Help me with a 2500 Big Horn build

[jm888]

Hello again. I have been lurking here for a couple months now and feel like I better make a decision soon before I am unable to order a truck until next year. I plan to go out and drive both a Ram and a GM again next week and then hopefully I can decide. If I do go this route, I want to be more prepared to order and was hoping you guys could help me come up with some options for a build.

To start with, I believe a crew cab 2500 6.5’ bed with a hemi is the way to go. I do not need or want a diesel and I will have plenty of payload with a gas engine in a 2500. I would like to keep the sticker price around $55k or so in hopes of getting around 10-12% off of MSRP like many have posted here. Big Horn is probably the best option as the Laramie is getting up there in price and probably has a bunch of things I don’t need. So, starting off going down the list from the Ram website, I would probably want to add:


4.10 ratio - $145 (since most people here seem to say it is worth it)

Anti-spin rear end - $445 (required with the 4.10)

220 amp alternator - $145 (just because it is only $145…I don’t know if necessary)

Trailer camera wiring - $515 – I don’t know much about this, but it would be nice to have a camera on the rear of the trailer to show up on the screen, but if it is going to cost 515 plus whatever a camera is, maybe this isn’t worth it. Please weigh in on this if you know about it.

Night Edition/Sport Package: I would probably want some dark exterior color and if that is the case, I think there is too much chrome for that so one of these packages would be nice. I really like the black grill and accents and wheels so probably leaning toward the night edition, but how is the ride with those 20” wheels and tires with this? I don’t really know much about tire size/ride, etc.

Bed utility group - $845 I would definitely get a spray in liner anyways so may as well order it with one. Plus the lights and step might be nice and this is probably only a couple hundred more than getting a spray in liner locally, unless you guys think it is best to get this aftermarket.

As far as the other packages, it is hard to tell because it looks like they are messed up and don’t list everything. It looks like some things in the safety group are also included in level B, but it doesn’t really list them right now. I would at least want the Level 1 for sure, but want the 7” EVIC so I don’t know if I should just go with Level B or 1 and the safety group. Hope someone can weigh in here as to which options are really nice to have in these packages.

I don’t see anything in the tech package or the towing group B package that really seems necessary to justify the prices.

Premium lighting group - $ 795 – is it really worth $800 for LED headlights?

Running boards $845 – I would need to get them eventually so may as well get the painted flat wheel to wheel ones, unless an aftermarket one is cheaper and easy to install.

Entertainment: I think the 8.4” screen is probably fine. I do generally like to have all the cool gadgets, but that 12” screen seems like it may be an overkill for an extra $2k . I would probably add the 9 speaker Alpine for $595 though.

Seating: Premium bench seat. I do like the idea of having room for 6 just in case. I don't really think I want to go with leather again. I have leather in my truck now and cloth in the car and I never do anything to the car seats and they look nice and clean. The leather requires maintenance which I have neglected as it got older.

Trailer tire pressure monitoring. $545 – It would be nice to know if one of your trailer tires is losing air.



That’s where I am at so far. I’d love to hear you guys weigh in and let me know if there are any other options you find you can’t live without, or ones I mentioned here that are not worth it.

 

[Darkone]

I was in your boat over whether to add the LED headlights or not. I ended up getting them and haven’t regretted it. The light over Halogen lights had been well worth it to me.

The bed utility group was one thing I did not get as I didn’t think I needed the step, although I ordered both the other options. I now wish I had gotten the step as it would have made getting in the truck bed easier.

I have the 8.4 and completely satisfied with it. I Personally felt like the 12” was too much. Other may like it but it wasn’t for me.

the other options I can’t really comment on as I didn’t order my truck with them. I like the added tech of the newer trucks but some seemed more than what I really wanted. I do have the BSM along with front and rear park sense and both have become handy options, but I still rely on my mirrors.

hope this helps and at the end of the day order what will best suit your needs, and enjoy it.

 

[JohnandDonna]

First go Ram, the interior is so much nicer than the GMC. Also the ride of the Ram, with its coil springs vs leaf springs, is much smoother/comfortable.
Your going to want the LED headlights. As far as the trailer camera wiring goes, I got it with mine but don't use it. I am not even sure what cameras actually work with it. Also, while it's supposed to appear on the screen I believe its subject to the same time out limit as the other cameras. I have a wireless camera on the back of my trailer and have the always on monitor on the middle top of the dash. This way I can see what's what.
Bed lights and step are must haves in my opinion. I don't know if you can get them without the spray in liner. I deleted the spray in liner on my order and went with LIneX color matched spray in liner. Looks great!
While the 12" screen is nice, the 8.4" would work just fine, plus you get more actual buttons.
I see the TTPM as a nice to have but not a need to have. I check my trailer tires each time before I tow. Planning on getting an aftermarket TTPM system.

One item I find invaluable is the Adaptive cruse control, not sure what package it is part of. Being able to set what ever speed and the truck will adjust to keep an interval is great. It proved it's worth last year when I was on I70 crossing Pennsylvania. I am traveling at 65 in the right lane when some bozo passes me in the left lane and immediately cuts in front of me to get on an exit ramp. The adaptive cruise control hit the brake for truck and trailer in a quick and controlled manner. That one incident alone justified its price for me.

I would also say the blind spot monitoring that takes into account trailer length (up to 30') is great to have. And have you thought of the Ram Boxes? They are great to keep all your hitch gear, chocks and other misc.
I agree with everything else on your list. Sounds like a nice truck. Did you consider the MegaCab? Much more room in the back. What color are you getting?

 

[jm888]

First go Ram, the interior is so much nicer than the GMC. Also the ride of the Ram, with its coil springs vs leaf springs, is much smoother/comfortable.
Your going to want the LED headlights. As far as the trailer camera wiring goes, I got it with mine but don't use it. I am not even sure what cameras actually work with it. Also, while it's supposed to appear on the screen I believe its subject to the same time out limit as the other cameras. I have a wireless camera on the back of my trailer and have the always on monitor on the middle top of the dash. This way I can see what's what.
Bed lights and step are must haves in my opinion. I don't know if you can get them without the spray in liner. I deleted the spray in liner on my order and went with LIneX color matched spray in liner. Looks great!
While the 12" screen is nice, the 8.4" would work just fine, plus you get more actual buttons.
I see the TTPM as a nice to have but not a need to have. I check my trailer tires each time before I tow. Planning on getting an aftermarket TTPM system.

One item I find invaluable is the Adaptive cruse control, not sure what package it is part of. Being able to set what ever speed and the truck will adjust to keep an interval is great. It proved it's worth last year when I was on I70 crossing Pennsylvania. I am traveling at 65 in the right lane when some bozo passes me in the left lane and immediately cuts in front of me to get on an exit ramp. The adaptive cruise control hit the brake for truck and trailer in a quick and controlled manner. That one incident alone justified its price for me.

I would also say the blind spot monitoring that takes into account trailer length (up to 30') is great to have. And have you thought of the Ram Boxes? They are great to keep all your hitch gear, chocks and other misc.
I agree with everything else on your list. Sounds like a nice truck. Did you consider the MegaCab? Much more room in the back. What color are you getting?

I don't think I need the Mega Cab because my family is all short and I have the seat pretty far forward so there will be plenty of room in the back. I also like the idea of keeping the truck as short as possible for easier parking and maneuvering. I did not think about the Ram Boxes but I will check those out and see what they look like in person. The only problem I can see is that would now allow me to put a canopy on it if I ever wanted to, right? I think I like the Granite Crystal Metallic best so far, but will have to take a look at the different colors in person again. The adaptive cruise and blind spot monitoring sound nice but I will have to see if they are still available. I know they removed the blind spot monitoring option due to the chip shortage. It is really tough to build a truck because it is so easy to just keep adding things that only cost a couple hundred, but it adds up fast! I guess the best way is probably to look at some trucks in person (even 1500s) just to get an idea of what the options look like in person.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

If you ever use a gooseneck or 5th wheel get the towing tech pkg the cargo camera alone is worth the cost if i would have ordered my truck that would be a forsure need

 

[whitexc]

I am waiting on my 2500 Big Horn CCSB Hemi. Bright white, night edition, premium split bench in cloth, level 2, premium lighting, premium sound, bed utility, cab length black steps and most importantly decal delete. $53xxx before tax and incentives, which will be zero. It should be here any day.

I have driven/owned GM's, test drove and would have bought a Ford even though the interior lacked and ended up going Ram. I'm glad it worked out the way it did. I had a Cummins for the last 10 years and with all the new tech and emissions figured I couldn't justify the cost vs use. Aside from being thirsty with a small tank the Hemi should do just fine for me. Been driving big trucks and hauling trailers long enough that I'm ok without cameras everywhere. If I had a big 5er a camera out back would be nice. I will have a different truck to pull that so....

Get your order in before you can't lol.

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[Pronto]

Some of that depends on what you're towing and planning to do with it.

The anti-spin rear diff is a must have for me. If there was a truck on the lot that had everything I wanted except that, I'd rather order one and wait than cuss every time one of my rear tires broke loose.

I've had both the 12" and 8.4" Uconnect and while I like my 12", the 8.4" was just fine. If I was watching my budget on a truck build after owning both, this one would be a no-brainer to me.

I liked the Alpine in my 1500 a lot but I can't compare it to the base. Seems like it would be worth it to me if you listen to music a lot.

The TTPMS I think is worth it. The main benefit there is if you pick up a nail or something and develop a leak, you can be alerted to that before it turns really bad. It's worth it to me for the peace of mind.

You wouldn't regret getting the LED's but you could skip them if you're not used to them. Once you go there, there's no going back. You could also justify their cost from a safety standpoint.

 

[jm888]

Some of that depends on what you're towing and planning to do with it.

The anti-spin rear diff is a must have for me. If there was a truck on the lot that had everything I wanted except that, I'd rather order one and wait than cuss every time one of my rear tires broke loose.

I've had both the 12" and 8.4" Uconnect and while I like my 12", the 8.4" was just fine. If I was watching my budget on a truck build after owning both, this one would be a no-brainer to me.

I liked the Alpine in my 1500 a lot but I can't compare it to the base. Seems like it would be worth it to me if you listen to music a lot.

The TTPMS I think is worth it. The main benefit there is if you pick up a nail or something and develop a leak, you can be alerted to that before it turns really bad. It's worth it to me for the peace of mind.

You wouldn't regret getting the LED's but you could skip them if you're not used to them. Once you go there, there's no going back. You could also justify their cost from a safety standpoint.

Everyone seems to say how great the LEDs are. I have no used them but maybe I need to! I guess I just plan to eventually tow a travel trailer in the 26'-30' range. I go up skiing too and have a 4x4 now so it is nice to have so I don't have to put chains on when they are required. I don't know if i need the anti-spin or not, but everyone says to get the 4.10 and that is required for it. This stuff makes sense but it is hard to tell if the stuff in the equipment group 1 and 2, or A and B or whatever it is, is necessary without seeing it.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Everyone seems to say how great the LEDs are. I have no used them but maybe I need to! I guess I just plan to eventually tow a travel trailer in the 26'-30' range. I go up skiing too and have a 4x4 now so it is nice to have so I don't have to put chains on when they are required. I don't know if i need the anti-spin or not, but everyone says to get the 4.10 and that is required for it. This stuff makes sense but it is hard to tell if the stuff in the equipment group 1 and 2, or A and B or whatever it is, is necessary without seeing it.

The halogens are good enough but the leds are great so its not like you need the leds but they are a luxury to have, i am quite pleased with the output from the stock halogens i live out in a rural area and i find they are leaps and bounds ahead of what ram has put out in the past

 

[Mat_HD]

The LEDs that FCA (Stellantis now I guess) uses are top notch. Our Jeep has the factory LEDs as well and they're fantastic. Same light output as all the other typical Jeep bros with their 15 extra light bars and pod lights.

 

[jm888]

The halogens are good enough but the leds are great so its not like you need the leds but they are a luxury to have, i am quite pleased with the output from the stock halogens i live out in a rural area and i find they are leaps and bounds ahead of what ram has put out in the past

Well, I was playing around with it again and seems like to add the lighting group, you need to add the Level B Group which is $2500 more than Level 1 and before I know it, I am up to $60k! So I think I need to leave those out because it ends up being almost $3300 more.

It is hard to tell what really comes in the packages because they are messed up, but I think the Safety Package has adaptive cruise, steering, high beam control, 7-in EVIC, lane keep, etc.. It seems like there are more useful things in that group than if I went with Level B. But then again, I don't have those features now, I have never used them, this truck won't be a daily driver...so maybe I don't even need those. Or maybe I can leave out the Night Edition and go with the Sport Package since that has the painted bumpers at least. The 18" wheels/tires probably have a smoother right anyways, right?

 

[Millmutt]

I ordered a 2020 Laramie the last few days of the 2020 order cycle. Got good pricing at that time and then the pricing/ incentives improved when the truck arrived. List 76k got it for 64k.
The adaptive cruise is great use it more than I ever used cruise before. I like the adaptive steering as well, glad I got it. Blind spot is well worth it, works with trailer as well. Lane keep is not too exciting. I have it off most of the time. I got every safety feature available and have no regrets, worth the cost.
Hope this helps

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Well, I was playing around with it again and seems like to add the lighting group, you need to add the Level B Group which is $2500 more than Level 1 and before I know it, I am up to $60k! So I think I need to leave those out because it ends up being almost $3300 more.

It is hard to tell what really comes in the packages because they are messed up, but I think the Safety Package has adaptive cruise, steering, high beam control, 7-in EVIC, lane keep, etc.. It seems like there are more useful things in that group than if I went with Level B. But then again, I don't have those features now, I have never used them, this truck won't be a daily driver...so maybe I don't even need those. Or maybe I can leave out the Night Edition and go with the Sport Package since that has the painted bumpers at least. The 18" wheels/tires probably have a smoother right anyways, right?

Yea the 18s are a better ride i dont have the safety features either

 

[Millmutt]

I got the 18s as well. Don’t really know how much better they ride but it was the only a/s tire available. All the 20s were a/t tires which are louder.

 

[jm888]

Ok, that safety stuff does sound very useful. Does anyone find the Level 2 (B) worth the upgrade from Level 1?

 

[whitexc]

There were level 2 things I wanted and some I didn't need. I've never ordered a truck so I splurged a bit. Probably didn't need the Alpines or premium lighting but Ehh.

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[jm888]

There were level 2 things I wanted and some I didn't need. I've never ordered a truck so I splurged a bit. Probably didn't need the Alpines or premium lighting but Ehh.

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How do the Alpines sound? That doesnt look like it is in that package but I was probably going to add it on.

 

[Millmutt]

Ok, that safety stuff does sound very useful. Does anyone find the Level 2 (B) worth the upgrade from Level 1?

I ordered a Laramie level 1. I think once I had selected the navigation separately it then came down to about 1500 bucks more for the level 2 to include a different radio (more speakers) heated rear seats and wireless charging. I may have missed something but I am pleased with my choice.

 

[jm888]

I ordered a Laramie level 1. I think once I had selected the navigation separately it then came down to about 1500 bucks more for the level 2 to include a different radio (more speakers) heated rear seats and wireless charging. I may have missed something but I am pleased with my choice.

Oh ok, the Laramie package is probably different than the Big Horn. I think that comes with the HK audio system.

 

[Bombdigitty]

Ok, that safety stuff does sound very useful. Does anyone find the Level 2 (B) worth the upgrade from Level 1?

Yeah..
On the Big Horn it gives you Remote Start, Heated seats and steering wheel, 400w inverter to name a few reasons.
was a no brianer for me. Also made the sport package was more affordable. Lowered the sport upgrade from 800 to 250.