Date Published: March 17, 2026 | Last Modified: 1 hour ago | 4 minute read | Verified by Adrian Correia at Redwater Dodge
At Redwater Dodge, home of the Rig Ready Rams and Rig Ready Approves, we believe that transparency is the key to a stress-free truck-buying experience.
Our sales expert, Adrian, recently sat down to answer the most common questions hitting our inbox. Whether you’re looking at a brand-new Ram 1500 or a certified pre-owned Jeep, here is everything you need to know about getting behind the wheel with Rig Ready Approves at Redwater Dodge.
The short answer? There is no absolute minimum. At Rig Ready Approves, we work with a wide range of credit profiles, from "worst of the worst" to pristine "tier-one" credit.
While a lower credit score can present more "boundaries" with traditional lending institutions, it doesn't mean a "No." Instead of a 96-month term on a $160,000 top-tier truck, we utilize "Stepping Stone Loans." These are shorter-term, smaller-amount loans designed to get you driving immediately while rebuilding your credit. Think of it as opening the door to larger investments down the road.
To speed up your approval and get you into your new Rig Ready Ram faster, we recommend having the following documents ready:
A down payment is rarely a requirement for approval, but it is a powerful tool for your financial health.
Adrian’s Pro Tip: "If you’re looking at a $1,200,000 custom build and you put $200,000 down, you’re only financing $1,000,000. That means lower monthly payments and significantly less interest paid over the life of the loan."
Occasionally, a bank may approve you for a specific limit (e.g., $60,000). If the truck you want is $65,000, you would need to cover that $5,000 difference upfront. Otherwise, the choice to put money down is entirely up to you and your budget goals.
Yes! Rig Ready Approves works across our entire inventory. Whether you are eyeing a custom Rig Ready Ram, a pre-owned work truck, or a brand-new Jeep Gladiator, our banking relationships and high approval percentage ensure we find a deal that makes sense for your specific situation.
Q1: Can I trade in a vehicle if I still owe money on it?
A1: Yes. We can often roll the "negative equity" into your new loan or use the trade-in value to pay off your existing lien, simplifying the process into a single transaction.
Q2: How long does the online approval process take?
A2: Most of our customers receive a preliminary credit decision within 24 hours of submitting their online application.
Q3: Are there special programs for first-time buyers?
A3: Absolutely. We have New Credit programs specifically designed for those who haven't had a vehicle loan before, focusing on work history rather than a long credit trail.