Anyone driving a 15 or 16, Ram 3500 diesel?

[norty1]

I'm thinking I need to forget about the short bed and narrow it down to the long. What option do they have that allows the B& W to drop right on the bed mounting?

I'm getting excited just thinking about a new truck.

[norty1]

Many I talk with say that the older Ram's had uncomfortable seats. Any one have that complaint with the new ones?

[Spanky1]

Some will have a gooseneck package already and the B&W slides into the gooseneck. Most of the ones I looked at also had the 4 hockey puck mounts in the bed too and I didn't want that. The frame cross member already has the hole for a gooseneck so I installed a B&W turnover hitch (gooseneck) myself. If you go that route it's an easy install but you will need help or use a lift to hold the gooseneck plate in place while you bolt it up. Its awkward getting it into the frame and HEAVY.
Now you have the best of both worlds, a gooseneck hitch if needed, and a place to drop in the fifth wheel hitch for trailer.

[3'senough]

The B&W Companion will not go into the factory 5th wheel prep gooseneck without mods due to the way the mount works. A friend did this mod to mount in his 2014, but it is really low now and not optimal.

They do however make a model specific for the Ram factory puck system, model RVK3600. This mounts at the 4 pucks in each corner.

I went simply with the picture frame rail adapter to continue to use my 20K Reese Elite head.

The picture frame is model RP30154.

I forget where I got it, but I got a deal on it under $190.00 with free shipping.

You cannot take the 2 out together as the rail adapter is 90 pounds alone so they must be split in the truck.

Love my seats, but they are optioned out.

[WVDusty]

Hey Norty,, my ram 3500 is a 2005 model the seats in it are comfortable on long trips as long as you remove anything from your back pants pocket. I think its the way the seat curves up on the sides to help hold you in place while driving. I even replaced the foam in mine.

[Spanky1]

The RVK3500 is what I have if you have the 3600 that's 5he one with the 4 pucks. There were issues with that model when Ram first started installing the gooseneck. They didn't have the parts available.
My seats are great (and heated) if we are going any distance from home I'll take the truck instead of any of the cars. I like my creature comforts and the ride is much better.

[NC Hauler]

I've owned a Ram 3500 crew cab, long bed 4X4/Aisin 4.10 dually in Long Horn trim for almost 3 years..at 36,500 miles its been perfect, and a towing beast...Seats are VERY comfortable...I have a 2016 3500 Dually just like my 13' on order, but with rear air assist and a few other "extra's" that they offer now...Dually gives more stability if towing on curvy, mountainous roads. The Aisin equipped Ram with the Cummins offers you max HP, (385) and TQ,(900).

GVWR for the dually is 14K, with 4.10, you have a GCWR of 37,900#.
RAWR is 9750#.

Depending on what you're going to tow, you may want to go with the 3500 SRW.. it only offers the 3.42 gearing.

The Ram is a great looking truck, inside and out... I love the truck.

Are you looking for a SRW or DRW truck? What is GVW of unit you want to tow?

I'm using an RVK3600 B&W Companion hitch...great hitch and it fits the 5er/GN package perfectly.

I towed a 39' 9" 4 slide HR 5er, loaded to 16,300# ( CAT scale weight), towed it great, just moved up to the TH in my sig and looking forward to towing it with my 16'..looking forward to trying out the rear air assist.

Jim

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by norty1

Many I talk with say that the older Ram's had uncomfortable seats. Any one have that complaint with the new ones?

I heard the same thing when I was shopping, but my seats are just fine. I have the Tradesman, so they're not adjustable, and they're still comfy for me.

When I was shopping, I was only looking at Tradesmans, and it seemed it was harder to find the short box Crew Cabs than the long box; long boxes were EVERYWHERE, short boxes were a bit of a hunt. So much so that I almost bought a long box before I found the one I wanted. The long box would have kept me out of the garage for sure, but I would have enjoyed the extra utility.

[JMC]

Seats in my 15 are great. I've done three trips in mine between Atlanta and Denver and never wished they were different. I'm a bigger guy at 6-3 and 275...

Heated seats do help, too. Even if its not that cold, I put it on the cooler of the two settings. That little bit of heat helps keep the muscles looser I think.

[NC Hauler]

Originally Posted by WVDusty

Hey Norty,, my ram 3500 is a 2005 model the seats in it are comfortable on long trips as long as you remove anything from your back pants pocket. I think its the way the seat curves up on the sides to help hold you in place while driving. I even replaced the foam in mine.

Thought I'd give you a "shout out"..I was "born and raised" in Beckley. I Left the state in 89 due to plant closure. Just wanted to say "Hey" to another West Virginian.

[Grunt]

I have the 15 Ram 3500 dually 6.7 cummins cc 4x4 and the seats are great for me and at 6-4 290 I have plenty of room.

[spoon059]

Not a 3500, but I have a 2500 CTD and LOVE it. Towed my 8500 lbs travel trailer with ease down to Florida and back. 2600 miles round trip at 68-71 mph and averaged 11.7 mpg... including heavy wind on 2 days of travel. Tached a hair over 1500 rpm's at 68-71 mph, stayed in 6th gear the entire time except for a very steep bridge on I295 east of Jacksonville Florida.

Exhaust brake did a great job of scrubbing speed for me too. We have a crew cab short bed and loved the trip!

[norty1]

I have pretty much decided that the SRW, 6.7L diesel with the Aisin tranny, CC, LB 2wd is for me. I have a 16k DrawTite hich that is on rails that I have no problems using if the rails can be can be attached to the Pucks. Sure save me buying a hitch.

I am not sure what trim pkgs are between the Tradesman and the Laramie.
Also my chart shows the rear end as 3.42:1. Is that the std diff that you get with the 2wd?

[3'senough]

Originally Posted by norty1

I have pretty much decided that the SRW, 6.7L diesel with the Aisin tranny, CC, LB 2wd is for me. I have a 16k DrawTite hich that is on rails that I have no problems using if the rails can be can be attached to the Pucks. Sure save me buying a hitch.

I am not sure what trim pkgs are between the Tradesman and the Laramie.
Also my chart shows the rear end as 3.42:1. Is that the std diff that you get with the 2wd?

You can only get one rear ratio with the SRW Cummins. Only DRW give you all three options.

Picture frame puck adapter will accept any standard rail hitch. It will increase your height by about 1.5 inches, but you will need it with the Ram bed.

Trim is all over the place, so make sure you check. You want the integrated controller and exhaust brake for sure. 2WD might limit your options at leftover or used depending on location of the US, but I am sure you can order one!

[klassic]

I read some bad things about some 2015 Ram brake controllers in that link that was posted somewhere in the forum.
If at all possible before you hand over your $$ see if you can pull your rig with it first.

I have a problem controller in my F350. I have very poor braking. Will probably have to put in an aftermarket controller. Certainly not the look I paid for.

[spoon059]

norty, sounds like you will be getting a nice truck. As classic mentioned, some people have had issues with the factory brake controller on the 3500's. Apparently their is something in the programming that limits the maximum output, not sure if that has been fixed with any of the new PCM flashes.

As stated, getting a SRW 2500 or 3500 limits you to a 3.42 rear axle ratio. I don't have any problem with that ratio towing 8500 lbs, but I can't comment on how it effects at nearly double my weights.

The Tradesman is the bottom of the line truck, but you can add options that you like and make a pretty nice truck out of it. I have a Tradesman with the popular equipment package and the chrome appearance package. I also have the Snow Chief package which adds cab clearance lights, a bigger alternator (I think) and factory auxiliary switches for lights and whatnot. I have the factory radio, which I wish was upgraded. The Tradesman does not include any ability to install factory fog lights either.

The upgraded radio, the 5.0 or the 8.0 put the backup camera on radio screen, rather than in a smaller picture on the rearview mirror. If you get a cargo camera to see a 5th wheel hitch, I believe that image would go on the 5.0 or 8.0 radio and the traditional back up camera would be sent back to the rearview mirror though.

I also found that the Tradesman lacks some adjustability in the seats, which makes mine a little less comfortable. Some of the higher trim options start to offer more adjustment options, which would make the seat way more comfortable.

I bought my 2015 used and saved a good chunk of change, so I will live with the lowest option radio and non adjustable seats. If I was buying new I would probably get an SLT or Big Horn.

[max2bob]

there is an article from diesel power magazine june,26th of 2015 on how 2015 ford f-450s and ram 3500 trucks are engineered. it explains the difference between the ram with the 68rfe and the ram with the aisin transmission. basically, engine calibrations,transmission and ring gear diameters differ. its a decent read., http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/tow...O-3PGao.emaile
good luck and have fun with your search.

[tuckerdog1]

Originally Posted by 3'senough

Norty, I went from and 03 F350 6.0 to the 14 in my sig and it's a beast. Exhaust brake, suspension, tranny and motor. Not much difference from a 15.

When I hook up, my rear squats an inch where the Ford would squat 2-3. The spring pack is significantly more that what I had. Comfort is good.

I would search out an Aisin, 5th wheel prep, preferred rear ratio and whatever trim package you desire. 14 and on have the 69 version of the Aisin which is better than the 68 version (2.0) since the drive shaft was beefed up.

If you get a vin # you can see the build sheet here to check all the specs.

Dodge - Contact Us

Go to your vehicle and equipment listing then enter the vin#.

With a 15K 5'er I would say Dually, but the SRW can handle them, just puts you close to or over the limit depending on your pin.

With the 3.43 you might hunt towing heavy.

Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps.

Thanks for the link. Entered my VIN for the build sheet. Saw something listed that may have been omitted ( by the dealer..those rats ). Waiting for a call back from RAM.

[cariboocreek]

I wouldn't get to hung up on the rear gears. My Aisin pulling 16k behind it with the 3.42 rear ratio hums along at 65 mph at about 1800 rpm getting 11 mpg. FYI the Aisin 69 was available in 2013 as an option.

Norty, get the nicest trim package that the bank, your conscience, and the dw will allow.

[Fairenatic]

I love my rig. So much torque that gear changes are few and far between. The Aisan trans is very well made and will do 500K miles or more, depending on how much you haul and the weights you pull. 18K+ pounds trailer max is more than most will ever need. The engine is a beast.

The stake bed makes loading much easier. No fussing with tail gates and throwing things over the bed sides.