2011 ram bighorn 1500

dewalt18 · #1 10-22-2017, 05:38 PM

Looking at buying a new to me truck, 65,000 kms. Anybody have real world experience?

geriatric · #2 10-22-2017, 11:00 PM

My 2011 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 hemi recently needed a new camshaft at 110,000km.
On engine teardown the cam lobe on #5 cylinder was worn right down, and the roller on the cam follower/lifter was seized solid and distorted. A couple of the other lobes showed some wear also.
I googled the problem with the truck running rough under load, and had hoped it was just a broken valve spring, but no such luck. There are several reports on line of the camshaft wear
problem, and it seems to involve mainly 2011 5.7s, and #5 cylinder for whatever reason.
An expensive repair job.

Dewey Cox · #3 10-22-2017, 11:17 PM

I have a 2011 ram.
Blew the tranny at 40,000km.
And of course it has that hemi tick from busted exhaust manifold studs.
Overall it's been a disappointing truck.

KnifeFan007 · #4 10-23-2017, 12:03 AM

I have a 2011 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman.
Bought it with 20,000 kms and now it has 145,000kms.
I've had to replace the outer tie rods, brake pads and front wheel bearings which I consider normal wear items.
Other than that, it's been a great truck.

gunluvr · #5 10-23-2017, 05:42 AM

I have been warned about oil pressure problems with the Hemi when I was looking for a used truck. No doubt that is what caused your camshaft failure. Went and bought a new GMC. With no interest on all 2017s in stock, and big cash discounts, how can you go wrong.

3blade · #6 10-23-2017, 08:14 AM

Own that exact truck, at 130000km. Only thing I've had to do is replace the exhaust manifold - this is a known hemi thing - the infamous "hemi tick"

Other than that it's all been routine maintenance and a few hunting season injuries that were my fault. Do the oil/filter every 5-6000, and follow the "heavy use" schedule for fluid changes and maintenance, regardless of what anyone tells you. That's the key with these trucks. Also, use the stock spark plugs. Anything else won't work properly.

The hemi is a powerful beast and a lot of guys can't help but treat them like a 3 ton quad. Obviously this doesn't improve longevity. keep that in mind when looking at reviews.

Oil pressure problems come from using the wrong oil (because someone just has to 'know better') not changing oil often enough, or filter breakdown caused by - guess what? Not changing it often enough. Or using garbage FRAM filters.

I've been told 2012 is when fiat changed parts suppliers and things went to hell, so 2011 is the last good year.

I like my truck

dewalt18 · #7 10-23-2017, 10:06 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys. Some good, some bad, but that's to be expected for almost anything. I intend to keep my ranger as well. But it will be reserved for work duties and serving as a side by side during hunting season.

How do you all find the fuel consumption when driving like a civilized human?

Norwest Alta · #8 10-23-2017, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dewalt18

Thanks for the feedback guys. Some good, some bad, but that's to be expected for almost anything. I intend to keep my ranger as well. But it will be reserved for work duties and serving as a side by side during hunting season.

How do you all find the fuel consumption when driving like a civilized human?

I never checked the fuel economy on my wife's 2011 but I don't think it was that bad. About 250000km on it and no real issues other then the tic that others are mentioning, seemed the cab was always dusty. Had a issue when putting fuel in it that the nozzle would kick off seemed like every liter. Was slow filling lol but once fixed it was good.

neilsledder · #9 10-23-2017, 12:27 PM

For that tick to fix it is really easy. Take the manifold off and take it to a machine shop and get them to machine it flat. They leak cause they warp and break the bolts off. But they will only warp so much so that’s why you flatten the old one out vs buying a new one.

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neilsledder · #10 10-23-2017, 12:29 PM

The valve terrain issues is to do a lot with the 5/20 oil. It’s thinner then water! Use 10/30 oil and it will cause lot less issues.

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harv3589 · #11 10-23-2017, 12:46 PM

No issues with my ‘16 Ram with the 6.4L Hemi. I have almost 50,000 Kms on it now. The 6.4L calls for 0/40 oil and I always run good quality synthetic.

3blade · #12 10-23-2017, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilsledder

The valve terrain issues is to do a lot with the 5/20 oil. It’s thinner then water! Use 10/30 oil and it will cause lot less issues.

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And there it is ^

They need the 5/20 for the MDS to work properly. People who run synthetic 5/20 don't have problems, people who "know better cause...." end up waiting for a tow truck.

Fuel economy: 12 l/100 km highway, 13.5 combined, 14-16 city/winter/4wd use.

neilsledder · #13 10-24-2017, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3blade

And there it is ^

They need the 5/20 for the MDS to work properly. People who run synthetic 5/20 don't have problems, people who "know better cause...." end up waiting for a tow truck.

Fuel economy: 12 l/100 km highway, 13.5 combined, 14-16 city/winter/4wd use.

The mechanics at dodge told me this. So I was just repeating what they told me. I had a 09 1500 sold it with over 250000km and ran 10/30 synthetic since the second oil change. And still ran like band new. I sold it to guy I know and his wife drives it daily and now has 340000 the last I talked him and still runs and doesn’t use a drop of oil. Lots of mechanics say that 5/20 is to thin.

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neilsledder · #14 10-24-2017, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3blade

And there it is ^

They need the 5/20 for the MDS to work properly. People who run synthetic 5/20 don't have problems, people who "know better cause...." end up waiting for a tow truck.

Fuel economy: 12 l/100 km highway, 13.5 combined, 14-16 city/winter/4wd use.

But there it is a guy “”knows better cause””he read that needs it, not that the guys who work on them for a living don’t know what they are talking about.

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3blade · #15 10-24-2017, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilsledder

The mechanics at dodge told me this. So I was just repeating what they told me. I had a 09 1500 sold it with over 250000km and ran 10/30 synthetic since the second oil change. And still ran like band new. I sold it to guy I know and his wife drives it daily and now has 340000 the last I talked him and still runs and doesn’t use a drop of oil. Lots of mechanics say that 5/20 is to thin.

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Fair enough, if that's what they told you...I'm not sure if the specs on the 09 are the same as the 2011.

I've been told the exact opposite, that 10/30 is a good way to pooch it. Mechanics and engineers often have different opinions as well, and one can throw in "gets paid to fix things" and "designed obsolescence" for certain arguments. I suppose thats the reason for YMMV.

EZM · #16 10-24-2017, 09:54 AM

I am stunned at the amount of significant mechanical issues associated with these vehicles. It has been a very informative thread.

I run quite a few trucks and have never seen any such issues at such a low mileage.

Good thread - it's been educational.

jstubbs · #17 10-24-2017, 12:06 PM

Have a buddy who had a 2012 1500 5.7L Hemi for a personal company truck. Mostly highway miles, but was an oilfield truck none the less. Well maintained, but developed a serious engine knock just past 100k and Dodge pretty much told the company since it's an oilfield truck, no warranty for you. Last I heard he's still driving it with the engine knock though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EZM

I run quite a few trucks and have never seen any such issues at such a low mileage..

You must have never heard of the 2008-2010 6.4L Power Stroke diesels.

neilsledder · #18 10-24-2017, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstubbs

Have a buddy who had a 2012 1500 5.7L Hemi for a personal company truck. Mostly highway miles, but was an oilfield truck none the less. Well maintained, but developed a serious engine knock just past 100k and Dodge pretty much told the company since it's an oilfield truck, no warranty for you. Last I heard he's still driving it with the engine knock though.

You must have never heard of the 2008-2010 6.4L Power Stroke diesels.

Or the 6.0l

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fishstix · #19 10-24-2017, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnifeFan007

I have a 2011 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman.
Bought it with 20,000 kms and now it has 145,000kms.
I've had to replace the outer tie rods, brake pads and front wheel bearings which I consider normal wear items.
Other than that, it's been a great truck.

I have a 2015. Its been good probably because i drive it like a truck. Not a sports car.

heybert · #20 10-24-2017, 10:15 PM

I have a 2011 Big Horn with 102 000 km's. Haven't ran into any of the mentioned issues. It doesn't get used much, just every so often around town or on long trips. Best mileage I've ever gotten on it was a trip to Vancouver where I averaged 11.5. Most long trips are around 12-13 and 15 around town.

dewalt18 · #21 10-26-2017, 04:23 PM

Well I pulled the trigger this afternoon, and will be picking up my "new" truck Saturday afternoon. Hopefully I'll be able to post again in this thread in a few years and give it a positive review! Thanks to all who share their experiences, just another reason this forum and its members are so great!