2009 Dodge Review... Glad I have Chevy!

**dhaile** · 10-23-2009, 07:13 PM

Hello All. Just thought I would share some hopefully unbiased opinion of my recent drive with my Dad's 2009 (all stock) 3500 DRW.

I purchased a brand new 30 ft RV and had not installed my 5th wheel hitch so I called up dear ol Dad to borrow his truck. Now granted, my rig has some mods but the very first thing I noticed was that it was very weak on power compared to my Dmax. I also noticed very early that I rather liked the view from the drivers seat. The dodge sits much lower (2wd drw) and in general you can see over the hood better.

Now back earlier in the year, I seriously considered buying a new Dodge mega cab. The spartan and unsophisticated interior made be glad I rethought that decision

The transmission was very smooth but seemed lower geared (possibly lower rear end ). The brakes took alot more pressure to stop but seemed adequate. I did use the the jake brake and it was nice but I would not buy a dodge just for that alone.

Now talking to my Dad, he has had many well known emission problems with this truck. He has had the turbo cleaned out twice for soot buildup and the truck has less than 20k miles. Each time the truck was in the shop for 3 days.

Now that said...... THANK GOD FOR THE DMAX!!

bpe1 · 10-24-2009, 07:37 AM

I believe Cummins made a mistake when they decided to go 2010 emissions compliant in 2007. If everyone else had done the same all would have had the problems Cummins did. They have seem to have worked out the problems with the latest ecm flash though. I personally know several owners who were ready to do a buy back and they are content now. All say since the last trip been trouble free.

**TYREBOYZ_DEMAXIN** · 10-24-2009, 09:45 AM

the Dmax is a solid platform thats forsure..

Jscherbs · 10-24-2009, 09:53 AM

sounds like you made the right choice! congratulations.

outtyrider13 · 11-01-2009, 10:20 AM

i got a question what would be the fuel economy for a stock 01 dually with 19.5 inch tires

**Hook'em_Horns!** · 11-01-2009, 10:57 AM

With the tires for those rims being a much lower profile, the overall height is about the same as the 16, just weighing more.

Vrabel · 11-01-2009, 11:03 AM

If anything, look up dodge in the dictionary. It says "To Avoid."

SparkZ03DMAX · 11-01-2009, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vrabel

If anything, look up dodge in the dictionary. It says "To Avoid."

haha, thats awesome, never thought of that!!

autotech2 · 11-03-2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhaile

Hello All. Just thought I would share some hopefully unbiased opinion of my recent drive with my Dad's 2009 (all stock) 3500 DRW.

I purchased a brand new 30 ft RV and had not installed my 5th wheel hitch so I called up dear ol Dad to borrow his truck. Now granted, my rig has some mods but the very first thing I noticed was that it was very weak on power compared to my Dmax. I also noticed very early that I rather liked the view from the drivers seat. The dodge sits much lower (2wd drw) and in general you can see over the hood better.

Now back earlier in the year, I seriously considered buying a new Dodge mega cab. The spartan and unsophisticated interior made be glad I rethought that decision

The transmission was very smooth but seemed lower geared (possibly lower rear end ). The brakes took alot more pressure to stop but seemed adequate. I did use the the jake brake and it was nice but I would not buy a dodge just for that alone.

Now talking to my Dad, he has had many well known emission problems with this truck. He has had the turbo cleaned out twice for soot buildup and the truck has less than 20k miles. Each time the truck was in the shop for 3 days.

Now that said...... THANK GOD FOR THE DMAX!!

I believe Dodge focused more on the mainstream pickup buyer when designing the new Ram platform -- meaning every day driving as opposed to major hauling or off-road use.

Power and capacities may not be super-competitive with Ford and GM, but the new Ram is a major step up in quality of materials, ride/handling, interior comfort and aerodynamics.

The previous Ram was a dinosaur.