2012 Ram Outdoorsman

[Donny]

I'm thinking I need a new truck, the Avalanche I think 10 yrs is good to go for being in service? Sad thing is I will likely trade off the Challenger if I do it; gives me more $$ for my GTX and Satellite projects, plus, Challengers are going pretty cheap now used...just thinking...

 

[Donny]

http://www.bluebonnetchryslerdodge....-antonio-17eb28d50a0d066901ec1774b16596a7.htm

 

[Meep-Meep]

I just got a 2012 big horn a couple of months ago. It's a 1500 4x4 with a hemi and tows the car trailer just fine. It got 14.3 MPG towing and loaded down with about 800 lbs of parts and very very stable going down the road. My only complaint is the rear end drops quite a bit when loaded down with trannys and the added tongue weight of a trailer so I may put a helper spring in there. Average MPG commuting to work is between 15 and 16 and it drives like a sports car. Amazing!

 

[Donny]

I agree! I drove this truck yesterday, wasn't 100% on board with the Outdoorsman package as it has 17" wheels, I prefer the 20's, but, seeing it up close, dam, it just flows, and driving it, man, very nice! If I get it, I'm going to get the rubber bed mat, and an Avalanche-type tonneau cover system. Its got the HEMI, Rambox system, Nav, console, sunroof, and the best part is if I do this deal, I will have a lower payment than my Challenger, and I can still have my MOPAR fix, but, the real gem is I will have (in 4 months time from now) a net increase of monthly money of nearly 600 bucks, which will go FAR in my GTX resurrection project, and if I go to the Chrysler Nats in PA this summer, I will have this truck vs. Challenger so I can carry some stuff back from the swap meets!

 

[Meep-Meep]

Those trucks really need the 20's. I have them on mine but no console, nav or sunroof. It does have the satellite radio, engine oil cooler, class IV hitch, protection group including remote start, alarm, skid plates and tow hooks in front. I had the trailer brake added at the dealer so it now has everything that a tow package truck has except the 3.92 rear end. As is it will tow about 8000 lbs. If you plan to tow a car in the 80+ deg temps, up hill for 11 miles with the A/C on you will want the oil cooler. My oil temp was at 248 on that stretch of the Grapevine and with the factory required 5-20 oil I'm a little nervous about getting the oil too hot. You won't be disappointed on a long trip either. Very comfy and drives great!!!

 

[Budnicks]

Looks like a nice truck, I hope you don't take a big hit on the Challenger...

 

[Donny]

Didn't take much of a hit on the Challenger, since its so well optioned, and the white seats, they gave me a good price, still upside down though, but, will save in the end on only one insurance policy, one tank to fill, etc. Pics coming...

 

[Meep-Meep]

My thought is if I'm going to spend the money on something new I'd rather get a truck and get my moneys worth. You won't regret it - until you have to park in some narrow *** street in San Francisco!

 

[Donny]

Got a few goodies out of MOPAR catalouge too; 3 piece folding cover for the bed, trailer brake controller, and got a credit b/c I'm a small business owner towards tinted windows, so...and it has the 3.92 rear end, will check into the oil cooler situation, thanks!

 

[Meep-Meep]

One note about the brake controller. They will have to re flash the computer or it won't work. It's not plug and play!

I also got the bed mat and the lock kit for the rear floor storage boxes. One tip on the bed mat. The instructions say to drill holes for screws for the tailgate mat but I used gorilla snot (contact cement). So far so good.

 

[69 mayflower]

Donny,I've had my Ram Express with the 5.7 HEMI for about 3 months now and love it.There isn't anything about it that I don't like.It's got the tow package and 20's.I've added nerf bars,mud flaps and tow hooks.A very nice rig,I'm sure you will like yours.Feels the way a truck ought to,only better.

 

[kb67mopar]

I've had my 04 Ram 5.7 hemi for just about a year now and have towed a 66 coronet back from Iowa and just towed another car this weekend both on a 2000 lb car trailer...total about 5500 lbs behind the truck. This last run I averaged 14.2 mpg towing the trailer. I get about 15-16 mixed driving and it runs like a raped ape. Best investment I have made.

FYI: 04 Ram 1500 4x4 Hemi Sport package
5.7 non mds, 5-45rfe trans, 3.92:1 axle with 20's.

With the new mds you should be able to get 17-18 mixed and 20's on the highway (my father's testiment)

 

[Donny]

Well, my Avalanche came with a bed mat, and it left with no bed mat! The Avalanche bed mat fits perfectly (width) in the Rambox bed, except its 4 inches shorter than the Rambox bed. Perhaps this is why the dealer needs my truck back in to install the trailer brake controller, to flash the computer as you indicated? It goes in Monday for this installation, Tonneau cover install, and window tinting!

A few things I've noticed, the engineers made this thing to shut off cylinders as soon as it can, and the fuel cut-off on deceleration is silent, but, I notice it. As you coast to a stop, the 6 spd tranny engages 1st gear, the ECO mode shuts off and all 8 Hemi cylinders are firing. I have noticed avg about 14 mpg, but, I only have 259 miles on the truck so far! On my first and 3rd day owning it, I have had to use the bed to haul parts around in for work, so, this is how its supposed to be!