Posted 2010-04-14 3:06 PM (#118823) Subject: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
OK so I have been looking at new trucks and settled on the Ram 3500 Crew Cab SRW. I found one locally but it was a short bed. We haul a 4H GN trailer most weekends all summer (truck is dedicated tow vehicle/hay hauler) so I really want a long bed truck. After much searching we finally worked out a deal with our local Dealership on a truck they could get for us in Ohio (300miles or so away). We went to go pickup the truck last night and found a problem so we left it at the dealership- the mileage (MPG) showing on the computer was very low, showing a 10MPG average. I reset the system thinking it was just the truck was demo'd and idled a lot, hence the low MPG. On our test drive I averaged only 13.8 MPG. Now this seems very low, especially considering in our searching we have driven 4 other Ram Diesel trucks with the same engine/trans and all got between 17-20 on the computer. The short bed truck I even brought home one night to check clearance on the trailer and put 100 miles on the truck with a 17.9 average including a lot of stop and go traffic. The long bed truck just doesn't seem right and checking the diesel forums a lot of folks are getting these good numbers on the new Dodge, but enough are getting the low numbers to make me very cautious about this truck.Should I just go with the short bed truck that has more of the equipment we want (besides bed length) and get a GN adapter to give me the 4" of clearance I need for tight corners? I had the dealership check out the long bed truck and they found nothing wrong- claiming it needs break-in time. This truck has about the same mileage as several others we drove, and more than some and the computer was showing about 25% or more less mileage...So confused on a 45K decision and wanted a place to vent.We put $1500 down on the long bed truck and now are not sure we want it...
Posted 2010-04-14 3:21 PM (#118824 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
Well I cant advise on the milage but I can tell you I owned a short bed Dodge 4 door 2500 truck prior to the Dodge 4 door 3500 DRW I have now and I will NEVER EVER own another short bed truck. I hated it hooking up. There is no room to manuever around in the bed hooking hitch and chains and such. No room for a generator, extra spare tire for long trips, tools, etc etc. Much less turning radius. In short for someone that USES a truck, they are just about useless. I cant say I am glad I wrecked it, but I sure dont miss that short bed.
Posted 2010-04-14 3:24 PM (#118825 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
Hmmm I didnt mean to make a pun but saying "in short". LOL And forgot to clarify my dually is a long bed. I think you only get the short bed dually in the mega cab model. Just my .02
Posted 2010-04-14 3:26 PM (#118826 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
See we have had our 2500 long bed for 3.5 years now and want more space in the cab (quad cab is small) and the extra pulling power of the diesel. I don't really need to get vastly improved mileage, but don't want to go backwards either.Our current 5.7 Hemi (2006 2500 4X4) gets about 19 HWY and 12 in town empty. With the trailer loaded I get about 8 on the Highway and about the same in town (mostly because the town part of hauling is as short as possible!).I love our truck, but the warranty is up and my son is now 5 years old and neither of us liked getting our seats kicked on 5 hour trips...
Posted 2010-04-14 3:29 PM (#118827 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
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Posts: 104
I drive a dodge 3500drw. I would not trust the computer. Mine was very accurate, then they did an update to the computer and my mileage readout jumped 2mpg, but when you figure actual mileage it was the same as it used to be. Bottom line, the computer mileage is not always accurate. I average about 15mpg not towing, and 10mpg pulling lq trailer.
Posted 2010-04-14 3:34 PM (#118828 - in reply to #118827) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
Originally written by ND COWBOY on 2010-04-14 3:29 PM
I drive a dodge 3500drw. I would not trust the computer. Mine was very accurate, then they did an update to the computer and my mileage readout jumped 2mpg, but when you figure actual mileage it was the same as it used to be. Bottom line, the computer mileage is not always accurate. I average about 15mpg not towing, and 10mpg pulling lq trailer.
What year is your DRW? Just wondering because the mileage seems about right for a 2007-2008- the '09 is supposed to do a bit better and the '10 even better still...The mileage on my 2500 is pretty dead on, although mine (knock on wood) has never been to the shop since we have owned it besides the body shop for a fender bender.
Posted 2010-04-15 9:35 AM (#118859 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: MT
I drive a Ford short box and love it..also have ford long box. But I have found no problems manuvering with a 28 foot trailer or longer just have to be careful. Some people don't like short box cause they can't turn a trailer around in one circle, well thats why they made a gear called reverse so you can back up and go forward to turn. Granted maybe a short bed dodge is different but I love my Ford short box.
Posted 2010-04-15 10:03 AM (#118866 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by statzk on 2010-04-14 3:06 PM
OK so I have been looking at new trucks and settled on the Ram 3500 Crew Cab SRW. I found one locally but it was a short bed. We haul a 4H GN trailer most weekends all summer (truck is dedicated tow vehicle/hay hauler) so I really want a long bed truck. After much searching we finally worked out a deal with our local Dealership on a truck they could get for us in Ohio (300miles or so away). We went to go pickup the truck last night and found a problem so we left it at the dealership- the mileage (MPG) showing on the computer was very low, showing a 10MPG average. I reset the system thinking it was just the truck was demo'd and idled a lot, hence the low MPG. On our test drive I averaged only 13.8 MPG. Now this seems very low, especially considering in our searching we have driven 4 other Ram Diesel trucks with the same engine/trans and all got between 17-20 on the computer. The short bed truck I even brought home one night to check clearance on the trailer and put 100 miles on the truck with a 17.9 average including a lot of stop and go traffic. The long bed truck just doesn't seem right and checking the diesel forums a lot of folks are getting these good numbers on the new Dodge, but enough are getting the low numbers to make me very cautious about this truck.QUOTE]
Ok, you stated "NEW" are you talking about new to you or an actual NEW truck? Also I did not see what engine and transmission you are talking about either, all will make a difference.
The new Dodge (diesel)trucks will get SORRY mileage to start with and it this is a new or newer model and is on a lot and just started and run and not driven the overhead will show REAL low numbers. However most or always off one way or the other.
The overhead on my 07 Dodge (befofe the mods) would show anywhere from 12.? to 15 unloaded driving down the hwy, 12 to 13 in town and 8 to 11 at an idle and the real numbers avg. of all 3 was 13ish.... Now since it runs right the overhead shows 17ish+ in town, 19ish to 23 on the hwy and 15 at an idle then when I hand figure the avg. I am getting 18ish (depending on how I drive) if I use the cruise as mush as possible set at 70 on the hwy my avg goes up to almost 20. My truck has the 6.7 motor, auto tranny and 4.10 gear....
Let me know what the truck has and I can give you and idea on what the real numbers will be.
Posted 2010-04-15 10:25 AM (#118868 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
HTB-Thanks! This is a NEW 2010 Ram 3500, and according to Dodge the new trucks get 25% better fuel economy than the older (pre-2009) 6.7. There is no engine option on the new trucks, all 3500s have the 6.7 Cummins. Trans will be an auto 6 speed (only auto trans available). I have been looking for one with 4.10 gears but both I have settled on have 3.73.I know on my 2500 hand calculating the mileage is pretty dead even with the overhead. The new trucks do not have an overhead, it is actually on the dash. All of the other trucks (including one loaner that I put 100 miles on) were showing 17+ MPG on the computer. This last truck was showing 10MPG and when I reset it and did a 10 mile test drive, on the highway using cruise control @ 55MPH it showed an average of 14.5 MPG. That just doesn't seem right. This truck is also SRW vs. the dually on the loaner(SRW should get about 1MPG better).~K
Posted 2010-04-15 11:48 AM (#118876 - in reply to #118868) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by statzk on 2010-04-15 10:25 AM
HTB-Thanks! This is a NEW 2010 Ram 3500, and according to Dodge the new trucks get 25% better fuel economy than the older (pre-2009) 6.7. There is no engine option on the new trucks, all 3500s have the 6.7 Cummins. Trans will be an auto 6 speed (only auto trans available). I have been looking for one with 4.10 gears but both I have settled on have 3.73.I know on my 2500 hand calculating the mileage is pretty dead even with the overhead. The new trucks do not have an overhead, it is actually on the dash. All of the other trucks (including one loaner that I put 100 miles on) were showing 17+ MPG on the computer. This last truck was showing 10MPG and when I reset it and did a 10 mile test drive, on the highway using cruise control @ 55MPH it showed an average of 14.5 MPG. That just doesn't seem right. This truck is also SRW vs. the dually on the loaner(SRW should get about 1MPG better).~K
10 miles is not long enough to reset the calibration on these trucks.. Been there done that! The dual wheels is really not that big of a deal. My has dual wheel and the man next door has a single wheel 2500 and mine gets better mileage than his. Don't ask me how it just does. His has the 6.7 engine, 6 speed auto and 4.10 gears but mine weighs more......Again just a difference in driving habbits.
I have drove a few of the 10 models with and without dual wheels around here and all of them was same engine, trans and ratios but different fuel mileage on all of them. The first 10 to 15-k miles will be bad on any new truck. I was going to trade mine in but the cab n chassis new body style will not be out until mid summer.
As far as the 4.10 gears in a new one they will be few and far between unless you go to the cab n chassis model. This is all part of the EPA mess and trying to meet fuel mileage requirments accross the board. So now I thnk the only way to get 4.10's in a regular truck is to order it. 3.73's and 3.42's is how most dealers order new trucks now.
I would say go back and drive that truck another 50 miles or so and see what happens then. Wait to rest the computer until you get going and set the cruise somewhere around 65. I have noticed on mine that anywhere between 62 to 70 it gets the best mileage. If I get above or below that mark it goes haywire.
Posted 2010-04-15 12:29 PM (#118881 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
Thanks again for the good info!I am going to go drive that truck again tonight. I do prefer the long bed, but the short bed has the color and interior options we want... So frustrating, because I would order one but they can't guarantee the 1.9% financing will still be around in 8-12 weeks...~K
Posted 2010-04-15 12:58 PM (#118883 - in reply to #118881) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Yeap, thats sorry.... But that is how dealerships drag people in..... Have you searched yourself to see what you can find?
If not go to dodge.com and it will give you an option to search dealers after you click a product. Try doing a search within so many miles of your location just to see for yourself. That is how I found my 07 when I bought it. Everyone close to me wanted to either sell me a truck on the lot with a bed I did not need or the wrong color, so I searched and found the right color and a dealer that would install the bed I wanted but they was 4 hours away. Worth the drive!
Posted 2010-04-15 3:06 PM (#118894 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
That is the problem- I have searched Dodge.com but it only gives consumers the option to search 200 miles away- dealerships can search up to 400 miles (and I would prefer to deal with a local dealer for warranty or other issues). My problem is I had a truck brought in and it isn't right- now the dealer wants me to buy it anyway. I never signed anything, but did give a $1500 deposit that I do not want to lose...My boss (who has been in business for 66 years and buys several trucks a year) said not to buy it and make them get me a different truck... I'm not sure they will get me a second one.
Posted 2010-04-15 5:03 PM (#118900 - in reply to #118894) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
If it is NOT right then DO NOT BUY IT! Contact the actual General Manager and go straight to the top. The sales people are only out for 1 thing, to make another sale!
The warranty on any Dodge truck can be done at ANY Dodge dealer, the dealer can not tell you that he will not warranty that truck because you did not buy from him. Same as my truck, I bought it in Tulsa, Ok and live in Decatur, Texas and all of my warranty work is done here local. With no questions!
Posted 2010-04-15 11:39 PM (#118906 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Member
Posts: 16
Location: United States
Get the one you want the first time or you will regret it later like me. I should have bought a Dodge 2500 or 3500 instead I bought a 1500. Now I am limited to the wieght I can pull.
Posted 2010-04-19 10:26 AM (#119018 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
Well the new truck dilemma continues-Went into the dealership on Friday night so my wife could drive the long bed truck. She didn't like it and noticed a lack of power (as well as horrible gas mileage). When I drove it I Thursday babied it (like I do my truck) so I hadn't noticed the lack of power, and got the mileage up to 17MPG. It did not have anywhere near the power of any of the other trucks we drove- 650lb of torque and it would not spin the rear wheels at all?!?! On a different test drive (the SB truck) my wife broke the tires loose on accident- she tried on this other truck and it would not at all. We decided then we were 100% not getting that truck. Told the dealership we were not happy with the truck (and the new issue we found, and the mileage was still only showing 14MPG after her driving) and we wanted our deposit back. They said the office was closed so they could not get a check cut (it was 30 minutes before closing at 8:30PM). So I went back in on Saturday to get our deposit back and the salesman I have been dealing with said that is not going to happen. He said chalk it up as an expensive lesson. I grew quite irate and rather than kick his a$$ I left (10 years ago I would have punched him and went to jail...). They told us that the deposit was theirs to keep because they brought this truck in for us, even though I specifically asked about that when I gave them the deposit. The same jack-a$$ salesman assured me we would not have to buy the truck and could get our deposit back if the truck wasn't right. The salesman also told us they do not charge to bring in vehicles from other dealerships, saying it was the cost of doing business because they didn't have any we wanted.I was so mad I had my wife talk to them (I would have just ended up swearing at them). They told her that because I said I liked the truck we had to buy it, even though she hates it. They claim it would be different if we both did not like it. I never noticed the lack of power until my wife drove it- I would have had no problem buying the truck if we didn't think there was something wrong with this one...We never signed anything when I put down the deposit- what should I do? My wife's attorney (well not really "hers" but she trains a horse for an attorney she called and asked about it). The attorney said certainly do not buy the truck, send a certified letter requesting our deposit back and copy the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division (after opening a case with them). If that fails to get us our deposit it will give us all the proof we need for small claims court.What do you all think? At this point given the run-around we have gotten I don't want to buy a truck from them even if it was perfect.Any and all opinions please!
Posted 2010-04-19 10:50 AM (#119019 - in reply to #119018) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by statzk on 2010-04-19 11:26 AM
The attorney said certainly do not buy the truck, send a certified letter requesting our deposit back and copy the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division (after opening a case with them). If that fails to get us our deposit it will give us all the proof we need for small claims court.What do you all think? At this point given the run-around we have gotten I don't want to buy a truck from them even if it was perfect.Any and all opinions please!
Do exactly as your attorney has suggested. If there was no paperwork involved, there was no contract or "meeting of the minds", so the dealer's claim is bogus. Don't even talk to the dealer from now on unless advised to by your attorney. You may say or do something to jeopardize your case.
Posted 2010-04-19 11:12 AM (#119023 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
I agree, but go straight to the top, DO NOT mess or even talk to the saleman again. The dealer should have cut you a check right then and there no matter what time it was. The check book never closes and the pens always write.....
Keep any letters you send them and also if and when you return take another person with you as a witness on your behalf.
The sorry saleman is just madd because he already had his money spent.
Posted 2010-04-19 12:03 PM (#119024 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
Thanks guys!I am not some tire kicker out to waste anyone's time (as the salesman called me)- we WILL be buying a new Dodge soon, but certainly not from these guys. Our attorney said there is no signed contract (and if there was then we could be out our deposit the amount the dealer can prove they spent on transporting the truck, but we still would not have to buy the vehicle).I am in the process of writing a letter to the dealership as well as the Indiana Attorney General Consumer Affairs Division (I called them and they agree with the attorney on course of action). The complaint to the AG will accompany my letter to the dealership demanding a refund in 24 hours.If it goes to small claims court we can ask for 3X the amount of the check to cover the hassles so they should write a check...
Posted 2010-04-19 1:17 PM (#119027 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
>> Update as the dealership just called me asking if we are still coming in to sign the papers tonight as my wife had said if we have to buy the truck to get our $1500 back we will buy the truck (that was Saturday when she was on the phone with them). Now I told the sales manager we would not be buying the truck after consulting an attorney and will be requesting our deposit back in writing. He told me that the fees to bring the truck in would be more than the $1500 and we would owe them if we went to court. I believe he is just blowing smoke but my wife is ready to cave and buy it tonight to save the aggravation of going to court if it comes to that...
Posted 2010-04-19 4:07 PM (#119033 - in reply to #119027) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by statzk on 2010-04-19 2:17 PM
I believe he is just blowing smoke but my wife is ready to cave and buy it tonight to save the aggravation of going to court if it comes to that...
If they are gong to treat you like this now, how will you be treated when your truck needs servicing? Is it too late to put a stop payment on your check?
DO NOT buy that truck from that dealer. LISTEN to what your attorney and AG have suggested.
Posted 2010-04-19 4:26 PM (#119034 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
Thanks Gard. That was actually our first clue that something was amiss with the dealership. They waited until the day after the check cleared to call us and tell us the truck was coming in in two days.I have already filed a complaint with the AG (very nice online form to do it). My letter to the dealership is written and will be mailed tomorrow via certified return receipt mail requesting a refund be mailed within 24 hours. This really sucks and has caused much stress and aggravation. Now I know why the attorney suggested if we have to file with small claims double the amount of the check you are requesting.
Posted 2010-04-20 10:36 AM (#119063 - in reply to #118823) Subject: RE: New Ram 3500-
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
Thanks again everyone for your advice! I filed a complaint with the AG yesterday and today I sent a certified letter w/ return receipt asking for my deposit back in full within 5 business days.I have all the paperwork printed out for the County Small Claims Court, hope it doesn't come to that but I am prepared to if I must.Here is the letter I sent to the dealership, names and addresses removed for internet safe viewing. If the owner does not respond in time I will make the name of this dealership available to the public. DEALERSHIP NAME AND ADDRESSDear OWNER OF DEALERSHIP.I am writing to formally request a refund of the deposit I left on a truck (new 2010 Ram 3500) on April 7th, 2010. This deposit was for a truck we were interested in purchasing, and were assured by your salesperson Randy that the deposit was refundable and that there was absolutely no cost to us for bringing the vehicle in from another dealership for us to review and hopefully purchase. We were nervous about putting a deposit down on a vehicle sight-unseen, but assumed since it was a new truck it would be fine, especially considering the business we have done with your dealership in the past and the assurances we were given. We were dissatisfied with the vehicle after several test drives and requested a refund of our deposit on Friday night April 16th. We were told at that time that no one was available to cut a check as it was nearly closing time and to come back the following day to get our refund. On Saturday April 17th I returned to your dealership and was informed by Randy that getting a refund would not be possible and that it should serve as an expensive lesson to me. I lost my temper and left the dealership very angry. My wife telephoned the dealership and spoke with Frank, I believe he is the sales manager. He informed her that the deposit was forfeit unless we purchased the truck. My wife informed Frank that she did not want the truck but we could not afford to be out $1500 with nothing to show for it so if we had to we would purchase the vehicle. This withholding of our deposit in an effort to force us into a truck we do not want and are dissatisfied with is unacceptable, especially when we were assured our deposit was refundable.After getting off the phone my wife and I discussed the matter with an attorney who informed us of our rights to a refund under Indiana law. All deposits for vehicles are implied to be 100% refundable unless explicitly stated they are not refundable on the receipt or contract. As we have signed no contract or order for this vehicle and the receipt clearly does not have anything about being non-refundable, and we did not purchase the vehicle I would like the refund to which we are entitled. I have already filed a complaint with the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. A copy of that complaint is attached. Please send a complete refund of the $1500 deposit to my address within 5 business days of receiving this letter or I will be forced to file a small claims litigation case against you and your dealership. Sincerely,MY NAME AND ADDRESSEnc: AG complaint, copy of receipt for deposit
New Ram 3500-
