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Just wanted to post a update on our 2018 RAM 3500.
We have had it almost had it a year now and have put 25,000 miles on it during our first year of ownership.
I have always been a die hard GM fan for many years having owned many GM cars and trucks including a several GM Duramax trucks.
Our GM Duramax trucks were great trucks, did the job and preformed well.
We had a 2012 GMC 3500HD DRW and pulled our 5th Wheel coast to coast, East to West, North to South, no issues with our GMC.
My view of Dodge for many years was not great, always looked down on the Dodge trucks as not very nice interiors, poor ride / handling and just cheap built trucks, you could not give me a Dodge !!
Well about a year ago I went to several local dealers shopping for a new truck, looked and drove several different makes and models of trucks did my research and for what I was looking for in a tow vehicle the RAM came out on top.
I still had the hesitation in the back of my mind, "Really, you are going to buy a Dodge !!"
But I did anyway, ordered our RAM last August with lots of help and guidance from the dealer and a number of people and sources.
So here we are, a year and 25,000 miles later and I have to say, we made the right choice.
Our RAM has preformed flawlessly, done a excellent job pulling out 5th Wheel and has been very comfortable on those long towing days.
We ordered a RAM 3500HD Laramie 2x4, 4.10 Axle Ratio, Aisin Transmission, Rear Air Assist Suspension
Ordered the 2 Wheel drive for a few reasons, never used the 4x4 in our previous GMC in 120,000 miles, lower purchase cost and maintenance, less front end weight, slightly lower cab / entry height than a 4x4 model.
Ordered the 4.10 Axle Ratio, more than needed for our current configuration (18,000 lb 5th Wheel) but will have less wear and tear on drive train due to not having to work hard or pushing limits pulling our current configuration.
Ordered the Aisin transmission due to its reputation as a reliable heavy duty transmission and also when ordering the Aisin Transmission, the Cummins H.O. engine is included with the package.
Ordered the Rear Air Assist Suspension, this is unique to RAM, the 3500 has Leaf Springs on the rear, with the Rear Air Assist option the Rear Leaf Spring Pack has fewer leafs than the standard rear suspension since it has the Air Bags to supplement the load. This makes the unloaded ride much smoother and the Air Assist keeps the truck level when hitched up and towing.
Great report! Good call on the AISIN and the rear air ride!!!
I have just shy of 60K on my 15 and the ONLY non recall item that went out was a overhead light switch that was replaced under warranty.
I have the rear air ride also, I run in alt ride mode ALL the time this keeps the truck lower and easier to enter/exit, better ride with less air. I also run the rear tires at 30-35 when running solo. Front tires I run 80 ALL the time but with 2wd I think the label may be a bit lower.
On the rear air when unhitching I hit the suspension button and select "tire jack mode", this keeps the rear air from trying to compensate for the weight being removed while unhitching.
If I like the 5th gen HD trucks I may buy one but I will be happy to keep this one for a long time if the 19/20's are FUGLY as the 1500's are!!!
I also run the rear tires at 30-35 when running solo. Front tires I run 80 ALL the time but with 2wd I think the label may be a bit lower.
On the rear air when unhitching I hit the suspension button and select "tire jack mode", this keeps the rear air from trying to compensate for the weight being removed while unhitching.
If I like the 5th gen HD trucks I may buy one but I will be happy to keep this one for a long time if the 19/20's are FUGLY as the 1500's are!!!
I run 65 psi in the front and 55 psi in the rear (door label on our 2wd says 70 psi in the front due to the lighter front end weight and 65 in the rear)
Yep, I learned the Tire Jack Mode trick quickly after trying to unhitch and the truck adjusting itself.
The only warranty issue I have had to return to the dealer for was the Shift Level Lock inspection / recall. They did the inspection and all was good so no parts replacement needed just a software update.
The only other issue I had is one day the Air Bag line on the drivers side cane out of the fitting when hooking the trailer up (startled me with all the air dumping, sounded like I blew a tire). Easy fix as the fittings are the slip in lock type, just pushed the line back in the fitting to full depth, reset the air ride, no issues since.
I also enjoy towing with my 2016 Ram 2500. Even though the truck is not new anymore, I totally love the way it works vs Ford trucks I've had for the last 10 years.
I also run the rear tires at 30-35 when running solo. Front tires I run 80 ALL the time but with 2wd I think the label may be a bit lower.
On the rear air when unhitching I hit the suspension button and select "tire jack mode", this keeps the rear air from trying to compensate for the weight being removed while unhitching.
If I like the 5th gen HD trucks I may buy one but I will be happy to keep this one for a long time if the 19/20's are FUGLY as the 1500's are!!!
I run 65 psi in the front and 55 psi in the rear (door label on our 2wd says 70 psi in the front due to the lighter front end weight and 65 in the rear)
Yep, I learned the Tire Jack Mode trick quickly after trying to unhitch and the truck adjusting itself.
The only warranty issue I have had to return to the dealer for was the Shift Level Lock inspection / recall. They did the inspection and all was good so no parts replacement needed just a software update.
The only other issue I had is one day the Air Bag line on the drivers side cane out of the fitting when hooking the trailer up (startled me with all the air dumping, sounded like I blew a tire). Easy fix as the fittings are the slip in lock type, just pushed the line back in the fitting to full depth, reset the air ride, no issues since.
How are your front tires wearing? I would advise weighing your truck axles and adjust the pressures accordingly.
Since you lost air from your system you may want to check with Chrysler about that as the system does not use outside air, it's a sealed system.
Rob, when we were discussing all this with you back when and spec-ing out the truck I believe I commented to you, beginning in 2013 - "These are not your father's Dodge." The class exclusive rear air bags seem to get really good reports and I was pretty sure they would. Glad it is all you hoped it would be. It is a fine tow vehicle and a luxury pickup at the same time. We continue to be extremely pleased with it's "big brother" and the Classy Chassis up-fit. 42K and not a peep from it. We're going up yet another mountain in Wyoming on our way to West Yellowstone. (On a lake, $15 / night and 50 amps. Hard to beat that.)
