The Eagle Has Landed

RAM-Ranch-MT

Well-known member
Founding Member ⚙️
Joined
May 8, 2024
Messages
667
Media
35
Reaction score
1,369
Location
Montana
Current Ride
2025 RAM RHO
Current Ride #2
Ram 2500 Cummins on 26x16
Well, after a year wait my RHO finally arrived in montana at my house! I think I am one of or the longest wait time on a single order and it has been painful but I can say so far it was worth it!

With all the doom and gloom of this forum the wait really has been fueled with anxiety, serious thoughts of just buying trx or another raptor but I can truly say I'm happy with my choice!

My review so far:

Mark dodge: Top Tier. I highly recommend them. Easiest vehicle purchase of my life and it was remote. Anthony kept me updated through the whole process and gave lots of wise guidance as far as ordering qualms. As mentioned before, Derek came in on his Sunday off to get the truck shipped out! So great. I ended up getting over $10,000 off sticker price between MD discount, truck month and tread lightly. Killer. One con: the truck arrived with a mark dodge sticker on the back window....10 minutes with a razor blade fixed it...but was told would not have that. No biggie at all!

Delivery: it was shipped from mark dodge on a two place hotshot. Arrived perfect. Super chill russian guy driving an f450. Didn't speak much English but he was funny as hell and nice as can be. Told me he got popped by montana DOT for being overweight while driving on the crow resevervation and had to leave the other truck at the dot station (it was a Sierra I think). I pray for that truck. Lol .

First Impressions: I was blown away, for real. I've owned and driven a lot of nice vehicles and this thing is very impressive. I love the interior, smells like an Italian leather shop. The fit and finish is impeccable, no imperfections . 10x nicer than raptors for sure.
I ordered a base trim and couldn't be happier. Everything you need, nothing you don't. Makes sense since it is essentially the trx level one interior from last year. Only thing it's missing for me is surround cameras and cooled seats but wasn't worth another $10k. The proximity sensors work excellent and rear camera has super wide view so I'm not worried about the surround cameras as much.
The exhaust note i really was expecting to dislike but honestly it's pleasant. Not too quiet, not loud. Stealth fighter fast.

First drive: The wife and I immediately took it for a drive once it was unloaded, it is so smooth. We hit some gravel beat up backroads and the suspension is on another level!!! I didn't even mess with the suspension modes but it rode like a dream on some of the most beat to heck roads there is. Literally like an interstate. Feels much more planted than the raptor , likely due to the extra weight. I am loving it!!!
I had a scary moment when I turned on the headlights and the main screen went black (so I thought) but come to find out it was only because I needed to turn the brightness dial up. Lol .
The wife loved it, she has been skeptical of the new truck since she loved my raptor but the second she sat down in the RHO she said "you are not getting rid of this truck". She's sold. Happy wife.

Long drive today: I took the puppy and hit some paved roads and broke 100 miles today and this truck continues to blow my mind! It truly drives incredibly , is so luxurious on the interior . Did I mention the seats?! Holy cow they are comfortable. Got up to around 60 mph and it's a Cadillac! Hit some rough pavement at speed and it was much more planted than the raptor.

Power: Havent been able to get on it yet due to being in break in mode but from the feel of it, this thing is going to rip!! Can't wait for 500 miles.

Inspection: i washed the truck and went through everything. Seems like the 3 months at the factory paid off and nothing was overlooked (yet). All fuses were seated, body panels aligned, shit just works. Thankfully. Tbd

Issues: I have only had one issue and it's the "service active dampening system" when I start the truck sometimes. Reading through the trx forums it's a common thing in New trucks and either a connector isn't seated properly or the dealer needs to lift it up and reset the dampening system. No biggie. I checked all connectors and were seated. Hasn't effected anything other than I don't think I can switch suspension modes until its fixed. Rides excellent tho. I will schedule a dealer appt.

Mods: i got the bulletpoint phone mount installed, its bad ass! Got the in bed molle panels installed and they work great! I did have to cut one for the power outlet. I'm still debating if I want to leave the bed tie down rails in on top of the molle since it takes up alot of space. I installed the Amazon weatherech knock off mud flaps and they are excellent so far!

Closing thoughts : I can't wait to put some more Miles on it this weekend. It's truly a joy to drive and so happy with my purchase!

20250502_091908.webp
20250502_091937.webp
20250502_092237.webp
20250502_092309.webp
20250502_092138.webp
20250502_092118.webp
20250429_160517.webp
 
Last edited:
Congrats man. I know it's been a hell of a long wait but you've always kept a positive attitude here. Hope it's nothing but smooth sailing from here on.
 
Hot dang they do look good in red!

Great review, but most importantly I’m super stoked that you finally got hands on. If I were Anthony I would have had a custom “1st Place, longest custom order” trophy in the back seat for your delivery.

I am close to arrival on mine and need to go re-read the break in procedure but I seem to recall they recommend WOT pulls from 3rd gear or up. Basically okay, as long as you’re already rolling. Might save you from needing to wait another 400mi!
 
Hot dang they do look good in red!

Great review, but most importantly I’m super stoked that you finally got hands on. If I were Anthony I would have had a custom “1st Place, longest custom order” trophy in the back seat for your delivery.

I am close to arrival on mine and need to go re-read the break in procedure but I seem to recall they recommend WOT pulls from 3rd gear or up. Basically okay, as long as you’re already rolling. Might save you from needing to wait another 400mi!
LOL unfortunately this is NOT the longest order.... I have a 4/30 still in transit for a very patient gentleman.
 
That's awesome!!! Very happy that you finally got your truck! That red looks great!
 
Hot dang they do look good in red!

Great review, but most importantly I’m super stoked that you finally got hands on. If I were Anthony I would have had a custom “1st Place, longest custom order” trophy in the back seat for your delivery.

I am close to arrival on mine and need to go re-read the break in procedure but I seem to recall they recommend WOT pulls from 3rd gear or up. Basically okay, as long as you’re already rolling. Might save you from needing to wait another 400mi!
This is correct. WOT pulls from a rolling start. I did this quite a bit during break in, and ALSO constantly getting into the throttle (not WOT) getting those turbos to really force air into the motor. Applying that forced air into the engine early really helps seat rings to avoid things like coolant leaking into oil, and just getting the engine to properly seal. I also started launching the truck right at 500 miles. At least a dozen launches so far.
I have not had a single issue with my truck 1500 miles in. It’s at the dealer right now getting an oil change and having some parts replaced that were damaged during transit from factory to dealer. But no build quality issues or mechanical issues thus far.

Well actually I take that back. I have the headlight buzzing thing. Probably a headlight ballast but the dealer is looking at that while in service this week.
 
This is correct. WOT pulls from a rolling start. I did this quite a bit during break in, and ALSO constantly getting into the throttle (not WOT) getting those turbos to really force air into the motor. Applying that forced air into the engine early really helps seat rings to avoid things like coolant leaking into oil, and just getting the engine to properly seal. I also started launching the truck right at 500 miles. At least a dozen launches so far.
I have not had a single issue with my truck 1500 miles in. It’s at the dealer right now getting an oil change and having some parts replaced that were damaged during transit from factory to dealer. But no build quality issues or mechanical issues thus far.

Well actually I take that back. I have the headlight buzzing thing. Probably a headlight ballast but the dealer is looking at that while in service this week.
Thanks for the input on break in. In the excitement of finally getting the truck, I didn't re-read the break in from the manual yet and i had forgotten about the rolling WOT pulls, I'll be sure to add some in! Seat those rings baby. 108 miles now and flawless.
 
Congrats man. I know it's been a hell of a long wait but you've always kept a positive attitude here. Hope it's nothing but smooth sailing from here on.
Thank you sir, I pray that is the case. If she's bulletproof this truly is my fav truck ever. I want nothing but good things for all my fellow Rhinocerous owners. Lol
 
Hot dang they do look good in red!

Great review, but most importantly I’m super stoked that you finally got hands on. If I were Anthony I would have had a custom “1st Place, longest custom order” trophy in the back seat for your delivery.

I am close to arrival on mine and need to go re-read the break in procedure but I seem to recall they recommend WOT pulls from 3rd gear or up. Basically okay, as long as you’re already rolling. Might save you from needing to wait another 400mi!
Thank you! It has exceeded my expectations by a long shot! The red is even better in person, that's for sure! It's a head turner. I've gotten many compliments from random people.
 
Well, after a year wait my RHO finally arrived in montana at my house! I think I am one of or the longest wait time on a single order and it has been painful but I can say so far it was worth it!

With all the doom and gloom of this forum the wait really has been fueled with anxiety, serious thoughts of just buying trx or another raptor but I can truly say I'm happy with my choice!

My review so far:

Mark dodge: Top Tier. I highly recommend them. Easiest vehicle purchase of my life and it was remote. Anthony kept me updated through the whole process and gave lots of wise guidance as far as ordering qualms. As mentioned before, Derek came in on his Sunday off to get the truck shipped out! So great. I ended up getting over $10,000 off sticker price between MD discount, truck month and tread lightly. Killer. One con: the truck arrived with a mark dodge sticker on the back window....10 minutes with a razor blade fixed it...but was told would not have that. No biggie at all!

Delivery: it was shipped from mark dodge on a two place hotshot. Arrived perfect. Super chill russian guy driving an f450. Didn't speak much English but he was funny as hell and nice as can be. Told me he got popped by montana DOT for being overweight while driving on the crow resevervation and had to leave the other truck at the dot station (it was a Sierra I think). I pray for that truck. Lol .

First Impressions: I was blown away, for real. I've owned and driven a lot of nice vehicles and this thing is very impressive. I love the interior, smells like an Italian leather shop. The fit and finish is impeccable, no imperfections . 10x nicer than raptors for sure.
I ordered a base trim and couldn't be happier. Everything you need, nothing you don't. Makes sense since it is essentially the trx level one interior from last year. Only thing it's missing for me is surround cameras and cooled seats but wasn't worth another $10k. The proximity sensors work excellent and rear camera has super wide view so I'm not worried about the surround cameras as much.
The exhaust note i really was expecting to dislike but honestly it's pleasant. Not too quiet, not loud. Stealth fighter fast.

First drive: The wife and I immediately took it for a drive once it was unloaded, it is so smooth. We hit some gravel beat up backroads and the suspension is on another level!!! I didn't even mess with the suspension modes but it rode like a dream on some of the most beat to heck roads there is. Literally like an interstate. Feels much more planted than the raptor , likely due to the extra weight. I am loving it!!!
I had a scary moment when I turned on the headlights and the main screen went black (so I thought) but come to find out it was only because I needed to turn the brightness dial up. Lol .
The wife loved it, she has been skeptical of the new truck since she loved my raptor but the second she sat down in the RHO she said "you are not getting rid of this truck". She's sold. Happy wife.

Long drive today: I took the puppy and hit some paved roads and broke 100 miles today and this truck continues to blow my mind! It truly drives incredibly , is so luxurious on the interior . Did I mention the seats?! Holy cow they are comfortable. Got up to around 60 mph and it's a Cadillac! Hit some rough pavement at speed and it was much more planted than the raptor.

Power: Havent been able to get on it yet due to being in break in mode but from the feel of it, this thing is going to rip!! Can't wait for 500 miles.

Inspection: i washed the truck and went through everything. Seems like the 3 months at the factory paid off and nothing was overlooked (yet). All fuses were seated, body panels aligned, shit just works. Thankfully. Tbd

Issues: I have only had one issue and it's the "service active dampening system" when I start the truck sometimes. Reading through the trx forums it's a common thing in New trucks and either a connector isn't seated properly or the dealer needs to lift it up and reset the dampening system. No biggie. I checked all connectors and were seated. Hasn't effected anything other than I don't think I can switch suspension modes until its fixed. Rides excellent tho. I will schedule a dealer appt.

Mods: i got the bulletpoint phone mount installed, its bad ass! Got the in bed molle panels installed and they work great! I did have to cut one for the power outlet. I'm still debating if I want to leave the bed tie down rails in on top of the molle since it takes up alot of space. I installed the Amazon weatherech knock off mud flaps and they are excellent so far!

Closing thoughts : I can't wait to put some more Miles on it this weekend. It's truly a joy to drive and so happy with my purchase!

View attachment 11188View attachment 11189View attachment 11190View attachment 11191View attachment 11192View attachment 11193View attachment 11194


Congrats! Beautiful RHO
 
As stated the other day when you got it...SOOO glad it came in unscathed man! I had NO IDEA you got Flame Red though! It just pops right?! And it's hard to miss.

Once again, glad you're enjoying it and hope it serves you as well as you hope! Loving mine so far! 🍻
 
Congrats, I'm happy for you and glad your wife approves. Now you get to experience it in real time instead of vicariously through us. Enjoy!
 
Thank you all for the kind words of encouragement. I'm like a kid in the candy store. Apparently I spoke too soon as far as perfection goes. I found a few little flaws when wiping the truck down and looking over every inch of the paint.

1) scratch on the skid plate. Either happened at the factory or maybe one of the unloading ramps flopped up and knicked it. Nothing major but not thrilled! At least gets my first scratch out of the way for the desert!
2) red paint mixed in the black rocker panel . Luckily it's where it meets the bed and hardly noticeable but it's a big oopsie. Lol

3) bulge in paint in black Rocker panel. Super tiny but was running my finger along rocker panel between running boards and found it. Picture is hard to tell but little pin bulge that's Uncoated.

All this said, 3 very minor things that honestly don't bug me but would expect better on 80k truck .
20250502_140046.webp
20250502_140050.webp
20250502_141203.webp
20250502_141158.webp


20250502_141152.webp


20250502_141426.webp
 
Yeah that needs resprayed. That's not a "oh well" type of thing like the skid plate might be
For sure. What do you think is the best way to go about that since I have taken delivery and obviously i couldnt catch it at mark dodge? Able to warranty with local dealer ?. It's hidden but i want it fixed on a new truck if possible.
 
For sure. What do you think is the best way to go about that since I have taken delivery and obviously i couldnt catch it at mark dodge? Able to warranty with local dealer ?. It's hidden but i want it fixed on a new truck if possible.
Definitely should be able to warranty at any dealer. If you have any trouble the guys at MD will be happy to help however they can.
 
Definitely should be able to warranty at any dealer. If you have any trouble the guys at MD will be happy to help however they can.
Sweet sounds good. I figured as much! I went to schedule an appointment for the active dampening system and to have them fix this. The local ram dealership is scheduled months out (past august) . I'm about to call them and see what the deal is. Fkn bozeman.

Edit: i will also ask about the skid plate. Obviously I didn't do this and haven't gone offroad so I will see what they say.
 

Trending content

Back
Top