History made - RAM #2 in US sales in March...

[odcics2]

http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2014/04/news-flash-ram-outsells-silverado     

[68X426]

I did my part.  I bought a 2014 Ram 1500 Hemi last week. 

I was looking for used, but the price reduction was killer, so grabbed a 2014.

[68X426]

It's awesome by the way.  Amazing advancements and quality.  And the Hemi screams power.  Plus the first tank of gas got 22 mpg, and it's only rated at 21 mpg.

So obviously America has figured out the Ram and the great prices.

The third Hemi in my stable, I'll take a group picture when the weather clears.

[twodko]

Alright Dan!!!!!! The 2014's are the bomb for sure. I am very happy with my 2009 Ram hemi.

Like they say, "Yeah, it's got a hemi!" Hard to keep my foot out of it.

So at Fire Base 68X426, the motor pool features: the 1968 Hemi Road Runner, the 2012 Hemi Challenger and now the 2014 Hemi Ram truck.

Absolute Hemi power corrupts absolutely.

In hate you.

[twodko]

Aw jeez I was so blinded by envy I forgot to ask about the particulars.

Standard, quad or crew cab? SLT, Laramie or The Big Horny? 2wd, 4wd? Color?

Console shift, Ram Box, inflatable female companion, 12v auto-fondle?

[Steve P.]

I'm still itching to see how the new 1500 with Diesel is gonna do. 

[68X426]

I'm still itching to see how the new 1500 with Diesel is gonna do. 

I was thinking the same in February and March.  I was itching too.

But I couldn't wait and the V6 diesel will be something between $3k and $8k more than the Hemi, which is $1150 more than the gas V6.  One dealer said he won't see any diesels until mid-summer, and maybe not until 2015 because the VR factory is overwhelmed with orders.

[Steve P.]

Since I rarely tow anymore I figured I'd look for a comfortable truck that got better mileage than my present guzzler. I have waited this long, I suppose I can wait a little longer.. I just still have not seen one anywhere or heard of anyone with one!!

I am still shocked they didn't use the cummins 4 cylinder diesel!!   

[68X426]

Absolute Hemi power corrupts absolutely.

Funny stuff. 

It's a 4x4 (we get snow and ice), 5.7L V.V.T. Hemi, 8-speed automatic (TorqueFlite 8HP70), Quad cab, 6.5 bed, Big Horn, no shifter (no column and no floor, just a knob on the dash, like the old push button days), full towing package, and it is Deep Cherry Pearl.

No Ram Boxes.  If you have those you can't use racks or a camper shell.

The mileage is rated at 15-21, and the first tank was 22mpg.  The transmission is revolutionary and raises the highway rating from 18 to 21.  Payload max is 1700# and towing max is 9000#.

Best part is that it was $19000 off the $52000 price.  I was looking at used for $28k, and a stripped SLT Express (2014) for $31k, how could I not buy a new Big Horn for $33k.  That's why Dodge outsold Chevy in March, steep discounts on great trucks.

No doll was included, but the counter girl gave me a hat.  I offered her a personal test ride, but the wife was right there, so that sort of fizzled out fast. 

[Steve P.]

WOW!!!  $33K .... What a deal!!!! And 4x4 to boot!!! I wonder how I can do on that truck down here in 2wd?

[Steve P.]

Was that $33K with a trade in or a ton of cash down??

[bakerhillpins]

Um...     We are looking to pick up a new 2014 RAM as well but were going to wait until the end of the calendar year for a variety of reasons. Almost the same specs as the one you got.  That price really makes it hard to not go into the showroom now. Was that on the lot or did you order?

[68X426]

It was on the lot.  We were not considering ordering, but I also think the deep discounts are only on in-stock trucks (I didn't spend much time on order details, so can't be sure).

No trade in.  None required.  We sold a Nissan XTerra privately.  I was prepared for all cash (we save our nickels).  Then they offered 80% financing at 1.9% at the nearly same price.  I had to consider that because the "nearly" same price was now lower, now including another rebate, making the interest rate effectively 1.2%.  So I financed.

Please don't hate me.

I have every reason to think that the same pricing is nationwide.  The Big Horn package was a $3250 factory discount, the Chrysler rebates and incentives were combined for $10000, the dealer discounted $6000, and the finance rebate was $500.  I bought in Davis, California, but as I shopped I saw almost the same deals in Reno, San Jose, Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, and Bakersfield.  The internet is our friend and I shopped the whole western USA, including the big dealers in Utah, Idaho, and Texas.  Almost flew to Texas to buy one.

And right in my backyard was the perfect truck.  I drove away very fast in case they changed their minds about giving it away.

Yes, luck was on my side.  Remember luck is where preparedness and opportunity intersect.

Will the same deals be available in April?  Don't know, but if you are prepared then check all the dealers' stock.  After all Chrysler still needs cash flow after the long winter, and if they want to sell their Rams at no profit, I won't stop them.

I just did a quick look on line at two dealers and see lots of rebates and discounts, and it's April 2.  So the deals are out there.

[twodko]

Niiiice Dan! Congrats. I'm eager to see, pix the color sounds gorgeous. I thought it would
be 4wd given your locale. I forgot about those cool dash dial shifters.

$33k was a steal! Good on ya.

[bakerhillpins]

Thanks for the info Dan. 

Are you looking at the Dealer websites for the listings and rebates published?? I have been looking here in New England for the past month and most dealer sites didn't show ANY discount info. IIRC only one showed any discount info at all and it was just the dealer discount, no Factory ones.  Ill have to spend more time on this after I dig out from under my current work load this week.... 

[68X426]

Yes, dealer sites.  Tried to use the Chrysler main site, but it was only good for an initial sort of the dealers and links to their sites, not the cars.  I did find maybe one-third of the dealer sites listed only full MSRP.  I just moved on to the sites of the "aggressive" sellers.

Only items missing were side steps and bedliner.  Aftermarket items already on order.

Big adjustment right now is all the computers and u-connect stuff.

Pictures after the rains:

[DadsCharger00]

I recently bought that exact same truck (mine was a 2013 though....new, but not a 14) I love it. You'll love it! Great truck! Mine has the two tone brown interior. How about this one?

The uconnect stuff is actually pretty great. Once you get it all figured out. Sync with the phone is quick and painless. sound quality is fantastic.

GREAT RIDE! Enjoy it!

[twodko]

Great looking truck Dan! I just installed a set of Westin straight 5" oval step bars on mine.
Even the 2wd are a bit tall to climb into especially with back problems. These are the polished ones with
rubber step pads, look elegant and they don't stick out. Super easy socket wrench install, no drilling because the brackets use factory openings. Took me an hour......even with my back.

I don't care for the oval or round nerf bars that have the 90* bends on each end.

[Steve P.]

This has me convinced to go and the wife, (who HATES WITH A PASSION to look at cars),about half convinced to go to the dealer. 

[Steve P.]

Just called the local dealer. They cannot believe the deal. Sounded like they CAN, but want all the coin they can get. He was trying to give me around 34K on a truck with 42K msrp. I told him I was sure there must be a big difference in bells and whistles. He says: Oh we can work that out!!

On to the next dealer.. lol...

[twodko]

Steve, have you considered buying through a car broker?

[Steve P.]

I figure that the car brokers have to make their money, so I will do it myself. I did pretty damned well on the last 3 trucks I bought, so I will use this new knowledge from Dan and see if I can get the same or better..

So far I have had 3 dealers say it's impossible. I may just have to fly out to California and stay with Dan and go to his dealer.. lol.... 

[twodko]

Well sir, while I've never been to Dan's home I do know the area. IMO its God's country.

Was that $33k out the door or before T&L? I suspect the latter.

Nevertheless that's still a super bargain for a new Ram.

[Steve P.]

Well, it seems we are not comparing apples to apples. Everything I have seen with an MSRP of close to 52K is a LONG HORN.. They are loaded to the gills. The best anyone around here will do is around 8K off that figure before tax, tag and title. And of course the obligatory dealers fee. Too rich for my blood..

So I have a few dealers calling me now with offers on less of a truck than that, but still higher than what Dan found and bought.

I did, however, find out one dealer about 18 miles away, has a 2014 1500 with the new diesel on the road to them now!! So maybe we will start to see some on the dealers lots now. It didn't have a price, but did look pretty well set up. I am liking the 4 corner air bags. They say that they self lower on the high road to get better mileage. Also something closes off the air through the radiator at highway speeds. I'm not so sure I want that going on. I hope it has a failsafe in the open position!!

[twodko]

Damn if that isn't some large money.

[68X426]

Also something closes off the air through the radiator at highway speeds. I'm not so sure I want that going on. I hope it has a failsafe in the open position!!

It's a computer controlled radiator shutter system.  It has sensors that open the shutters when needed (heat dispersal) and closes them at start up, warm up, and at highway speeds.  I think there is a computer controlled fan, but you can't see a fan (or the shutters) as it is all inside a sealed case in front of the engine.  At least I think the radiator is still up front, somewhere.  I believe the system is standard equipment.  And yes it's a freaky concept.

That's another reason that I popped for the lifetime warranty.  Computers control everything from end-to-end.  Tires, brakes, entire drivetrain, emissions, radiator, interior.  Here a sensor, there a sensor, everywhere a sensor.  I can't work on anything, and the costs will be insane when something goes wrong.  Modern life is complicated.

[hemigeno]

I popped for the lifetime warranty.

What are the terms & cost for such?  I know the dealers make a killing on most warranties - but if it's a manufacturer's bumper-to-bumper warranty for the lifetime of ownership of the original purchaser...   

[68X426]

It's a factory warranty by Mopar.  Everything covered end-to-end, bumper-to-bumper, with the usual and obvious exceptions: tires, brake pads, hoses, fluids.  It's lifetime, but is limited to one million miles.

Only time will tell if it is a good decision or a waste of money.  I am resigned to the likelihood that one of the 2 dozen on-board computers blows out in the next decade, costing say 2 grand.  At which point the warranty pays off big time.

Life's a gamble, this time I chose the extra warranty.

[twodko]

When I was shopping for a pre-owned Ram I looked at a nice 2013 4wd w/13k miles the deceased owner had bought a lifetime warranty on. His widow said it was quite expensive but fully transferable to another owner who pays a transfer fee. I didn't by the truck because it was 4wd which I don't need and it was white.......boring.
If I bought new I definitely would have opted for it.

All of the computers are certainly a concern for me too.
My 2009 has 68k miles on it and I've been looking to buy an after market extended warranty for it.
No luck. You can only buy these from an extended warranty company through a dealership when buying new or a factory certified pre-ownedehicle. 

[twodko]

I just bought a set of these, they arrived yesterday. Very well made. FYI

Product Information:
      (read reviews)
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Protect your Dodge Ram with an upgrade that is both functional and attractive, Go Industries Stainless Steel Door Edge Guards are self retaining and are designed specifically for your vehicle to provide an exact contoured fit.

   

[twodko]

I just finished installing these door edge guards. Fit perfectly, they go well with the rest of the chrome trim plus NO
more edge chips.

I have got to learn photo bucket so i can resize pix once to 200k or less!

[Steve P.]

This is free, fast and easy...

http://www.webresizer.com/resizer/

[twodko]

What am I missing here? The forum allows pictures of 200k max.

I use PicResize.com and like webresizer size choice is in pixels, H x W.

For example say I have a picture that's 2 meg in size, how do I resize it to 200k

using pixels?

[twodko]

I just revisited the webresizer site........in the example window that shows "200", is that the window I simply
type 200 into and the program resizes my original to a 200k picture?

[odcics2]

Some reasons why it's doing well.

http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2014/04/ram-named-an-all-star-for-second-consecutive-year

[68X426]

I looked around underneath my Ram this weekend when installing side steps.  The rear suspension includes a big beefy anti-sway bar and then, to my surprise, there is a traction bar set up.  I don't know what else to call it, it's rather similar to the CalTrac set up on our B-Body cars.  It's a big beefy rod mounted to the frame and axle. I'll attach a picture later.

I don't know why it works, but the ride is great, so Mopar engineers definitely designed a better mousetrap on this one.

[odcics2]

I popped for the lifetime warranty.

What are the terms & cost for such?  I know the dealers make a killing on most warranties - but if it's a manufacturer's bumper-to-bumper warranty for the lifetime of ownership of the original purchaser...   

The added warranty from a dealer has a negotiated price.   You can deal them down, or actually buy it from another dealer willing to deal!

[68X426]

Pics of the rear suspension.  First is what I described as a traction bar.  Second pic is the anti-sway bar (lower one) and another bar (top position). I guess that would be called a panhard bar.  I don't see any adjustment locations, so I suppose it could be described as factory tuned.

It works great, the ride is awesome.

[twodko]

Good morning Dan,

Same same on my 2009. Dodge has got it together.

[Steve P.]

They've gone to a 4-link.... Like to see the full arrangement. 

[Troy]

Looks like a pretty standard coil spring setup to me.

Most everyone else is using leafs in their trucks still (I think). One reason Dodge needs coils is their new air ride type suspension. It lowers the vehicle at highway speeds for aerodynamics and also when stopped for entry/exit. It is "adaptive" - meaning it will raise when it senses rough terrain. This is what helps give it more of a car feeling.

Some of the new Rams have a gas saving feature that shuts off the engine at stop lights and restarts when you let off the brake. Much like most of the hybrids out there. Trucks with this have as a bigger battery and alternator than the rest.

Some pretty neat new technology - but I bet the long term maintenance costs might be a nightmare! It's one reason I sold my Tahoe. Shocks for the air ride system were $1,000 each.

Troy

[odcics2]

The five-link coil design incorporates support at all major points of force. Leaf spring suspensions struggle to combat axle wrap by using staggered shock absorbers (one mounted on the front of the axle tube and one mounted on the rear of the axle tube). The superior design of the five-link coil system functionally resists unwanted axle rotation. Leaf spring configurations also lack lateral support, forcing the leaf ends and shackles to hold against lateral loads—a task they're not particularly good at and one reason competitive leaf-sprung rear suspensions shutter on rough surfaces.

Because of the unique five-link axle control and natural rotation, U-joints in the driveshaft run smoothly and with less vibration through the suspension's range of motion, an advantage not shared with leaf springs. Another benefit of coil springs is less unsprung mass and elimination of stick-slip friction found between the leaf springs. Additionally, links are engineered in line with frame rails, so overall packaging is better, not to mention an overall weight reduction of more than 40 pounds when compared with a leaf-spring configuration.

[bakerhillpins]

So we went out and test drove a 14 Crew cab RAM Hemi Long Horn today.    I am lovin it.    The wife was really interested in getting behind the wheel to see how it would work for her as she is vertically challenged. I learned that the step rail is a must have so that she can get in and out without looking like a kid climbing in or falling out.  The 8spd 727 is very smooth. Says there is room for 6 passengers however the "buddy" seat is just a lap belt and a bit tight for my wife sitting there so not really useful unless in a pinch. We are very impressed with the fuel economy when compared to other trucks in the same class.

Wondering if anyone out there cares to comment on the need to move to the 3.91 gears to get the full 10.5k towing capacity. With the stock 3.21 gears the tow limit is 8k.  If I would like to pull a closed trailer with the charger in it is this a concern? Quick math has 4k for the 69, 2k for the trailer and that leaves 2k of leftover. If the taller gearing/towing is warranted anyone have one that can comment on how that drops the fuel economy?

The only thing that we were disappointed with was the rear center seat. For some reason they made the center seat about 3" shorter than the others and as a result it's not overly comfortable unless your say 12 or younger. This is a reasonably big issue for us with 3 kids whom are not as short as their mother. While we were not necessarily planning on using the vehicle for long haul family trips it was a bummer. I sat in the seat and it wasn't overly comfortable and I could see this not being a long haul seat.

Anyhow, looking forward to more drooling over the trucks. I wish I could find on a lot that was in one of the Prairie or Western Brown pearl colors. Loved the True blue!

[Steve P.]

I was equally impressed and also had the same questions.

On the mileage, if you do allot of stop and go type traffic and the truck will be mostly used in that type of driving I would go with the 3:91s . Only because your 2 ton car already eats up half of the 3:21s. My single all steel open trailer weighs closer to 3000#s all by itself. Then add your travel kit and family and you are busting the 3:21s. And even if you only haul all of that now and then you will get garbage for mileage with the 3:21's.

BUT, if you drive highway most of the time and rarely tow that kind of weight I would be looking for the best mileage....

I haven't had a ball on my truck in months. So to me I want the daily mileage..

I don't know enough about the new 8 speed transmissions to know if you can lock out 8th gear for towing or what it actually does in TOW/HAUL mode... I think they should add a gear to the rear end to make it a city/highway application. Then towing would be less of a question for everyone.

I didn't sit in the middle front or back so I can't say.. 

[Troy]

Wondering if anyone out there cares to comment on the need to move to the 3.91 gears to get the full 10.5k towing capacity. With the stock 3.21 gears the tow limit is 8k.  If I would like to pull a closed trailer with the charger in it is this a concern? Quick math has 4k for the 69, 2k for the trailer and that leaves 2k of leftover. If the taller gearing/towing is warranted anyone have one that can comment on how that drops the fuel economy?

I doubt you'll find an enclosed trailer that only weighs 2,000 pounds! My "open pit" dovetail steel trailer weighs 1,550 pounds and it's considered light. Figure 3,500-4,000 for enclosed depending on options. My 22' enclosed tipped the scales at 4,600 - but it had extended height ceiling (7') and a GIANT concession door on one side which required extra steel supports. My Tahoe had a towing capacity around 7,000 pounds but it went to 10,000 when using a weight distributing hitch. Are the trucks similar? That gear change may also include transmission and brake coolers (but I don't know for sure). The gears are reasonably close (not like jumping from 2.76 to 4.10) and it's a very steep overdrive so your "cruise" RPM would likely only change by 300 RPM with the towing gears. An earlier post mentioned 9,000 pounds towing and 21 MPG rated.

Troy

[bakerhillpins]

I doubt you'll find an enclosed trailer that only weighs 2,000 pounds! My "open pit" dovetail steel trailer weighs 1,550 pounds and it's considered light. Figure 3,500-4,000 for enclosed depending on options. My 22' enclosed tipped the scales at 4,600 - but it had extended height ceiling (7') and a GIANT concession door on one side which required extra steel supports. My Tahoe had a towing capacity around 7,000 pounds but it went to 10,000 when using a weight distributing hitch. Are the trucks similar? That gear change may also include transmission and brake coolers (but I don't know for sure). The gears are reasonably close (not like jumping from 2.76 to 4.10) and it's a very steep overdrive so your "cruise" RPM would likely only change by 300 RPM with the towing gears. An earlier post mentioned 9,000 pounds towing and 21 MPG rated.

Troy

This is my dilemma as I was was hoping to pull an enclosed at some point so I guess I need to/should have started with perusing enclosed trailer sites to get the info on them.    According to the RAM paperwork that the sales guy pulled out and we reviewed together those were the towing capacities. I don't know if a distribution hitch would alter that.  

Ill have to check on the transmission and brake coolers, I recall them being on the vehicle we discussed with the 3.92s.. Just looked up a few of the window stickers that I have been tagging and the Laramie (the option package I am currently looking at) has the heavy duty trans cooling as standard. Ah, and the docs say it's standard on the V8 and the Diesel. Nothing specific on the window stickers or brochure about the brakes.

If it really boils down to that little change at cruising than it's probably not a big mileage change. Which is important.

[bakerhillpins]

I was equally impressed and also had the same questions.

On the mileage, if you do allot of stop and go type traffic and the truck will be mostly used in that type of driving I would go with the 3:91s . Only because your 2 ton car already eats up half of the 3:21s. My single all steel open trailer weighs closer to 3000#s all by itself. Then add your travel kit and family and you are busting the 3:21s. And even if you only haul all of that now and then you will get garbage for mileage with the 3:21's.

BUT, if you drive highway most of the time and rarely tow that kind of weight I would be looking for the best mileage....

I haven't had a ball on my truck in months. So to me I want the daily mileage..

I don't know enough about the new 8 speed transmissions to know if you can lock out 8th gear for towing or what it actually does in TOW/HAUL mode... I think they should add a gear to the rear end to make it a city/highway application. Then towing would be less of a question for everyone.

I didn't sit in the middle front or back so I can't say.. 

There were a set of buttons on the steering wheel for manually moving through the gears so that should allow you to lock out top. Towing is not going to be its main job, it's going to be a normal truck for the majority of its running time. However, it's not our primary either so I want to make sure I don't sell myself short on either side. Cake and eat it too anyone?  Anyone know if the window sticker mileage will change with options or is it always the same?  I guess in the end I would like to know fore sure what the effect of the taller gears are.