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Anyone here go backwards or downgrade?

herdbull

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Seriously thinking of selling my '22 for a plethora of reasons. Anyone here go backwards or "downgrade"? Looking at roughly a 2015-2017 2500 with the 6.4l. From my research I could potentially do this and put $30K in the bank, save a ton on maintenance and fuel costs and still have a nice truck.

We do have a 5th wheel that is 8300lbs empty and max trailer weight is under 12,000lbs. I'd say we average a trip a month, usually only 4-5 hours one way. I do know I'll miss the exhaust brake but aside from that what might I see in terms in towing a load of this size? Not too worried about the daily driver part.
 
Im sure the 15-17 6.4 truck would pull 8300 lbs just fine. Up hills and/or at altitude you will hate it, however.

The 6.4 will daily drive better in my opinion.

You will lose money in fuel costs and your maintenance costs will be close to a wash considering the extended service intervals of the diesel vs gas.
 
I realize this is an older thread but I’ll say, I just did this very thing a week ago. I had a 2021 Ram 2500 Crew 6.4L Tradesman ($47k) Traded it in on a 2016 Ram 2500 Crew 6.4L Tradesman ($29k). Immediately trimmed $15k debt, years of payments, and even saved on auto insurance. I didn’t give a single thing up either. It’s essentially the same dang truck, just with a few more miles and a lot less debt. We should all strive to OWN things, not constantly pay pay pay pay the bank. I’m done with that game. Especially with these pickups marketed to the “working man” but costing obscene prices now. Just my two cents!


-Frank
 
I realize this is an older thread but I’ll say, I just did this very thing a week ago. I had a 2021 Ram 2500 Crew 6.4L Tradesman ($47k) Traded it in on a 2016 Ram 2500 Crew 6.4L Tradesman ($29k). Immediately trimmed $15k debt, years of payments, and even saved on auto insurance. I didn’t give a single thing up either. It’s essentially the same dang truck, just with a few more miles and a lot less debt. We should all strive to OWN things, not constantly pay pay pay pay the bank. I’m done with that game. Especially with these pickups marketed to the “working man” but costing obscene prices now. Just my two cents!


-Frank

Nice. Ive got a '99 Manual trans diesel with more miles than your 2016 you just bought and it's much cheaper.

I'll make you a great deal.

Let's get serious about this 0 debt thing!
 
I have a 2022 with 6k on it. Going to pick up my 2018 today then selling the 2022. the 2018 is paid in full, While not the same ride quality I will take the savings.
 
I bounced around half ton trucks for a while. I used to get a new truck every two years. I was getting into expensive territory driving a king ranch. Going to a 3/4 ton tradesman Ram was an upgrade for how much truck I had but a downgrade for many things. However, I’m saving money in a cheaper truck and saving because I’m no longer bouncing around trucks since I’m happy with my trucks performance.

Luckily I bought pre covid so I didn’t pay crazy prices for my truck. I’m not tempted to sell for a crazy price because of the high replacement cost.
 
I did both an upgrade and downgrade. I traded my 2020 3500 DRW tradesman with 18k miles for a 2020 2500 mega limited w/rambox with 10k miles. Very happy with my decision.
 
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I've been tempted to go gack to a early 07 mega with business console. trying to find one is another conversation.
 
I can see myself at some point going back to a 3.5 Gen Mega Cab with lower miles and paying for it as well. I didn't do that now because I simply dont have the time to be waiting around if it needs some major work done... So OP you need to ask yourself can you deal with every possible downfall on an older truck. Also, the interior, transmission etc... Personally Id stay in the 4.5 Gen 6.4 for the 8 speed. I had a 2016 6.4 with 3.73s and 37s. It wasn't terrible but I didn't tow much with it. However, the new transmission makes the 6.4 WAY more enjoyable and livable.... Why not go to a 4th gen diesel? You can find deals on them now that the market is cooling off
 
I've been tempted to go gack to a early 07 mega with business console. trying to find one is another conversation.
If it was not for the ungodly electrical issues on the 06-07 id would have bought one there was a nice 07 5.9 mega dually G56 forsale recently it was very tempting i would have to make it a LB aswell for it to be useful to me
 
I was lucky with my 04.5, but read plenty of horror stories around that along with the blend door issues. I keep looking though.
 
I was lucky with my 04.5, but read plenty of horror stories around that along with the blend door issues. I keep looking though.
My 05 was a wonderful truck never any issue it just tore through the frontend parts with the rough roads we have, i did just fix an 04.5 blend door issue for a coworker though lol
 
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