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04-22-2013, 03:59 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,165
M.O.C. #1920
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Latest Ram Test
For those of you who have followed my quest to become a Ram 3500 owner, I think we got through two more hurdles. Saturday we are driving about 350 miles with our old truck and setting up in the Hill Country of Texas on our retirement trip home to Colorado. Ram redesigned the entire truck for 2013 and as a result I will be getting one of the very first delivered 3500's in the country. It is coming to Tyler, Texas on May 1st. So, we'll drive the 350 miles back to Tyler, pick up our new truck and hopefully get a hitch put in while we are there. Here is the issue. On the 2013 Ram sells a 5th wheel/Gooseneck prep as an option. It is supposed to readily accept a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch. Sounded good when I ordered it in January. Now that the truck is almost here, I'm trying to find out how the dealer will mount my Reese slider hitch. Well, they have a hitch shop and it will take half a day and run about $750. What about the prep kit I paid to get? They don't know anything about it. So, I go to an RV shop that installs hitches. They make some phone calls, including to Curt, who manufactures the new Mopar hitches. Curt tech reps have been told not to discuss it. I leave with the RV shop not knowing what to tell me. Next, back to the dealer. I talked to the hitch shop they use. They can get the adapter kit that fits the Ram truck. They claim my existing hitch won't work with the new mounting system. So, I go with the new system with a new hitch for an additional $1900 or $275 with existing hitch and rails and more holes in the bed. At least I can get it. One problem down. Next was trade in values. Looks like my expectation was higher than theirs. But after research it's fair. After rebates and supplier discount, I'm at a place I can live with. So, hitch and final cost resolved. Truck was in San Antonio today. Only takes an additional nine days to get the next 300 miles. This truck better be worth the aggravation.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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04-22-2013, 04:16 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
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Hang in there.
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04-22-2013, 04:28 PM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Kettle Falls
Posts: 363
M.O.C. #10354
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I have been following the 3500 threads for a couple of moonths, including yours on the Dodge diesel forum. I have been thinking of a 3500SRW myself and will look forward to hearing all about yours. I'm interested how well the 3.42 gears do and what empty/loaded fuel mpg? Hang in there, won't be long now!
Chuck
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04-22-2013, 06:13 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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If it's an improvement over mine you be in heaven. I love my 2011, but what a PITA this has turned into for you. Wishing you well!
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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04-23-2013, 11:26 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location:
Posts: 2,156
M.O.C. #6920
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Ron, the good news is:
while Ram 3500's are made near Monterrey Mexico it made it through Nuevo Laredo Mexico to San Antonio. Nuevo Laredo is one the most violent areas near the Texas border. I'm thinking out loud now, and that would be a great commercial for "Ram Tough" getting through that corridor! What do I know, I still like Taco Bell! Best wishes on your new Ram.
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04-23-2013, 12:16 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Santa Fe Springs
Posts: 4,189
M.O.C. #639
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when I ordered my Ram 3500 and I wanted to know what the extras were that was added before it was shipped, the dealer pulled it up on the screen,,about the gears 3'42 ? why so high that might put a bind when you hit some good grades. I have 4.10's and a 2980RL there are times I wish they were lower gears. did Dodge change the Commins in your year.
__________________
Pulling a 2004, 2980 RL an oldie but goodie.
Tow vehicle is a 2009 RED RAM 3500 DRW.
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04-23-2013, 02:40 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,165
M.O.C. #1920
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2013 is a complete redesign including new frame, spring, front end, availability of the Aisin transmission, upgraded lighting including led, higher output Cummins, and new electronics. The SRW was only available with the 3.42. You can now get the 4.10. The high output Cummins is now 850 ft lbs. I believe my GCVWR is 28k.
Dennis, I agree. That is not a very safe area. I built a plant in Juarez in 2003. I wouldn't want to do that now. In fact, we'll be at L&J Cafe in El Paso in a week or two. Great long green chile chicken enchiladas.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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04-24-2013, 04:00 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Depends on temps
Posts: 1,648
M.O.C. #13157
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Hello All,
I've got a 2012 Ram 3500, 4x4, DRW, CC, Laramie, 8'box, 3.73 with the max tow package.
@60 mph I turn about 1,500-1,600 rpm's. Mine is rated @350hp/800tq. There is NO WAY I would want a 3.42 for towing, I don't care what they say the HP/TQ is. Unless you are towing a bass boat or such.
I just got back from a 1,500 mile empty road trip and average for the entire trip was 16.3mpg. Total miles on the truck is 2,100. This trip was from Missouri to Houston on the 2 lanes @ posted speed limits.
I realize the 2013 Ram's are supposed to be better, different front end etc, but I'm 100% happy with my '12. Plus I do not have a tank with a blue cap.
Jim
__________________
2012 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 4x4 3.73 Tow Max Pkg B&W Companion 60 gal RDS aux fuel tank. 2014 Montana 3150RL, 2 A/C's, Leather, 6 Point Jacks, Splendede WD2100XC, Mor/ryde X-Factor, Duravis 250 tires with TST 507RV monitors. 2 x Honda EU2000's
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04-24-2013, 05:01 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,165
M.O.C. #1920
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Jim, glad you enjoy your 2012. I personally believe that the Ram engineers know about gearing, fuel systems, etc. I guess time will tell. I am seeing reports of up to 23 mpg on the new ones on Cummins Forum. The gearing has been debated widely and won't be settled until we get some units with some miles.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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04-25-2013, 02:42 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Down the Road
Posts: 5,627
M.O.C. #889
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by jlb27537
Hello All,
I've got a 2012 Ram 3500, 4x4, DRW, CC, Laramie, 8'box, 3.73 with the max tow package.
@60 mph I turn about 1,500-1,600 rpm's. Mine is rated @350hp/800tq. There is NO WAY I would want a 3.42 for towing, I don't care what they say the HP/TQ is. Unless you are towing a bass boat or such.
I just got back from a 1,500 mile empty road trip and average for the entire trip was 16.3mpg. Total miles on the truck is 2,100. This trip was from Missouri to Houston on the 2 lanes @ posted speed limits.
I realize the 2013 Ram's are supposed to be better, different front end etc, but I'm 100% happy with my '12. Plus I do not have a tank with a blue cap.
Jim
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Jim, It appears that you and I have almost the exact same truck with the exception of I have the Longhorn package. You getting 16.3mpg is amazing --- I cannot get anywhere near 16mpg. I've had the truck just over 5 months and have 11,000 miles on it. If I set the cruise at 60 mph, the truck averages 13.5mpg. If set the cruise at 80 mph, the truck averages 13.3mpg. Does not seem to matter the speed I run, the fuel economy runs the same. Towing 16,300 lbs this thing averages 11.5mpg. Have you made any modifications or upgrades to your truck? I would love to be averaging 16mpg....
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04-25-2013, 04:28 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Depends on temps
Posts: 1,648
M.O.C. #13157
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Hi Sky, I have found that on mine 60-65mpg is the best spot for good mileage. 70mph will drop me 1-2 mpg. This trip to Houston was on 2 lanes, at posted speeds of 55-65mph. In Texas when I bumped it up to the posted 70mph it dropped to 14.1.
Jim
__________________
2012 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 4x4 3.73 Tow Max Pkg B&W Companion 60 gal RDS aux fuel tank. 2014 Montana 3150RL, 2 A/C's, Leather, 6 Point Jacks, Splendede WD2100XC, Mor/ryde X-Factor, Duravis 250 tires with TST 507RV monitors. 2 x Honda EU2000's
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04-29-2013, 06:58 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Roswell
Posts: 627
M.O.C. #12028
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Well......Did ya get the truck picked up, pictures and detailed first impreesions report :-)
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