I’ve heard Dodge/Ram typically sucks but that the v8 hemi is good. Why I’m asking.
Below is just my am opinion on some trucks based on owning a couple and test driving quite a few and hearing from other folks. So it is probably about as worthless information as a wooden nickel for a subway ride. that said ...
I have heard the same about the RAM. Have known multiple folks who have had them (the 1500) model and had issues that lead to them getting a different truck. The engine is pretty solid (the Hemi. The diesel V6 had issues and was not really worth it). The 2500 Ram has been pretty solid for some guys I know. But they have it with the Cummings. I liked the 1500 RAM, but just got nervous after hearing what happen to others. But you never know if it was the equipment or the operator just treated it like [ Finebaum ].
I picked up a Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ (2018) model and it has been solid. (I've only had it a little over year). The mpg has been a pleasant shock. V8 and I have gotten around 30 mpg on some highway stretches when I kept it at just under 65. Not hard for me to see 24 mpg on the highway at close to 70. It goes from 8 to 4 cylinders for its econ fuel mode. I run part highway and city streets during the week and get over 20 quite a bit.
Still has solid power. Not that you need it, but I have easily pulled horse trailers with it. I have the full tow package, including engine shift and trailer braking. Mileage drops when towing, obviously.
Other big surprise is how well it handles. Very smooth ride. Been a great ride on long trips. Closest I found when test driving trucks was the Nissan Titan. Also, the Chevy 2500 handles very well for a truck that size. And it does not sit too high. The Duramax is awesome. We've used a 2017 model for hard working trips. GMC's are really good too. But the chevy LTZ pretty much puts you in the same type of ride. So it just depends on what deals you can get. (as with all trucks)
Folks I know who drive Fords like them. I thought they were pretty solid but did not prefer the packages/price points. And the chevy handled better imo. Plus it had what I really needed. That Ford F150 with their special V6 (can't remember what they call it) is supposed to work pretty hard. Pretty nice mpg. The F150s are nice rides on long trips. The F250 is a very solid truck and gets it done. Seen them do the hard work first hand. And they are nice to hit the road in. Again, not really what you are looking for (I am guessing) just the fyi.
Toyota Tundra - Folks I know that have them have not had any problems. They like the power and the truck handles well. MPG is usual truck MPG. but that engine is a hoss.
Nissan Titan - standard sized V8 model was really nice when I test drove them. They have a model that is in between and F150/1500 and F250/2500 set up. Its basically a tweener. Cummings turbo diesel or an unleaded model. Was shocked how smooth it was. Don't know anybody that has one. Have talked to people who I saw driving them and they were pretty pleased with it.
My advice, for what it is worth, is to test drive everything and really think about what you use it for and then break it down to a few and really get into the little details of what you like. Then the usual homework. For the most part, trucks seem to hold up well. Sounds like you had your last one for a while. Seems like there are plenty of deals out there. I've gone so far as to check with dealers in OK and Arkansas. But, as it usually goes, ended up finding a really good deal here in this region. But I was willing to spend a month or more searching.