Fellow Gen2 owners. Just curious on some comments from those on this forum. I've seen similar questions posed on CF over the years. I've been looking at  purchasing a Gen 4/2018+ 3500 Ram.  Mostly i just need more cabin space than my 02 for the family/dogs/gear and some better creature comforts etc. I also have a truck camper so I need the leaf springs of the 1 ton and I'd like to get the Aisin transmission which comes as an option with the 3500. I've found a reasonably priced 2021 3500 close to me in the Tradesman trim. Quite a lot of truck. Am I mad here?  I've poured a lot of $$ and time into my 02 over the last 4 years. I may have buyers remorse if I part with it. Just curious friends on some comments. 

there is no comparison between my old 2nd gen and my 4th gen.   you couldn't drag me back into a 2nd gen 

30 minutes ago, Me78569 said:

you couldn't drag me back into a 2nd gen

ha...although i'm pretty attached to my 2nd gen the advancement in these trucks in the drivetrain, build quality etc is compelling.

I was not ready for the amount of stress reduction my 2018 gives me compared to my 2nd gen when towing.   you can tell the 4th gen is worlds more capable, even though it has ~150hp less than my 2nd gen had.

Yeah there's indeed some level of stress when i tow with my 2nd Gen today no matter what I do to fortifying the rig. Now i just need to get the missus on board with the purchase but that will come. 

I tow with both, there’s no question the 4th gen is “better” but my 2nd gen is still my favorite. I’d never tow as much with my 2nd gen though mainly because mine doesn’t have an exhaust brake. In your case, it seems like you need more room, so a 4th gen or a 3rd gen mega cab is your best bet. Probably should see if the 21’ has had the CP4 recall done yet, looks like it’s turned into a hassle and long wait to get it done.

Let's say I'd rather sell my 3rd Gen than even selling my 2nd Gen. Don't get me wrong I like some off the features as for driving but working on 3rd Gens up just get real expensive quick. Trust me for all the work I've done on Common Rails. Personally it's just easier on a 2nd Gen.

14 hours ago, Andyba20 said:

Probably should see if the 21’ has had the CP4 recall done yet, looks like it’s turned into a hassle and long wait to get it done.

Was thinking about this. I  presume the CARFAX report would show if the repair had been done. 

give the deal the vin 

 

the dealer rep told me it was corrected for 21 year model trucks and later which the one I'm looking at is. Only an issue for 19-20 model years if that is indeed true. 

 I agree with @Mopar1973Man, I like the ease of reapirs on the 2nd gens. Parts are way cheaper as well. This is my first diesel pick up so I may be biased  but towing and hauling with this truck compared to my previous half tons is night and day. I suppose one could make the same comparison for a 4th gen to a 2nd gen. 

 If more space and gadgets is what you want/need then go for it. Maybe keep the '02 for a while until your 100% sure you want to part with it.

 Keep in mind the 2nd gen trucks are getting premium money right now so don't take a big hit on it as a trade in.

I would never trade it in to a dealer. And I agree i like the ease of repairs except I've been doing too many lately! Why just the other day I was putting my headliner back in and had to loosen the A-pillar with the grab handle and it just disintegrated into a million pieces of plastic. Its crap like this just kills me on these 2nd Gens! 

Yeah but there is upgraded replacement parts for 2nd Gens. Like upgraded dash seem to have a long life span versus the OE dash. Yeah it sure it fails and breaks but you can upgrade parts.

 Like I said, I am biased. I think the 2nd gen body style is the best looking but that just my opinion.

I like the look of all the gens to be honest. Probably least of all the 1st gens. 

I like the 1st gens to, I'm a rather nostalgic person when it comes to cars/trucks. 

 My grandpa had an old Dodge stake bed truck here on the farm when I was real young. I remember playing in it in the garage. Don't know what year it was but it had the narrow hood and fat front fenders. Guessing from the 40's maybe. It didn't run, never seen or heard it running but I enjoyed it. Lol

17 hours ago, Hutch24v said:

I like the look of all the gens to be honest. Probably least of all the 1st gens. 

I loved my old 1972 Dodge Power wagon with a 360 CID with a 4 speed.

I dont know what more a man needs as far as towing I just pulled 22880 load and trailer. If I stick my foot in it it will start breaking stuff and I hadnt even hooked up my Quadzilla yet. But even if it was hooked up it wouldnt be turned up but for fuel (and timing coming soon I hope).

I've been close to 23,000 to 26,000 pounds between hauling large loads of hay, backhoes, firewood, etc.