2002 Dodge Ram

[Jake]

Has anybody bought a new 2002 Dodge Ram yet? Any insight will be helpful. I am planning on getting one with a 5.9 liter 360 to tow my 1750 Crestliner Fishhawk. I have a 1999 Blazer 4.3 liter but the boat pushes it all around when I have to brake and it seems to strain a lot when pulling out and going up a hill.

[Fshngyd]

I looked at the ram before purchasing a GMC crew cab, the ram is nice but I was not impressed with the rear legroom passenger space in the back (crew cab), it seemed that they only added a few more inches than the extended cab's, but other than that I have heard nothing bad about them, I think if the space is not a main concern, then go for it, its a very nice truck.

Fshngyd
#217

[bregall]

Jake,
I purchased a new Ram 1500 back in November, took it on one long trip two weeks ago and shook out a couple of small problems that my dealer was able to fix in one short visit. Gas milage is less than I was used to before when I had a 2000 Dakota sport but like you I needed a bigger truck to pull my boat safely. All around so far I love the ride and the four doors fit my life style more than I thought they would. Brian

[redrnger]

I have a 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 4X4 with the 5.9 engine. I pull a ranger 619 with it and it pulls it with ease,hardly know its back there. The only problem I have is the size of the gas tank 24 gallons. I get about 8 to 9 miles a gallons pulling the boat, 200 on a tank of gas. The truck drives and handles real nice 4600 miles and no problems. Theres plenty of room in the back, took 6 of us in it to Missouri no problem. The back seat folds up with stoorage for small stuff under neath. I made a folding board that fits under the back seat that makes the whole area flat.I carpeted it to, now my lab rides back there with out getting hair all over and you can put groceries and stuff back there easier than in the back under the cap. The truck has some nice updates in it. The 5.9 is vortex and a little bigger than a 360 should pull your boat easily.... redrnger

[Larry]

As a die-hard Chevy guy I'll have to say this truck is nice. I've driven this truck and it's got more than enough power for that 619. From the outside, the truck's grill looks huge but seems to vanish when veiwed from the driver's seat. The 4x4 does sit a bit high. Some type of boards would be a nice addition although there are grab handles at all doors. I've riden in the back of the truck and at 6'1" had plenty of room. The board that Bill speaks about making is a very handy feature. The cruising range could be a problem in some areas and a real pain if you fail to read the Indiana Tollway notices that the next plaza doesn't have gas !!!!! We had the truck at the Huron outing before he got the topper. It was nice to have all the extra room in the back to put a lot of our gear

[bountyhunter]

I have a 2000 dodge 2500 diesel I pull A BIG BOAT 6500 lb auto trans 4x4 ,GO diesel you won't go back to gas .jim

[jimbo2]

As a long time Ford guy, it was hard for me to look at Dodge. I bought a 2001, 1500, 4X4 in Sept. and I don't regret it. Dodge has lead the way for improvements that the others are trying to imitate.
I am now a die hard Dodge guy! The 360 tows my Tyee like its a row boat. Gotta love that!
Good luck!!