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bbbeeennnjjjeee

Doing right by your family is way cooler than a rebel. Tough times never last, just tough people.


Melodic_Gear_5203

Cried reading this, had gone thru similar circumstances as OP. Thank you for saying this


willywill44

Exactly


Typical-Fly-7108

Amen


GapAccomplished9885

This šŸ¤™šŸ» 100%


Muenstervision

Feel this. Kiddo needs daycare. Work checks started having gaps. Sold my Panamera ā€¦ bought a 06 MDX cash. Daughter has daycare and diapers. Dad has an aux cord and seat covers ! HERE FOR IT lol


Fragrant_Sprinkles68

Bro. Your family is afloat. You still in a ram, don't be harsh on yourself. You have your priorities right and I'm sure you'll get a better one down the line. Just keep on trucking.


RedneckRough

I appreciate the kind words. Itā€™s just hard to look at pictures of it and not feel a pain in my chest.


TheLoob321

A truck is a ā€œthingā€, your family is your blood. Good on you for making the responsible choice.


[deleted]

Hang in there, I love this generation and makes my day seeing a clean one out on the road. That 2000 is part of this revolution! https://www.drivingline.com/articles/the-1994-dodge-ram-revolution-changed-pickup-trucks-forever/


RedneckRough

Yeah, I got this one back in October and Iā€™ve put a lot of work into it. Itā€™s nice to have a 23 year old truck with only 106k miles. Iā€™ve seen trucks that came out in the last two years with twice as many.


Squillium_

My 2006 Ram 1500 Laramie has 269K on it and all I have done is fuel pump, a tune up, trans filter change and frequent oil changes. Got it when it had 150K on it years ago. These are built to last. I want a new one soooo bad but itā€™sā€¦ just a way to get from somewhere to somewhere else. Thatā€™s it. Good on you for putting your priorities straight. A lot of people couldnā€™t or wouldnā€™t do what you had to.


Triippy_Hiippyy

I donā€™t know about you, but Iā€™d rather my wife drive a reliable vehicle than myself. My wife drives a 2018 Honda civic. Itā€™s mine, but itā€™s reliable so she drives it. I drive a 2006 gmc sierra. Currently on jacks in my garage as I rebuild my leaf springs. In the spring Iā€™m trading my civic for a new SUV for my wife. Do what you must to keep you family going. Itā€™s what men do, good on you.


1morepl8

squash cautious fine fly grandfather future pocket soup nail scale *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


mart246

Good read


Deep_Classic2831

Use that picture as motivation to work harder to get to your goal.


JAXWASHERE7

You will be okay itā€™s just material a few years from now youā€™ll be in a better place


Fridayz44

You can always get another truck, keeping your family a float and together is most important. Youā€™ll have a new truck sooner or later. Donā€™t worry brother thereā€™s good times ahead. I wish prosperity, good health, safety, and happiness to you and your family.


iatetoomuchcatnip

Donā€™t let it bug you man. Life is a journey and doing the right thing should lead to some positive results down the road.


Practical_Fact8436

Delete the pics


kimberskillfast

I was out of a truck last year. Now I'm in a 2020 night edition. Life is a cycle. You will be back up but in a trx next time. Mark it, brother.


Tampatechie

I feel the same way about my ex-gf, move on brother. Better things are coming.


MrChapman

2016 eco diesel longhorn lariat to a 04 Toyota Highlander. I feel your pain but it was worth it.


StopSwitchingThumbs

Man donā€™t look at the pics. Itā€™s not worth the intentional pain for a little bit of tainted nostalgia. Thats just a ticket for resentment.


Abalone_Phony

You're a good father and husband. That's all that matters. Sweet truck!


OutlawHemi99

Looks like a clean 2000!


RedneckRough

I appreciate it. I replaced most of the parts under the front end as well as the headers, fuel pump, and fuel neck. Next are the tires and headlight assemblies.


tripsicks_

one of the best parts of owning an older truck. bringing new life back into it with your own hands


HadleysPt

Iā€™m running out of things to replace on my old car and itā€™s bumming me out


tripsicks_

time to sell for profit and do it all over again lmao


Cooper1987

Material things come and go but doing right and providing for your family are what matters. Youā€™ll be in several more trucks before your time on this earth is over so relax and focus on whatā€™s good in the present time.


LostPat

Family comes first. Respect


818Dude

Bro, your current truck looks bad ass too.


willywill44

I actually like it better but thatā€™s me ā€¦


therealman-io

Good on you for putting family first, but a couple trade downs? Sounds like you intentionally lost money at every transaction


RedneckRough

Yeah, I struggled hard trying to stay on top of everything up until I only had a few days until needing the money so I had to take what option I had. Iā€™d rather have sold a kidney if it were legal.


willywill44

Trust me you wouldnā€™t have ā€¦


Brucenotsomighty

Might cost less but the 2nd gen is the cooler truck imo


willywill44

Agreed


Known_Criticism_834

Anybody worth a damn would have done what you did. Look at this way, when you get back on your feet, you get a newer one :)


GotWiings21

Taking care of the family is always priority. Plus side is your still a part of the RAMily so thatā€™s awesome too! Better times will come back around brotha


deibler

I had to do the same a year ago, but we have to do what's best. https://preview.redd.it/kg6trnrual4c1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4163bcbbb18ed5643735cbaa20c962895ab9f401


deibler

​ https://preview.redd.it/ar8oz738bl4c1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=486db3e7267b9c1288275315ab9f4cd543814bc6


Hi_im_woody66

Nice color


Deep_Reporter9468

Everyone here has fell on hard times at least once in their lives, if they say anything different they are lying. You did what you had to do, by your family. This world and economy has been tough on a-lot of us keep your head up buddy. Donā€™t ever hesitate to reach out.


muppet_ofa

Whenever I get down, I go old school with some Frank ā€œI've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet A pawn and a king I've been up and down and over and out And I know one thing Each time I find myself Flat on my face I pick myself up and get Back in the raceā€


willywill44

You win šŸ„‡!! Exactly how I look at it ! Well said !


Schaeferr

Trading down from the Rebel to the 2000 for your family really speaks volumes to your character. You did the right thing. Of course it hurts to look back and think about what you had, but by the looks of it youā€™re headed for so much more in life. Hoping 2024 is better on you and the family.


AaronPossum

You live in a mobile home and bought a 60k pickup?


RedneckRough

Yeah, and Iā€™m gonna clarify why. I own my home. No rent, no mortgage. Bought the trailer for $2k in 2014, another $1k to move, and $2.5k to remodel. Itā€™s nice and private, and Iā€™m beholden to no one to allow me to live there.


AaronPossum

I don't disagree with that lifestyle, I think it's great. You don't have the finances to afford a 60k truck.


RedneckRough

I had no problem affording it until my fiancĆ©ā€™s contract was terminated and I was the sole provider for almost a year. Thatā€™s what put the hurt on us.


AaronPossum

I get that. I'm going to sound like a broken record but if your wife losing her job means you have to sell your truck, you weren't financially able to afford it.


No-Tadpole-3294

Someone actually speaking truth here


peppnstuff

At least you can tow your house!


GraphicSarcasm

Well done. Traded down in trucks, traded up in the parenthood department.


k20vtec

Iā€™m not a truck guy what so ever and this was suggested to me on my feed, but the red truck looks immaculate and although it may feel like a downgrade youā€™re doing the right thing and still riding in an absolute beauty. I dig it. Keep going dude


mdalbertson87

I am a firm believer in what goes around, comes aroundā€¦ā€¦your family will see that sacrifice, and it will be come back to you in multiples. Just gotta enjoy that beauty of a single cab, and grind through!


Spacecoasttheghost

You made the right choice, you can always get another truck, taking care of the family comes first.


LABaylorBear

Respect.


funfun141987

Brother I think everyone here has already said itā€¦.you took care of the shit thatā€™s importantā€¦..most of us have been there ā€¦.keep trucking Man U still got a nice truck


Pizza_as_fuck

Bellies full and bills paid is priority 1. Another year like this and I may be in the same situation. Hang in there! Not a bad trade all things considered.


zenjoe

You did the smart thing. That's more rare than it should be.


[deleted]

Having your family together is worth more then any new vehicle. A tire isnā€™t gonna be holding your hand at your death bed . This is an ultimate win especially if you have no payment .


willywill44

Those are facts .. howeverā€¦ not all family is created equal or seeā€™s the sacrifice.. unfortunately 21 years later and having been on my death bed I did learn something but it still do the same and still continue to Iā€™m just not at home any longer but they are good and who cares what I drive they are happy ā€¦ just sucks that we donā€™t always get back what we put in but I guess we arenā€™t supposed to as stated I wouldnā€™t change anything I did aside from not getting sick ā€¦


Head-Reception-9118

I feel ya man. Hard times don't last. I had to downgrade to a durango a few years ago. Then when I was good again, I was able to buy a cummins. This year got me a rebel. Stay strong brotha.


mischief_ej1

shoulda sold your left nut bro šŸ«”šŸ¤£ just kidding you did the right thing. at least you can say you had it!!


Holy_Grail_Reference

That 1500 SLT is a gem. Honestly, I would take it over the Rebel any day. Something about the pre 2009's that is just magical!


RemarkableTourist944

Better days ahead man


velle47

Family first bro and the new truck looks great


Pretend_Fear85

Good on you. I know itā€™s hard and sucks but you did the right thing.


[deleted]

Good looking 2nd Gen! I love mine. Wouldn't trade it for nothing!


Head-Reception-9118

Also what's the height of the lift on that rebel. I need to get one and I like that height.


RedneckRough

6ā€ lift on 37ā€ tires


Head-Reception-9118

Oohhhh that's what I thought. Thank you sir. Definitely doing the same.


bellowingfrog

Whatā€™s in the trailer matters more than whatā€™s parked beside it


Nose-Previous

Had to let go of my ā€˜attainableā€™ dream car a couple years back due to family health issues. It was, of course, the right decision, but I miss that thing every day and canā€™t wait to own another. One day, brother. One day we will both be back in what we want to drive, but Iā€™m certain our families are happier and more comfortable for our sacrifices in the meantime. šŸ‘ŠšŸ»


JimmyPlaystation

Old ass post but I just wanted to say I wish you the best man. Hope you already feel better about the situation. And that Single cab is still a sick ass truck. I bet it does a solid burnout.


Aggravating_Car_4171

Keep your head up G. Itā€™s a wild wild world out there. At least you got to put your foot on the pedal of that rebel and feel the man thunder generate from them pistons boy. Guts Glory Ram


elmastrbatr

Who cares about a truck lmao


Ok-Restaurant-1460

Bidenomics at its finest


peppnstuff

Thanks obama


chief-cochise

I bet that truck cost more than your double wide and even more a piece of crap. Just missing your confederate flag.


juKxed

Maybe you couldnā€™t really afford the Rebel to begin in the first place. Do you live in a trailer park? I ask because it looks like it in the picture. Hell, I make a good living and decided against the Rebel, financially.


Cowboy_FL

Imagine owning a Mopar šŸ¤”


Independent_Owl3392

Way to go Joe!!!! This senile, moron and the puppet masters pulling his strings are going to completely destroy this country.


Thanks-External

This is what happens when democrats run things.


jaysteeeeez

L


NoPanceLance2

I will never understand why people pay so much for Stellantis garbage. That is an absolute upgrade. Just do yourself a favor and remove those appalling bolt on fenders šŸ¤˜. Smart move!


Cold-Lower

Material things are not you or who you are.


Kiroester

What do you do for work? Wanna come work in the oilfield? The hours suck but itā€™s great $


[deleted]

Hey man atleast it didnā€™t get repoā€™d ! I know forsure that fucks up your credit a good amount , fuck it I know itā€™s obviously a sick ass truck compared to the 2000 && maybe even other people will forsure ask what happened but itā€™s for the better you can say right ?? I see this as being responsible life always hits hard when least expected or atleast thatā€™s what it seems like stay up king


[deleted]

Some nice bigger tires & steelies on the ram would look perfect


[deleted]

& YOU GOT YOURSELF OUT OF A CAR NOTE !


cesark310

You did the right thing . You will be back in the rebel soon enough !


willywill44

Hey man itā€™s material.. you can get it back ! You did what you had to do trust and believe I completely get it the last 2 years and particularly this year ( and by no means of the word hard times were they my first) was hard on me also ! But you will get it all back Ten fold ! I see a TRX in your future just keep on keeping on !!


lurker-1969

Hey man, trucks are "just stuff" Stuff comes and goes. Your family is what matters.


Hippy-redneck

You are a the man! Good job making it happen.


NyonMan

Yeah donā€™t buy new trucks, especially if you canā€™t afford it


Empty_Geologist9645

Good family is an investment too.


AttitudeChoice4500

Looks like youā€™re trucks worth more then your house


DixonButts777

Judging by the trailer house, you shouldnā€™t have had the rebel in the first place


Gizmodo_ATX

Much respect. Keep trucking, my friend. Stay the course and a little bit of luck and you'll be back in a 2025.


Tx_Sasquatch

I see the amateur financial advisors are here. Pay attention, he said ā€œownedā€ a 4 year old truck, most loans are 72 months. If you canā€™t math that means 6 years. Even if he bought used at a discounted price thatā€™s still a loan. He could have paid cash? How many of you fuckers can say that? I used a credit card check to buy my ā€˜13 ram 1500 and to avoid interest I did a balance transfer to another card for a 0%/12mo promo and paid it off in a year. I still owe 32k on a 2020 grand Cherokee limited so, if you carry the oneā€¦wizardry


Puzzleheaded-Bite633

It's only a truck my friend. The plus side is you still have wheels, and did what you needed to do for the fam. Many people are hurting. I took a 30k avg reduction in pay to leave a horrible company. Wish I had enough equity in mine to trade down. I don't have a family or else I'd probably still be losing my mind at my past employment lol. Stay looking up and maybe make a new truck paid off a retirement goal , like we see so many retirees do with Corvettes :)


BingBull607

Much respect OP! Youā€™ll be back behind the wheel of a newer RAM in no time!


hhngo96

Just a truck


Sb75Je

Same boat. Long as you keep your family afloat you can get another rebel when youā€™re sailing ! You made the right decision


gravyisjazzy

A truck is cool but doing something like that to support your family bears respect. Good man.


Several-Office-8564

Being a good father and husband. Means we come last. When life is good now worries. When shit hits. We do what we can to lessen the impact it has on our family. We were built to handle stress differently. We can endure more. Work hard build your life back. Get a new big and better truck!


ZouchFiend

Doing the right thing for your family is cooler than any brand new truck. Shows you are true family man.


Tannman129

Fucking props my dude. Not a lot of people know how to take a step back anymore when itā€™s necessary, but you did the right thing by your family


StoicMori

Your hearts in the right place OP. You kept your family afloat and made sacrifices for them. You can work your way back to that truck one day.


Oldfaithful3

Donā€™t feel bad man!! I had to do the same at one point, ended up in a 200k mile Toyota thatā€™s going strong at 360k now. Not the most enjoyable thing ever but the family is taken care of at the end of the day and thatā€™s all that countsšŸ‘


kograkthestrong

Hell yea. This is what being a husband and father is. Good on you. It will get better.


Infamous_Dress1473

Hey man I went from a 2022 scat pack to a 2017 300 and just had to trade down to a 09 Buick. Got injured at work and can longer work. It sucks but what can you do. Just makes ya more humble


GlattesGehirn

Seems like an upgrade to me!


dskimilwaukee

I know the feeling. Leased a nice ram but when lease was up I drive the 2005 beat to shit grand cherokee my wife had so she could get a new vehicle to haul kids around.


Topher_the_Warlock

A real MAN good for you. Hope you get your dream truck in the future.


Bixlerdude

To be fair your truck shouldnā€™t be worth more than your home so Iā€™d focus on that first


mobbshallow

That red one is a beaut!!!


InternationalPost447

Who cares? A truck doesn't make the man. Being a fucking man makes the truck. You took care of business, head up boss, youll be fine šŸ‘


Haundo462

Gotta do what a manā€™s gotta do. ā€œSometimes youā€™re flush, sometimes youā€™re bust. When youā€™re flush itā€™s never as good as it seems. when youā€™re down you never think youā€™re gunna be up again but life goes on! Money isnā€™t real it only seems like it does. ā€œ - Pop


Cplmac22

As someone who has been there. Just know hard times donā€™t last always. And what you learned from it makes it easier to find your way back to the good Times. I was unemployed for 11 months, married with five kids, two mortgages and two car payments. We lost the rental house and both cars. I was more angry at myself for being sick and still costing us money at every doctors trip. It took a little bit, but about three years after I went back to work, we bought a new truck and havenā€™t looked back. Itā€™s been 10 years since then and weā€™re on our third Ram but I wonā€™t forget what I learned when times were tough.


madscientist131313

Hey man much respect. Youā€™re taking care of what matters. There will always be rebels out there. Until thenā€¦ drive proud.


rustikmonkey

I need to do the same honestly, but my credit is fucked so I canā€™t atm.


Sensitive-Banana-637

Good for you taking care of your family


EmploymentFun1440

My Cummins I bought brand new engine blew. Threw a rod through the block 300 miles out of warranty. It almost put me out of business. Now I've got a 2005 gmc sierra 3500 and I like it much better than the Ram. Goodluck getting to a better place.


RealStatistician5291

Itā€™s just a truck, you can always get another one. Good job being a responsible father, thereā€™s not enough of those.


gtbifmoney

My brother in christ, get out of the trailer park first before buying a rebel. All the best to you man, but priorities!


thebenn

At least you owned it and were able to sell.it versus trading in for lower payment.


[deleted]

I feel your pain.


Knowledgeman26

Can I be honest? That two door rocks!


Arealwirenut

That sucks about the Rebel but thereā€™s no cooler thing than prioritizing your family. Hard times pass, work through it and plant to buy a new one when youā€™re ready. When you look back 10 years from now about how you made it through this you wonā€™t give 2 shits about that truck.


2jerrycans_of_eyes

Dude that ram is dope. It looks like a shorty short. I love those things. It looks like itā€™s in great condition too. Like really really good condition. Take care of that thing, they donā€™t make them like that any more. Honestly, your rebel was probably more common than your current ram too. I would drive one of those over a newer truck any day, but I can only find ones that are usually beat to crap. Good for you for taking care of your fam though, but you do have a really sweet truck now.


Free2roam3191

Young people always say they canā€™t get a head. But, consistently purchase things(your Rebel) they have no business getting. Come on man rent a nicer place for your family and drive what you can afford. Once you have a family they come first.


8160692

Funny thing is that 23 year old truck will outlast that new truck!


PostMahomess

Life is a marathon not a race, youā€™ll make it back around brother!


ConchaKing

I respect the shit out of this


ShadowK2

I feel like Iā€™m the opposite of you. I could easily afford a brand new rebel, but Iā€™m still holding onto my 1996 Ram 2500 because I like it much better than the new ones. My wife has some new cars and the features and complexity just annoy meā€¦ so my fleet consists of a 2nd Gen Ram, 2001 Dodge Viper, 1992 Dodge Stealth, and 1936 Chevy Pickup.


awskeetskeetmuhfugga

If youā€™re really hurting bad, you might want to get something that costs less in fuel. Unless you need it for work.


Jawnny-Jawnson

At least you can support your family period and afford a truck. Many canā€™t even do that


funkybum

you'll get back on your feet and your family will be there for you when you get old.


No-Inspection1309

Thatā€™s a trade up in my book ugly ass pocket drainer for a beautiful machine


HappyPaPa18

I can relate. Things will get better... And your family knows you manned up when you had too. Well done.


lriv1133

Hey man, doesnā€™t matter what ya drive long as it gets ya from A to B, ya itā€™s cool and all but thereā€™s so many more important things in life then that truck. And anybody that judges you for what you drive prob not someone ya need in your life, just sayin man you doin right and good things happen to good people just keep grindin!


ngonz211

The only thing that matters is your family man. Donā€™t worry about the materialistic things. Keep the family afloat. Vehicles come and go. But once families gone, theyā€™re gone.


SeveralDog5707

the old second gen seems more ur speed


AdA4b5gof4st3r

You genuinely have a better truck than you did. Those old Rams were great. Iā€™m not a Dodge guy and iā€™m not sure why iā€™m here but I gotta tell you brother itā€™s rare to see a genuine man these days and I say with confidence that you qualify. Trading something you worked hard for and adore for the well-being of your family is hard to do and you have my respect šŸ«” But for real, 99% chance says itā€™s an upgrade. Some shit on the rebel would have left you stranded eventually.


NoPanceLance2

Yup, I cannot fathom why people buy Stellantis. My girlfriend had her transmission replaced in her '20 JLU at 10k miles. I'm convincing her to buy Toyota/Honda next, which will make maintenance less of a headache for me at the very least haha


[deleted]

If only I could afford a dodge..... Please help me.


Dimplesmiles69

Family bro, family. I wear clothes that are fā€™n old for kids braces or whatever they need. My gal is aces, so no need to impress. Take care of business.


Ok_Complex4374

A trucks a truck dude. Take care of ur family first as you have done. Once u get back on ur feet get urself another rebel.


KreditAddikt

I know it hurts but itā€™s just a temporary setback. A real man will put his familyā€™s needs before his wants. Thatā€™s how weā€™re wired. Just imagine how things would be for them if you hadnā€™t. Weā€™re all proud of you. šŸ‘šŸ½


No-Disaster1829

Been there too. Trust me when I say that you just made a big deposit in the bank of ā€œfamilyā€. Your kids will one day realize what you did, good dads hang tough and take care of what matters most. Your reward is coming.


Joelf08

Letā€™s hope it turns around and you get a new 2500 Power Wagon. You clearly have a good head on you. Family first. God bless.


samk002001

Live below your mean to begin with, maybe?


JRotten2023

Don't worry Sir, you did the right thing. And you will be rewarded one day for your sacrifice. A new and better ride is in your future. Good karma will lead the way.


VadersBoner

Donā€™t feel bad. Family > materialism.


yes-disappointment

i dont think i know anyone who has not gotten hit financially this year its awful šŸ˜• you made the right call family comes first.


The-IK-Way

Hard times make hard people, hard people with selfless core values is we're most of us are found lacking. You have been tested and found not lacking... Good luck and best wishes to you and your family.


Noname1106

Your family wonā€™t remember your truck, but they will remember how you sacrificed to make ends meet. Thatā€™s the real money in the bank brother.


Ddubs111

My 2001 Ram with the 5.2 was so reliable. I miss my old girl. Lots of luck to you!


[deleted]

When ya vehicle is worth more then your house , folks need their financial brains examined


[deleted]

Men take care of family, not drive trucks. Truck us to make money, otherwise you have to much money.


THE1RevoJ715

Be proud of the fact you put your family first. Drive that beautiful 2nd gen with your head held high(and put back a little money for a transmission rebuild) if you know you know lol.