New Truck Advice Chevy or Ram?

[cwf]

over 60K on our 2012 Dmax, 2500HD, Allison 4x4, crew cab, standard bed, towing option. The only 'higher' costs I have seen are:
1- Oil changes...
2- DEF fluid
3- fuel filter

Having ridden in all 3 Majors with diesel engines, the Dodge was 'out' because of the way it rode. It was 'cheaper' to purchase...and most consider it "a work truck", function over comfort. Many of my friends buy them as a 'tool'... no emotional content in their decision. Others who have ridden in the recent models have found the 'comfort' level is equal to the GM and Ford....obviously important when you spend a lot of time riding when traveling.

The Dodge did NOT have 'DEF'... which was a good deal for me... as if the vehicle doesn't need the DEF to meet EPA restrictions, that is one less intrusion...

Bottom line, the doggone Dodge rode like a truck.... I tried a couple of 'used' ones, even those owned by friends..... and could tell they had been "rode hard and put up still saddled"... I wouldn't be pleased with my 'new' truck in short order based upon the condition of 'used'. Many had 'rust' in the panels because the trucks had lots of mud packed and since 'it's just a work truck', they did not wash often... especially after offroad driving...

But, if comfort is not a deep concern, you will probably like the Dodge and it is a tad cheaper.

Now, on our 2012..
I had the oil changed mostly at the dealer... $90... which included tire rotation, greasing fittings, re-syncing the wheel/tire pressure senders to correct locations, 'disposal fees'...

I can change the oil, filter and fuel filter at home cheaper... and I kNOW what oil is being put in the engine....but, each time I 'needed' it done, the dealer was the best place (this way there is NO question that the work was done). I run Shell Rotella... and the oil does NOT get as dark as quickly as the 'dealer' oil. I have run 'synthetic', Mobil also... and did not see improvement in performance or mileage...

The dealer changed 'ALL' of the lube in drivetrain... about a year ago. I plan to keep this truck until I 'time out'... so... it is just good thinking... and an 'additional cost'.

The DEF usage is awfully high, I think. The dealer agrees but it is one of those things no one can get a 'handle' on... what is 'reasonable'...no one knows.. they say 'depends upon fuel and use.... etc...'... another words, it is like the "fuel mileage" rating... it don't mean nuthin'

Warranty issues... I purchased 'demo'... run by the shop Manager... there were some 'cosmetic' things... because they used the truck to hunt and drive through high Texas grassland... but nothing really bad..

The batteries died the first winter... not 'covered' by warranty.. hmmm.. put two new ones and all is well for 2 years.

Two 'glow plugs' have failed and were replaced by dealer in warranty.

The 'driver's seat' cooling fans have fried... twice. And, there is a map pocket on the back of the driver's seat which keeps 'popping out' because the seat is "not as substantial" as previous years, allowing it to flex when a little 275# guy like me plops into it....

The thought of 4x4 was really thought to be 'overkill' by some folks... well, it has saved me a 'tow truck' call on at least 4 occasions. Just flip the switch under 45MPH and I have 4x4 drive... This saved potential 'wheel spin' when pulling Mjolnir out of some areas which got sticky due to rain..

What is best to me, is at the end of a long tow day, I don't feel like I have been riding my old Harley Hardtail.... It is a different experience..

Finally, comparatively, in my younger days, I rode many many miles towing boats or loaded horse trailers all over the US... using Ford and Chevy trucks...and have ridden with friends in their Dodges doing the same... the Dodge always left me wishing I had ridden the Harley... But, that was a long time ago...

Best wishes in your decision!

[SCOTTinNJ]

Pretty sure Ford is unveiling their new 2017 SuperDuty's this week. There is also a new Nissan coming out by year's end with a Cummins Diesel and Aisin transmission.

Just a few more options.

[map-it]

We test drove a 4x4 Chevy LTZ this afternoon and the dealer is combining all the incentives and as the list price is 4k-5k higher than I wanted it looks like if everything works out we might be in the 9k-10k discount territory.

I wish I could buy a LT with cloth and less options but I just couldn't seem to find any.

I had to fit a late project in tonight so I was unable to actually test drive it but my better half did and she is the one I need to sell it on.

IMO the fit and finish and noise of the engine was a little better on the GM Product.
We are taking the Tundras in the first of next week for appraisals and to see what the out of the door damage would be.

Once again thanks for all of your posts and suggestions.

I'll keep you posted....

[KJRitchie]

Run the Tundra through the Kelly Blue Book site to see what you "could" expect as a trade in value for your area. I got within $500 within that target. The Tundra's tires needed replacing and there was a dent in the rear chrome bumper.

Kelvin

[m.hony]

Trucks do hold their value.
My excellent, nearly new condition Tundra is supposedly still worth $25,000.
I paid $30,000 for it 8 years ago.
It is the least expensive ride I've ever had.
All trucks and SUVs might hold value that well.


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[KJRitchie]

It just lost $10k adding the front bike receiver

Kelvin

[m.hony]

What you tryin' to say?
My rig looks like "The Beverly Hillbillies"?
The Clampetts are comin'!
Wellll doggie!


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[m.hony]

How do you carry your bikes?


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[tjdonahoe]

I am 68, my dodge is an 07 with 95000 miles,I might never have to buy another,we might both go away at the same time of old age .......

[crispyboy]

Originally Posted by m.hony

How do you carry your bikes?

Fold up bikes in the bed of the truck, protected by the truck cap.

[KJRitchie]

Originally Posted by m.hony

How do you carry your bikes?


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Arvika set up. Due to the rear bumper design of the Classic this was the only viable solution for me. Before I got my my Ram, I towed with my Tundra from Missouri to Utah and back with two bikes. No issues other than a few bugs on the bikes.

Kelvin

[hshovic]

Before you decide, take a look at a numerical analysis of tow capacity. At least you
will have some numbers to compare vehicles! And get a tongue weight. It is supposed to be 10 or 15% of the trailer weight.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...tml#post456088

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by crispyboy

Fold up bikes in the bed of the truck, protected by the truck cap.

Ain't got no fold-up bikes.
Ain't got no truck cap.
Got me one of them thar tonneau covers.


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[m.hony]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Arvika set up. Due to the rear bumper design of the Classic this was the only viable solution for me. Before I got my my Ram, I towed with my Tundra from Missouri to Utah and back with two bikes. No issues other than a few bugs on the bikes.

Kelvin

I would like a bike rack that looks like that but still is mounted to the front receiver. That would get the bikes down lower and out of my line of sight.
From now until then I think turning the green bike the other way will help.
Maybe buy a hitch mounted basket/carrier and adapt my Yakima roof rack to fit- or have a welder fab up something.
Just trying to use what I got and don't spend no money-


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[KJRitchie]

If you purchase the Arvika bike rack 7002 (2 bikes) you can bolt it to the 2" receiver bracket, 7000-H2. I have one so I can take the bike rack off the trailer (a couple of bolts) and use it on my truck.

Go to the Arvika site and download their brochure to see

Kelvin

[carver 1]

Originally Posted by m.hony

I would like a bike rack that looks like that but still is mounted to the front receiver. That would get the bikes down lower and out of my line of sight.
From now until then I think turning the green bike the other way will help.
Maybe buy a hitch mounted basket/carrier and adapt my Yakima roof rack to fit- or have a welder fab up something.
Just trying to use what I got and don't spend no money-


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MHoney,

This set up on my TV has limited visibility interference.

>>ron<<

[tjdonahoe]

What does bicycles have to do with Chevys and dodges?

[m.hony]

You see, what had happened was...
I said something about Tundras (and all pickups and SUVs) hold there value.
Then someone said the value of my truck went down due to my ugly Beverly Hillbillies bike rack...
And then...
And then...


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[m.hony]

Originally Posted by carver 1

MHoney,

This set up on my TV has limited visibility interference.

>>ron<<

That is the bike rack I need. What brand? Where do I get one?


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[shermantic]

CHEVY our current unit has over 408K and had just general maintenance!