Ram 1500 Express Australian Review

[@ralphblundell9479]

No, hard to get 12-something/100ks with the 3.92 diff. But they do get 13l/100--the same as a 79 series V8 cruiser. And towing, around 3.5 tonne, get 20, same as a 200 series--this from people that have swapped from a 200. The 4.5 tonne towing(on 70mm ball) is certainly do-able, but with almost zero payload left on the GCM. Best viewed as a very comfortable 3.5-4 tonne tow beast with great comfort and reserves of power. I've driven one--just brilliant.

[@gixxr88]

Spoke to a owner of this recently, for towing heavy he said theres nothing that comes close and takes less fuel doing so than he's landcruiser, id definitely want one of these if im towing

[@Kaegis]

I've had 2 Landcruisers and they are highly capable. I currently get 10L/100klms or around 23.5m/Gal in eco mode, and towing anywhere from 14-20LPH depending on weight. I have put a deposit on a 1500 DS, so I already know I will miss the 100 series on many levels including parking. Luckily I live rural, so is a bit more manageable for me in that sense. I just loved the way the RAM rode on the highway and ate up all the bumps in the road. Another upgraded 100 series Landcruiser, I am still looking at $50k for a 16yr old vehicle. So I guess you only live once and if it didn't work out, then owning one once would be enough! My only complaint about RAM is that you cannot get options added (like electric seats for example or trim) like Japanese dealers offer to their models plus I would totally rather a space cab or single cab variant.

[@gixxr88]

@@Kaegis you can never argue with a Toyota, the reliability and resale is just unparalleled, that upcoming Prado looks the goods aswell

[@Kaegis]

@@gixxr88 Yes, I've always thought Cruisers were priced accordingly prior to covid tax. I might even still keep my 105 Cruiser as a spare vehicle to tow out to the cattle stations etc. But now, I can't even get a low klm 2nd had Cruiser for $80k. I've sealed the deal on a brand new 1500 Express for $84k drive away. So was hard to turn my nose up to in that sense. 05/06 HDJ100 are up at $50-60k with 150,000klms.

[@gixxr88]

@@Kaegis yep thier prices are wild, which makes it more sense to just buy brand new, but that ram yeah that's good value

[@bradest0014]

Looks like what you are reviewing is what they call the quad cab , the Express crew cab has the better interior dash with all the bells and whistles.

[@davexb6595]

I think it is a mistake to assume that only people who tow 4 tonnes 4 times a week want one of these. Lots of people want a full size pick up even though they may only tow a heavy load once a month. For example, I want one just for the big tub that is comfortable for 3 people. I don't plan to tow 4.5 tonne but I do plan to tow 3 tonne and I would feel much, much safer and confident towing that much behind one of these.

[@alanglinster4455]

Who cares about the towing if you,'ve got the money it's a v8 and cool.

[@davexb6595]

@@alanglinster4455 Yes that too. I think the auto companies in Aus have priced these so high that they are can only pitch it at people who really 'need' one. Whereas they could bring in lower priced models for people that don't really need it but would be happy to buy one. In my case, that big tub is a massive incentive. But I can't justify the massive jump in price so I'll go for something smaller with a stretched tub at half the price.

[@coopsnz1]

@@davexb6595 blame government greed , the government profits off rhd conversion

[@AridersLifeYT]

Some feedback, that beep / lost transmission effect, please drop the Volume about 50% because that beep is ear piercingly loud

[@joydrive]

I try and sort the levels but maybe didn't go far enough with the effect on this one, I've used it since this episode in the Smallest car episode and its way better 😎

[@dejibd8821]

Just sold my 76 series cruiser to get one of these. So much more comfortable

[@davexb6595]

That foot brake on the right is flat out primative. I still want one but not at $80,000 with an ominously short 3 year warranty. Try $68,000 with a 5 year warranty and 5 year fixed priced servicing and I'll happily buy one.

[@coopsnz1]

$65000aud without taxes in USA, USA doesn't have federal consumption tax

[@bettyjackson7370]

Sounds like you're after a Nivara mate.

[@davexb6595]

@@flipacoin3593 Since I wrote that the cheapest 1500 you can now buy is well over AUD$100,000. I wanted the large tub and the smaller cabin but that is no longer available. We not only pay a lot of taxes but they do major rework to them on arrival in Australia, to convert them to RHD. The Silverado is very similar. And now Ford and Toyota are introducing their V6 models to Australia. But also at these very high prices. I bought a Korean diesel ute instead, which is the largest thing next to one of these US pickup trucks. Except my Korean ute is less than half the price, has 7 year unlimited km warranty and has more features. Sadly, not a V8 of course.

[@miltonbrownrigg8409]

Thoroughly enjoyed the review thanks. Loving your content and the way it's presented. Cheers from Melbourne

[@joydrive]

Wooo thank you very much 🙏🙏🙏

[@StanceRoyalty]

Cinematics are getting really crisp 🙌

[@joydrive]

Thank you boys. Trying to improve, not quite you guys but working on it 😂

[@Sabumnim666]

The numbers do not add up. Kerb weight all fluids and 10 liters 2620kg, add full tank 111kg is 2731kg. GVM 3450kg take 2731kg is 719kg, if you add a driver say 70kg the pay load is 645kg this is a lot lower than the 845 kg Look at towing 4500kg? GCM 7237kg take full tank of fuel and a driver 2801kg the max tow is 4436Kg. Are my calculations correct?

[@robertryan7204]

Yes, see the Australian Expedition Review I posted they are saying something similar

[@jacekwegrzyn893]

The fuel is included in kerb weight so you towing 4.5T leaves you with 117kg for the driver on Crew cab 1500 GCM 7237 Kerb 2620

[@jacekwegrzyn893]

° Payload and kerb weight figures are based on vehicle certification. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure: weight of fully loaded vehicles do not exceed GVM; front and rear axle load limits are not individually exceeded; the combined weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including tow ball download when towing) and trailer does not exceed the GCM; compliance to State and Territory towing regulations. Payload is the combined value of occupants, luggage, cargo, added options, accessories and tow ball download (when towing). Kerb weight includes the vehicle with a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment, excluding occupants. Additional weights of optional features, occupants, luggage, cargo, accessories and tow ball download (when towing) must be taken into account when calculating payload.

[@Sabumnim666]

@@robertryan7204 OK my mistake so take off the fuel and instead add my self 98KG and say my wife 63kg we still are not looking good.

[@cameronjurd8243]

Next time how about some basic stats like rear seat legroom and performance figures

[@joydrive]

I basically read the entire spec book and you want me to go further? Queue 25 minute video and complaints it's too long 😂

[@jase6827]

Or 115k for Laramie with all the interior fruit, Rambox and Fox suspension GVM upgrade making the payload around 1150kg.

[@joydrive]

Not sure we get the suspension upgrade here? Didn't see it in the book :(

[@jase6827]

joydrive google Murchison products.

[@nathanallen2051]

Won’t get full pay load on the wild track with 3.5t being towed.

[@Streatracer99]

Well look who I found while researching rams 😍😘

[@motobandits5338]

joydrive 7.2t minus 4.5t (trailer) minus 2.6t (kerb) leaves you 100kg so with a full tank full of fuel leaves nothing left at all, not even a driver.

[@secretdad544]

Yep but wherr do you start? habe to start at zero freight on biard and as yiu load more on tye car naturally the amount yiu can tow comes down. If they quote the maximum. What I getbfrok this is I can put 400kg in my car and a full tank of fuel and STILL tow 4 tonnes and thats pretty good for less than a 200series (i save enough money buying a RAM to buy the boat or can I want to tow)

[@jacekwegrzyn893]

The fuel is included in kerb weight so you towing 4.5T leaves you with 117kg for the driver on Crew cab 1500 GCM 7237 Kerb 2620

[@DoubleCheeseFries]

Just wondering at 12.46 what was all that liquid dripping from the axle?, thanks.

[@joydrive]

Just looked, good question and not sure. There's nothing above there that mechanical so I would imagine it's a biproduct from being cleaned as it had been cleaned the day before, only thing I can think of. Nothing untoward anyway, was outside my house for a few days and was nothing on floor :)

[@DoubleCheeseFries]

@@joydrive Thanks for the legendary time response as always. Do you know where to source aftermarket accessories from? I am looking for a closed in box canopy with sliding windows, bull bar etc.

[@PhOeNiXpIoLe]

How is the reliability of these trucks in Australia? Do they have MDS (Multi-Displacement System)?

[@joydrive]

Unsure, not a familiar name so maybe not?

[@ADHD55]

I need this for my daily 9 to 5 seditary office job

[@joydrive]

I need a F40 racecar for my 9-5 computing job, but, life is what it is 😂

[@lucasbishop5186]

my dad got one of these exact models and it pulls a boat like nothing and acclerates like its 1.5 tonne instead of almost 3 tonnes

[@joydrive]

Yeh they pretty capable tow car that's for sure!

[@lucasbishop5186]

@@joydrive yea definitely is

[@lucasbishop5186]

@@joydrive not only that the key is very weird swell and the key also has a panic button which i find very weird

[@zachariahatkinson9379]

its hard for me, because I currently own one, its a 35k truck in the US. I wanted to import it, but they wont import anymore of this model and if they let you its 40k to convert. in Aus 80k for a base model is insane. The top of the line ram's interiors rival range rovers luxury

[@joydrive]

Yeh I've seen photos of what America gets, we get jipped hard :(

[@zachariahatkinson9379]

@@joydrive yeh its not fair at all. Same issue with corvettes and muscle cars :(

[@coopsnz1]

It Not $35000usd in USA new , it $45000usd in USA with ram box , hemi v8 , sidesteps , hardtop without taxes

[@coopsnz1]

In that conversion is $20000 tax , lct $5000

[@coopsnz1]

@@zachariahatkinson9379blame government since Bob Hawke, labor party going down hard this next decade not getting elected federally

[@jacekwegrzyn893]

The fuel is included in kerb weight so you towing 4.5T leaves you with 117kg for the driver on Crew cab 1500 GCM 7237 Kerb 2620 Payload and kerb weight figures are based on vehicle certification. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure: weight of fully loaded vehicles do not exceed GVM; front and rear axle load limits are not individually exceeded; the combined weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including tow ball download when towing) and trailer does not exceed the GCM; compliance to State and Territory towing regulations. Payload is the combined value of occupants, luggage, cargo, added options, accessories and tow ball download (when towing). Kerb weight includes the vehicle with a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment, excluding occupants. Additional weights of optional features, occupants, luggage, cargo, accessories and tow ball download (when towing) must be taken into account when calculating payload.

[@rich7447]

If you are anywhere near the 4.5 metric tons/10k lbs rated limit you don't want a 1/2 ton truck (150/1500) at all. Come of the half tons are rated for that size trailer, but you are far better off with a 3/4 ton (250/2500) once you get over about 7,000 lbs and a 1 ton (350/3500) over 12,000 lbs.

[@bettyjackson7370]

Some goodies here but his towing info excludes this vehicles top towing capacity using a hitch.

[@joydrive]

A hitch? Intrigued, what's the difference between that and the stats I gave? Genuinely interested by the way! Always looking for how to get the best information to you guys 🙏

[@bettyjackson7370]

@@joydrive Thanks for the question. A hitch is the American term for a turn-table as used by a semi truck. Have a look at what happens to a Chevy 2500HD when one of these is used . Tow capacity goes up to 7949kg or something. www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/chevrolet/na/us/english/index/vehicle-groups/trailering-and-towing/trucks/02-pdfs/2020-chevrolet-trailering-guide.pdf It is extremely difficult to get the correct information as different sites have different numbers. This is GM's own site.

[@phatdan02bombastic17]

Is that Two Rocks?

[@joydrive]

Nah, down south near Cockburn

[@hurelllucieer6225]

The interior is still pretty flash compared to my Landcruiser. 😅

[@joydrive]

Haha, yes, I've been in a LandCruiser, a "newer" one and it's madness how old it is inside still 😂

[@waynemartin]

Good to no there are in my home town ; Thanks mate enjoyed your Vlog.... :-)

[@joydrive]

Thank you Wayne! 🙏

[@troykratz74]

If towing the full 4500kgs, and a full tank of fuel, doesn't that leave negative or -10 kgs of payload?? Without a driver....🤔

[@secretdad544]

I guess they give you the empty vehicle theoretical maximum Then you subtract as you load people and gear in for your trip because everyone has different loads and people

[@robertryan7204]

Review done by AEV, Australian Expedition Vehicles 'was posted by Australian Expedition Vehicles back in June .... "As an approved person engineer, AEV has been swamped with requests to provide a GVM upgrade post registration to RAM 1500 vehicles. It is not good news. These vehicles have a stated GVM and GCM from RAM. GVM= 3450kg GCM= 7237kg FRONT axle Max load= 1770kg REAR axle Max load=1770kg Total = 3540kg is the maximum that can be certified on these. Note the sales pitch has a 4500kg Max Brake Tow Capacity. Real towing is= 7237 - 3450 = 3787 kg At Kerb weight of these vehicles are 2605 kg. That's only measured with full tank of fuel and no driver. So with a 4000kg van with a ball weight at 10% = 400kg + driver plus full fuel, these are nearing overmass. Another known issue is the factory rims are only rated to 885kg (1950 lb), so restricts them from reaching their full axle mass. AEV has undertaken a full ADR 3505 for a 10% GVM upgrade to 3750kg ( which is for Vehicle Category NB1, medium goods vehicle) brake test on factory brakes and tyres. The vehicles failed the component test at full GVM for the 20 stops from 0 - 60 kmph. Brakes at 530° C. So please do your research on these vehicles. They are not suitable for a GVM upgrade of even 10%. Jmacx offroad solutions is working on a SSM GVM to 4200kg, but will require brake, rim and axle strengthening. Link to brochure from RAM Australia. www.ramtrucks.com.au/download-brochure/" I guess the lesson here is to make a detailed investigation and don't take the sales pitch as gospel"

[@joydrive]

Dude, this review was Sept 2019, the facts where facts as researched at the time, if they've changed since, sure. It's also not sales, it's the stated specifications from the manufacturer, why would I question that 😂

[@robertryan7204]

@@joydrive Because the manufacturers stated specifications are well of the mark that is what they are stating in this review

[@secretdad544]

People are splitting hairs on the 4.5 ton figure. It makes sense to me that the 4.5tonne figure will be reduced as I load more shit into my car. Whats so hard to understand about that? If I put a full tank of fuel (100kg and I weigh 100kg ) well I can still put another 200kg of tools and STILL tow 4 tonnes - and I can buy the frigging boat with the money I saved by NOT buying a 200 series which can be as much as 135k second hand! Anyway you stack it this car is bloody good value compared to anything else on the market if your main aim is to tow.

[@joydrive]

Exactlyyyyyy, which is why so many cruiser owners that want to tow have switched 😎

[@RossReviewsau]

spun out why the views are so low.. keep at it brotha.. cinematics are on point.. i need one of them roinins by the looks of it haha nice truck reminds me of back home in canada

[@joydrive]

KZbin not sending me comment notifications doesn't help either 👎😂 Ronin is so good, get so many more varied shots with it

[@simonvance8054]

This is the previous generation front end from 2018....seems to be only sold in Australia. In the US most videos of this model are from 6 years ago?!.. Is Ram trying to sell off old stock onto Australians or what?!..

[@joydrive]

Partially yes, and partially cheaper to manufacture the right hand drive swap parts for this model over the brand new ones

[@Mr70stagetwo]

joydrive The 4th generation as they are known, are still selling well here in the US. Ram just announced they will make the Ram Classic for quite a few more years. Not bad for a 2009 design. Just bought a 2018 long bed regular cab 3.92 gears, 8speed auto, 5.7 with 5,500 miles for $17,400...a bargain. I added a nice used leather steering wheel, 8.4 Nav radio, etc.

[@coopsnz1]

2020 classic model in USA still built

[@SolidFreeLoader]

All the way from Canada... Wish I had the money to buy one... :-)

[@joydrive]

Yewww, thanks for tuning in!! 🙏

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

Why review a 2018 model in 2019 im not sure. I would prefer the 2020 diesel

[@joydrive]

We don't get the new model here in Australia, it has to be right hand drive converted which is currently only available to this model.

[@offgridozman5514]

It comes standard with the Laramie dash now 👍

[@joydrive]

Yeeeeeh I need to get back into one but they sell so fast dealer can't lend me a spare 😂

[@peternewman958]

American car parks are bigger than here so not so much of a problem. I have problems here with my F-150 but had no problems with one in the USA, only with a F-650 truck!!! Lol

[@joydrive]

Having been to America after filming this, I very much agree ha. The infrastructure there is mental.

[@TwoHemiViewer]

They definitely don't get 12 something litres per 100kms.

[@joydrive]

To be honest, I wasn't far off on my weekend drive and I was giving it some shit, but that was the onboard so who knows how accurate 😂

[@adzb2347]

I get 12 in mine

[@TwoHemiViewer]

@@adzb2347 I say this in a friendly respectful way but " No " . You will get it if you reset the fuel consumption read at the top of a long downhill run lol. Under normal driving conditions 15 to 16 litres per 100 kms if you err on the conservative side of normal driving.

[@adzb2347]

Shane Eaton no mate. I reset and drive a full week. Currently I’m at 12.5 and I’ve been a bit of a lead foot.

[@adzb2347]

The only way you get 15-16 is if it is 100% city driving. I do a mix and it is 100% as stated 12l/100km

[@AridersLifeYT]

These should be 50k, but the company doing RHD conversions are adding 20k to the value of a already 6yo truck in design. typical RAM and GM, selling un-needed stock at a premium

[@joydrive]

Essentially, yeh. We've just got some new ones here I believe, at least with the revised interior, hoping to get one on!

[@coopsnz1]

@@joydrive add bullshit car taxes in Australia since Bob Hawke

[@christheguy5554]

Love mine, 🇨🇦

[@joydrive]

We have some updated ones here now thankfully, much better then these 5 year old model ones ha

[@MM-qv5lf]

Same here, really awesome trucks for the price.Dated, yes, but still killer trucks worth every dollar.

[@JBB9466]

Cheaper and better than any cruiser

[@joydrive]

I actually think different markets. Cruiser is great off road... this wouldn't be as great. This would tow better though, by a lot.

[@johnrichardson8048]

Walkinshaw. Not walkingshaw. 4.5 tonnes? Not really. Unless you can get there on 14 litres of fuel and only weigh 87kg’s yourself, and don’t have any passengers or cargo.

[@joydrive]

Shout at the figures not me, that's what they state 🙏

[@johnrichardson8048]

joydrive yeah I know that’s what they state. I’m just pointing out that regardless of what they state it’s pretty optimistic. A bit like my v6 amarok being rated to 3.5 tonnes. Yeah they say it is, but for a 3.5 tonne load to be safe and not rear heavy you have to have 10% of the weight of the trailer on the ball. Which even an idiot like me can work out in their head is 350kg’s. Yet the tongue is rated to 300kg’s. ??? So realistically it’s 3 tonne at best. Just saying they’ll tell ya what ya want to hear, then probably realise later that they’re absolutely, undoubtedly, full of shit.

[@joydrive]

@@johnrichardson8048 I actually will have another Ram with the updated interior in a few weeks and I'll be going over all of this too, as you not wrong, some of the numbers don't quite add up :)

[@johnrichardson8048]

✌🏻🤙🏻👍🏻. Thinking about getting one. I’ll check it out

[@jacekwegrzyn893]

@@johnrichardson8048 The fuel is included in kerb weight so you towing 4.5T leaves you with 117kg for the driver on Crew cab 1500 GCM 7237 Kerb 2620

[@frankguernier2280]

You are miss reading it's towing capacity. The Ram has a very light weight axle capacity. The 4500kg is not attainable. If you were towing a van of 3500kg with a 350kg ball weight you would be on or over the rear axle capacity. You couldn't put anything in the big useless tray. Before you do videos like this learn about weights.

[@aimeevalentine8003]

You can borrow my car for the next video

[@joydrive]

Ahhhhh, erm, I'm busy, I have, er, the gym

[@philbass5875]

Get rid of that terrible music mate

[@joydrive]

Nahhhhhh

[@tallon5457]

This car has lots a problems in America . just saying

[@joydrive]

I saw bloody heaps when I was in America 😂 they doing ok here, sales are through the roof. Maybe the Australians are putting it back together better 😎😎😂

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

16L/100 is a more realistic figure than 12.....sorry , but im calling B.S on those figures. All you need do is prove me wrong. My 2.5L navara diesel gets that

[@ls2surf485]

Interiors shithouse

[@joydrive]

New ones are far better thankfully!