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Ruby is a top-of-the-line three-quarter ton pickup – a 2015 RAM 2500 4x4 Crew cab Laramie Longhorn Limited, with all the options you would ask for in a heavy-duty tow vehicle Best available for only 49,500 $US
What do you get in this truck ? Mileage: By October, Ruby will have done about 45,000 miles and will still be under 2.5 years old. RAM's warranty is 5-year 36,000 miles and 5-year/100,000 on powertrain. As of 2017, I have extended the warranty with an official RAM 'bumper to bumper' warranty good to 60,000 miles or 5 years. This is transferrable to a new owner. RAM has made many worthwhile improvements to the 2500 HD line over the 2012-15 years. Almost no changes to 2016 & 17. In 2012: they got extra torque; standard stability control and cruise control on the steering wheel. In 2013: there was an improved electrical system; 5-yr / 100 KM transferable power-train warranty; Uconnect 8.4”; smarter exhaust brake (auto on cruise); better cooling system with dual radiators & dual transmission coolers; 15K oil-changes; and the tow hitch went up to Class V . In 2014: there was a stronger frame; ++tow-ratings; new rear and front susp (3-link instead of 5 for a much stronger front end); bigger rear axle (11.5" vs 10.5"); Active-Air intake for Cummins; much better seats & sound-proofing; better exhaust brake (capable of maintaining speed). For the 2014 Laramie (and above) Trim: leather upholstery, heated & ventilated 6x power front seats, rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, auto-dim mirror, heated steering wheel & memory for driver's settings. Plus Uconnect-interfaced audio system - boasting 10 speakers & an SD-card slot, with hands-free calling. Nav system goes to hard-disk based; memory pedals; spray-in bed-liner; Halogen headlights. In 2015: availability of the optional 11x7 power-fold mirrors (heat, mem, adjust), tow hooks with 6.7 engine For the 2015 Laramie+ Trim: step running boards (only Laramie monochrome or with the chrome package); Uconnect 8.4” screen; EVIC dash display (better instruments and smart multi-function array near dials); nicer carpets Ruby's standard Features As a Laramie Limited trim-level truck, Ruby has half a million 'standard features' (as a result of that top-level 'Trim' Spec). Important to her use as a super tow vehicle, some of the best ones are: • large-screen 8.4" Navigation System – by far the best we've used in any modern vehicle. Also linked to the EVIC panel in the driver-side dash, this gives especially good guidance (zoomed in pictures) in big crazy multi-lane merges and splits • dual-memory adjustable driver pedals/seat/mirrors for easy push-button driver changes. So good. • cooled seats & heated seats & wheel (reduces fatigue) • great sound system (with factory sub-woofer). (ditto) • keyless entry & remote start. • voice recognition for UConnect (radio & nav & phone). New in 2017 Tires: Really liked the new Michelins on the trailer in 2016. Ruby's rears were getting a little tired by July this summer, so I changed all four tires to new Michelin Defender LTX. Boy, what an improvement ! Handling and road-holding is at least as good, dry braking is also fine. Wet performance is much better. Most impressive is the smoothness over cracks and small bumps - much, much smoother ride. Really wish I'd done it sooner. These are going to be about 8,000 miles old when the truck is sold - and Michelin has a 50,000 mile warranty on them. They are model LT285/60R20/E 125R Michelin Defender LTX M/S. Extended Warranty: Chrysler offers a 'Maximum Care Plan' that covers the truck until 60,000 miles – or 5 years -whichever occurs first. This is transferrable to the new owner. I chose to have a 100$ deductable on the plan. |
Ruby's Specs Three-quarter ton, HD rated to tow 17,000 lb (7711 Kg). Length 20' (6100 mm), max weight (GVWR) 10,000 lb (4536 Kg) Fuel 31 USG (117 L), 370 HP (276 KW) & 800 ft-lb (1085 NM) Our Fuel consumption (sticking to speed limit + 2 mph) Ruby alone, but fairly heavy (and bad roads) = 18 mpg (US) over first 9500 miles. Towing Bigfoot 80% and alone 20% = 12 mpg (US) email us if you have questions: paul2500RAM@gmail.com Bang for your Buck 2015 RAM 2500 4X4 Crew Cab, Laramie Longhorn Limited with the extra-cost optional: • 6.7 L Cummins Turbo-Diesel with 6 sp auto; 3.42 axle. This also gives you better (twin) batteries; bigger alternator; more cooling; exhaust brake (with integration into cruise control). • Air Suspension with more compliant ride (with various loads); easier trailer (un-)hitching; and better handling • LSD (limited slip diferential) for much better traction in slippery conditions • electric folding 9x11" tow mirrors • chromed full-length side-steps • electric sunroof & defroster & CD player • 6LT285/60R20 OWL tires
Ruby's base MSRP = $ 54,100 click here for Windshield Sticker for RAM.
Ruby's non-standard Features Molded Mud Flaps on all 4 wheels Leer canopy with keyless electric locking, LED lights, multiple opening windows and flip-down front window (for easy cleaning). Very good colour match. Thule tracks factory-fitted on roof of canopy. Also currently equipped with second complete rim and tire (for remote off-highway use). This is mounted vertically, to a professionally-built steel support in the bed of the truck (regular full-sized factory spare remains in normal position under rear of truck). Also currently equipped with huge storage drawer (designed to take 4+ standard 18 G (72 L) Rubbermaid lidded storage bins. Drawer runs on 12 industrial castors and is easily pulled out (by me or my wife) to access kayaking gear, BBQ, etc. It will not fall out ! Above the drawer is a carpeted sleeping deck. The deck & drawer are made from sturdy ply and pine – and could be dismantled (about 30 screws) and completely removed in half an hour. No mechanical connection to the truck – it's a friction-fit design that has survived the Yukon's Dempster highway and come up grinning. Note, this was in 2015, when we were in Alaska without the Bigfoot – so we were tenting or sleeping in the truck in bear country. Under the sleeping shelf – and forward of the extra spare tyre, are 2 x 6 USG (25 L) containers for spare Diesel. There is also space for a spare jug of DEF, plus storage for tow strops, etc. |
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Best Features of Ruby...
"Truck is tough, handles well and inspires confidence."
"Very luxurious and comfortable – certainly for an HD pickup."
"Heated & cooled seats are magic."
"Nav system is the best we've used."
"Great visibility, mirrors & camera."
