Looking to buy a Dodge Ram advice needed.

[palmtreegirl]

I posted on the Community board and they suggested I post over here instead because you are all very knowledable about trucks.

We're looking at a Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab 4X4 at a local dealer and I wanted to get some feedback on them. The one we're looking at is a 2001 and it has 29,000 miles on it, they're asking 19,000.

While we don't own a camper now Dh will be using the truck for work and will tow a landscapers size trailer full of packing material and boxes, do you think we should go for a 2500?

Any advice would be great!

Thank you very much!

 

[FTWFAN]

DH has owned several dodge trucks. We love them. Very dependable and roomy. He now has a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 with a Hemi(Larami-sp?)! It is candy apple red, extended cab, all leather interior-gray! Plenty of seat room and leg room-front and back. He went for the extra and got the 20" wheels. DD/14, Oddball(DIS name) loves for us to take her to school in it because all the guys want us to stop so they can see it and sit in it!
The down side--it only gets about 10-12 mpg in town and on the road about 14-15 mpg. Good thing we only live 5 miles from work!
The only thing DH ever pull with his is a full size trailer with 2 Polaris 500 4-wheelers on it. Everything was OK with that(has pulled that load with and without the Hemi--old truck and new truck). He did say that if you went to the 2500 the only big difference would be a stiffer ride.
Hope this helps and good luck with your decision! If you have any more questions, just pm me!

 

[rkukl]

I have a RAM 2500 5.7L Hemi and love everything except the mileage. You know the saying it passes everything but a gas station! But seriously check the tow ratings and gear ratios. I found the 1500s a little low on the towing capacity fro my needs.

 

[tim5055]

While I can't give you information on the Dodge (I'm a Ford person ), keep this in mind:

You don't always have to use the tow capacity your vehicle is equipped with, but.... you may need additional capacity later on.

While the 1500 may be fine for the landscapers size trailer, you may be limiting yourself later when you start to look for a camping trailer.

All things being equal, my opinion is buy the biggest you can afford.

 

[Ex-Imagineer]

I love mine. I just bought a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab 4X4 Hemi with 100 miles on it for 25,900. What a steal!!!

Love it, love it.... did I say love it.

 

[happycat]

If you are thinking of pulling a camper in the future, then buy a 2500. You can tow with a 1500 but you will really be limiting yourself with your camper choices. Especially after you fall in love with a new 5th wheel.

Also please do your homework on any truck you plan to buy. Get the vin# and have them print you out the service history. Check the real retail value by looking up the truck specs and options in the kelly blue book.

For example. I found my truck to tow my 5'r in Jan 2002. It was their 2001 demo model with 400 miles. Optioned out! (3500 cummins dooley) Sticker price. 36,000. I did the above. Offered 27,500. They said No deal. I walked. Called them the next day. They said, "We have a deal".

These are just some tips I learned about Auto buying along the way. For sure don't let them know how you intend to pay for the truck until you have their "Out the door price". Always be prepared to walk. You should get a least 20% off that sticker price if you decide to by the 1500. If you decide to buy an extened warranty make sure it is with Dodge.

Love my truck!

 

[Live4FW]

I have a 2001 Ram QC 4.7L SLT. Love the truck. However, it is not a great towing vehicle near it's limits. I had to upgrade my rear end gears to handle my trailer. It is much better but somewhat marginal. I am still within all my limits.

If you plan on doing any serious towing >5K lbs, Make sure you get a larger engine and/or 2500.

The truck tracks well with the trailer and handles the weight very well, it is just the power that is lacking.

BRGDS

 

[palmtreegirl]

Thanks for all the advice! We're still looking and have decided to get a later model one because the price difference isn't that much.

We found a great deal on a 2003, 1500 with a Hemi we're going to look at this weekend.

Thanks again!

 

[Bichon Barb]

See Palmtreegirl, I told ya they'd confuse ya good over here!

Go GMC Trucks!