why not a Dodge Ram?

Here is Last Line Of Defense youtube channel (who I think is a Toyota guy that's owned a Tacoma, 4Runner, and more) touring Mike Glover's Dodge Ram.



I have been thinking, is it even worth investing into or owning a Toyota or Tacoma?
Before I end up dumping more money into things like front bumper, camper shell, and so on.
As a platform, is it even worth it?
Besides the cost, and hopefully a Ram does not cost too much more,
they seem like a better base to start out with.

Are they? Am I wrong?
Has anyone else had these thoughts?

a Ram is bigger, so it can carry more. It can get many of the same upgrades, such as armor, suspension lift, and so on.
However, some major (maybe better) differences:
-they can come in diesel, for better mpg and more torque
-the bigger size means you can also put an extended range fuel tank on it, for less stops at the gas station

and because of the diesel, it can probably easily handle extra weight of upgrades, like armor and stuff that adds weight.
even in stock form at regular weight, my Taco mpg seems bad.

 

Nope. Not worth it. Next thread.

 

Size is the biggest reason.

diesel you’re talking an extra 10-20k for price.

Tacoma’s are extremely easy to work on and will get you 300k miles. A ram 1500 will get maybe half.

diesels are a good choice, but again, size weight and price.

 

Every answer in this thread is going to point to one thing. I agree Ram has the nicest truck out right now, but I would never trust all the fancy systems to Chrysler. Adjustable air suspension by Chrysler? Enjoy that repair bill in 5-6 years. There is a whole list of things on that truck in that category.

 

Lots of hopefully, probably and assumptions in that. You'd be better off sitting down and figuring out each point individually - i don't think they're all true.

 

this me right now

 

The standard v8 hemi Ram that you see all over the roads, well they are for guys that cant afford an f150.

 

You need to also consider what you will be doing with your truck? Obviously if your just going out in the woods then you’ll be fine, but if your looking to do a little bit more aggressive off roading, like in the sand and rock climbing then you probably want to go with the Toyota because of its size and how light it is compared to the Ram. You also need to ask your self, what are you planning on hauling? I used to own a 2015 Silverado 1500, but I found that 1 times out of 20 that I needed that longer bed. But most of the things that I used it for I could accomplish with my Tacoma now. Plus a big upside for me what the size and weight of the Tacoma. Since I go fishing a lot being able to crawl in the sand easier and not sink is a huge upside for me. It all just comes down to what you like and what you plan to do with it. A lot of that newer technology I barely used. ‍♂️ So it’s all up to you. Sit down and make a pros and cons list, but I’m more happier with my Tacoma then I’ve ever been with my Silverado.

 

You’re asking this in Tacoma forum? I’m sure responses will be objective....

 

Recently went from a ram 1500 to a Tacoma and I have to say that the Tacoma is honestly a lot more fun to drive. It also gets better gas mileage than I did in my ram and it has so much more aftermarket support than the ram did when I was trying to build it up. There is a reason it has such a huge following. Tacoma no doubt over the ram.

 

is it not objective of me to ask in the first place?
The Taco is not my first vehicle,
and for many others here, I doubt it is their first or only vehicle

It is not the purpose of a person to serve and be addicted to their vehicle. Cars were created by man, to serve man.

owning a Tacoma does not mean the word is tattoo'd on your neck
some people join forums to learn how to fix their vehicle to save money on repairs,
not because they plan to name their newborn son "Toyota"

 

My friend's RAM's engine grenaded. The dealer said it couldn't be fixed and cleverly gave him some credit on another RAM that cost $10,000 more. Apparently he hadn't had his coffee yet or something.

 

For sure, it all depends on your needs.

Obviously, most people here like their Tacomas, enough to join a forum of like-minded individuals.

If towing, hauling heavy stuff, more family room is your needs then go full size. I drove a Ram 1500 5.7 on a contract a few years back and loved it on pavement. On FS/BLM roads less so.

Folks like Tacos for reliability, size, out-the-door offroad performance, etc. Mods cost money, same as on a Ram. Just go based on the main purpose of your needs. There is no one perfect vehicle, as there are trade-offs, especcially between mid and full size.

I hope you find the vehicle that best suits your needs.

 

You sound like you're wanting to build a custom overland rig. Why? Where are you going? Full sized trucks are for hauling hay to the feed lot and intimidating teenagers at the mall.
Ram and other 1/2 tons aren't a great off road platform - fight me. The wheelbase is too long to have any kind of decent breakover angle, they are too wide to really get into the brush, and way too heavy to float over mud/sand.

For that matter, the Tacoma isn't exactly super in that category either. I can get places in a two wheel drive Beetle that I wouldn't dare attempt in a modern Tacoma.

​

 

TUNDRA

 

More flag stickers = bug-out vehicle

 

I think you should get a Tacoma

 

fiat....nuff said???

 

The stock Power Wagon is a capable option in the heavy 1/2 ton-light 3/4 ton category. They are expensive as fuck, get shit for mileage with a 6.4L 8 cyclinder(nobody buys a truck for gas mileage), and need that big ass sticker removed from the bed though.

Really depends on what you want to do with the truck.

I don't know if I would buy a modern diesel these days. I had a couple of Cummins Dodges in the 90s and then early 2000s, but there is way too much in the way of emissions and computer bullshit on them now.

 

Depends what you want. Highway queen and towing, yeah I’d consider the ram. Want to hit the trails and be bouncing around rocks and going between trees? The Tacoma is one of the best. Gladiator and zr2 give it a good challenge in the woods. Otherwise the Tacoma is your off road vehicle of choice.