Literally the ONLY reviewer that has talked about the legal aspect when towing heavy loads with a heavy duty truck. Most people buying these heavy duty trucks to tow their massive RV or other heavy loads have no clue what the legal implications are when towing such massive loads.
I haul RV's and use different trucks. The engine brake on the RAM is the best. I usually don't have to use my brakes when towing for anything over 30 mph. Stoplights excepted.
@@user-Timothy1 "Anything from FCA is unreliable." Tell that to some people I know who have FCA products... A friend of mine has over 220000 miles on a 2015 Chrysler 200 in NYC (Uber) and someone that I know in NC has over 250000 miles on a Dodge Challenger. I also know another person that has 193000 miles on a 2.4L Chrysler 200. They might not be as reliable as a Toyota or Honda but there are far from what people say nowadays.
@@dchawk81 In the 4th Gen, rust is not an issue. The GM products still look like crap as they rust very quickly. After 4 chevys and 1 GMC, I went to RAM and it's the best pickup I've owned.
@@Karan-vp7uk Stoppin power is of now issue - With the exhaust brake coming to a stop is easy in towhaul mode. Full exhaust brake power down to 15mph - I have a 2018 and will only have a Ram
The new Cummins engine is really great. The transmission can be odd, so make sure you get it flashed to the latest update if you haven't already. PD diesel had a bunch of great vids on the new 2019s Ram diesels.
I had a 2010 RAM 2500 Cummins. It was constantly in the shop for something. The car rental people knew me by my first name. I must admit that RAM dealership always treated me good and fixed the numerous issues. I'd be a little hesitant to buy RAM again unless I bought the longest bumper to bumper powertrain warranty available
Just a slight correction Alex, the Ram 2500 (when equipped with the rear air suspension) has no metal coil or leaf springs at all. If it's air, that's all there is - Air. The 3500 uses a combination of lighter leafs and air when air equipped, the 2500 has bags only when air equipped.
@@james2042 You have a good point - I think the guy just doesn't know his trucks and realize for Whole Foods he needs the 14' bed and 31,000 payload of a 6500 series commercial truck. #organiclife
Don't talk about gas engines. They don't compare to diesels in any way shape or form. The suspension in the new 2019 RAM HD is updated along with the frame. The Cummins is also updated. The cab was fine in the HD and I don't find the seats uncomfortable at all.
Have to admit I'm not a truck guy. But the video is worth watching simply for the shot of the profile and Alex' college-level lecture detailing state-by-state regulations for drivers. As for the size, if I owned one I'd have to move to my garage and devote the house to being a home for the truck.
Just got home to where I could watch the second half of the vid. The truck manufacturers are making the specs for individual vehicles more accessible. GM is putting stickers on the door right next to the tire sticker with payload and towing for that vin, while ram has it on their website, you can look it up by vin and it will give you exact towing and payload. Ford has those giant charts, but those only account for stripped down base trims of whatever cab/engine config you have, and not the weight of luxuries found in the higher trims. Also GM confirmed before the end of the model year 2020 all pickups will have adaptive cruise, with the 1500 series having close to launch and estimated Q1 2019 for HD's. Fun fact the front ends of the GM trucks make them statistically different because the Silverado 1500 gets better fuel economy than the Sierra 1500, and I'm willing to bet that will carry to the HD's.
Less worried about needing a license to tow since most bros don't use these trucks for anything other than rolling coal, bro. More worried about inability to stay between lanes, keep up with interstate traffic and especially park. Would love to see a separate driving test required for anything larger than a mid-size SUV.
Hi Alex. I like your show - great insight and tech knowledge, very usefully presented. I have a question - if I want to know reliability in some numerical way for used/older cars (not initial reliability or one year of long term driving) how could I find this out? I usually have to glean it from indirect comments or sources. But I suspect most new vehicles now work well for a year, and this doesn't mean they'll work well f or 5 or 10 years.... Thanks!
Only thing that gets me about the ram is that you gotta get the transmission to get the max torque. Chevy and ford give it all to you no matter what diesel you get. Should just make the aisin standard and add a few gears to it.
I don't quite understand the utility of 'trailer blind spot monitors'? I've never seen a useable mirror setup that would push a blind spot that far back. The rearward blind spot is the point where a vehicle disappears from the mirror but is still not visible to the side. That is usually the spot just behind the cab. If you have your towing mirrors all the way out and shifted outwards so you can just see the side of your trailer, the blind spot will move backwards about 6 feet, but is still well within the range of any taillight mounted sensors.
@Alex on Autos How is the A/C in this truck, there have been some serious problems with the HVAC in the new 1500 version where the vent temps just aren't cool enough (average around 53 F in 90+F ambient temps. Can you use a thermometer and check please, thanks. Turn AC on with recirculate and a mid speed fan level and check drivers and passenger center vents. Thanks!
How exactly would you configure the 2500 to get the 4k payload? Im trying to figure this out... looking to build a truck that can haul 4k payload off road.. i do not want a dually.
I like how you said Ram 1500 is the best half ton truck yet Ford took that title and still has for it's entire F series line up for the past consecutive 38 years. I think maybe 48? Not sure, but a long time. Thus, I am not sure where you got your "ESTIMATION" on that. LOL. Cl0wn
@@LucasLeCompteMusic the actual motor will last 500k but where I live deleting will cost your license so the emissions equipment will last 50k if you're lucky.
@@LucasLeCompteMusic and with the new 7.3 from ford having over 400lbft torque at pretty much all times, the need for diesels is getting less and less.
Alex on Autos while on pickup trucks do you know why 90+% of tow trucks, vehicle recovery, chasers etc... are ford F series? then its the Silverados and the one rare dodge i see once in a blue moon?
If you get the diesel have $10K in the bank ready for emission repairs. Get an extended warranty and pray it wont break down on the highway. I am getting the 6.4.
As technical as you got, you failed at securing your load. Using ratchet straps for tieing down equipment shouldn't be used. You should have proper chains and binders. Ratchet strap arent designed for shock loads (hard breaking,acceleration and rough roads)
Needing a cdl A for a 2500 is dumb. The gov needs to create another class of license for people hauling with these trucks. Idgaf about airbreaks and some other nonsense that comes on a semi. Im driving a pickup. Make another course that doesn't require expensive schooling, and I'll go get it
I drive real heavy duty class 8 semis. Our hoods aren’t as tall as these class 3 trucks. My 14.8L engine doesn’t require ridiculous hood heights and is more maneuverable since the hood slopes. These trucks have that large up front nonsense for looks only
ZF does have a 8 speed transmission that can handle the torque of the diesels and they actually tested it on a 2015 Ram 3500 with a retrofitted dial shifter: th-cam.com/video/SDvDSDtBRIg/w-d-xo.html I wonder why they delayed it though. Maybe it wasn't ready yet...
No, we're one of the few countries that uses BOTH the metric and it's own unit system. The metric system is virtually everywhere in the US. It's in our speedometers, it's on our medicine labels, it's on our food labels, it's used for tools, it's s even officially adopted be the US government. We simply retain the Imperial based system along side the metric system because Imperial is much more practical in everyday life.
Literally the ONLY reviewer that has talked about the legal aspect when towing heavy loads with a heavy duty truck. Most people buying these heavy duty trucks to tow their massive RV or other heavy loads have no clue what the legal implications are when towing such massive loads.
Believe it or not, even the massive RVs aren't as heavy as they look. They're just ungainly which is a whole different set of problems.
RVs are exempt. Everything else you better have a CDL.
@@Nostradamus_Order33 RVs are not exempt in every state.
Dan D
Well move to a state where it is exempt, then drive through your old state and flip off the DOT as you drive in it.
I haul RV's and use different trucks. The engine brake on the RAM is the best. I usually don't have to use my brakes when towing for anything over 30 mph. Stoplights excepted.
RAM is simply making the best trucks right now!
Anything from FCA is unreliable.
@@user-Timothy1 "Anything from FCA is unreliable." Tell that to some people I know who have FCA products... A friend of mine has over 220000 miles on a 2015 Chrysler 200 in NYC (Uber) and someone that I know in NC has over 250000 miles on a Dodge Challenger. I also know another person that has 193000 miles on a 2.4L Chrysler 200. They might not be as reliable as a Toyota or Honda but there are far from what people say nowadays.
@@user-Timothy1 If it has a Cummins, the problem is going to be rust moreso than reliability.
@@dchawk81 In the 4th Gen, rust is not an issue. The GM products still look like crap as they rust very quickly. After 4 chevys and 1 GMC, I went to RAM and it's the best pickup I've owned.
Facts
Surprised you didn't talk about engine braking, that's RAMs' best feature.
Hauling a heavy weight is not the problem but STOPPING a heavy load being hauled is the bigger deal.
I learned that after trying to tow my boat with my accord...
@@Karan-vp7uk Stoppin power is of now issue - With the exhaust brake coming to a stop is easy in towhaul mode. Full exhaust brake power down to 15mph - I have a 2018 and will only have a Ram
@@steveoftexas6231 Huh?
Alex, the blind-spot monitoring on the 2500/3500s DO accommodate for a trailer, up to 30ft. The system automatically adjusts after a few turns.
Alex, what a thorough and comprehensive review with these heavy-duty models. So impressive.
I'm a simple person, I see a toysize excavator , I press LIKE.
The new Cummins engine is really great. The transmission can be odd, so make sure you get it flashed to the latest update if you haven't already. PD diesel had a bunch of great vids on the new 2019s Ram diesels.
You did an excellent review. Tons of accurate facts, no annoying fake drama or music. I am going to watch this 3 x. Thank you. I am subscribing.
Imagine if Chrysler would put this much efforts on the interior of their cars as they do with their trucks.........
I had a 2010 RAM 2500 Cummins. It was constantly in the shop for something. The car rental people knew me by my first name. I must admit that RAM dealership always treated me good and fixed the numerous issues. I'd be a little hesitant to buy RAM again unless I bought the longest bumper to bumper powertrain warranty available
@Jags yep, that's why I bought a Toyota, they still need to make a 3/4 ton
Just a slight correction Alex, the Ram 2500 (when equipped with the rear air suspension) has no metal coil or leaf springs at all. If it's air, that's all there is - Air. The 3500 uses a combination of lighter leafs and air when air equipped, the 2500 has bags only when air equipped.
2:50 This truck DOES have blindspot monitoring for the trailer. Activate and adjust in the 12" display settings.
A great era if you love trucks!
I need one, to goto whole foods. I'm talking about the 3500, not the plebian 2500.
Better get the H.O one for that duty
LOL
Why stop at the 3500 when you can get a 5500
@@james2042 You have a good point - I think the guy just doesn't know his trucks and realize for Whole Foods he needs the 14' bed and 31,000 payload of a 6500 series commercial truck. #organiclife
@@rkalla How else am I supposed to carry around this ego and knowledge of organic foods?
Don't talk about gas engines. They don't compare to diesels in any way shape or form. The suspension in the new 2019 RAM HD is updated along with the frame. The Cummins is also updated. The cab was fine in the HD and I don't find the seats uncomfortable at all.
Have to admit I'm not a truck guy. But the video is worth watching simply for the shot of the profile and Alex' college-level lecture detailing state-by-state regulations for drivers. As for the size, if I owned one I'd have to move to my garage and devote the house to being a home for the truck.
Another great thorough review, thanks Alex
That is one scary grill. I could clear a path on my daily commute with that thing.
Great review! Love the 2 tone paint & clearance lamps. Exactly how I would spec a truck.
Best ram 2500 review I’ve seen !
Just got home to where I could watch the second half of the vid. The truck manufacturers are making the specs for individual vehicles more accessible. GM is putting stickers on the door right next to the tire sticker with payload and towing for that vin, while ram has it on their website, you can look it up by vin and it will give you exact towing and payload. Ford has those giant charts, but those only account for stripped down base trims of whatever cab/engine config you have, and not the weight of luxuries found in the higher trims.
Also GM confirmed before the end of the model year 2020 all pickups will have adaptive cruise, with the 1500 series having close to launch and estimated Q1 2019 for HD's. Fun fact the front ends of the GM trucks make them statistically different because the Silverado 1500 gets better fuel economy than the Sierra 1500, and I'm willing to bet that will carry to the HD's.
My 2015 F-150 has the sticker. Pretty sure they all do nowadays.
2:00 oh my. Either hes a tiny man or that's one big truck.
You provide the best reviews, please ask Ford to let you review the new 2020 Ford Transit PASSENGER van when it becomes available!!!
That's the setup of cab and bed length I would get, but it's pretty lame they didn't just bring in the 1500 interior.
Say 1500 one more time I dare you!!🤠
Less worried about needing a license to tow since most bros don't use these trucks for anything other than rolling coal, bro. More worried about inability to stay between lanes, keep up with interstate traffic and especially park. Would love to see a separate driving test required for anything larger than a mid-size SUV.
Brodozers are the greatest.
Any idea when the 2021 2500's will be available? Interested in seeing them update to a true 5th gen interior.
Towing and payload together are very important I need both for my camper and ATV in the bed.
Hi Alex. I like your show - great insight and tech knowledge, very usefully presented.
I have a question - if I want to know reliability in some numerical way for used/older cars (not initial reliability or one year of long term driving) how could I find this out? I usually have to glean it from indirect comments or sources. But I suspect most new vehicles now work well for a year, and this doesn't mean they'll work well f or 5 or 10 years....
Thanks!
Awesome and thorough info, thank you.
The only thing I don’t like about my 4th gen ram 2500 is the payload isn’t that good
That blue colored font is very hard to read.
Only thing that gets me about the ram is that you gotta get the transmission to get the max torque. Chevy and ford give it all to you no matter what diesel you get. Should just make the aisin standard and add a few gears to it.
If 4050 pounds is the max payload, what was the payload of this particular truck?
I don't quite understand the utility of 'trailer blind spot monitors'? I've never seen a useable mirror setup that would push a blind spot that far back. The rearward blind spot is the point where a vehicle disappears from the mirror but is still not visible to the side. That is usually the spot just behind the cab. If you have your towing mirrors all the way out and shifted outwards so you can just see the side of your trailer, the blind spot will move backwards about 6 feet, but is still well within the range of any taillight mounted sensors.
Its the belt and suspenders approach
28:30 Alex, that blue font is too dark to read comfortably.
yeah i got a headache
I didn't try. Still got a headache.
A Toyota Yaris is shorter than this thing’s WHEELBASE
You can fit a smartcar in the bed
@Alex on Autos
How is the A/C in this truck, there have been some serious problems with the HVAC in the new 1500 version where the vent temps just aren't cool enough (average around 53 F in 90+F ambient temps. Can you use a thermometer and check please, thanks. Turn AC on with recirculate and a mid speed fan level and check drivers and passenger center vents. Thanks!
Es un amor Ram's ❤️👌😊
Not to start something on an old video but doesn’t the ram now have some towing features? Or is that half tons?
How many people in Europe have this truck in Europe? The word esoteric comes to mind
How exactly would you configure the 2500 to get the 4k payload? Im trying to figure this out... looking to build a truck that can haul 4k payload off road.. i do not want a dually.
I like how you said Ram 1500 is the best half ton truck yet Ford took that title and still has for it's entire F series line up for the past consecutive 38 years. I think maybe 48? Not sure, but a long time. Thus, I am not sure where you got your "ESTIMATION" on that. LOL. Cl0wn
You can get a megacab with an 8 foot bed from certain places. Also I'd take the hemi because diesels are too much of a liability these days
From the factory they dont make a mega long bed. Ppl get them custom stretched.
The Cummins will run for 500k. The hemi likes to break it's lifters. Give me the Cummins any day
@@LucasLeCompteMusic the actual motor will last 500k but where I live deleting will cost your license so the emissions equipment will last 50k if you're lucky.
@@james2042 Dang, RIP
@@LucasLeCompteMusic and with the new 7.3 from ford having over 400lbft torque at pretty much all times, the need for diesels is getting less and less.
5th gens which starts at 2019 have 8 speed transmissions not 6 speed as noted
It's the Longhorn Steakhouse edition
Alex on Autos
while on pickup trucks do you know why 90+% of tow trucks, vehicle recovery, chasers etc... are ford F series? then its the Silverados and the one rare dodge i see once in a blue moon?
Ford is very aggressive when it comes to fleet sales
@@AAutoBuyersGuide
thanks
@Thomas Chambers
thats interesting here in the tri-state its mostly ford F series. must be a regional thing
Do you have a side picture with the trailer hooked? (Just to see how ridiculously long was the setup!) That is something you can't park in my town!
The thumbnail
If you get the diesel have $10K in the bank ready for emission repairs. Get an extended warranty and pray it wont break down on the highway. I am getting the 6.4.
Cummins do not have any emissions problems, big improvements since 2008. 12 years of practice
Resale on gas is terrible, buying diesel is money in bank
@@rontopping2048: yep on money in the bank. also, I have 100k miles to NOT worry about the emissions system.
If you have a gas towing over 8 k every day. Good luck it won't last 100k especially the transmission
That is wayyy too long.. and i complain with my 6,4 bed
Whatis with the banner "Compared to other 3/4 &1/4 ton trucks" what is 1/4?
Tacoma. 😁
They do have mega cabs with an 8ft bed.
No they dont.
@@tlover94 I've seen them too. Theres also a guy who made a 3500 dually with a 14 foot bed. Does ram offer that as an option? No, they dont.
As technical as you got, you failed at securing your load. Using ratchet straps for tieing down equipment shouldn't be used. You should have proper chains and binders. Ratchet strap arent designed for shock loads (hard breaking,acceleration and rough roads)
Needing a cdl A for a 2500 is dumb. The gov needs to create another class of license for people hauling with these trucks. Idgaf about airbreaks and some other nonsense that comes on a semi. Im driving a pickup. Make another course that doesn't require expensive schooling, and I'll go get it
1000 lb-ft and it still can’t carry my MIL!!
850
I drive real heavy duty class 8 semis. Our hoods aren’t as tall as these class 3 trucks. My 14.8L engine doesn’t require ridiculous hood heights and is more maneuverable since the hood slopes. These trucks have that large up front nonsense for looks only
But they do look sooooo much better
A Ram 2500 with a MAGA cap? Sign me up! It doesn't get more American than that! 😉
The 2500/3500/4500/5500 truck is assembled in Mexico. The 1500 is assembled in Michigan.
ZF does have a 8 speed transmission that can handle the torque of the diesels and they actually tested it on a 2015 Ram 3500 with a retrofitted dial shifter: th-cam.com/video/SDvDSDtBRIg/w-d-xo.html
I wonder why they delayed it though. Maybe it wasn't ready yet...
Shouldn't that excavator be tied down with chains instead of straps?!?!?
Twenty years ago
I'm in Brasil actually! But ok..
Europe isn't the only place that uses the metric system. It's everywhere just except you guys.
We buy trucks Euros buy hatchbacks.
No, we're one of the few countries that uses BOTH the metric and it's own unit system. The metric system is virtually everywhere in the US. It's in our speedometers, it's on our medicine labels, it's on our food labels, it's used for tools, it's s even officially adopted be the US government. We simply retain the Imperial based system along side the metric system because Imperial is much more practical in everyday life.
@@skipper5951 It is not more practical in everday life at all. You are just too lazy to change that bad habit.
Nothing is more practical than a human foot.
@@Josh-nt3fo because every human foot is exactly the same size...