Darko: 2024 Ram 2500

[SilicaRich]

After finishing my M.S. and landing a big job I decided to purchase my first new vehicle this month and wanted a truck, so I present to you Darko the Ram 2500.

Wanted something with space and utility and the added highway driving comfort (huge coming from a 20 year old Wrangler) and ended up getting a very nice deal on what you see. The added bonus is a truck that I can comfortably pull my Jeep on a trailer if wanted.

My goal for this truck is keep it very simplistic. No fancy bumpers or lights so soon, rather go for necessity and practicality. Early basics to do that kind of go without saying are seat covers and a steering wheel cover. A big want for me currently is quality fiberglass bed shell but I have no idea where to start, so any experiences or recommendations are welcome.

Other than those simplistic changes, another big one for me in the future are different tires. I'm comfortable with the current factory Firestones for now, but ideally want something a little more aggressive without sacrificing highway comfort and performance.

Also final note, progress is going to be very slow because my work is 1100 miles from home. Hoping to get some trips in come summer however.

 

[COAKXterra]

Did you end up looking into the ARE CX HD series canopies?

 

[SilicaRich]

Did you end up looking into the ARE CX HD series canopies?

I did! It's on the list, I'm just trying to get opinions of more than just one brand. Trying to buy once, cry once ideally

Also some really nice rebates on the CX models.

 

[COAKXterra]

I did! It's on the list, I'm just trying to get opinions of more than just one brand. Trying to buy once, cry once ideally

Also some really nice rebates on the CX models.

Nice. Makes total sense.

It’s not fiberglass but our neighbor just popped a smartcap on his f250 and it looks really nice and certainly has some cool features.

 

[SDDiver5]

Nice truck! I have also heard great things about Smartcap. Have you considered a GFC or something similar? Best of both worlds if you ask me. I had a fiberglass shell on my old F150 and liked it enough to not get rid of it but definitely didn't love it. GFC allows for secure storage and a place to sleep in the same place. 100% USA made too!

 

[SilicaRich]

Nice. Makes total sense.

It’s not fiberglass but our neighbor just popped a smartcap on his f250 and it looks really nice and certainly has some cool features.

I have actually. They seem really nice but not a huge fan of the actual look. I'll take another look at them for sure.

 

[SilicaRich]

Nice truck! I have also heard great things about Smartcap. Have you considered a GFC or something similar? Best of both worlds if you ask me. I had a fiberglass shell on my old F150 and liked it enough to not get rid of it but definitely didn't love it. GFC allows for secure storage and a place to sleep in the same place. 100% USA made too!

I'll take a look, figured they were out of my budget to be honest.

The idea of utilizing a shell as a place to sleep is appealing but also simplicity is what I'm trying to stick to. That's not to say that GFC doesn't offer a very simplistic method of storage and place to sleep. Just not sure if that's the direction I want to go. I'll definitely entertain the idea and see what the actual price is. If the price is right plus the added benefits over a generic fiberglass top is there, it's a serious option to consider.

 

[SilicaRich]

Nice truck! I have also heard great things about Smartcap. Have you considered a GFC or something similar? Best of both worlds if you ask me. I had a fiberglass shell on my old F150 and liked it enough to not get rid of it but definitely didn't love it. GFC allows for secure storage and a place to sleep in the same place. 100% USA made too!

I think GFC is a bit out of my budget after taking a look at the options😅

 

[Big Ern]

Baja Designs fog light pocket kit. Unbelievable bang for the buck.

 

[SDDiver5]

I think GFC is a bit out of my budget after taking a look at the options😅

I understand. I have seen some for around 5k on marketplace.

 

[SilicaRich]

I understand. I have seen some for around 5k on marketplace.

That's a far more reasonable price but still on the higher end of budget. I'll keep an eye out.

Also in no rush to get a bed shell or what not. Willing to wait 6 months or even a year to make sure I know exactly what I want.

 

[SilicaRich]

Truck did its first big boy trip, about 520 miles round trip. Nothing crazy, just road trip to Houston to visit the parents. Have to say, very impressed with the performance of the truck on the highway.

As expected, a big reason I wanted the truck was for highway comfort and convenience. Nailed it in every possible way. Even more impressive is we managed 19mpg down and back cruised controlled at 80-81mph on a diesel with only 700 miles on it. I honestly did not expect that good of mileage on the highway so soon.

 

[Tex68w]

The newer trucks are getting great mileage. I see 21-23 unladen in my '23 F250 on 37's if I keep it at 80 or below.

 

[SilicaRich]

The newer trucks are getting great mileage. I see 21-23 unladen in my '23 F250 on 37's if I keep it at 80 or below.

I know the Ford and Chevys have a 10 speed now which is quite a game changer especially for fuel mileage. Ram has definitely lagged in that department but allegedly they are coming out with one soon.

 

[MeGoFast]

Great looking Ram! This is actually my first post lol. Here with a '23 Power Wagon in Delmonico Red and saw a post about a Smartcap up top. My smartcap is in the garage right now. Hope to put it together this weekend. Jealous of your 18 MPG lol. I max at 13.9 for a 2 hour drive. I just pretend my truck is too dumb to know how to make the number 14.

Side note: For me, the Decked system was a game changer. Don't have to help people move as much and I can keep all the gear I can even think of in the drawers in a 6'4 bed and still have room. Just my 2 cents. Love the truck! Wish I had the Cummins but it was a give and take decision.