Bionic Man
USA
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Joined: 04/03/2009
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So my 2012 RAM 3500 was in the shop for two weeks with a P0420 CEL. Turns out that it had to do with a cat, and the part was on back order, not scheduled for release until late August.
I spoke with two technicians about the likelihood of it being troublefree between now and then, and was less than reassured by both of their responses - “maybe, but if it collapses on itself the truck will not have enough power to move far on its own”. Looked into aftermarket options, but I live in an emissions testing county and the great state of Colofornia will not allow any non OEM parts for emissions compliance.
With a 3000 mile round trip pulling the RV was literally a day away, I quickly went on a new truck search. I can tell you from my experience, there is still a significant shortage.
I used the RAM build a truck site, and searched a 100 mile radius from
Denver. My criteria was pretty simple. RAM 3500, HO engine, crew cab, Laramie or better trim, 50 gallon fuel tank, 5th wheel prep package. I was open to 2022 or 2023 trucks. My search only resulted in a very small handful of trucks available (if I was open to Tradesman trim, options would have been much better). I then started calling dealers to see who was willing to sell on the EP program for a truck on the lot, and that narrowed my choices much further.
Found a dealer 100 miles away that had a truck that met the criteria (Laramie trim, technology group with adaptive cruise and the advanced tow package in a long bed). I left the house at about 1000 am, did the paperwork (which took much longer than I thought it should) drove it to an RV dealer near home, getting there about 30 minutes before they closed), picked up a new Anderson ultimate hitch that uses the goose neck in the prep package), hitched the trailer, and headed towards Portland.
We drove over 1300 miles in a day and a half, all around the Portland area, and then back in two days. Here are my observations.
Without question, this is the biggest upgrade I’ve ever experienced in a vehicle. There simply is no comparison between my 2012 and this 2023. Out trip took us up I80 to I84. While there are not any hills like I70, we still encountered some grades, although you hardly knew it with the Cummins/Aisin. It’s simply impressive.
Love all the cameras and the adaptive cruise. Wish I could have got massaging seats. I also miss my auxiliary fuel tank. Even with my relatively small 12,000 pound trailer, stability in the old DRW was better (especially when we encountered winds around the Columbia gorge). I still am happy we got a SRW - it’s nice to run it through a car wash instead of hand washing.
I am sure I have some upgrades in the near future. I put running boards on the truck on Sunday. Clear bra and window tint Thursday. Probably need air bags and maybe bigger tires. Who knows what else.
My anticipation was to keep my last truck for another 100,000 + miles, but so far I have no regrets that I was forced to upgrade.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/tJjRsA6l.jpg)
2012 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn DRW CC 4x4 Max Tow, Cummins HO, 60 gallon RDS aux fuel tank, Reese 18k Elite hitch
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 QC SB 4x4 Cummins HO NV5600 with Smarty JR, Jacobs EB (sold)
2002 Gulf Stream Sea Hawk 29FRB with Honda EV6010
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garyp4951
TN
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Joined: 12/06/2010
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Congrats looks great.
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FishOnOne
The Great State of Texas
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Joined: 02/12/2011
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Congrats on the new truck and probably a good thing avoiding the '22 models... Installing a clear liner on the painted bumper is a good decision
* This post was
edited 05/16/23 07:19am by FishOnOne *
'12 Ford Super Duty FX4 ELD CC 6.7 PSD 400HP 800ft/lbs "270k Miles"
'16 Sprinter 319MKS "Wide Body"
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rhagfo
Portland, OR
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Joined: 07/06/2012
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I am sure that time was a limiting factor in the 100 mile search radius, you might have had better results with a larger radius.
It still looks like your did very well, nice truck!
Russ & Paula the Beagle Belle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Aisin DRW 4X4 Long bed.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS, 32' GVWR 12,360#
"Visit and Enjoy Oregon State Parks"
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MFL
Midwest
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Joined: 11/28/2012
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Nice looking, well matched rig!
You shouldn't really need airbags, or bigger tires? Larger tires on truck, will make rig more nose high, as will the lift from the airbags.
Glad you are enjoying the new upgrade,
Jerry
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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Too early to regret what's missing. You just got the truck and are in the honeymoon phase, where you get to ACCESSORIZE! ![[emoticon]](https://forums.goodsamclub.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
Putting 10-ply tires on half ton trucks since aught-four.
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Cummins12V98
on the road
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Joined: 06/03/2012
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12k RV and needing air bags on a 3500, I sure hope NOT!!!
Better not need bigger tires as those carry more than you need.
Nice truck!
2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"
"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600
2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable
2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD
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Bionic Man
USA
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Joined: 04/03/2009
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It settles 2 1/4” with the RV on the truck. It is enough that some oncoming drivers were flashing their lights. Would have got the air suspension if I ordered the truck.
Bigger tires are for aesthetics. They won’t be huge but I’ve never been a fan of stock size.
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FishOnOne
The Great State of Texas
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Wish my '12 forced me to upgrade. A couple of weeks ago had a new windshield installed and front brake pads/rotors turned at the Ford dealer. A week later the engine light conveniently came on, so stopped by the local O'Reily parts store to acquire code and got the DEF heater failure. They quoted ~$350 for a Dorman part so now I will need to decide to replace it myself(Motorcraft part only), take it to a shop, run it as is until winter or purchase a new truck. ![[emoticon]](https://forums.goodsamclub.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
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Cummins12V98
on the road
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Bionic Man wrote:It settles 2 1/4” with the RV on the truck. It is enough that some oncoming drivers were flashing their lights. Would have got the air suspension if I ordered the truck.
Bigger tires are for aesthetics. They won’t be huge but I’ve never been a fan of stock size.
You want the truck to set "LEVEL" and ride on the overloads. Yes I get flashed at times but oh well! I set 55" top rear bed to ground with factory rear air. LOVE it!!!
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