1214 Ram 3500

1214 Ram 3500

An Automotive Love Affair

By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 1214 Ram 3500 Limited Mega Cab 4X4. You and I both know that, if you’re wise, you buy a vehicle for a particular need. Well, I’m just testing this truck, but I’m convinced that when I need a big truck, like this Ram, it would have to be for use in a large area environment. That became vividly clear when I had to visit UCLA for a lecture. There are few places where this size truck is easily maneuvered – one of those places is “Home, home on the range, where the deer and the buffalo roam”. One of those places where it is not at home is clearly the UCLA campus and parking facilities. First, I was able to find a parking area underground and carefully entered the structure checking to see if it cleared the entry way… Just barely. Second, I was lucky to find two empty spaces next to each other, a feat, in itself. It was necessary to use both spaces to house this behemoth.

On the other hand, if you need to move a house or whatever, by all means, this is the truck you’ll want. Running to the store for milk, not so much.

General Information:

The 1500 & 2500 are made in Saltillo, Mexico, all others are made in Warren, Michigan; Classification is Heavy Duty Vehicles; Vehicles from RAM: ProMaster Cab Chassis, Promaster Cargo van, Promaster City, Promaster Cutaway and Promaster Window Van; RAM 1500, 2500, 3500 Chassis Cab, 3500 pickup and 4500 Chassis Cab.

Handling & Performance:

Handling is not a problem on the highway. I’ve tested a 40’ Motorhome and large vehicles handle very well on the open road.

This Ram is super-fast and on the Crest Test over the Angeles National Forest road North of Los Angeles, it proved to be surprisingly agile.

Styling:

I really like the sculpted rear fenders but overall it is the look of ‘tough’ and ‘rugged’ that sets it apart from the rest.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Cost:

Special vehicles usually cost more. In this case, it is also loaded with great features so that explains the high cost of this test vehicle.

Conveniences and comfort:

Loaded and super comfortable driving.

Consumer Recommendations:

Some would say I’m biased because I’ve owned an earlier version of this truck and now someone gave me a 2011 Ford F350 so I think I can say I have first-hand experience with both brands to make an informed decision on which is best. Ram has my endorsement. Some may remember I had a 2007 Ford F350, I wrote about, before I got this 2011. I had to spend $5,000 on the 2007 to fix the 6.0-liter design defect on the EGR Cooler. The aftermarket Bullet Proof fix worked but Ford should have paid for poor design. I wasn’t a happy camper.

So, you ask, why did I get another F350? Only one reason – it was a Gift. Wanna buy one? Make me an offer.

Recognized Competition:

Ram 3500 Mega Cab $65,000, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 $59,000, GMC Sierra 3500 $69,000, Ford F350 Super Duty $65,000.

Good News:

A great workhorse. And speaking of horses, you can carry tons of hay. But it is also elegant, comfy and good on long drives.

Bad News:

Pricey.

Standard Equipment:

6.7 liter Inline 6 Cummins turbo diesel engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, front, side and side curtain airbags, park sense and rear park assist system, rear back up camera, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, stability control, anti-spin differential rear axle, trailer brake control, remote keyless entry, sentry key theft deterrent system, cruise control, power chrome trailer tow mirrors with power fold away, power windows, remote start system, dual zone climate control, Uconnect with 8.4 Nav.

Options: Limited Package $3,700: Adjustable cargo tie down hooks, bed cargo divider / extender, 115 volt aux power outlet, 20” aluminum wheels, auto high beam, heated second row seats, heated steering wheel, Keyless enter, chrome body side molding, leather bucket seats, power 10-way driver seat with memory and 6-way passenger seat, rain sensitive wipers, cargo management system, 60/40 split folding seat, steering wheel mounted audio controls, ventilated front seats, wheel to wheel side steps, wood / leather wrapped steering wheel.

Other options totaling $17,775: Transfer case skid plate, 5th Wheel/ gooseneck towing prep group, tri-fold tonneau cover, upgraded transmission and Cummins turbo diesel engine with diesel exhaust brake, Ram Active Air, rear window defroster, power sunroof, cargo view camera, CD player, rear air suspension, dual rear wheels, Chrome tubular side steps and clearance lamps.

Gas Stats:

$3.75/ Gal avg. Diesel December 8, 2017

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Heavy Duty Vehicle designation means that no numbers are required to be reported. Research shows the average to be about13 mpg.

Pricing:
MSRP $81,900.