How Long Do RAM 1500 Trucks Last?

Originally marketed as the RAM, this full-sized pickup truck was re-branded as the RAM 1500 in 2010.

It was previously part of Dodge’s light trucks lineup, having traces as back as 1933 but only coming into production in 1980 and releasing a new model every year.

Being a forty plus-year-old lineup, it is not a strange thing to ask how long do RAM 1500 last, but it is surprising to see the vehicle be able to provide an average of 225,000 miles most of the time with the least amount of miles being 200,000 and the most it could ever hope to reach being 250,000.

The RAM 1500 claims to have a lot of durability and can last long.

Still, there are a lot of things that can go wrong that can reduce the life of the vehicle, which is why in this article, I will be comparing all the different vehicles that are in the same car class as the RAM 1500 as well as taking a look at how long it can last and how you can improve its lifespan.

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A RAM 1500?

Upon seeing the statistics, you can immediately see that the RAM 1500 has a much higher usage period and longer life, reaching 16+ years of driving while averaging more than 14 years across the board.

This is great considering that most full-sized pickup trucks can only last for about 7 to 10 years, as per multiple sources.

This could, however, be the same fate for the RAM 1500, as owners will have to take care of a lot of different things when dealing with the RAM 1500, which I will go over later in the article.

For now, let’s discuss how it competes against other vehicles.

Does RAM 1500 Truck Last Longer Than Other Similar Vehicles?

As I mentioned above, the typical full-sized pickup truck will last you 7 to 10 years tops, but the RAM 1500 is not your typical pickup truck.

This vehicle is one of the most durable trucks in the market and has generated a great reputation for itself when it comes to reliability and longevity.

This, however, can also be said for a multitude of other vehicles that follow in the footsteps of the RAM 1500, which is why I will directly compare the RAM 1500 to 3 other popular pickup trucks in an attempt to see whether the bold claims surrounding the RAM 1500 are true.

I will compare how reliable and how long all these cars can last and hence will be comparing qualities and features which directly relate to the lifespan of the cars and give us a good idea of how they can last when compared to each other.

1. RAM 1500 Vs. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The first truck that I will match against the Ram 1500 will be the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a popular lineup half as old as the RAM 1500.

• Both the Ram 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have closed a score regarding reliability. However, the RAM 1500 is always head in most cases.
• For the most part, the RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can also reach the same level of distance and have similar longevity, but the RAM 1500 can reach higher mileages more consistently.
• When it comes to problems and complaints, the RAM 1500 has slightly fewer issues when compared to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500; however, both the vehicles have substantial issues here and there.
• Repairing these issues and maintaining the car will be cheaper if you have a RAM 1500, which is more than $200 cheaper to repair than the standard full-size pickup truck.

When it boils down to it, the RAM 1500 is much more reliable and durable than the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and can last much longer if given the proper treatment.

Related: How Many Miles Can A Chevrolet Silverado Last?

2. RAM 1500 Vs. GMC Sierra 1500

The next car that will go head to head with the RAM 1500 is the GMC Sierra 1500, another popular pickup truck dominant in today’s market.

• Both the RAM 1500 and the GMC Sierra 1500 almost always make it to the top 10 list when it comes to full-size pickup trucks, but the RAM 1500 usually has the upper hand.
• Unlike the RAM 1500, which can last up to 200,000 reliably, the GMC Sierra 1500 tends to start to give out at 150,000 miles which is very low, considering it is a premium truck.
• The RAM 1500 has a lot more problems when compared to the GMC Sierra 1500, which, aside from a couple of models, has been relatively problem-free.
• Fixing these problems will, however, be more economical with the RAM 1500, which is $30 cheaper than the GMC Sierra 1500.

While it was a close competition, the RAM 1500 still ends up being the better vehicle as it is cheaper and can last much longer than the GMC Sierra 1500, despite having more problems in virtually all of its models.

3. RAM 1500 Vs. Ford F-150

The last car that will try to face off against the RAM 1500 will be the Ford F-150, a lineup of trucks that has existed much longer than the RAM 1500 and is still very relevant like the RAM 1500.

• Like the GMC Sierra 1500, the RAM 1500 and the Ford F-150 are always neck and neck. However, the RAM 1500 can inch out a victory, being more reliable.
• As has been the trend with all other vehicles, the RAM 1500 can more easily and consistently last longer than the Ford F 150, which starts to break down at 150,000 miles.
• Seeing the popularity of both vehicles, despite having many issues on both sides, the Ram 1500 has much more than the Ford F-150, which has consistently fewer problems overall.
• Unsurprisingly, getting these problems fixed is cheaper when owning a RAM 1500 than it is with the Ford F-150.

In almost every regard, except for problems and complaints, the RAM 1500 has been one step ahead of its competitors and, even with these issues, has been able to provide users with cheap and affordable maintenance rates for full-sized pickup trucks.

Life Expectancy Of A RAM 1500 Truck Parts

The condition of every part of your car is paramount to the smooth running of the vehicle and the life of your RAM 1500. Each component must be in its best condition.

Otherwise, it will start to develop issues that will reduce the life of the car, so I will talk about all the main components of the RAM 1500 and tell you how long you can expect them to last and how you can make them last much longer than others.

Average Lifespan Of RAM 1500 Brake Pads

Starting with the RAM 1500’s brake pads, you should easily get an average of 50,000 miles while driving the vehicle, having to replace them every three years or so, which is the standard for most brake pads found in today’s vehicles.

To make sure that they last a bit longer, you must make sure that you have less load inside your car, avoid speeding, and attempt to coast more frequently, reducing strain on the brake pads.

Average Lifespan Of RAM 1500 Battery

Most batteries used in automobiles have the same lifespan of 3 to 5 years, which is the same for the RAM 1500, whose battery can last you an average of 4 years and even more if given proper maintenance and care.

This care will involve you frequently taking your car to the mechanic and carrying out regular voltage tests on the battery.

You must also make sure that the battery remains clean and has plenty of fluid inside it.

Average Lifespan Of RAM 1500 Tires

Continuing the trend of following the average lifespan of other vehicles, the tries of the RAM 1500 are also average when it comes to their lifespan, usually functioning for 60,000 miles at most, after which it must be replaced.

To make them last a bit longer, you should regularly visit a mechanic and have the tires realigned, rotated, and filled with air every year.

Average Lifespan Of RAM 1500 Transmission

A typical transmission usually lasts around the vehicle’s lifespan, but in the case of the RAM 1500, it only lasts around 120,000 miles which means that you will most likely have to get a replacement transmission down the line.

To make sure that your current transmission lasts as long as possible, you must get the unit serviced every couple of years and make sure that you carefully shift the gears, especially if you have an automatic transmission.

Average Lifespan Of RAM 1500 Spark Plugs

Spark plugs rarely last more than 50,000 miles but the spark plugs of the RAM 1500 last a bit less, going to 40,000 miles at the most and averaging around 35,000 miles.

This is not a lot, so you will have to make sure that the engine and the spark plug are well maintained and regularly cleaned so that you can get the most out of these components.

Average Lifespan Of RAM 1500 Key Fob

You should not be afraid for the life of your Key Fob as the RAM 1500’s key fob has a good lifespan and can last you 3 to 4 years, depending on the device’s battery.

You can preserve the battery by making sure to use the key fob when in range of the car and avoiding the repeated pressing of the buttons, which lowers the battery’s life and may damage the fob itself.

What Is Good Mileage For A Used RAM 1500?

Since the RAM 1500 can easily last you up to 200,000 miles which is more than most full-sized pickup trucks can say, the RAM 1500 can be bought at higher mileages when compared to other vehicles, but you should make sure that it is not higher than 100,000 miles as you could start to develop problems early on.

You want to get the lowest mileages available, the optimum mileage being 50,000 miles or less and anything above being taken with a grain of salt.

How To Increase How Long Your RAM 1500 Last

When compared to other vehicles and premium pickup trucks, the RAM 1500 is already in a very good position and should last you a considerable amount of time, especially if you follow all the tips above.

But here, I will provide you with even more tips and tricks that you should follow if you want to get the most out of your RAM 1500.

• Maintenance of the vehicle’s fluids.
• Regular, slow, and steady driving.
• Avoiding drifting and off-roading.
• Cleaning and servicing the car at regular intervals.

These should allow you to get the absolute peak performance and life out of your RAM 1500 truck.

Problems That Limit The Life Of Your RAM 1500

Among the many models released under the lineup, a few of them have been less than ideal for the reputation of the RAM 1500.

These models had various issues which significantly reduced the life of the cars.

These issues included:

• Engine failure.
• Transmission failure.
• Rust.
• Engine stalling.
• Transmission shifting out of gear.

These are just a few of the many problems that plagued certain models of the RAM 1500 and negatively affected the life of the car and the wallet of the owners.

Related: RAM 1500 Starting Problems

What To Look For When Buying A RAM 1500 Truck

Before you jump the gun and immediately buy a RAM 1500, you should make sure that the car has certain features and things that you should definitely be on the look for when browsing for a RAM 1500.

• Vehicle service history (if any).
• Rust/Corrosion.
• Good quality parts and body.
• Working and functioning systems.
• Lower mileages (if buying used).
• Latest models.

Buying the latest models, typically brand new, should be a priority as it will save you from dealing with a lot of problems down the line.

Related: Best And Worst Years For RAM 1500

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is The RAM 1500 A Reliable Car?

Despite the various issues which surround the RAM 1500, the car itself is a very reliable and durable vehicle that many regards as one of the most reliable full-sized pickup trucks to this date.

The car is capable of lasting much longer than its competitors and provides a lot of utility when it comes to the features and safety and relaxation when it comes to the cost of repairing and maintaining the vehicle.

It is definitely a reliable vehicle that you should check out.

Q2. Does RAM 1500 Have A Lot Of Problems?

The majority of the models which are part of the RAM 1500 have the odd number of issues here and there, and while some of them may not be that threatening to the health and life of the car, others most certainly are.

Models like the 2014 RAM 1500 are widely regarded as one of the worst in the series due to the plethora of issues which range from transmission problems such as shifting out of gear, bumps in transmission, and engine issues that could lead to complete engine failure.

Q3. Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Used RAM 1500?

Being one of the better and more reliable full-sized pickup trucks on the market, the RAM 1500 is a great pick if you are looking for a used truck as this vehicle is more likely and consistent to reach higher mileages than most of its competitors.

This works well when getting it used as the car will start to develop issues longer into its lifespan, which can save users a lot of hassle if they are getting a model which has relatively low mileage.

Q4. Does RAM 1500 Rust Easily?

Throughout the years, various models of the RAM 1500 have been released, each of them being pretty reliable for the most part.

However, there have been some cases where certain models have had major issues regarding rust and corrosion where a lot of consumers have complained about excessive rust.

This is common in models such as the 2006 RAM 1500, which is probably the most infamous of the lineup when it comes to the issue.

However, since then, the company has reduced the problem significantly.

Q5. Is RAM 1500 Expensive To Maintain?

Full-sized pickup trucks are extremely expensive to repair when compared to average cars and vehicles, so in that regard, the RAM 1500 is quite expensive to maintain.

But when compared to the vehicles in its own class, the RAM 1500 ends up being one of the cheapest full-sized pickup trucks on the market when it comes to maintenance and repairs, offering more than $200 of savings when compared to some of its competitors, making it cheap in that regard.

Conclusion

Despite the flaws and issues which come with owning an expensive truck like the RAM 1500, after a bit of research, most people figure out that the car can last a very long time and that they should not have to ponder the question of how long do RAM 1500 last.

Instead, they can go find the perfect model for themselves and get the most out of their purchase, as the RAM 1500 is without a doubt one of the most reliable pickup trucks that you can get today and has amassed a great and well-deserved reputation for most of the models it has released.

Tahir Azam

I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.