Is the Ram 1500 reliable enough to last over 100,000 miles? Some Ram drivers say yes. While Motorbiscuit has tested the 5th generation Ram, we haven’t put it through a 100+ kilometer torture test. Fortunately, one owner has posted a bunch of data on his 2019 Ram 1500 from 120 miles away. He reports that while it has had other problems, its reliable eight-speed automatic transmission has been licked and still kicking.
How often should you change the transmission fluid in a 5th gen Ram 1500?
Ram claims your automatic transmission fluid will be good for the life of your half-ton truck. But the designer of the eight-speed automatic, Germany’s ZF, recommends a fluid change at 60,000-80,000 miles. Ram dealers recommend regularly inspecting (and possibly replacing) the transmission fluid starting at 60,000 miles.
Justin Wheeler is a diesel technician whose job requires him to cross the country in a truck full of his tools. As a result, he has put more than 190,000 miles on his trusty 2019 Ram 1500 Limited. As Wheeler has documented every step of his journey to high mileage, his YouTube channel is a wealth of how-to information keep the 5th gen Ram 1500 for the long haul.
Wheeler admits he hasn’t been kind to his Ram’s eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. It often tows 6,000- to 8,000-pound trailers. The most it has ever towed was 11,000 pounds, far more than the vehicle’s approved towing capacity.
So how often does Wheeler change his transmission fluid? At 190,000 miles, it still hasn’t changed it once. Wheeler notes that Ram claims the transmission fluid should last the life of the truck. But as the life of his truck gets a little longer, he plans to trade it in once it reaches 200,000 miles.
How many miles can a Dodge Ram 1500 last?
Justin Wheeler has driven his trusty 2019 Ram 1500 Limited nearly 200,000 miles to work and reports that the truck is still going strong. That said, he has been very careful to keep up with the service intervals.
Wheeler experienced the famous cracked 5.7L Hemi V8 exhaust manifold. But that was the extent of his engine problems. In fact, your latest oil analysis shows that the engine is in excellent condition.
Wheeler’s only other complaint about the drive train is a loud “groove” from his transfer case as he shifts from reverse to drive. Expect the transfer case chain to have stretched, although it is still fully operational.
Other components of the truck have malfunctioned, but Wheeler still feels comfortable using it for all of his long work trips. Their motto: “Take care of your truck, and it will take care of you.”
How often should your Ram 1500 be serviced to be reliable?
During normal driving, the Ram 1500’s warning system will recommend that you change the oil every 8,000 to 10,000 miles. The dealer recommends that you rotate the tires at the same time. Ram publishes a list of other services to incorporate into these oil change visits to keep your 1500 reliable.
Our Motorbiscuit chart of Ram 1500 service intervals is one of the most comprehensive and conservative around. That’s because we’ve combined official Ram recommendations (via Junek’s Ram dealer) and additional suggestions from CarEdge.com. See the full chart below:
| Mileage | service |
| 8k | Oil change, tire rotation |
| 16k | Oil change, tire rotation |
| 20k | Inspect the brake pads, tie rods, and all front suspension components |
| 24k | Oil change, tire rotation |
| 30k | Inspect brakes, front suspension components, CV joints, transfer case fluid, and transfer case and axle condition |
| 32k | Oil change, tire rotation, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement |
| 40k | Oil change, tire rotation |
| 48k | Oil change, tire rotation, spark plug replacement |
| 56k | Oil change, tire rotation |
| 60k | Inspect the brakes and suspension components. Check and/or replace: transmission fluid, engine coolant, transfer case fluid, and brake fluid. Inspect all filters. |
| 64k | Oil change, tire rotation, air filter replacement, spark plug/wires change |
| 72k | Oil change, tire rotation |
| 80k | Oil change, tire rotation, cooling system flush |
| 88k | Oil change, tire rotation |
| 96k | Oil change, tire rotation, air filter replacement, spark plug/wires change |
| 100k | Inspect brakes and suspension components and CV joints. Check and/or replace: transmission fluid, engine coolant, transfer case fluid, and brake fluid. Inspect all filters. |
| 104k | Oil change, tire rotation, cooling system flush |
| 112k | Oil change, tire rotation |
| 120k | Oil Change, Tire Rotation, Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement, Transmission Fluid Service, Transfer Case Fluid Service Inspect the brakes and suspension components. Check and/or replace engine coolant and brake fluid |
| 128k | Oil change, tire rotation, air filter replacement, spark plug/wires change |
| 136k | Oil change, tire rotation |
| 144k | Oil change, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, cabin air filter replacement |
Below, read about the top Ram 1500 issues according to a mechanic, or watch Justin Wheeler answer frequently asked questions about his high-mileage Ram in the video below:
