Some questions while "truck shopping/researching" ...

[Uncle Leo]

Hello all. Hoping for some expert information (or opinion) that has been a little elusive. I will be truck shopping in a few months for a 3/4 or 1 ton. Leaning toward 1 ton for payload reasons (fifth wheel). Probably won't be a GM. Although I have not eliminated Ford entirely, I am leaning toward Ram 3500 CC SB 4x4 Hemi SRW. Cummins won't be an option. Not opposed to a 2500.

In any case, co$t is an issue, so I am trying to learn about speccing out the models and trims that have what I need, while not paying for what I don't want. My requirements are fairly narrow.

Among them, I would like a center mount bed camera (for the above mentioned fifth wheel hitching). I think I can build/find a Tradesman that has everything else I want, but have not figured out if you can configure OEM CHMSL camera in any stand alone or package for the Tradesman. Likewise, it appears adding it is NOT plug and play after purchase like it sometimes is on other vehicles, and having things flashed and wires spliced/run defeats the purpose of being cheap.

So, is anyone familiar enough to definitively say you can't configure CHMSL camera on a Tradesman? Any clues as to low option ways/trims/packages to build a truck that includes the bed camera but few other options?

Thanks for any input on what is a fairly vague question.

 

[Uncle Leo]

I think I found what I needed to spec the Tradesman with rear box camera. It IS included in the Tech Towing available on that trim.

I also found it is negligibly more expensive to outfit a Big Horn with what I want than it is to outfit a Tradesman, so I may just lean that direction. It gets me the few towing things I needed with the minimal conveniences I wanted.

Do the on line volume dealers place orders, and is destination part of the MSRP they calculate from? I do have partner pricing available, but I am certain that can be beat, and have no problems doing old fashioned local haggling.... but if the volume guys are the way to go I am happy to take a trip.

Looks something like this:

	3500 Crew Cab SB Big Horn
	6.4 L Gas
Base	46,600
L1 Pkg	2,095
4:10 ratio	145
csl camera	345
5 seats (maybe)	295
Paint	100
5th wheel prep	495
"Destination"	1,695
TOTAL	51,770

 

[eng23ine]

My tradesman has all 5 cameras (front grille, side mirrors, CHMS, and tailgate).
It has max tow, lvl2, and tow technology groups so I'm not sure which package the cameras fall under.

 

[Uncle Leo]

My tradesman has all 5 cameras (front grille, side mirrors, CHMS, and tailgate).
It has max tow, lvl2, and tow technology groups so I'm not sure which package the cameras fall under.

Yeah - I think I found it's in the tow tech package when selecting a Tradesman.

 

[DontSlamMyRam]

Might check Dave Smith Motors in Idaho. Not sure where you are but they have enormous inventory and low prices. I have never purchased there but I know many folks fly in and drive out and still save.

 

[JohnandDonna]

If you order then you get it exactly the way you want.

 

[Uncle Leo]

If you order then you get it exactly the way you want.

That's the question. Can you factory order from the Dave Smiths and Bill Lukes of the world at the typical 12% (or whatever) off MSRP?

 

[Zeroday]

That's the question. Can you factory order from the Dave Smiths and Bill Lukes of the world at the typical 12% (or whatever) off MSRP?

I ordered from the dealer a mile away from me and got more than that off, it's possible.

 

[Deleted member 80]

That's the question. Can you factory order from the Dave Smiths and Bill Lukes of the world at the typical 12% (or whatever) off MSRP?

Yes, I ordered my '15 from DSM, and got their killer deal---at that time. However, DSM was bought out by some conglomerate after that, and when my buddy bought his 1500 the dealer in Prescott blew DSM out of the water by $1800+, and that excluded travel or shipping. Shop carefully.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Thanks. I do shop carefully... and have plenty of time.

Prescott dealer is York?

 

[Deleted member 80]

Thanks. I do shop carefully... and have plenty of time.

Prescott dealer is York?

Yes, ask for Steve Kevorkian.