I really believe that the reason that Dodges dont sell near as much as Ford and Chevy, even Toyota is because Dodge fills a small niche market. Ford, Chevy, and Toyota truck owners are your typical fat stupid American with 2 fat stupid kids and a 1.5 acre yard. And the typical Dodge owner is a more informed, hard working, rebel who likes to be different. [Although most of the fools in this forum seem to fall under the first category] Remember Dodge's slogan in the 90s was "Dodge: Different". And thats why I think Dodge sold many 3rd gens, too. The 3rd gen Rams were much more conservative than the previous 2nd gens and the current 4th gens, thus opening the gap in the market. Now the 4th gens have really radical styling that again closes that market and I dont think that they will sell as much because of the styling. But then again, the quality of the new Dodges looks to be just as good as what Toyota and Ford implement in their trucks, so they will sell more on quality.

Driving down by the local dealers, the Ford dealer has 15 2010 F-150s, 2 2010 Super Dutys, and 6 2011 Super Dutys. The Dodge dealer has 5 2010 1/2 ton Rams, 7 2010 3/4 ton Rams, 11 2011 1/2 ton Rams, 2 3/4 ton Rams, and 2 1 ton Rams.

 

LOL...one of these days, when you grow up and find out where babies come from, you'll be fat and stupid with a couple of fat and and dumb kids and you will definitely be able to count yourself as one of the fools on DF.

 

There is always a trade-off. The 4th Gens handle more like a sports car than a big, clumsy, heavy truck. Take turns at speed WAY better than my 3rd Gen and ride SO much smoother.
The thing they gave away to achieve this is some towing/hauling stability. But like anything else, easily fixable with a mod or two.

IMO my 3rd Gen, with it's IFS is LESS of a truck than my 2nd Gen 4x4 was and the 4th Gens are even less of one. That's NOT digging the 4th Gens, but simply showing what the AVERAGE truck buyer is deeming important in a vehicle.

The 4th Gens make for a much better daily driver and less of a work truck. The thinking at RAM is obviously that if you want a work truck, there is a 2500...

 

Well, got the film on the windows, and found something else that needed to go on the glass as well...

 

Nice!!!

 

Looking great Chris!

 

I have to agree, and I fall into the category of needing something that I can throw small things in the bed of the truck from time to time while it acting like a DD for the rest. Trust me, I would feel much more comfortable throwing 1000 pounds in the bed of my 1997 than I would my 2010. No bones about it. Even with less power and less stopping power.

These rams were designed for the average middle aged person who needs to be able to tow and haul light items. Things such as lawnmowers, and small cargo trailers for ATVs, boats, and what not. It wasn't meant for you to tow another car or truck. Granted, the new rams are rated to be able to tow a little over 10,000 pounds (with tow package. 7,000 with out), it's not built to do it all the time. I do believe that the coil suspension idea is a little ahead of its time. Chevy has been using a design similar to Ram's for awhile now in their Tahoes, Suburbans, and Avalanches with no ill effect, but none of those SUVs are rated to tow near as much.

All that being said, I don't feel that even 2nd gens were built to be a "work" truck. Sorry to the diehards, but the way of a heavy duty half ton died in the 80's.

 

Yeah I completely agree. My buddys 86 f150 302 hd package truck with a built 302, dropped in a five speed, reg cab s/b lariat in red and white. upgraded springs, leafs, shocks and truck would pull a house down. a really good HD truck and yet Dodge at the time didn't really have a solid 1/2 ton hd.

Ford has not made a well built quality truck since the late 80's back when the 302 was optional and truck made of real metal. And yet both Chevy and dodge eventually got optional HD package in there 1/2 tons.the Chevy in 03 Dodge in 06. You get upped shocks, springs, leafs plus 8 lug axles. More towing and payload capacity.

 

I also think with trucks the trend is that people aren't using there trucks for work or anything other than driving. Just driving around you see trucks clean, empty no mud. Before in the 80's and 90's you would see old beat up trucks dirty, full and mud soaked.

 

at least we were the 1st too put a turbo in the diesil motor..

our trucks get it done though work or play