like to hear more of your thoughts in the future on the Dodge. 17.4 mpg over elevation and rough roads sounds pretty darn good to me.
Posted by Duckdog (Member # 3842) on September 08, 2013, 07:18 PM:
That's super sharp Dave! And I've never really been a Dodge guy. No reason really, just never owned one.
Did the Bilsteins add any lift at all? Seems like ALL the newer 1/2 ton 4x4's look like low riders.
17 mpg is impressive, especially for on AND off road! I'd sure like to hear your "real world" figures for strictly highway and around town driving.
Leonard, my Grandpa was a dyed in the wool International truck guy.
I also had a 1978 280z at one time. I was just a kid, but that thing handled sweet! You got any pics you could throw up? It'd be a trip down memory lane for me.
I'll never forget selling it either...
After running an add in the paper (remember that?) this guy showed up with a buddy driving. He had long curly hair...kind of hair band style. With a leather jacket with chains hanging off of it.
He walked around the outside a little bit then I said, "hop in".
Now, I had the whole hatch back filled with speakers and it flat blasted out the tunes. I cranked up some old Van Halen and he yelled,..."I'LL TAKE IT!!!"
I yelled back, "DON'T YOU WANNA DRIVE IT?"
He yelled, "YOU DRIVE, I'LL JUST RIDE."
So off we went hot rodding all over the place.
When we got back, he paid me cash and off he went. His GRANDMA called my dad a couple of months later and said it broke in half going down the road! She wanted HER money back, but you know how that ended.
Posted by Dave Allen (Member # 3102) on September 08, 2013, 08:47 PM:
Nice ride, David !
I'm with Kevin, not really a red guy for some reason ? although my old XJ is red and black.
Although, I've clicked on this 3-4 times the last 1/2 hour or so, and that red pickup of yours is really growing on me ! It's sharp
I hear you guys on vehicles though. I need to upgrade myself and it could be my last ? my daughter totaled her little S-10 a few weeks back. She's started college also.
She's got my XJ, momma got a 2012 Focus two weeks ago. Poor ol' dad, is down to the ol' 86 CK10, for now.
Oh' yeah can't wait to see a dead coyote, hanging off the side of the bed..
[ September 08, 2013, 08:52 PM: Message edited by: Dave Allen ]
Posted by Aznative (Member # 506) on October 02, 2013, 07:36 AM:
Looks like a nice truck DAA. I know I'm jumping onto this thread late but I still hope you see this and answer this question: If you have an automatic transmission, does it still have a dipstick?
That is one of many things car makers are doing that pisses me off. I've seen a late model Toyota Tacoma that didn't have a dipstick for the automatic. It really sucks when you will have to pay someone 10-40 bucks labor to have it checked and fluid added. BTW: I've seen Ford, Chevy, and Toyota eliminate the tranny dipstick. I'm sure more will follow which is why I'm asking the question.
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on October 02, 2013, 09:32 AM:
It has an 8 speed automatic with no dipstick.
I think they are all going that way. Sealed units with "lifetime"(?) fills.
Going more gears too. I'm really liking this 8 speed, smoothest automatic I've ever driven, always seems to be in the right gear for whatever I'm doing. But rumor has it we'll be seeing 10 speed automatics soon.
- DAA
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on October 02, 2013, 11:18 AM:
Wow, I feel so, (what's the word?) Inadequate? My Nissan has only 5 forward speeds. One thing I like is the ability, on winding mountain roads is switching to manual and keeping it in a useful gear without constant shifting when the trans can't decide what to do.
I suppose I should start thinking about new? That's another thing, I have this fear of buying someone's problem. Others feel it's a suckers play to buy new, I don't know either way?
I bought my 74 Dodge with a Mitsubishi Diesel and it took a shit about two weeks later. So, I went back to the original 360 V8. Kinda cured me of used, but maybe it's just luck?
Ten speeds, seriously? I do have an affinity for Dodge though? Bought my Suburban used, shortly thereafter, needed to pull the gas tank and replace the friggin' filter. Then, a week later, I had a fuel pump problem and it was such a bitch to get at, I had the dealer do it, too.
I drove a new Dodge PU. Long story but my Nissan was hit by a guy on a motorcycle and was in the shop. His insurance paid for the rental. Not bad, seemed tight but I can't say I was in love? The plastic ign. key was weird. My eight year old Nissan has a lot more H.P.
Guy on bike rolled past the front of my truck but not really hurt, wearing leathers and a good helmet, (active Marine Corps). The bike was a friggin' mess, a crotch rocket. Looked like it had been dropped off a cliff.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Aznative (Member # 506) on October 02, 2013, 11:33 AM:
They can be serviced and filled if needed but you have to know how. You have to raise the vehicle up on a hoist with the frame level with engine running. You pull a plug and the fluid should be up to the plug level. Adding may require a special tool to push the fluid through the plug hole or some require you to remove say a sensor and you fill through the sensor hole.
This is just one reason why I don't like newer vehicles. If it develops a leak it motivates you even more to get it fixed soon. I run my cars and trucks an obscene amount of time so I will run into that situation myself. However, I own a hoist so I can do it myself but it isn't something you can do in the field easily such as a bubble gum pan repair from hitting a rock and adding fluid as needed to get into town.
I know two christian mechanics and you should hear us cuss about how the newer cars and trucks are made. So much non needed BS added. Who the fucks needs zone air conditioning, traction control, automatic temp control, etc. I am a firm believer in the KISS principle.
Posted by DanS (Member # 316) on October 02, 2013, 01:42 PM:
Funny how you mention all the un-needed stuff.
I have been running Chevy's for over 30 years and can't really say I had a bad one. However, I would like to see the return of the old K5 Blazer, without all the carpeting, zone comfort features, eight seats, all the headliner crap. Basically just a 4x4 with standard door locks and standard crank windows. Auto or manual, no biggy, 60/40 bench in the front and make the back 2 se4ats and option. Drop about $20,000 worth of unneeded crap off it.
And what's with the center console BS. Seems every friggen vehicle has one. So much wasted space and cramped. Makes me feel like I'm piloting an old Cessna 150 again.
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on October 02, 2013, 01:53 PM:
That stinks Leonard.
I've zero brand loyalty. They all suck. Just have to pick the one that seems to sucks the least for your situation is all.
Still way too early for me to say anything about my new Ram one way or the other. Real happy with it so far, but "so far" hasn't been very far, at all.
Give me another three, four years, I'll have an opinion. If I have a strong opinion much sooner than that, it won't be good...
I have to say though, since we are on the subject, I LIKE this new 8 speed auto. Has buttons on the steering wheel I can use to shift manually, or select a gear and lockout others. Just friggin' smooooth. Always seems to be right in the sweet spot on the power band, hardly notice the shifts at all, compression brakes coming down grades just like a manual (full converter lockup). Truck gets better MPG than it has any right to and I think this transmission gets a lot of the credit. By far the best driving automatic I've ever driven.
- DAA
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on October 02, 2013, 04:50 PM:
DAA, I was hoping you might post another update on the new Dodge.
What kind of mileage are you getting with it at this point and how many miles are on it now?
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on October 03, 2013, 06:57 AM:
Lonny, only about 1500 miles on it so far, with about 350 of those dirt, and about 500 towing my travel trailer, sometimes while also hauling my ATV.
MPG is all over the map!
Highway, empty or with light load, at 75 MPH, getting 17-18 MPG.
Around town, stop and go, me driving, getting 14-15. Wife driving, getting 13.
Towing the trailer, with the ATV in the bed, getting 8-9. Without the ATV, getting 9-10.
I didn't buy this half ton to tow/haul. But it has just kind of worked out that I have done more of that stuff with it than I planned on, so far. Have to say, the little gas motor and the little half ton truck have surprised me with how well they can handle an occasional load.
Here it is loaded up for a family camping trip to the Uintas a few weeks ago.
The little bugger had no trouble maintaining speed up the steep grades and the factory trailer brake control works great.
I still wouldn't recommend a half ton like this for towing and hauling very much on a regular basis. But, for the few times a year I'll need it to, so far, it seems like it is going to work better than I'd have guessed.
- DAA
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on December 02, 2013, 06:13 AM:
Well Dave what's the longer term report on the new Dodge?
Posted by TundraWookie (Member # 1044) on December 02, 2013, 07:21 AM:
Sharp looking truck Dave. How does the new truck's transmission do when shifting up big hills? It seems to me the old dodge I used to have as well as a friends 2011 Mega Cab revs way up high before shifting when pulling the big hills. Does yours do that, or is it pretty smooth and even throughout the shifting range? I have zero brand loyalty and grew up in Michigan where you basically had to be a big three (Ford, GM, Chrysler) type person. Up here in the Arctic zone though, the rice burner Toyota's really seem to work excellent. I'm pushing 178K on my 98' T-100 and it just keeps clicking along. If Toyota made a real 3/4 Ton truck, I'd probably check it out. Until then, my next truck is more than likely going to be a big three model that can haul a camper and pull a boat loaded with moose and two weeks worth of camp and fuel. Red won't show all that coyote blood that's bound to be spilled in the future.
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on December 02, 2013, 01:27 PM:
Kind of hard for me to say about the transmission and hills. This is the first truck with a gas motor I've had in about ten years. I'm used to diesels. To me, it's revving way high, all the time.
As far as the transmission though, probably the biggest thing I notice about it - is that I DON'T notice it. Just never have much reason to notice it or think of it when I'm driving.
Still way too early for much of a progress report Paul. Unless it's a lemon, I won't have much of an opinion one way or another for at least another year or two.
- DAA
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on December 02, 2013, 02:26 PM:
I got my wife an FJ cruiser sealed tranny all that stuff though the fluid can be changed and is recommended every 100k Its funny that you mention that you don't notice the trans , that how this FJ is I never think about its smooth quiet unnoticeable.
Posted by DiYi (Member # 3785) on December 03, 2013, 04:24 AM:
Nice truck Dave.Looked at them but went with another Tundra.Look forward to your longer term report.Man they seem to be taking over around here though.
Paul,was recently told the FJ was likely going to be discontinued by Toyota.Hope not.
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on December 03, 2013, 05:22 AM:
I hope not as well It was only brought as a short term tribute to the old fj-40 but its popularity went nuts. I love ours its my wife's grocery getter but we take it out in the hills together and love it.
It also makes a great calling rig and I use it for that regularly. also works on the trap line for trap check and other lighter duties.
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on July 05, 2015, 07:41 AM:
Dave,
Bringing this back up to see after almost a couple years of ownership, what your impression is now of the Ram?
What kind of mileage are you getting?
Still liking the 8 speed?
I was looking at a new 2014 that the dealer had marked down considerably, but it was a 6 speed. If going new anyway, I hate to settle as a new vehicle will most likely be with me at least 10-15 years.
[ July 05, 2015, 07:54 AM: Message edited by: Lonny ]
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on July 06, 2015, 07:34 AM:
Lonny, still no complaints, really happy with the truck still. Rides so nice and comfortable, I just love driving it. Have had zero issues, so far, too (knock on my wooden head...).
On a recent trip (Gillette, WY), I drove 1500 miles, most of it on the interstate at 80 MPH, but about 400 of it mixed dirt and county black top, averaged just over 18 MPG for the whole trip, hand calculated.
That's pretty dang good mileage, for a 400 HP V8, turning 34" tires with 3.92 axle gears, in my book.
Doesn't get that good with normal stop and go around town, gets 14 - 15 MPG doing that.
But I give that 8 speed auto much of the credit for doing as well as it does on fuel. Seem pretty universal, none of the trucks with the same motor and the 6 speed do as well.
Personally, unless the deal was really sweet - and a sweet deal can change everything - but, I'd hold out for the 8 speed, over the 6.
I'd highly recommend getting the Ram boxes too. Those things are GREAT!
- DAA
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on July 06, 2015, 08:14 AM:
Thanks Dave for the update.
Really, I'm more or less trying to talk myself out of the 6 speed. Just hear too many good things about the 8 and your report confirms this even more.
The dealer only has one 2014 half ton left and it's a 6 speed and a color I'm not wild about. There is some savings for sure, but hell, I'll likely have this truck until I'm 60 so why settle?
Those Ram boxes do look like the cats ass. Thanks for mentioning that it as something to put on the must have list.
Again, thanks for taking the time to report.
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