Every since AEV first started showing concepts of their prospector/XL, I've been dreaming about getting one. The other day I was reading the recent "top 10 used overland vehicles" Here on Expedition Portal, and it said that the 2010-2012 Ram 2500/3500 was a top pick. Where I have a question is why just the 2010-2012? From what I can find, it was only minor changes from 2012 to 2013. I have seen a couple places that separate out the 2010-2012 from 2013-2018, and others that lump 2010-2018 all into one group. So can anyone explain to me what changed between 2012 & 2013 model years, and what would make the 2010-2012 more desirable than the later models?
Question about Ram HD
- Thread starter dra2120
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GeorgeHayduke
Active member
Lots of stuff changed in 2013/2014. In 2013 the power and torque from the Cummins got bumped up and they introduced the HO motor with the Aisin tranny, plus the transfercase changed from NV Gear to Borg-Warner. In 2014 the 2500's went to a coil sprung rear end, front axles switched to a CAD design, and the 6.4L Hemi became available The 8.4 Uconnect system and nicer interior got added in 13 or 14 as well. Anecdotally, I believe issues with the emissions system decreased once RAM adopted DEF as part of their emissions treatment.
I imagine Expedition Portal picked the 2010-2012 years because they're cheaper, not because they're better than later models. If you can swing it, I'd go for a 2014+ 3500. The improvements to power, the interior, and emissions are worth it in my mind. Avoid the coil sprung 2500 if you're carrying a truck camper or high center of gravity loads (e.g. RTT).
I imagine Expedition Portal picked the 2010-2012 years because they're cheaper, not because they're better than later models. If you can swing it, I'd go for a 2014+ 3500. The improvements to power, the interior, and emissions are worth it in my mind. Avoid the coil sprung 2500 if you're carrying a truck camper or high center of gravity loads (e.g. RTT).
Pnwfullsize
Active member
Great answer. I would add 2014+ went to radius arms. Or was it 2013+?
2014 and later Ram 6.4 also got a 6-speed automatic vs. the 5 speed behind the earlier 5.7 HD's. I think the 2012 and later 5.7 did get a 6-speed auto.
I had a 2010 Ram 2500 Laramie and now a 2015 Power Wagon. Interior is nicer with 2015 (mostly the optional 8.4 radio and 7" color dash) but the 2010 was nice also.
I agree with the above statement that the earlier earlier 4th gen's are on the list because they are cheaper and fit the "under $30,000" criteria of the article.
I had a 2010 Ram 2500 Laramie and now a 2015 Power Wagon. Interior is nicer with 2015 (mostly the optional 8.4 radio and 7" color dash) but the 2010 was nice also.
I agree with the above statement that the earlier earlier 4th gen's are on the list because they are cheaper and fit the "under $30,000" criteria of the article.
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ttengineer
Adventurer
jonathon
Active member
The irony is an emissions intact 2007.5-2012 is less reliable and more maintenance intensive than 2013+. The pre SCR trucks need the EGR cleaned at 67.5k because of how much EGR they use to reduce NOx emissions. SCR equipped trucks use so much less EGR Cummins does not have an EGR valve cleaning on the maintenance schedule.
primussucks
Member
I'll stick with my '06 5.9 Cummins. A quick swap of the radio to a radio that supports Apple CarPlay, and it was like an instant upgrade. Steering wheel controls still work, got all the bluetooth stuff, even plugs into my ODBII and gives me engine diagnostics right on the radio.
Truck is rock solid, and now it has the infotainment to match the newer models. Should be around for another 5-10 more years.
Truck is rock solid, and now it has the infotainment to match the newer models. Should be around for another 5-10 more years.
Peneumbra2
Badger Wrangler
Actually,Dodge trucks went to hell in '68, when they stopped selling the real PW in the U.S.!