Hud Griffith wasn’t happy with his 2026 Ram 2500 after just a few days. He swapped it for a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn at Carvana using their 7-day return policy. Griffith became uneasy soon after getting his Ram 2500, but Carvana’s policy allowed him to change his mind.
The 2026 Ram 2500 had 11,000 miles on it, while the 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn had 5,000 miles. Both trucks cost about the same, with Griffith specifically mentioning they were “essentially the same price.”
Why Griffith Swapped His Ram 2500 for a Ram 1500
Griffith posted on Facebook about his experience. He said the Ram 2500 didn’t have some features he wanted, like a power source in the back seat, dual climate control, and an integrated gate/garage door opener. Griffith noted that these amenities, which he found essential, were missing from the larger truck, a realization that often comes after taking the vehicle home.
He found a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn with these features and made the switch. Griffith said the Ram 1500 has a smoother ride, is quieter, and has decent power.
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Ram 1500 vs. Ram 2500: Ride Quality and Features
Griffith also hopes the Ram 1500 will get better gas mileage. The 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn with the 3.0-liter Hurricane engine gets an EPA-estimated 18 city / 25 highway MPG. Griffith specifically mentioned his hope for improved mileage with the Hurricane engine, which is a significant factor given current gas prices.
Heavy-duty trucks like the Ram 2500 don’t have official EPA fuel economy ratings because their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is over 8,500 pounds. However, a number of websites give estimated fuel economy for the 6.4L HEMI V8 Gas Engine. Owners report the Ram 2500 gets around 13–15 city and 17–18 highway MPG. These estimates highlight the significant fuel economy difference between the two models.
While the Ram 1500 has better fuel economy, it has less towing power. The 2025 Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,550 pounds and carry a payload of 1,980 pounds. The 2026 Ram 2500 can tow up to 17,750 pounds and carry a payload of 3,930 pounds. This trade-off between fuel efficiency and towing capacity is a critical consideration for buyers.
The vehicle can be driven up to 400 miles during this period, with additional miles charged at $1.00 per mile.
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Carvana’s 7-Day Return Policy: How It Works
Carvana’s 7-Day Money Back Guarantee allows buyers to return or exchange a vehicle within 7 days of purchase. The policy starts on the day the vehicle is received, and buyers must notify Carvana before 8:00 p.m. EST on the 7th day to initiate a return or exchange. This policy provides a safety net for buyers who may have second thoughts.
Community Reactions and Expert Insights
Griffith’s Facebook post received positive feedback from other users. Tim commented, “You made the right move, enjoy your truck.” Another user, Christian, noted the difference in suspension systems, stating, “2500s are all coil spring, but much stiffer in every respect than the 1500 trucks.” These reactions show the community’s support for Griffith’s decision and their understanding of the trucks’ differences.
Mary Conway is an esteemed automotive and business reporter who was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2019. Her expertise shows the value of options like Carvana’s return policy for buyers who may have second thoughts after purchasing a vehicle. Conway’s insights emphasize the importance of such policies in building buyer confidence.
