We are changing the rules a bit for the Truck Nuts Book contest, announced in “Ask MrTruck Ep.4.“. We will publish all entries into this “Are you a Truck Nut?” contest over the course of the week, and then publish a poll to let all the readers decide who wins a copy of the Truck Nuts Book.
First submission comes from Don DeMarcus:
I have a 2014 RAM 1500 ST 4×2 regular cab with the 5.7 HEMI engine. I purchased this truck new in April of 2015 as it was a remaining 2014 left on the lot. It has the 6-speed auto transmission with a 3.21 rear end. The truck does very well for a daily driver as the fuel economy averages between 16 to 17 mpg around town. We do have a travel trailer we tow with this truck occasionally, which is 5,985 lbs. dry weight at which the truck handles quite well. I have added a few accessories to the vehicle such as stainless nerf bars, tonneau cover, molded mud flaps, and a class IV hitch.
While I did start out looking for a 4-door truck, I came to the conclusion since my children are grown and are not at home anymore I was going to be the main driver/passenger of the vehicle so the need for a 4 door didn’t seem to be a necessity. I have no regrets on my choice for this style of vehicle. The truck now has 20,120 miles showing with absolutely no issues thus far. Andre and Nathan recently made a video of “Top 5 Great Trucks Nobody Buys”, where a Ram regular cab R/T was listed. I believe this was an excellent buy for the price and features. I shopped Ford and Chevy for comparably equipped trucks with the RAM having the best retail price in my area. This is the first RAM truck I have owned and as I said previously no regrets. Strong truck and fun to drive.
Don also has the following question related to aftermarket exhaust and cold air intake.
I wanted to make a few slight modifications to my truck such as changing the exhaust and possibly adding a cold air intake. I like how the MagnaFlow exhaust sounds on a HEMI and thought the CAI, well couldn’t hurt. I noticed on the RAM TRX video you did they installed a CAI on that truck.
My problem is: when I started inquiring about doing this I was told by RAM dealers that it would void my warranty. I was even told that if I put a K&N air filter in that could void my warranty. I was confused since on the Mopar website you can buy some of these items from them. I decided to call RAM directly and was told the same thing. Reason given “Modifications to the vehicle that changes the design performance of the truck will void the warranty”. I am talking about bolt on parts not tearing the engine apart. When I confronted the local dealerships and told them items like this are for sale on the Mopar they said – if I purchased the items from them and let them install it would maintain the warranty. BINGO, all about the money.
Don, thank you for sharing your truck with us. You are entered into the contest to win a copy of our book.
