2019 Ram Trucks 1500 Classic Tradesman 3.6L Pentastar

Summary:

Best value for the budget minded

Faults:

Nothing yet. Here are some helps for RAM 3.6L buyers. First, ALL of these have soft camshafts and rocker arms that have needle style bearings. Over time if you develop lifter noise, have the rocker arms replaced. You might end up needing a camshaft. There are four of them as this is a DOHC engine.

If you get the 3.6L you can avoid the E-torque system. Your vehicle will have an alternator instead of the e-torque system on low end models. The e-torque system parts are $2900 + labor so avoid it. Other issues for the 3.6L include the oil cooler which also holds the oil filter with a spin-on cap. Over-tightening the cap will likely cause a crack in the plastic oil cooler to leak more oil than a wildcat oil strike. Only tenderly gently install the filter cap. If you don't do your own oil changes you are going to have sleepless nights wondering if they over-tightened the filter cap.

The worst feature I found is the back seat on my four door extended cab truck. It is very uncomfortable for normal height adults. I can't stand it, and storage under the seat (which you CANNOT remove) is a cruel joke.

Still this was the best value for a full sized truck. Bed is 76 inches. The 17 inch wheels permit larger brakes that seem more than adequate. I didn't need 20 inch wheels and I didn't need to spend fifty grand. I got this one near end of the year in Oklahoma for $21,500 plus TTF. The truck has more than held its value. The truck is otherwise large and comfortable, and weighs in at 4,950 pounds. Adding in the after-market running boards, window tint, custom floor mats and tailgate strut, it's right at 5,000 pounds.

Fuel economy is suspect, yeah, you can get 25 mpg highway but that's empty. Carry a little weight in the bed and you'll probably drop that by 2-3 mpg. Still it's a great truck and we feel confident and safe on the highways. Where else are you going to get 25 mpg on a 5,000 pound truck? The engine produces 305 horsepower and is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. We have found this to be smooth and easy shifting.

Paint is great; ours is "gun-barrel metallic" kind of a black, gray, blue, seats appear and feel right. I strongly recommend the "chrome" package which gives you chrome bumpers, magnesium alloy wheels and plasti-chrome grill.

We shopped the country for the best deal... we found it in Oklahoma. The suspension seems adequate although the front seems a little washboard-ish if you hit a pothole or bump. After-market shocks might help, but it's not concern enough for me to feel compelled address the issue. I expect to get 200,000 trouble free miles without any additional investment in this vehicle. And, surprise, surprise(!) there's plenty of room under the hood, and maintenance replacement items like the serpentine belt and pulley tensioner should be easy.

One final area that I am not knowledgeable about is the electric steering, an expensive fix if it should fail, but everything today is expensive and like every other truck out there, if you abuse it enough, it will break. You just should not have to pay because of shoddy workmanship or defects in design. Happy Motoring!

General Comments:

Pros: size, fuel economy, cost of operation, truck bed, touring.

Cons: 3.6L Pentastar motor, back seat, under seat storage.

Overall though: Highly recommended for the average driver.

A best value for the price!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2020

13th Dec 2020, 00:07

"rocker arms" on a DOHC engine? Is that amazing or what?

28th Oct 2022, 22:59

They must have meant tappets.

2013 Ram Trucks 1500 5.7 Hemi

Summary:

Awesome. Great performance and style

Faults:

Battery had to be replaced after about 1 year of owning, 4 years after new.

General Comments:

Love it. Yeah, the ride of Chrysler 300, performance of a Dodge Charger, and a bed to carry whatever you need and a hitch to pull around 10000 lbs. Also looks great and sounds great.

Gas mileage is not awesome, but it’s a 5300 lb truck with 400 hp. Set your priorities before buying. If gas mileage isn’t super important and comfort and performance is, this is definitely the truck for you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd October, 2019