I just picked up a 2013 Ram 1500 Big Horn and have had the truck a good week. There are definitely things I like and things I don't. First, I love the looks of the truck and the interior seems to have come a long way from my 06 Ram (garbage interior) that I had. I still think the SLT Big Horn trim level should have a nicer dash top (to plasticey). As the truck breaks in, the MPG seems to be improving which is nice. I like how the truck feels on the road -- very solid feeling and is very quiet in motion. Also the exhaust note is a nice balance of it can be heard without it being to over bearing. As of now for my 35 mile round trip commute to work I can average around 15-16MPG (mixed highway city). The new center display is very cool! I love how you can control all the features with the touch of the screen. I do wish auto climate control was included as a setting on the screen but not a deal breaker.

Things I'm disappointed with are -- the chrome wheels are not "chrome" they are plastic covers with a chrome like finish on them (cheap). Only time will tell how the chrome like finish will last over real chrome. As stated earlier I think the dash on the big horn trim can be of nicer quality at this price point. I also think a 41k truck should have certain things as standard such as garage door openers and vanity mirrors with lights. Seems crazy to spend that kind of cash and these are not standard on this trim level. I also think the bumper to bumper warranty period should be longer. I know all brands for trucks have the 3/36k but my new Cadillac is 4/50k. No doubt a longer warranty would inspire more confidence in the brand!

Overall in my opinion this is currently the best truck on the market. If RAM wants to be a class leader they need to be constantly raising the bar for innovation, quality, and warranty (lacking 3/36k?). I definitely give them props for building a good truck, they have definitely come a long way!

 

enjoy the new ride. It is crazy how expensive trucks are getting.

 

The chrome clad wheels aren't an issue, nor would I call them "cheap". My 07 had them and they still look great to this day, they were actually the step above the standard SLT wheels and is what the Laramie had.

They are forged aluminum

 

I to just picked up the 2013 ram. I Agree with what you're saying about the clad rims. The second day I had the truck I ran over something in the middle the road and put a big gash in the rim. If it was a real rim nothing would've happened to it. I went to the dealer to see how much it would be to replace the clad on the rim, And they said it can't be replaced you have to buy a new rim 600$. Great ill live with it for now. Lol

 

However I just put on the Flowmaster 50 HD muffler, and it sounds good!!! Put it on with the stock pipes. Now it sounds like a Hemi

 

Concerning warranty. Its not a Cadillac and not priced like one. $41k is not a high dollar vehicle. There are people posting their new 4x4 Diesel trucks with bells and whistles in the MID $60,000 range these days. The dollar dosen't buy much. The other GM. lines are 3./36. Vehicles with a persona issue or a real issue/image of high frequency of repair and image issues about repairs are the ones usually carrying the longer warranty's. Fords 60,000 mile power train warranty. They are implying that longer is not needed etc. Why does Cadillac NEED a longer warranty? Maybe it is also to compete with Lexus,Infiniti,Mercedes etc. Do they have long bumper to bumper warranty's? Only warranty clams I have had on my 2009 with 40,000 miles is the RRTs/TSBs that came out on mine when it was new a recent updated reflash that was covered and I just wanted. Had no issue. ONE interior bulb.

 

I don't know i you have it where you live, but I bought something called secure ride. Its a warranty plan for wheels and rims. Basically if I hit anything but a "curb" (thats a bad word!) Everything is replaced free of charge. I paid $400 CAN for this option. To me its more then worth it, I blow one tire and it just about pays for itself.

As far as warranties go, I don't think that the warranty dodge provides is high at all. Its very comparable to that of GM and Ford. You have to remember, how many people who drives things like cadillacs do the work of what you would do with your truck? I can tell you right now I have never seen a caddy pulling a trailer, maybe 1 somewhere but I don't remember. Pulling alone puts strain on a truck. If you look at the raptor, or the ram runner. Your gonna find you have VERY little warranty. People who use those trucks for what they were designed for BEAT THEM UP! I believe Ford had an issue with the raptors because they warrantied them for the same as the f150. Well people were bending frames and demanding new vehicles, and ford had to live up to the warranty. You have to find that happy medium. Same for if you buy a honda or toyota. They are built with better quality, along with their cars. BUT I do believe they have the exact same factory warranty as us. I personally have a higher drivetrain warranty, only because the diesels last longer. I think everyone is pretty standard all across the board, I could be wrong.

At least I hope these things never push you away from owning a dodge. I to drove a 3rd gen (07) I can say they have A LONG way with their trucks.

 

I don't think the imports are built any better. In a by gone era they were but that gap closed tremendously over the last 10 years.

 

Not a fan of the chromed plastic wheel covers glued to the aluminum wheel either. If you are gonna chrome it, chrome the wheel or polish them to a shine. just makes the vehicle feel cheap when you walk up to it, tap the wheel and hear that plasticy thump sound.

 

I go by four transmission repair shops in my weekly travels and I've noticed I see Tundras sitting outside where I use to see 2nd generation Rams. I have a friend in the transmission repair business and he confirms my observation. The third & fourth gen Rams seem to be pretty scarce at tranny shops since they went to the 545RFE.

The last few late model Hondas I've been in had several rattles, one had a broken power window, and a neighbor has a 2009 Accord with a leaking exhaust manifold.

Regards,
Dusty
2010 Ram Big Horn 1500 Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 545RFE, 3.92 LSD, factory dual exhaust, 20” wheels