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View Full Version : Sorta OT: Gloat - and a Big 'un



Rob Russell
10-30-2003, 9:14 PM
I know this isn't really a new power tool - but it does carry a "HP rating" so I figured I could weasel it in.

I've never had a new car. Everything I've had has always been bought about a year old and then driven for a long time. My last daily driver was a Pontiac that I drove for 13 years and to 140K miles. I've been driving my current car for 11+ years and have 110K+ miles on it. I'm not complaining about that - we just keep our cars a long time rather than buy a new one very few years. Still, last Saturday I picked up my first new "car" - the Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Quad cab, long-bed pickup shown in the picture.

It's the Laramie edition. For Ford or GMC folks, that's like the Lariat or Denali edition. About the only thing it doesn't have are heated seats or a moonroof. Other than that - leather, power everything, fog lights, CD-changer, skid plates, tow receiver, sport package, etc. I had a Rhino-Liner sprayed in rather than use the standard drop in bed liner. I'm researching hard tonneau covers. I get the "functionality" vote on the cover - SWMBO gets the "is it pretty?" vote on it. Actually, we ended up with the Ram for several reasons because of her. The 4 "real" doors make it easier for her to get stuff in and out of the backseat. The Ram Quad Cab long-bed also looks better than the new Ford, in her opinion. The 2004 F-150, in the SuperCab with long bed, forces you to take the "Payload Group" option that increases load capacity to a whopping 2200 lbs., but it also means stiffer springs that raise the whole body about 2" so you can see all the guts underneath.

As far as I see it - any of the American manufacturer trucks would have done what I need. The 8' bed will be great for bringing lumber back from the WoodMizer dude for the house projects. 4-wheel drive will make those snowy days an easier drive to and from work. I'll still drive my other car most of the time, with the snow tires, but on the really messy days I'll take the truck.

Oh - one other point. "That thang got a Hemi?"

Yep :-). Fun to drive factor is high!

Thanks for letting me gloat.

Rob

Dennis Peacock
10-30-2003, 9:29 PM
Conrats Rob!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know how you are feeling. I have owned two new cars in my entire life. Mostly can't afford new and almost had a "kuh-niption" fit when I had to pay $12K for a Nissan Sentra.....I priced a new truck but $30K is w-a-y out of my league. I hate having car payments and I do my best to not have a payment on a vehicle. If I have a payment, it will be as little of a payment as possible and I will pay that sucker off as early as I can.

I am very happy for you and your new purchase and ride........

Joe Suelter
10-30-2003, 11:39 PM
Man, I'm envious! That is a purty truck! I have a '99 Dodge 4x4 with the 360. Now that the wife & I are talking kids, the x-cab option is looking pretty good. B'sides, I WANT A HEMI too!!!!!! I've owned/driven just about every type of truck out there, and I wouldn't trade my Dodge for nothin'. (Not that Chevy & Ford and the others aren't good, I just like the Dodge, IMHO)!. Except maybe a new one like that! Seriously though, congratulations on the score, Rob.

Tyler Howell
10-31-2003, 12:20 AM
[She'll pass anything but a gas station.

Enjoy

TJH

Ron Meadows
10-31-2003, 6:34 AM
Rob,

Congrats on the new toy, er truck. I've had mine since Feb 2 of this year. You're gonna love it!!

Don't let folks scare you about gas mileage. Mine is getting 15-16 driving to work and back and gets nearly 18 on the interstate.

I have an ARE tonneau cover on mine. Granted it's a short bed, but have a look see anyhow.


Ron

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Rob Russell
10-31-2003, 7:12 AM
I have an ARE tonneau cover on mine.


I looked at the ARE covers and they are nice. There's actually a local dealer for them about 10 miles from me. Unfortunately, I need a cover that's easily removeable and the ARE, where you have to unclamp the rails to remove the cover, doesn't really fall into that category.

I need the ability to use the truck as a wide open truck. Yesterday I hauled a load of leaves to the dump and it would have been a nuisance to have to work under a lid that just tilts up.

So far, I've found a lot of covers, just not one that completely suits my needs.

One comment on the HEMI. DC (Daimler Chrysler) has something called "Torque Management" built into the software that controls the engine and transmission. If you put your foot into it and hold it there, on the 1-2 shift it really loses some RPM's and it's not the snappy shift you'd expect. DC dos this to "protect" the tranny, so you're really not getting the full 300+ HP at stoplight runs. This is per a Dodge Truck forum I've found. There are folks who really get into modifying their trucks and this sort of thing is a great challenge for them.

Me? It's got enough power as it is. More than enough to haul lumber to the house - or to get me into trouble now and then. :-D

George Summers
10-31-2003, 8:19 AM
Rob -

I have an F-150 Ext Cab/Long Bed and my only peeve is when I go to a shopping center. With a 13' wheelbase and a total length of 21' you have to plan ahead when ever you think about parking in a shopping center lot. Big turning radius and overhang out of the length of the parking space. I am always looking for a space I can pull through and be heading out. Enjoy. (and you too, Ron)

George

Ron Meadows
10-31-2003, 10:13 AM
Rob,

The TMS is very limiting. My is disconnected!!! Really wakes up the truck and all throttle lag disappears. It firms up the shifts quite a bit too. Very easy to remove the wire to disconnect it, unless you have an 04 model then you are pretty much SOL!!

I frequent several forums for dodge trucks
www.dodgetalk.com
www.dodgetrucks.org
www.moparchat.com
dtw.truckmoxie.com/

These are the better ones. There really is a wealth of knowledge out there.

Ron

Rob Russell
10-31-2003, 11:56 AM
Rob,

The TMS is very limiting. My is disconnected!!! Really wakes up the truck and all throttle lag disappears. It firms up the shifts quite a bit too. Very easy to remove the wire to disconnect it, unless you have an 04 model then you are pretty much SOL!!

I frequent several forums for dodge trucks
www.dodgetalk.com
www.dodgetrucks.org
www.moparchat.com
dtw.truckmoxie.com/

These are the better ones. There really is a wealth of knowledge out there.

Ron

There is a long thread on the dodgetrucks.org forum right now on this very topic. One note is that you've got to be careful about the computer storing codes that the dealership can pickup on and void your warrantee. The other issue is long-term survival of the tranny, specifically the intermediate gears like 2nd.

Rob

Ken Garlock
10-31-2003, 1:52 PM
Rob, that is one fine looking truck. While I am a Ford person, the Dodge Hemi would be a very close second. :) It is hard to beat a hemi, IMO.

Enjoy your new toy :D

Lee Schierer
10-31-2003, 3:55 PM
As soon as LOML lets you drive it let us know. :D

Great looking truck, they sure can be handy to have around.

Lee

Dennis McDonaugh
10-31-2003, 9:39 PM
Great looking truck Rob, we picked up a 3500 Dodge with a Cummins HO to pull our travel trailer. The Dodge is a good compromise between a full size four door truck and a super cab model. Enjoy

Scott Purdy
11-01-2003, 10:15 AM
Rob:

Congrats on the truck. I bought a used Ford Ranger about a year ago--just a little one to haul for smaller needs (we have a house in southern Vermont that always needs something), but having a pickup is great.

By the way, I live just over in Windsor. Who is the Woodmizer guy you use, if you don't mind telling me? I am always looking for a good wood source.

Scott

Rob Russell
11-03-2003, 7:26 AM
Rob:

By the way, I live just over in Windsor. Who is the Woodmizer guy you use, if you don't mind telling me? I am always looking for a good wood source.

Scott

Hmm - I'm just across 291 in South Windsor. The sawyer I use is New England Saw and Lumber - 870-5414, in Tolland.

Kurt Aebi
11-04-2003, 4:29 PM
Rob,

I have a 2002 RAM 1500 Quad Cab and Love it! I had a Bullhide liner sprayed into mine and I put a Pace Edwards Toolbox Roll top tonneau cover on it and really love it. Mine has the smaller V-8, but has plenty of power for me - very equal to the 318 I have in my '98 Durango. Gas mileage gets better as you put more miles on it, just like in the old days. The toolbox has a light on it so you can see under the cover at night. You are going to love the sprayed in liner too - no rattles, creaks or salt getting between it and the bed.

Have fun with it - we go everywhere with it - the Durango rides much rougher than it, so it sits at home and we take the truck!

Kurt

Jim Becker
11-04-2003, 4:38 PM
I had a Bullhide liner sprayed into mine and I put a Pace Edwards Toolbox Roll top tonneau cover on it and really love it.

I loved my Pace Edwards Roll-Top Tonneau at first, too. Unfortunately, I'm getting really disappointed in how it's holding up over time (three years)...and I don't "exercise" it very much, either. The rails are very delicate to bending and other damage, the drains clog easily which can result in cracking of the plastic if any water freezes in the bottom and I'm now having trouble locking the unit at intermediate points for some reason. The other night the cover went beyond the stops when I was closing it, resulting in about a half hour of tedious faddling to get it back to where it was suppose to be so I could close the tailgate. My truck is a "social" truck, not a work truck and I expected this cover to be a little more durable for such a basic use pattern.

The spray-in bed liner is the only way to go, however...awesome stuff.

Kurt Aebi
11-04-2003, 5:00 PM
Jim,

I have had my Pace Edwards roll top tonneau for 2-1/2 years now and aside from having to re-vaseline the locking mechanism and guide rails, I have had no problems. I am very maticulus about keeping my equipment in top notch shape though (cars, tools, etc.). It has not failed me over the past 2 Vermont Winters (over average snow falls and down to -20°). Mine has an aluminum tool box and guide rails and a plastic tray for the cover to retract into. They recommend that you check the roll tray each year to clear out any debris. I am impressed with the snow load it can handle - 2 Ft. of wet snow last December - just brushed it off with a floor sweep broom and was all set.

I guess it's just like the Dodge vs. Chevy/GMC vs. Ford debate. Personal Preference. Ain't America grand, we get to speak our minds and not get arrested or shot for it.

Jim - thanks for your input - your input and mine will help Rob for sure.

Keep up the good woodwork, buddy.

Kurt

Jim Becker
11-04-2003, 5:08 PM
I have had my Pace Edwards roll top tonneau for 2-1/2 years now and aside from having to re-vaseline the locking mechanism and guide rails, I have had no problems. I am very maticulus about keeping my equipment in top notch shape though (cars, tools, etc.). It has not failed me over the past 2 Vermont Winters (over average snow falls and down to -20°). Mine has an aluminum tool box and guide rails and a plastic tray for the cover to retract into. They recommend that you check the roll tray each year to clear out any debris. I am impressed with the snow load it can handle - 2 Ft. of wet snow last December - just brushed it off with a floor sweep broom and was all set.

I'm the same way with mine relative to maintenance and that's what bothers me! I guess I just lucked out... :rolleyes: I've had to clean the drains, etc., several times a year to keep them clear.

Hal Flynt
11-07-2003, 9:16 AM
Congratulations!

If you cary some tools or lumber, then it is definitely a tool. I bought mine in August. About the only difference I see is I ended up with the 20" wheels and short bed.

So far the best mods are the LineX spray in liner $450 over the rails. Tougher than the Rhino IMO, can't see where the 1000# pallet of stone was slid in with a fork lift.

I found some Westin Platinum Series step bars (stainless chromed and lifetime guarantee) and now my 5' 2" wife can get in the passenger side.

I'm still considering a cover and the rear wheel well covers.

It's a great ride, mileage improves with miles driven and it wakes up about 3000 miles.

Enjoy your new tool!