Good Morning. I'm considering upgrading my 2004.5 for a 2014 3500 SRW. I'd like something quieter and more comfortable. I probably average 18 on my current truck and I'm interested to see how the new trucks do in comparison. If you've upgraded, are you happy or regretting your decision and why.

Funny thing is I sold my RV so I really don't need a heavy duty truck anymore, but they hold their value so well I can almost justify staying in the truck market if I can find something comfortable to drive. I've driven a VW Touareg TDI which is nice but I'm concerned with long term mx costs.

Thanks in advance....

 

I went from a 2002 3500 DRW to a 2013 4500 DRW and have had no regrets. Fuel mileage on the 2002 was around 14 and the new one is around 11-12. Sure it's lower but this truck weighs a full 3000 pounds more than the old on. The 2002 tipped the scales at 10,500. The 2013 weighs in at a humble 13,500 both with all my gear ready to work. So, losing that little bit of mileage is not a big deal.


I like the interior, base radio sucks but I bought it off the lot so had no choice in the matter. First time I've had an auto tranny and the Aisin is great. Have towed other pickup trucks on trailers, skid steers, scrap metal and even had 12,000 pounds of gravel on a dump trailer which put the combination at 29,000 pounds when I crossed the scales. Truck drove, pulled, stopped perfectly and the overloads were still two inches away from brackets on the frame.


Personally I have no complaints other than the radio, great truck overall.

 

I had the same dilemma. Considered putting 30k into my 03 (replacing everything down to the glass) I am glad I didn't. I bought the 14 3500 laramie and it is a fabulous truck. Granted I made some quick changes that made it so much more enjoyable. I have 2k on it and I averaged 16 empty on a 600 mile trip with head winds etc. Bottom line is if you want fuel mileage buy a prius. I don't have to have a 3500 diesel with the majority of the towing I do. But these trucks hold their value and when you can buy a loaded 3500 for less than a loaded Ford 150, the resale and piece of mind knowing if you decide to buy a goose neck or 5th wheel you don't also have to upgrade your truck. With theses new 15k oil change intervals, complete redone chassis and components, Ram did a a good job. I really like me knew truck. The first thing you should do is replace the stock shocks and put Bilstien's on, they continue to have great valving right out of the box for these trucks. my .02

By the way the are so quiet inside. I am still not real happy with the seats. I have long legs and I wish they would do like BMW and have those quad extenders to support the neck of your knee on long trips.

**Oh and their new Alpine stereo system rocks. It could use a better sub, but I am not complaining.

 

To add to this. Like all cummins they want to be worked, no break in period. It expresses that in the 14 manual. More work equals better fuel mileage and overall engine performance. You will get much sooner positive performance out of these trucks sooner by working them sooner than later (per their manual)..

 

Recently upgraded from my 2006 F350 4X4, FX4 CC King Ranch 6.0L to a 2014 Ram 3500 4X4 CC Laramie Plus 6.7L Asian. It's my 7th Diesel PU in 25 years.

I lost a bit of ride smoothness but gained a great deal of quietness and I feel it's worth every bit of it.

The new 2014's have a truck ride but WOW! how quiet it is. Ram did a great job putting this vehicle together.

Go for broke and enjoy the ride.

 

Yeah my 2014 2500HD blows my old 07 F250 6.0 out of the water.

You thought your 06 F350 rides smoother? It was quite the opposite for me.

 

I, as the OP, went from a 2004.5 2500 CTD to a 2014 2500 Ram CTD.

There truly is no comparison.

The ride and drive are light years better. The 6.7 is so much more powerful and responsive than my 5.9 ever was. I also went from about 17 mpg to 19 mpg with a highway to city of 65:35%.

The creature comforts and interior are also much better.

Miss my old truck; not a bit. Have been very happy.