New Ram 1500 Big Horn

**swexlin** · 02-28-2016

Said goodbye to my Dart, and hello to a Ram. This is my fourth Ram, previous were: 1996 1500 360, 1997 2500 V10, 2004.5 3500 Cummins.

Since I've been in my new house two years now, I find myself needing a truck now and then. When I was at my dealer last week for the R28 recall, I was checking out the new trucks. The Bighorns are nicely equipped, at a reasonable price.

This has the 5.7 with 8-speed, multi-position transfer case (2 Hi, 4 Full, 4 Lock, and 4 Lo), cylinder deactivation. 395 hp, and 410 ft. Last gas truck I had was my 97 V10, and this engine makes 95 more hp, with only 10% less torque. Combined with this new transmission, it really moves this truck along. Haven't really pushed it yet, as I'm breaking it in. You can notice when cruising when it cuts to 4 cylinder, sort of, and can hear it in the exhaust note as well. But it shifts very smoothly, and is a very comfortable ride. Remote start, even from UConnect from my phone (except that failed, don't know why). It's a gimmick anyway, as I will rarely use remote start, and it's on the keyfob!

Combination of month end, cash back, 0%, and WAY more on my Dart trade in than expected made this a no brainer.

**Vprbite** · 02-29-2016

Nice. I've had three Rams too. Still on my 04 (only 95k mi. I can't justify getting rid of it.) but the new ones are nice. I have aftermarket remote start and use it more often than you might think. Sometimes just to scare the hell out of people in a parking lot and sometimes to start the AC or heater. It's not a bad little option.

IMO, first thing you gotta do is get that front spoiler off. Or you can let a dirt berm do it for you. : ) but that's just me. My truck sees more dirt than most other trucks on the road combined. I have a picture of it up to the headlights in water, but it made it through just fine.

I don't know how to live without a truck. It would be torture not to have one.

Let us know how the cylinder deactivation does you for mpg. I'm interested in that.

Congrats on the new truck and drive safely, on road. Off road...f#*% it! Go earn some "desert pinstriping" as we call it out here.

**swexlin** · 02-29-2016

Thanks, so far I'm loving it. I can tell ("feel") when it cuts down to 4 cylinders. Most people who aren't "In tune" with their vehicle will never note it.

So far, puttering around, averaging 16 mpg. Interior layout, and center console and screen same as in my Gen 5. In fact, much of the performance pages information (Gauge layout) is available in the center dash configuration in the Ram. It's pretty cool. Rides like a sedan, trucks have come a long way.

**Vprbite** · 02-29-2016

My concern is that trucks have gotten too car-like. I miss my straight axle half tons. I don't mind it driving car like around the streets, as long as off road it can really get it done. I really want a power wagon. That's my dream truck. But I might regear my current truck and put a locker in (limited slip now and have never been stuck) and keep it for 5 more years or so. Paid for is paid for, ya know?

Does 4 lock mean it lock the center differential? I think I know how the transfer case works on the new power wagons but wasn't sure about on the 4x4s that aren't power wagon trim.

**swexlin** · 02-29-2016

Originally Posted by Vprbite

My concern is that trucks have gotten too car-like. I miss my straight axle half tons. I don't mind it driving car like around the streets, as long as off road it can really get it done. I really want a power wagon. That's my dream truck. But I might regear my current truck and put a locker in (limited slip now and have never been stuck) and keep it for 5 more years or so. Paid for is paid for, ya know?

Does 4 lock mean it lock the center differential? I think I know how the transfer case works on the new power wagons but wasn't sure about on the 4x4s that aren't power wagon trim.

Right, 4 lock is the traditional 4wd of old with center locked in the t case. 4 all in this truck runs in 2wd until slippage detected and then front axle engages. Haven't tried it yet. I figure low traction conditions like very light snow or heavy rain use 4 all, heavy snow or other poor traction, 4 lock.

**Vprbite** · 02-29-2016

Gotcha. That sounds cool. Time to take her out and make her earn her stripes.

**swexlin** · 03-01-2016

Originally Posted by Vprbite

Gotcha. That sounds cool. Time to take her out and make her earn her stripes.

Well, for me, that means hauling some bags of mulch, or the lawn mower. And next month, taking 4 Pirelli corsas to be installed on the Viper! Snow season is about over here (fingers crossed!).