Don's 3500 Ram

[Flyin6]

Allow me to introduce the newest truck in my stable. It is a 2022 (New) 3500 Ram Laramie 4X4

I wanted one in the Patriot blue and I was lucky enough to find this one on the lot where I get my Gladiator serviced.

[Flyin6]

I am very happy with this purchase.

The truck stickered for $80,000 MSRP and I was able to purchase it for $71,500

I checked all the stats before buying to ensure it will pull (legally) everything I own. The heaviest pull I have is currently around 18,000 lbs. This will bumper pull 20,200 depending on tongue weight.

[Flyin6]

Unlike most all of my other vehicles, I am not going to modify this truck. I will service it regularly and replace the tires when its time, and maybe buy a phone holder and rubber floor mats, but, honestly, I am getting really done with lifted trucks that can't turn, won't pull, want to roll off curvy roads. I just want nice and reliable, and this is my answer.

[Flyin6]

The truck is a Larime which is several trim levels up from the bottom. I could have optioned it with a sunroof and a gigantic center display, but I see that as "gadgety" and unnecessary. This thing is nice, has the best sound system and is quiet and comfortable.

[Flyin6]

The bed is unlined but that will change. It has the soft opening electric tailgate and an electric 115VAC receptacle in the side

It has both 4 and 7-pin trailer receptacles and a class whatever receiver that has to be sleeved down to 2" just like my Chevy

[Flyin6]

That was a 6'4" bed BTW

It has the DEF filler where it should be

The tires are E-rated and it rides, well, very firm. I do not like the Firestone tires, but I'm gonna run them. For a 3500, it does not have overload springs, but judging on how firm the ride is, they did all that in the single spring pack.

It has the AAM 11.5" axle we are well accustomed to

[Flyin6]

I did not opt for the HO engine as I felt the standard 850 ft lbs was adequate.

I know, several of you are becoming concerned... ;-)

[Flyin6]

It has the floor cubby compartments

[Bob Smith]

Nice looking rig Don. Don’t know about not having overload spring, but I guess they know what they are doing.
Can’t believe you aren’t going to start changing things right away.

[JR]

Very nice. Supprised about the overloads too with just a 3 spring pack. Love the cubby storage, always seems we need more!

Going to line it and put a gooseneck on it?

[Flyin6]

Very nice. Supprised about the overloads too with just a 3 spring pack. Love the cubby storage, always seems we need more!

Going to line it and put a gooseneck on it?

Line it: yes

Gooseneck: Maybe eventually. Right now I have that almost new 17K Kaufman bumper pull equipment trailer. So my plan is to get started pulling my machine to jobs here and there as is. I would like to add a GN if I get a little more serious with using the machine.

[Flyin6]

Nice looking rig Don. Don’t know about not having overload spring, but I guess they know what they are doing.
Can’t believe you aren’t going to start changing things right away.

I know, crazy, right?

But I really think I have either flat-out changed or perhaps "evolved" a bit, because I really just want a reliable, warranted, vehicle that is more or less stock.

[Flyin6]

In as much as I normally post in the build thread section, because that is what is happening, I posted here in the standard vehicle-related discussion. I think this will be more of an owner experience and periodic maintenance commentary.

[stlaser]

I hope you opted for the extended 130k warranty. Local contractor I’m using for excavation and concrete has several and that was his one recommendation on the Cummins dodges.

[Bigdave_185]

Well I’m not sure I buy the no mod thing in your future, but we will play along

Good lookin color!

[Atkinsmatt]

Good looking truck.

[stlaser]

Well I’m not sure I buy the no mod thing in your future, but we will play along

Good lookin color!

I agree, good looking truck and if you recall my truck when I bought it there were mods but it was the full “grandpa mod edition”. You know color painted cap, bed carpet kit, those fancy drop down electric steps we know he loves. And…… potentially some added chrome trim pieces in just the right places.

[Flyin6]

Well I’m not sure I buy the no mod thing in your future, but we will play along

Good lookin color!

Ya, that's not this truck nor me.
Now I do not think electric steps are out of the question. I watched Kat struggle to get in/out of it yesterday. I immediately told her, "Honey, no mods..." then she gave me those droopy sad eyes...

Thank you gentlemen!

I agree, good looking truck and if you recall my truck when I bought it there were mods but it was the full “grandpa mod edition”. You know color painted cap, bed carpet kit, those fancy drop down electric steps we know he loves. And…… potentially some added chrome trim pieces in just the right places.

[cj7ox]

Nice truck, Don! It's the younger brother of mine, and the same color. Mine is the same color, 16 years older, with a ton more miles! LOL

[Flyin6]

Nice truck, Don! It's the younger brother of mine, and the same color. Mine is the same color, 16 years older, with a ton more miles! LOL

Cool, cousins!

I didn't go for the HO with 1075 ft lab or the AISIN transmission, because, with the 850 the truck has it moves out rather briskly. I'm not seeing the need for the added expense (+$3K) when my max tow will likely fall just under 20K
Isn't yours either 650 or 850 torque? And how do you think that answers your daily needs?

[Flyin6]

Question for Tate or anyone else who has knowledge.

All 3500 Ram trucks come with something they call an "Anti-Spin" differential.

For the 11.5 AAM, the only one I know about is the G80 GM unit. Is that what is in my rear axle?

[Bigdave_185]

So steps? Tool box? xL fuel tank capacity? speaker upgrade? Paint protection film? Ceramic window tint?

[stlaser]

Question for Tate or anyone else who has knowledge.

All 3500 Ram trucks come with something they call an "Anti-Spin" differential.

For the 11.5 AAM, the only one I know about is the G80 GM unit. Is that what is in my rear axle?

Unless it’s something new yes it’s the g80 and an extremely reliable unit unlike the 10.5 gov bomb of old.

[TexasRedNeck]

Nice truck.  ADHD much?

Ill take April 1, as the over under on mods…..

congrats Don.

[stlaser]

Nice truck.  ADHD much?

Ill take April 1, as the over under on mods…..

congrats Don.

  30 day increments? Ok, I’ll bite……

May 1 for me

[Bigdave_185]

What’s the definition of modification you are going off of? Window tint a mod?

I’ll give it another 2 week till something is ordered for it

[Flyin6]

Nice truck.  ADHD much?

Ill take April 1, as the over under on mods…..

congrats Don.

You're a bad man...Aren't you banned or something (Or perhaps should be as an example to others...?)  ;-)

[Flyin6]

What’s the definition of modification you are going off of? Window tint a mod?

I’ll give it another 2 week till something is ordered for it

Well, something is already ordered...

Wait for it

...


Mopar rubber floor mats

[Flyin6]

So steps? Tool box? xL fuel tank capacity? speaker upgrade? Paint protection film? Ceramic window tint?

OK, ok, let's define mods

Mods are things that really start to get away from the manufacturers intent. Like a new exhaust or tuning or suspension mods

Things like the floor mats I just ordered, or a different brand oil or oil filter is well within the spectrum of normal stuff...Agree?

So, where you may catch me up is with the AMP research steps. Those are getting a little way apart from stock and do involve some wrenching. But this truck is sort of tall, and Kat is having a hard time getting in and out of it.
I told her I was not going to add steps when she requested them because in legal terms, "it pierces the veil." Sort of like a little tiny leak in a levee on the Mississippi river.
Next thing you know I'm leveling it, a mild tune, some better shocks, and bolting on one of Shawn's diff covers simply because the diff cover is somehow connected to the amp steps.
No, I can't explain how.
And we do not currently have a psychologist on the site to help explain that.
So, suffice it to say, I just know me all too well.
I can't look at a lawn mower without wondering how it would sound with a set of Harley shorties bolted on

Hmmm, come to think of it, that would be pretty cool.

Especially on that tracked terminator mower I own...


Steps: Possibly
Fuel tank: no (for now)
Speaker upgrade: No
Paint protective film: Just waiting for you to recommend which product to buy.
Ceramic window tint: No, no, and absolutely NO. After tinting the Tesla, and the D-Max, I hate driving in a tinted car.

Oh did I mention I spent a bit too much on my wife's new 2+kt nearly flawless and colorless diamond?

And there has long been talk of putting either a 1970 SuperBee or a 70 SS 454 Chevelle in the garage. That talk recently cropped up again...

[Bob Smith]

The SS Chevelle would be my choice. Many more places to find parts and the cool factor is higher

[JR]

Just don't tint them heavy, match the rear windows. Doing the same on my tahoe.

I think ram makes a type of true track also, could that be in there?

What size is the tank

Of course it needs a mild tune and steps for Kate.

[Bigdave_185]

Expel Paint protection film is the only way to go. Full hood and front bumper, a pillars, and such areas.  Charles will chime in if he try’s to log in.  Stupid Tapatalk!

Don’t forget you need gauges like the banks  Idash to watch the pesky Def system function, might as well add their intake while under the hood.

[TexasRedNeck]

No need for the full hood.  Just the bikini kit from Expel.  If it were white id do the full hood because white shows the lines more than dark colors.

https://www.xpel.com/paint-protection-kits/US--AND--Canada/Passenger-Cars--AND--Light-Trucks/2022/Ram/3500/Laramie

This will give you an idea of what areas you can cover.  Lights and bumper and the hood kit would be my recommendation.

[stlaser]

If you’re serious about using equipment and jobs you’ll want an auxiliary bed mounted tank which can be plumbed to oem tank like mine. Then of course the hose and pump to fill the equipment.

[Flyin6]

No need for the full hood.  Just the bikini kit from Expel.  If it were white id do the full hood because white shows the lines more than dark colors.

https://www.xpel.com/paint-protection-kits/US--AND--Canada/Passenger-Cars--AND--Light-Trucks/2022/Ram/3500/Laramie

This will give you an idea of what areas you can cover.  Lights and bumper and the hood kit would be my recommendation.

My gosh!
That is stupid expensive!

[TexasRedNeck]

Yes since you don’t keep anything more than 6 months. But if you keep it long term its well worth it.  My stuff that’s 7-10 years old has zero rock chips on it..

[Flyin6]

Yes since you don’t keep anything more than 6 months. But if you keep it long term its well worth it.  My stuff that’s 7-10 years old has zero rock chips on it..

Well, I kept the Chevy 2500 for nearly 12 years. I've had that Suburban for quite a long time.
I had the Tesla for, errr...
;-)

[Sammconn]

So steps? Tool box? xL fuel tank capacity? speaker upgrade? Paint protection film? Ceramic window tint?

OK, ok, let's define mods

Mods are things that really start to get away from the manufacturers intent. Like a new exhaust or tuning or suspension mods

Things like the floor mats I just ordered, or a different brand oil or oil filter is well within the spectrum of normal stuff...Agree?

So, where you may catch me up is with the AMP research steps. Those are getting a little way apart from stock and do involve some wrenching. But this truck is sort of tall, and Kat is having a hard time getting in and out of it.
I told her I was not going to add steps when she requested them because in legal terms, "it pierces the veil." Sort of like a little tiny leak in a levee on the Mississippi river.
Next thing you know I'm leveling it, a mild tune, some better shocks, and bolting on one of Shawn's diff covers simply because the diff cover is somehow connected to the amp steps.
No, I can't explain how.
And we do not currently have a psychologist on the site to help explain that.
So, suffice it to say, I just know me all too well.
I can't look at a lawn mower without wondering how it would sound with a set of Harley shorties bolted on

Hmmm, come to think of it, that would be pretty cool.

Especially on that tracked terminator mower I own...


Steps: Possibly
Fuel tank: no (for now)
Speaker upgrade: No
Paint protective film: Just waiting for you to recommend which product to buy.
Ceramic window tint: No, no, and absolutely NO. After tinting the Tesla, and the D-Max, I hate driving in a tinted car.

Oh did I mention I spent a bit too much on my wife's new 2+kt nearly flawless and colorless diamond?

And there has long been talk of putting either a 1970 SuperBee or a 70 SS 454 Chevelle in the garage. That talk recently cropped up again...

Based on this…March 1st. 
Nice truck chief.

[cj7ox]

Isn't yours either 650 or 850 torque? And how do you think that answers your daily needs?

Mine stock is 325hp, 610 lbs ft or torque, with the 6spd manual. I've pulled a little over 10k on the bumper through the hills on TN and never had an issue. With the tuner in tow, or performance mode, I've probably got a bit more power torue, but I generally use the stock setting unless on a long highway road trip. Those setting don't like to lug in traffic, bringing my mpg down (cause I'm lazy sometimes and don't downshift at the "optimum" points, LOL). I've never felt the need for more power/torque.

[EL TATE]

Just don't tint them heavy, match the rear windows. Doing the same on my tahoe.

I think ram makes a type of true track also, could that be in there?

What size is the tank

Of course it needs a mild tune and steps for Kate.

AAM TRAC RITE aka absolute garbage, and this is on a personal level,not business oriented at all. hardened gears and soft cast iron cases don't mix well. but that's on 2018 and older scenarios, and i cannot speak for 2019+.

[Flyin6]

An interesting difference of opinions. Shawn likes the diff, and you don't.
I am not worried at all, because for 100,000 miles, it is under warranty, and after that, I know a guy who sells a Grizzly locker...;-)

[EL TATE]

10-4!

[dave945]

Nice looking truck, Don.  I really like that color, kind of an Air Force blue.

 If you want to test it out towing the loaded down equipment trailer, you could bring it up to the house and get the back field ready for seeding and test out your tree demolished in the woods. Just a thought ;)

[Flyin6]

Nice looking truck, Don.  I really like that color, kind of an Air Force blue.

 If you want to test it out towing the loaded down equipment trailer, you could bring it up to the house and get the back field ready for seeding and test out your tree demolished in the woods. Just a thought ;)

Thanks Dave!
It is kinda an Air Force Blue.
And
I actually come from Air Force stock, did you know?
Dad flew B-17's and then some cargo stuff when it was the Army Air Corps. He never wore the blue uniform, but those guys were Air Force pilots. And that's where I come from.
At least I made the turn back to Armee green (Except for the truck)
So, what do you need done at the property?

[dave945]

Nice looking truck, Don.  I really like that color, kind of an Air Force blue.

 If you want to test it out towing the loaded down equipment trailer, you could bring it up to the house and get the back field ready for seeding and test out your tree demolished in the woods. Just a thought ;)

Thanks Dave!
It is kinda an Air Force Blue.
And
I actually come from Air Force stock, did you know?
Dad flew B-17's and then some cargo stuff when it was the Army Air Corps. He never wore the blue uniform, but those guys were Air Force pilots. And that's where I come from.
At least I made the turn back to Armee green (Except for the truck)
So, what do you need done at the property?

Got the back field rough leveled last year, I’m going to get a lot of the larger rocks and roots picked up and smooth it out a little more before I seed it all for grass. I need to just send the kids out and tell them they can’t come back in until they clear a hundred pounds a piece of rock from the yard.

[Flyin6]

Nice looking truck, Don.  I really like that color, kind of an Air Force blue.

 If you want to test it out towing the loaded down equipment trailer, you could bring it up to the house and get the back field ready for seeding and test out your tree demolished in the woods. Just a thought ;)

Thanks Dave!
It is kinda an Air Force Blue.
And
I actually come from Air Force stock, did you know?
Dad flew B-17's and then some cargo stuff when it was the Army Air Corps. He never wore the blue uniform, but those guys were Air Force pilots. And that's where I come from.
At least I made the turn back to Armee green (Except for the truck)
So, what do you need done at the property?

Got the back field rough leveled last year, I’m going to get a lot of the larger rocks and roots picked up and smooth it out a little more before I seed it all for grass. I need to just send the kids out and tell them they can’t come back in until they clear a hundred pounds a piece of rock from the yard.

Or, rent a tractor with a rock rake.

[Flyin6]

While I'm posting, let's swap out the floor mats

I picked up Mopar rubber floor mats

[Flyin6]

Front comparo:

[Flyin6]

And the rear:

The fit is perfect!

Is this my first mod?

[Flyin6]

The fuel economy is improving.

The first tank yielded mid-16s with the fuel computer indicating low 16s.

I have been driving it steady state at 72-76 on the highway and the fuel consumption calculator is currently showing 19.1.

I want to say, now well into the second tank of fuel that it may be breaking in somewhat. It feels very smooth, not all that responsive, but super torquey. I often see the tach sitting at 1,200-1,500 RPM and frankly, unlike the Duramax, it does not feel like it needs to downshift. It has a rich well with an abundance of torque.

I am really liking this truck so far.