Heavy duty buyers tend to know exactly what they want and rarely find it parked in one spot. Cab, engine, axle ratio, trim and color add up to a lot of combinations, and the one in front of you might miss on a single detail.
Ordering fixes that. Holiday Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has a preorder form for exactly this, and this post explains the choices you will face and how to settle them before you talk to a sales specialist.
Quick answer: If a Ram 2500 or 3500 on the lot misses on engine, axle, cab or trim, ask about ordering one. Submit the preorder form on the Holiday CDJR site and a sales specialist will contact you to start the process. Decide on the job first, then pick the build that matches.
When does ordering beat buying off the lot?
Ordering makes sense when a small difference matters a lot. A gooseneck hauler that needs a certain axle ratio, a crew cab that must have a specific bed length or a work truck that needs a bare bones trim are examples.
Buying off the lot makes sense when a truck close to your list is available and you need it soon. Ordering takes patience, so be honest about your timeline. Ordering works well when you aren't under pressure.
Think about the calendar too. Hay season, hunting season and a busy trailer schedule all make a bad time to be without a truck, so start the conversation before the busy stretch begins.
Graham tip: If your old truck is limping along, deal with that first.
What choices do you make when you order?
The big ones are the engine, the cab and bed, the axle ratio, the trim and the package. After that come color, wheels and options like a fifth wheel prep package, running boards or a bed liner.
Start with the work. Write down the heaviest trailer, the heaviest load and the miles you drive in a year. Those answers pick the engine and axle for you.
Be careful with options that you can add later. Running boards, a bed liner and many Mopar accessories can be installed after delivery, while the engine, axle and cab can't be changed once the truck is built.
Job. List your heaviest trailer, load and yearly miles.
Build. Pick the engine, cab, bed and axle that match the job.
Trim. Choose the comfort level, then color and options.
What should you know before you place an order?
Ask how long the process typically takes and what changes between the order and the delivery. Ask what is required to start and what happens if you change your mind. Details like deposits and timing are decided between you and the sales team, so get them clear in writing.
Ask about pricing and incentives as well. Offers change over time, so find out which ones apply to an ordered truck.
Ask what to do with your current truck while you wait. Some people keep driving it, and some trade it at delivery. Either way, get the plan clear before the order goes in.
Get it in writing: the build you chose, the timing the team gives you and what happens if the order changes.
How does ordering compare with waiting for the right truck on the lot?
Waiting means you take what shows up. Ordering means you choose, and you wait for it to be built. The first is faster if a good match appears, and the second is better if your needs are precise.
You can do both at once. Keep watching the new inventory while the order is in process, and tell the sales team if a better match arrives.
Some buyers also ask whether they can change the order after it is placed. The answer depends on where the truck is in the process, so ask early and ask the sales specialist directly.
Ordering works well when you aren't under pressure.
What to bring when you start
Bring your numbers: trailer weight, hitch type, yearly miles and budget. If you have a trade, bring that too, and use the Value Your Trade form so the team has a place to start.
Bring a list of questions about warranty, service and accessories. The parts department offers Mopar accessories you can add after delivery.
Bring a second opinion if you can. A spouse, a partner in the business or a friend who tows the same trailer can catch a detail you missed.
Before you build a truck, find out what you can comfortably spend. The buying power tool shows a range without any commitment.
What's my buying powerThe ordering process
How do I start a preorder?
Fill out the preorder form on the Holiday CDJR website. A sales specialist will contact you to start the process.
Can I order any Ram heavy duty configuration?
Available builds depend on Ram's current options. The sales team can tell you what's possible.
Is there a fee to place an order?
Terms are set between you and the sales team. Ask before you commit and get the answer in writing.
Choosing the build
How do I pick the right axle ratio?
Match it to the job. Heavier trailers usually call for a different ratio than a light work truck, so ask the sales team.
Should I choose a gas or diesel engine?
Think about trailer weight and yearly miles. Heavy and frequent towing leans toward diesel.
What if I want a specific color?
Color is part of the order. Ask what's available for the trim you want.
Money and trade
What happens with my old truck when I order?
You can trade it in. Some people keep driving it until the new truck arrives, so ask the sales team about the timing.
Can I apply for financing before I order?
Yes. The finance application is on the site.
How do I see a payment range?
Use the payment calculator or the What's My Buying Power page.
After delivery
Can I add accessories later?
Yes. The parts department offers Mopar accessories for Ram trucks.
Who services the truck?
The Holiday CDJR service department works on Ram vehicles.
How do I schedule maintenance?
Use the Schedule Service page or call (940) 532-6403.
Reaching the team
Where do I take my order questions?
To the sales team at 1609 US Highway 380 in Graham, or by phone at (940) 532-6403.
How do I reach the sales team?
Call (940) 532-6403 or use the Contact page.
Can I look at a similar truck first?
Yes. Schedule a test drive and the team can show you a close match.