"Nibby" (nibby68)
03/04/2016 at 14:26 • Filed to: None
13
39|
"Nibby" (nibby68)
03/04/2016 at 14:26 • Filed to: None | 13
| 39 |
After a few months of ownership, the time has come for an Oppositelock™ Review of a 2015 Ram 1500 Black Express Edition with a 6.4' bed. It’s a quad cab with the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine mated to an 8 speed automagic with 4WD. It’s a fullsize body-on-frame pickup truck and y’all have seen the GUTS. GLORY. RAM. commercials. It also has a nice front cover for the owner’s manual (which is inside a brown leather pouch).
Dimensions:
L 229"
W 79.4"
H 77.7"
Bed length 76.3”
Weight ~5,150 pounds
Engine: 5.7L Hemi V8
395hp
410 lb-ft. torque
Max. towing 10,640 pounds
MSRP just shy of $41,000
As some of the ones here who have been here for over 3 years know, I’ve been wanting a truck for a long time. I looked online at some inventory on 3 Jeep/Chrysler/Ram dealers near me and went to the one that had the most selection. The first one the salesman showed me was the one I ended up getting. It went pretty smoothly. After a bit more than 4 months I have some 3,300 miles on it.
Exterior
Slight bias, but this is one of the best looking trucks right now. I’ve always liked the way the current gen Ram looked. The Titan/F150/Tundra all try too hard to look like giant versions of toy Tonkas. Dodge nailed it right with this design. It looks muscular and brawny but without bloat.
The black badges and wheels are factory. Even the headlamps are factory-smoked and the front grille is painted black too. The black is actually a metallic paint color and it really looks nice when it is not dirty from a snowy winter. (Every time I wash it, it snows/rains the following day. Lame). The dealer wanted $800 for running boards and another $500 for a bed cover so I bought my own nerf bars from Realtruck.com for $130 and a 3-fold cover for $250 from the same site.
Interior
This was pretty much what I expected... the fit and finish is better than other lower-trim level trucks. There are hard plastics everywhere (as a real truck should) but they do not feel cheap or flimsy. Ergonomically, it is well-designed and the buttons and dials are easy to use and reach. I do wish the touchscreen was bigger but if one opted for a Big Horn or better, they’d get a larger screen. The steering wheel and climate controls are nearly identical to the 2011 Wrangler Unlimited my Dad leased at the time so I was already familiar with them. The wiper/indicator on the same stalk took some time to get reacquainted with but it is ok. The front middle seat folds down to serve as the center console with a generous storage area and 3 cupholders. Plenty of storage bins. Front seats are roomy and plenty of headroom.
The rear seat is decently sized but the legroom is a bit on the small side as one would expect from a quad cab. Still though, there is plenty of storage underneath the seat and I use it to store rope, ratchets, and some tools.
Drivetrain, Engine
The engine is nice and smooth. It has plenty of grunt and acceleration is effortless. I don’t have any real #s but it feels about the same, if not slightly quicker than the Sequoia in terms of acceleration. (The Sequoia does 0-60 in 6.5-6.6 seconds, which is a bit scary for a 3 ton vehicle). It sounds meaty at higher RPMs and it has a true American burble at idle. The 8 speed transmission is buttery smooth, even better than some of the 7 speed Mercedes Benzes I’ve driven. My friend who works for Chrysler also agreed with that statement. I don’t think I’ve had even one rough or uncomfortable shift/jerk yet. In the snow and ice, 4WD system works as it should. Haven’t had any issues. The rotary dial is pretty nice too and easy to use. You can shift gears manually via two buttons on the steering wheel.
Braking and Handling
It handles pretty okay, better than I expected. Obviously there is body roll if you try cornering hard. But the steering is predictable and does what it needs to do. Navigating small/tight spaces is a bit of a pain but that’s more due to the size of the vehicle if anything else. I have not had any issues parallel parking it though. It brakes very well for a big truck. I have yet to really slam them. Honestly, it handles pretty similarly to the Sequoia except the steering feel is much better with the Ram. The Sequoia’s is very loose and sometimes it doesn’t feel like it’s connected to anything even though you know the wheels are turning.
Ride
Very comfortable and smooth for the most part. On rough and unpaved roads, you will feel it a bit but it never feels harsh or unrefined. When I’m driving on a highway, the ride feels very sedan-like.
Fuel Economy
I usually get around 15-16 town and 20-23 highway. If I really try, I can get over 25mpg. I average a bit more than 400 miles per tank (26 gallons) but I try to fill up when I get to 1/4.
Audio and Toys
It has 6 speakers and they sound good. Not the best car speakers out there but they’re more than sufficient. There is no CD player but there is radio, 1 free year of XM, AUX and USB ports. I keep a flash drive with music in there anyways. You can also play sound through Bluetooth.
It is not quite barebones but not luxurious either. It’s got heated mirrors and windshield, bluetooth connectivity and hands-free calling, backup camera, automatic lights, and trailer brake control. Minor complaint, there are no steering wheel audio controls. No leather/heated seats/radar cruise control etc. No navigation either but I rarely use that anyways. But the built-in computer keeps track of your tire pressure (shows #s too!) various temperatures (oil, transmission etc.). Nice things to have.
Utility
I keep a few things in my bed like sandbags for added traction during the winter, ramps for my ATV and if I need to load other things, and of course dead hookers. The bed lamp is really bright.
It’s been handy since people in my family always ask me to help me move things or take them to buy furniture, wood, etc. During a snowstorm my grandmother was stuck at my uncle’s place so I brought a snowblower there in the bed. I’ve pulled out a coworker’s car stuck in snow. That was pretty fun. And of course it is handy for lugging this guy around.
Conclusion
Pros
Smooth engine + transmission
Really really really ridiculously good looking
Comfortable on long hauls
Cons
Some cheap bits here and there
Smallish screen
It’s a truck that does what I need it to do and more... and it still gets decent enough gas mileage that I can use it as my DD (though my commute to work is ~12 miles round trip). It’s fun to drive in the sense that I enjoy driving it and spending time in it. It’s also my first car that I’ve bought with my own money so it’s really my first car :P.
It looks great, drives well, is comfortable, and has plenty of use. What more could you ask for a truck? Thanks for reading.
spanfucker retire bitch
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 14:28 |
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Is it as dark, or darker than your soul?
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Nibby
> spanfucker retire bitch
03/04/2016 at 14:29 |
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Nothing is as dark as my soul.
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 14:35 |
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Saracen
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 14:43 |
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A friend of mine has a Ram Big Horn (I think?). It’s equipped to a similar package as yours. Has the tow package and the air suspension.
I’m always surprised how comfortable it is. That air suspension is amazing. And the torque is damn impressive too...we took it on a road trip that required a 300+ mile drive towing a big, tall trailer, and the truck barely seemed to notice what it was hauling.
Every time I ride in it I think to myself that it’s such a good overall vehicle that I should look at getting one. Though my buddy says that his only regret is not opting for the Ecodiesel engine.
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Nibby
> Saracen
03/04/2016 at 14:46 |
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That’s awesome. Maybe we can become Ram bros soon!
Heard good things about the air suspension too. They’re fantastic things.
BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 14:54 |
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Is the backseat usable for adults to sit in for an extended period of time? What did you *actually* pay for it (i.e.: how far off was it from MSRP?)
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Nibby
> BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
03/04/2016 at 15:01 |
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My aunt is 5'10" and she sat in there fine for an hour ride or so. She didn’t complain.
I bought it in October so they had discounts on 2015s... under $34k + another discount I got cause a friend works for Chrysler
Ross Kraz
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 15:03 |
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I have the crew cab version of this with a 3.93 rear end. How did you get the black express without the Hemi badge delete?! I want it.
Agree with the entire post, except my cons are: the black rims are just sort of covers, the aircon/heat kinda sucks, the 4000 rpm rev limiter in park does not allow for showing off its cojones, and the traction control is always butting in, even when it’s turned off.
Other than that, I love it. Pulls really nice, too. I can’t hardly notice a difference when I have the fishing boat hooked up.
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Nibby
> Ross Kraz
03/04/2016 at 15:11 |
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Yeah the heat does take a while for me too but once it is on it is pretty hot. Haven’t had to turn the AC on yet.
Glad you like yours too! Any pictures you can share? I’m not exactly sure about the badge, it was just like that from the dealer.
Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 15:15 |
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Definitely the best looking truck, though I am not a huge fan of black on black on black on blaaaaaaaaack, still a handsome machine. Interior is better than a Ford but not as good as a Silverado, but who really needs a leather-wrapped interior in a truck anyways? Also one of few trucks that has actual good-looking aftermarket headlights available.
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Ross Kraz
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 15:15 |
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I work for a company that makes carwashes. Helps a lot with a vehicle that's black on black on black on black.
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Nibby
> Ross Kraz
03/04/2016 at 15:19 |
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Diabolically evil. Perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Sam
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 15:57 |
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A $41k truck for under $36k? Ya done good son, ya done good.
Dru
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 16:09 |
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I can't believe you're getting 25mpg. My Jeep struggles for 20 on the highway.
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Nibby
> Dru
03/04/2016 at 16:18 |
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This was in January
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Dru
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 16:29 |
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You feel like that's accurate?
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Nibby
> Dru
03/04/2016 at 17:42 |
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I think it was mostly gentle driving and no traffic + all green lights + light right foot. I tried.
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Nibby
> Sam
03/04/2016 at 17:42 |
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Thanks!
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Saracen
> Nibby
03/04/2016 at 19:07 |
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It will only happen if VW buys my car back. But if it does happen I would just shop for a diesel truck. Ram or Colorado. There have been many times after buying the GSW that I wished I just bought one in the first place. Their mileage isn’t as good as the GSW’s of course, but it’s still pretty goddamn amazing.
Either way the “fun to drive” slot in the garage will be filled by end of next year, with a Porsch-uh.
jkm7680
> Nibby
03/05/2016 at 09:18 |
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I want your truck. Looks fucking awesome!
Only thing I don’t like is the knob that you shift it with. I prefer column shifers.
I also am the only person who thinks manual transmission pickups are dumb.
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Nibby
> jkm7680
03/05/2016 at 09:31 |
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Thanks!
I agree, manual pickups aren’t worth it, especially for towing. I know someone who just bought a manual dually F350 diesel for towing and a whole bunch of people criticized them. But he’s the kind of person who thinks “everything should be manual and all automatics should die a horrible death.” Those people are, well, you decide.
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jkm7680
> Nibby
03/05/2016 at 09:34 |
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Oh I have definitely decided about those people, haha.
Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
> Nibby
03/07/2016 at 10:39 |
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The fact that you get better mileage than I do with more power makes me sad.
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Nibby
> Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
03/07/2016 at 10:52 |
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More cylinders and weighs more too.
gawdzillla
> Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
03/07/2016 at 11:04 |
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the GM twins look better, I am bias
cazzyodo
> Nibby
03/07/2016 at 11:18 |
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I’ve always liked how the Rams looked...like you said, brawn without the bulk. Black edition looks pretty sweet.
My problem with most FCA mobiles is the interior. I expect it but oh well when it comes to sitting in one. The engine, though, is what would make up for it.
Glad it’s working for you. Oh, I also have that exact shovel in my car haha.
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Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
> Nibby
03/07/2016 at 11:45 |
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Be quiet. You’re going to make me cry
Snuze: Needs another Swede
> Nibby
03/07/2016 at 11:57 |
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Nice truck and great review, thanks for the write up.
I had an 01 Ram 2500 4x4 with the Cummins and a 6 spd manual. I used to say the best parts of the truck were all the things not made by Dodge (Cummins engine, NV trans & transfer case, Dana differentials). The body was a rust heap and the interior was a ripped and cracked mess of cheap cloth and plastic.
But it seems like they’ve stepped their game up - your truck looks better and more refined both inside and out. Congrats and nice purchase. Glad you are enjoying it.
TheRealBicycleBuck
> jkm7680
03/07/2016 at 12:00 |
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I haven’t owned any truck that wasn’t a manual. The truck that I learned to pull trailers with was a 1-ton Chevy with a manual. Seems to work fine....
The only time I’ve had an issue towing was while pulling a trailer with a mid-’80s Ford F-150 long bed with an automatic transmission. Go figure.
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Nibby
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
03/07/2016 at 12:48 |
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Thanks! Have heard the same about earlier gen Ram trucks too unfortunately. Definitely seems a lot better.
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Nibby
> Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
03/07/2016 at 12:48 |
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Who needs tears when you have Toothless?
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Nibby
> cazzyodo
03/07/2016 at 12:49 |
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aww yee
shovel master race
It’s been used more for digging out other people’s cars.
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cazzyodo
> Nibby
03/07/2016 at 13:01 |
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Nothing on the snow front this year. Last year, though...
Drove out of this one, though:
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Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
> Nibby
03/07/2016 at 13:58 |
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There’s limits.
KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs
> jkm7680
03/07/2016 at 17:37 |
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Well, they have their place. Their small, out of the way, obtuse place...
And this is why my truck has an Allison. Granted it’s the 5 speed Allison, but do you really need a 6th gear? Only if you want to go faster than 98MPH.
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KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs
> Nibby
03/07/2016 at 17:40 |
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Needs fewer spark plugs...I think that’s even an option.
That interior is also leagues better than what Mopar used to put out. At least you don’t have GM headliner rot like my Silverado.
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jkm7680
> Nibby
12/08/2016 at 16:32 |
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Nibby! Is this a good deal?
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/685257449/overview/
My friend bought a new Laramie Longhorn and I’ve fallen in love with the Hemi.
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Nibby
> jkm7680
12/08/2016 at 17:33 |
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Almost exactly what I have... seems like a fair price. Mine MSRP’d for $41k but I got it for nearly $10,000 less
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jkm7680
> Nibby
12/08/2016 at 17:49 |
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Nice, thanks. I think the one I linked doesn’t have a backup camera and that shit though.