5000th RAM

[Windsor220]

I'm surprised how much crap Thailand cops considering that US quality was terrible for years and probably isnt much better now.

[Romulus]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

That makes no sense, cause it’s the yanks unwillingness to build rhd f series that is stopping it coming here. It’s not FoA stopping it.

Yanks are flat chat with f series production just supplying north america. They don’t give 2 ****s about selling a couple thousand a year in australia. Complete woftam for them.

There'd be a lot of former Ford and GM employees capable of converting LHD to RHD if Ford US wasn't interested.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Romulus

There'd be a lot of former Ford and GM employees capable of converting LHD to RHD if Ford US wasn't interested.

And we had plenty of them back in the 70s and 80s as tow trucks, paddy wagons and ambulances.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Are they air operated with a booster on each one?

It wouldn't matter. There would be something else to pick on if they were.

Folks just love to hate dual cabs on here. Mostly because they contradict everything they thought they knew about the buying public. Big engines and going fast don't matter to Joe public.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by prydey

It wouldn't matter. There would be something else to pick on if they were.

Folks just love to hate dual cabs on here. Mostly because they contradict everything they thought they knew about the buying public. Big engines and going fast don't matter to Joe public.

Yep I hate them cause Joe public thinks it perfectly alright to load them to (and over) capacity which effects other road users.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Yep I hate them cause Joe public thinks it perfectly alright to load them to (and over) capacity which effects other road users.

yes, i'm aware many like to tar all with the same brush due to the actions of a few...

[roKWiz]

The few seem to be growing.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Romulus

I don’t know whether to describe the situation as confirmation bias or Stockholm Syndrome. I’m leaning to the latter given the garbage offered by the vehicle companies in Australia. There’s no good reason why the consumer isn’t able to walk into a Ford dealership in Oz and purchase a F Truck with all the bells and whistles available. Instead, we’re sold this Taiwanese plastic junk designed in Oz, built overseas in 3rd world countries and pay 1st world rates for it.

No wonder companies like Ford and Government Motors is on the nose.

The problem isn't with the supplier only supplying Ranger at a mark up, the problem is the buyer signing up to it.
Stop buying their cash cow and they'll take notice.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by prydey

It wouldn't matter. There would be something else to pick on if they were.

Folks just love to hate dual cabs on here. Mostly because they contradict everything they thought they knew about the buying public. Big engines and going fast don't matter to Joe public.

I don't hate dual cabs because of buying trends, I just think the small ones aren't the answer to all like some do.
Bigger is better, the only people who think otherwise want a 2.0l to be a performance engine.
When I mentioned the 2.0l Ranger to old mate he just laughed.

[prydey]

I just figured the buying public buy the cars they want. No one has a gun to their head when making the decision. They choose the car they think will suit their purpose. Its pretty simple.

Others can sit back on a forum and speculate as to the reasons why certain vehicles are purchased, or comment on buying trends, but at the end of the day, the public choose freely.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

I'm surprised how much crap Thailand cops considering that US quality was terrible for years and probably isnt much better now.

It isn't it's still rubbish.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by prydey

I just figured the buying public buy the cars they want. No one has a gun to their head when making the decision. They choose the car they think will suit their purpose. Its pretty simple.

Others can sit back on a forum and speculate as to the reasons why certain vehicles are purchased, or comment on buying trends, but at the end of the day, the public choose freely.

Agreed, which is what I said on the previous page, however, until the release of the RAM 1500 that choice has been limited, like you said, if you wanted anything better than a Thai special you had to look at the agricultural 79 series...until now, where you can get a dual cab to suit your needs with all the bells and whistles and if you need a little more and your life decisions allow for it, a 2500.

No one's saying people can't accept a Thai special if its adequate, but nor should people be criticised for wanting more bang for their buck.

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

If you want F series then you'd have to buy it through VDC realistically, they don't have economy of scale like HSV do to offer the lower pricing structure.

Exactly, The Local Ford Dealer here is a Performax Dealer.

https://www.performaxint.com.au/

He's got a Povo pack F150 extra cab for $107K. A good $27k more the the ram1500.

[Romulus]

Originally Posted by prydey

I just figured the buying public buy the cars they want. No one has a gun to their head when making the decision. They choose the car they think will suit their purpose. Its pretty simple.

Others can sit back on a forum and speculate as to the reasons why certain vehicles are purchased, or comment on buying trends, but at the end of the day, the public choose freely.

The buying public buy what's available. Offer Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Dodge Ram 2500, Nissan Titan, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Frontier, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 and see what vehicles they choose.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Romulus

The buying public buy what's available. Offer Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Dodge Ram 2500, Nissan Titan, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Frontier, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 and see what vehicles they choose.

Exactly.
They've sold 3000 examples this year, if the RAM 1500 wasn't available those 3000 buyers would have bought the next best thing, which many agree is the Ranger, LC200 or 79 series depending on what it is that it needs to do.
In the absence of choice you can only take what's on offer, that they've sold 3000 suggests that there is a market for them for those that want a bit more.

As someone said earlier, when companies like Toyota and Ford have market leaders which yield handsome profit margins, something we're continuously told is the direction Ford are taking, why would they give the public an alternative for the same coin.
RAM doesn't have a direct competitor in those segments, its small offering is the 1500 so its not cannibalising its own product. If you're a Ford or Toyota fan and wouldn't consider an alternative brand then you're stuck with what's on offer and whilst some will claim its their choice and money to stick with their brands offerings, and that's fine, perhaps if those who would consider the bigger option if it we're available, took their business elsewhere, Ford and Toyota might reconsider.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Exactly.
They've sold 3000 examples this year, if the RAM 1500 wasn't available those 3000 buyers would have bought the next best thing, which many agree is the Ranger, LC200 or 79 series depending on what it is that it needs to do.
In the absence of choice you can only take what's on offer, that they've sold 3000 suggests that there is a market for them for those that want a bit more.

As someone said earlier, when companies like Toyota and Ford have market leaders which yield handsome profit margins, something we're continuously told is the direction Ford are taking, why would they give the public an alternative for the same coin.
RAM doesn't have a direct competitor in those segments, its small offering is the 1500 so its not cannibalising its own product. If you're a Ford or Toyota fan and wouldn't consider an alternative brand then you're stuck with what's on offer and whilst some will claim its their choice and money to stick with their brands offerings, and that's fine, perhaps if those who would consider the bigger option if it we're available, took their business elsewhere, Ford and Toyota might reconsider.

Agreed, the limited amount of biggggg tow rigs of that class and bigger is probably the reason there are still so many older F250, F350 and duallie Silverado's getting around.
Given the choice at the same price point I doubt TTT would be as popular.

[jpd80]

The Ram Silverado and F150 were available before as converted LHDs,
it's just since HSV has made conversion/remanufacturing more efficient
that the public has taken notice, they took the time from 140 hrs to 70 hrs
and I think that's why the price is now within striking distance.

Something most haven't considered is what will be in the next gen Ranger
and will that in turn be enough to influence buyers to stay or even return?
Ram and Silverado are still not a threat to Ranger's high series sales but,
the next two years are going to be very interesting...

There is opportunity to do some RHD specials on Super Duty out of Avon Lake,
Ford has transferred more work there in the previous year, it's still a big stretch.
F-Series sales in the US are set to balloon in the next year or so, people are just
so excited about the new 7.3 gasoline engine, looks to be what many have wanted.

[prydey]

While I agree there may be a minority that would buy bigger if they were available, I'll stop short of saying the lack of options is the reason the dual cabs are selling well.
I think it's a bit 'chicken or egg' scenario as well. Do people buy the vehicles they do because that's what is available or do manufacturers supply the vehicles the market wants? Cars like hilux and LC (incl. Prado) have always been popular. Other manufacturers just decide to grab themselves a piece of the pie.

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by prydey

While I agree there may be a minority that would buy bigger if they were available, I'll stop short of saying the lack of options is the reason the dual cabs are selling well.
I think it's a bit 'chicken or egg' scenario as well. Do people buy the vehicles they do because that's what is available or do manufacturers supply the vehicles the market wants? Cars like hilux and LC (incl. Prado) have always been popular. Other manufacturers just decide to grab themselves a piece of the pie.

I wonder about which comes first. Much of Australia is just so huge with such big distances and spaces, no reason why the bigger utes can't find a place among the 8 million Australians who live outside urban areas. Choice is good.

Originally Posted by Romulus

The buying public buy what's available. Offer Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Dodge Ram 2500, Nissan Titan, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Frontier, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 and see what vehicles they choose.

It would be amazing to see all those offered.

Originally Posted by jpd80

The Ram Silverado and F150 were available before as converted LHDs,
it's just since HSV has made conversion/remanufacturing more efficient
that the public has taken notice, they took the time from 140 hrs to 70 hrs
and I think that's why the price is now within striking distance.

Something most haven't considered is what will be in the next gen Ranger
and will that in turn be enough to influence buyers to stay or even return?
Ram and Silverado are still not a threat to Ranger's high series sales but,
the next two years are going to be very interesting...

There is opportunity to do some RHD specials on Super Duty out of Avon Lake,
Ford has transferred more work there in the previous year, it's still a big stretch.
F-Series sales in the US are set to balloon in the next year or so, people are just
so excited about the new 7.3 gasoline engine, looks to be what many have wanted.

Always admire someone who can make a production process more efficient (read: cheaper) - hopefully without diluting quality!

And a 7.3 gasoline engine being hotly anticipated - wow, that unit will stave off the coming ice age!

[Sprintey]

Here's me reminiscing about my trip to North America and all the beaut pick up trucks:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8JW75Lv25k

Probably about time for this little gem. No papers.

[jstanovic]

Isnt the only reason that Thai built utes have rear drum brakes is that the manufactures get a decent tax break? There is some old law the gives tax breaks to commercial vehicles with rear drum brakes or something like that.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by jstanovic

Isnt the only reason that Thai built utes have rear drum brakes is that the manufactures get a decent tax break? There is some old law the gives tax breaks to commercial vehicles with rear drum brakes or something like that.

No, disc front/drum rear just something that's been grandfathered through
generations and based on known long term reliability. Most of the braking
is done by the front discs anyway..

[XR Martin]

Falcon got rear disc's standard 35 years ago, and everyone called it a dinosaur.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

I wonder about which comes first. Much of Australia is just so huge with such big distances and spaces, no reason why the bigger utes can't find a place among the 8 million Australians who live outside urban areas. Choice is good.

They're an absolute cow to park, our bays tend to be too skinny and short.
Double car garages can be fun too, they're just wide enough to make things
a bit squishy for the second vehicle.

For all of that, the people who want them still love them and put up
with things others would complain about. God bless them as they may
just force change from manufacturers.

I tip my hat to HSV and Walkinshaw, they've transitioned form upgrading
local vehicles to these mini assembly lines pumping out full sized pick ups
that command premium prices.

Always admire someone who can make a production process more efficient (read: cheaper) - hopefully without diluting quality!

And a 7.3 gasoline engine being hotly anticipated - wow, that unit will stave off the coming ice age!

When you're engineering for vehicles that are mostly loaded up, more engine
capacity improves fuel efficiency when deeper into the throttle.

Under those conditions, a large atmo engine can maintain 14.7:1 mixture strength
where boosted engine would be constantly under enrichment at around 11.5:1
to avoid detonation with regular grade fuel, a requirement with commercial fleets.

The 7.3 looks to be a $2K premium over the 6.2 gasoline engine but way
less than the 6.7 Powerstroke diesel that are usually a $10K premium.
Add to that the extra cost of services and maintenance and plenty of buyers
are looking for a much simpler gasoline powered truck. It's back to basics.

[jgmdat]

Originally Posted by Romulus

The buying public buy what's available. Offer Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Dodge Ram 2500, Nissan Titan, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Frontier, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 and see what vehicles they choose.

I believe the only way you will ever have all those options is if you move to the USA. Sad but true.

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by XR Martin

Falcon got rear disc's standard 35 years ago, and everyone called it a dinosaur.

That was sedans & wagons only (1986 - 34 years ago).

The Falcon ute & van still had rear drums up to 1992 XF. The XG ute & van was the first commercial series to get rear discs. That's around 28 years ago.

Dr Terry

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by jstanovic

Isnt the only reason that Thai built utes have rear drum brakes is that the manufactures get a decent tax break? There is some old law the gives tax breaks to commercial vehicles with rear drum brakes or something like that.

Drums are way cheaper to manufacture, plus discs do most of the front braking anyway. Some of the very cheap Chinese hatchbacks sold in Australia in the early 2000s were still running rear drums

Most semis nowadays are disc brakes due to better stopping power and less brake fade. Actually there is good money in converting older semis to discs (it’s not cheap but many operators see it as worthwhile)

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Drums are way cheaper to manufacture, plus discs do most of the front braking anyway. Some of the very cheap Chinese hatchbacks sold in Australia in the early 2000s were still running rear drums

Most semis nowadays are disc brakes due to better stopping power and less brake fade. Actually there is good money in converting older semis to discs (it’s not cheap but many operators see it as worthwhile)

You should see what the pads look like, they're freakin' huge and real thick compared to car ones.

There is still drums on the back of our WS Fiesta, a lot of the micro segment cars still have rear drums, not just cheap Chinese crap.

They squeal and carry on like a pork chop too when they're cold just out of the driveway for the first few applications of the brakes, was doing it after the first service.

It stops if I pull the drum off and give them a good clean up inside, but give it a few thousand kilometers and its squealing again.

Add in things like they need adjusting as well, yeah they're cheap but they're a pain in the ***, you'll never replace a set of shoes on the rear of a micro car though

Haven't even done pads or rotors in my Focus yet, still got the original pads and rotors it come off the production line with and its got 180,000km on it now.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

And a 7.3 gasoline engine being hotly anticipated

Say what?

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Say what?

Well I guess he could have said spark ignition engine instead

Which would be more accurate if it has flex fuel capability but semantics.