Just got back from picking up my new 03 HO 4X4, Denver to New York 1,900 un-eventful miles, love this truck. I was suprised at how well this truck handled the highway, great ride and awesome power.... ;D

Hal Turley from Christopher's Dodge World in Golden, Colorado picked me up at the airport motel and in 3 hrs was on the road. Great place to buy a truck...no problems at all, fluids all topped off and a free tank of gas to boot.

I only have 2,000 miles on it so far but here are my impressions from the road trip.

60-69 mph..Nice and quiet, power comes on smoothly when you accelerate, great view from cab, soaks up all the bumps. Good seat comfort.

70-75 mph..Still not loud, but you start to hear the turbo and exhaust, great sound and the power comes on in an instant. I have a feeling this will be my cruising speed after break in.

76-85 mph..When you pass people at this speed they take notice, the turbo whine and the loud exhaust says diesel all the way. Turn the CD up and all is well. My wife will not drive at this speed, I can tell you all now.

The overall road manners were fine, tracked straight unless the road camber was excessive (severe) then it pulls a little. Driving around my local streets where I don't go over 35-40 I keep the OD off, don't like the floating or looseness of the auto at that speed. Not a big deal, like it's really tough to press the OD button.

All the dash controls work fine, not quite as nice as my Toyota, but good. The trip computer works OK, almost ran off the highway a few times playing with it though.

Complaints..
What a climb into the cab, got to get some steps.

Trailer mirrors work fine but stick way out, almost took a pretty young toll takers head off !

Reprogrammed keyless entry to stop beep and to open all the doors.

Still smell the fumes from the breather when stopped at a light, slowly getting better...If it does not go away completely I think a trip to the dealer (local) is in order. Did anyone else have this problem?

That's it for now, will post again in week or two after putting some more mileage under my belt.

Ron W.

 

I can't believe you made it back with all that "gas." It's a wonder of amazement . Congrates on your new truck!!

 

The gas made it idle real smooth..... for a minute

Ron W.

 

Crabjoe, didn't you know CumminGs take gas?

 

Ron,Greg here from Colorado.glad you like it.Hal is a pretty good guy.i put m.a.a.p. challenger steps on my 03.they fit flush under the rocker and help alot.they dont stick down like the nerf bars.check em out.as far as the smell,it will go away.this is my 2nd 03 and had the smell on both.it will go away about at 10,000 miles.enjoy-Greg.

 

I also bought my truck in eastern Colorado, although from another dealer in another town. Only drove back home to western Colorado, and not New York, but had many of the same experiences.

Great truck. It's been 10 weeks and 6500 miles, and no problems. Nothing but good things to say about the new wheels. Sure glad I went this route, although with a little more studying I probably would have saved some money at purchase time.