Time to change to RAM?

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by Rpatrick16

In all due respect...it sounds to me like you've got a bad case of the "new truck bug" and you're trying to come for a justification to buy a new truck. Rather, than go thru all this "mental excercise" that really doesn't solve any one question. If you got the money....then just go and buy what you want. I've got a 2017 F150 Lariat with 55 thousand miles. It looks great yet from time to time the GPS has a little hiccup. Rather than use that a reason to trade it would be a lot cheaper to replace the GPS with an RV Specific GPS. Just saying...don't mean any offense.

Nope. No offense taken. Don’t have a new truck bug. Mine is paid for. Just put a suspension system in it make it tow better. Only 43,000 on it. My plan is to keep it for at least another 2 to 3 years. I never liked the NAV systems on vehicles anyway, but this one came with it. Just ranting. And really disgusted with the customer service with Ford. Pay $800 for a navigation system and updates are non existent. Think about how much things change in 2 years on our road systems.

I did update my Sync 3 to 3.0. Also downloaded the WAZE app to my IPHONE. Interesting. Not thrilled with it. For one thing when using it on the truck screen you can’t use your phone without the screen on the truck going blank! What’s up with that? Maybe I’m missing a setting or something. But I was not impressed.

I have a Garmin that we’ve used when traveling. Free updates. The biggest problem with using cell phone navigation is when you don’t have a signal. In some parts of the country that’s a major problem.

[ijoe13]

I have a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 5.3 V8. Been happy with it so far. Driven it from Seattle to Yosemite, Seattle to all over WA and OR and just got back from a week long 1200 mile tour of Vancouver Island. The Apple CarPlay and Google Maps work well. Worked well in Canada too since my AT&T mobile data plan worked at no extra charge. I paid for in-car navigation and have found it to lag far behind in accuracy and features to what I get on Google Maps, Waze or even Apple Maps on my iPhone. The built in nav is most useful in locations with poor or no cellular signal. Unless I’m out in the middle of nowhere, there seems to be a good cellular signal in most places in the NW.

[Alreddawg19]

Google maps has a feature for offline maps. Before your trip, you can download the latest map for a given area in case you lose internet. Google maps will keep it updated as long as it is being used.

This would take care of the poor connectivity scenarios or at least help significantly.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by CWSWine

Ram has problem with payload numbers, my 3/4 RAM if you check the VIN it says it has 3180(?) but on my yellow door tag it says 2868.

CWSWine, yes it’s very frustrating about the stated and actual payload. For some reason it’s much worse on the 1500 than HD trucks. Mine was 620 lbs less!

Dealer is saying it’s they used the Ram software Tools to configure and locate a truck for me with 1840 lbs payload. They’ve pushed it up the FCA chain of command but no resolution yet. *Actually, FCA did offer the dealer financial assistance but the dealer said it wasn’t enough to make them whole and nixed it.

My next option is to contact NBC5 in Chicago’s “What’s your problem” and see if some public exposure will help them come around. I hate to go that way but nothing else has worked.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

CWSWine, yes it’s very frustrating about the stated and actual payload. For some reason it’s much worse on the 1500 than HD trucks. Mine was 620 lbs less!

Dealer is saying it’s they used the Ram software Tools to configure and locate a truck for me with 1840 lbs payload. They’ve pushed it up the FCA chain of command but no resolution yet. *Actually, FCA did offer the dealer financial assistance but the dealer said it wasn’t enough to make them whole and nixed it.

My next option is to contact NBC5 in Chicago’s “What’s your problem” and see if some public exposure will help them come around. I hate to go that way but nothing else has worked.

Nothing more frustrating then when the "sales team" at the dealer gives you bad information influencing your purchase! Im not sure about the NBC5 you mention, but I would go to the GM of the dealership and explain how/why you purchased that truck, based on sales info...and ask if they will either buy it back, or give you one hell of a trade-up for the larger payloade, or even size of the truck. You will likely pay a bit more for sure, but would solve the frustration you will have if you don't take action...

I know how mad I was when I found out my F150 Platinum only had 1039lbs payload after driving it for 2 years and not knowing importance of that payload sticker....sales guy told me, "this thing will pull 1200 lbs"!

[JonDNC]

I think most of us with 1/2 ton 1500/150s have learned this. My example was can tow up to 15,000 combined which was fine. Issue was truck payload which was 1,486 on the sticker.

My F 350 is at 3,324 payload and 21,000 trailer weight which obviously is overkill but odds are I’ll never outgrow it.

[LuckyCloud]

Originally Posted by rbs

a similar equipped 2019 Duramax was $22k less than the Ram? Really?

Yep. I had a chev dealer negotiated to 58k, then left, straight to Ram and attempted to negotiate an essentially identically equipped truck. They moved from $82K to $80K. It made the decision simple.

DW and I loved the Ram, but not an additional $22K love!

[rgwatkin]

I am on my second ram 1500 4x4 5.7L hemi used for towing my 28ft FC. Dry weight of trailer is 5900lbs. I have never found the 1250lb payload rating to be a constraint with the bed full. I use a husky WD hitch with 1800lb bars which moves the tongue weight forward to load the TV axles evenly. I have towed my trailer for close to 50,000 miles with this configuration all over the West and Canada without issue. GM and Ford cannot come close to the gas performance of the 5.7L hemi engine @400hp/400ft-lbs of torque. I regularly pass GM/Ford gas F150's on hills. I am not up on diesel performances between manufacturers as I have no need for any more hp/torque then what I have. Prior to my RAM purchases I owned a F150 5.2L and after 75K miles the engine was shot from tappet wear. So..I am pretty much a RAM customer now.

[JonDNC]

If a 1500 meets your needs don’t rule out the GM options with the 6.2. Over 440? HP & Torque. My issue was not engine had plenty was payload and rear axle weight (was on the line).

[rgwatkin]

When you say "rear axle weight" are you talking springs or axle bearing strength? Springs certainly can be a limitation with 1500/F150 class trucks but I would never be concerned about strength. I have had this discussion with friends before and I always ask them...when is the last time you heard/saw/read of someone breaking an axle on a 1500/F150 truck. Answer...never. They design these axles with some much overkill it is just not an issue.

[JonDNC]

Originally Posted by rgwatkin

When you say "rear axle weight" are you talking springs or axle bearing strength? Springs certainly can be a limitation with 1500/F150 class trucks but I would never be concerned about strength. I have had this discussion with friends before and I always ask them...when is the last time you heard/saw/read of someone breaking an axle on a 1500/F150 truck. Answer...never. They design these axles with some much overkill it is just not an issue.

I was talking about rated rear axle weight which I’m assuming is load capacity.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Nothing more frustrating then when the "sales team" at the dealer gives you bad information influencing your purchase!

I stopped by the dealer today and spoke to the owner. He was in contact with the Ram Regional Mgr about the dealer assistance offer from FCA. He asked the salesperson how far apart they were on breaking even on the buyback (it’s $6,000).

I asked “What’s it going to take to make the deal?” He told the salesperson to pull the numbers together along with the invoice from the 2500 I wanted. They came back with an offer to buy back my 1500 and sell me the 2500 (rather than a lease) for about $20 more per month than the lease. Talked to the DW and gave them the thumbs up. Now they have to secure the new truck and do the paperwork. Fingers crossed everything goes through without a hiccup.

[Gondul]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

I stopped by the dealer today and spoke to the owner. He was in contact with the Ram Regional Mgr about the dealer assistance offer from FCA. He asked the salesperson how far apart they were on breaking even on the buyback (it’s $6,000).

I asked “What’s it going to take to make the deal?” He told the salesperson to pull the numbers together along with the invoice from the 2500 I wanted. They came back with an offer to buy back my 1500 and sell me the 2500 (rather than a lease) for about $20 more per month than the lease. Talked to the DW and gave them the thumbs up. Now they have to secure the new truck and do the paperwork. Fingers crossed everything goes through without a hiccup.

Sounds like they are really trying to work with you on this... hope it works out for you!

[rbs]

Originally Posted by LuckyCloud

Yep. I had a chev dealer negotiated to 58k, then left, straight to Ram and attempted to negotiate an essentially identically equipped truck. They moved from $82K to $80K. It made the decision simple.

DW and I loved the Ram, but not an additional $22K love!

I have purchased my last 4 new trucks at dealer invoice, actually bought the last 2 over the phone, ordered what I wanted and purchased for dealer cost

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by rgwatkin

I am on my second ram 1500 4x4 5.7L hemi used for towing my 28ft FC. Dry weight of trailer is 5900lbs. I have never found the 1250lb payload rating to be a constraint with the bed full. I use a husky WD hitch with 1800lb bars which moves the tongue weight forward to load the TV axles evenly. I have towed my trailer for close to 50,000 miles with this configuration all over the West and Canada without issue. GM and Ford cannot come close to the gas performance of the 5.7L hemi engine @400hp/400ft-lbs of torque. I regularly pass GM/Ford gas F150's on hills. I am not up on diesel performances between manufacturers as I have no need for any more hp/torque then what I have. Prior to my RAM purchases I owned a F150 5.2L and after 75K miles the engine was shot from tappet wear. So..I am pretty much a RAM customer now.

1250 payload on your Ram is not enough for the 28' if you want to stay within specs...your 28' 2012 AS is rated at 950 TW, and likely is over 1000lbs when loaded??..mine is 1100lbs by the way. Add 2 passengers and your over the spec payload...have you weighed your AS to know actual weights? You can play with the weight distribution all you want, but you don't want to be over spec should something happen. (IMHO)

As for RAM Hemi vs GM/Ford performance, you may have had bad luck with your 5.2l V8. The Echoboost has more HP and Torque, and the new model is very impressive.. Here are some actual numbers...
.
-- 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 - Max tow rating of 12,200 lbs. Max payload of 3,220 lbs.
--5.7-liter HEMI V8 - Max tow rating of . Max payload of 1,690 lbs10,690 lbs

--2019 Ford F-150 Limited-3.5L EcoBoost V6 H.O, 450HP, 510 Torque, 10 speed.
--2019 Chevy Silverado High Country-420hp, 460 Torque, 10 speed.
--2019 Ram 1500 Limited Engine -395HP, 410 Torque, 8 speed.

They all have good engine numbers if you select the right 1/2T's now...just get the proper tow packages, payload rating above 1500lbs, and make sure you get a the larger fuel tanks...it's all good!

[CWSWine]

Here is a really easy to use webpage to figure out what your truck can handle and the best part it is nontechnical and easy to use.

http://towingplanner.com/Calculators...00&tc=50&ct=TT

[tommym1]

Originally Posted by Daquenzer

So this really ticks me off. I bought my pickup in 2017 (F150) with the navigation system. In 2 years Ford STILL has maps on it as old as the hills. STILL haven't sent out updates. TERRIBLE support. If they charge $800 for unsupported navigations systems they don't deserve my business.

Not only that but TLC truck gave the new RAM a much better review than the F150. I've sensed that Ford has gotten really lazy. I can't believe all the recalls on my F150. Time for a change?

For those that have newer RAM's and GM products how are they on the navigation systems?

We have a '19 RAM 1500. Navigation is OK for the truck but DO NOT USE IT FOR RVing. Tip- We use two simultaneously- Garmin 760 and RV Trip Wizard. WOW, what a great system. What one lacks the other has. We are planners and now know exactly where the feul stops will be. Always routed appropriately. Hope this helps. Tom

[dog_tired]

Originally Posted by mikeinca

FWIW, I've not known any manufacturer to just "send out updates". It will be interesting to hear from GM or RAM owners on their experiences but mine, with any number of different manufacturers, is that you have to pay for the latest navigation database.


https://ford.navigation.com/home/en_...ce=Ford-Owners

Our Tesla updates maps and software frequently. Only problem is it won't tow our 23 FC.

[vintageracer]

Factory installed navigation (NAVI) on any vehicle is so outdated as a factory option that having that option installed on a new/late model vehicle makes little to no difference to most buyer's in today's new or almost new vehicle market. The ONLY people looking for factory installed NAVI are 60+ years old and still use a flip phone.

15 years ago NAVI made all the difference between selling and not selling that vehicle particularly in the "High Line" vehicle market. Today the only time NAVI even makes the discussion is with older buyer's who have a hard time embracing technology.

With the different navigations apps such as WAZE, Google and others that are available on your phone that are FAR SUPERIOR to any factory installed navigation system and the fact that your phone can be easily "Paired" with your vehicles audio system buying a factory installed navigation system is a BIG WASTE OF MONEY!

[YogiTheBear]

I have a 2018 F150 Platinum. Never even opened the Nav. It is outdated and any update will be outdated as well.


I use Waze which has its own issues as does Garmin which I also use.


A couple months ago I looked up fast food on the Garmin and it routed me 3 miles around a block, all right hand turns, when I could have just taken a left and gone a half mile to my left. I have heard that Garmin doesn't like left hand turns.


There is nothing perfect, but the least perfect is going to be a vehicle nav. Which by the way the manufacturer has no control over. It is the mapping companies that control it.


Keep your truck and just buy a Garmin as imperfect as it is or use Waze when cell service is available. Even buying a phone that will run Waze will cost you less than the down payment on a different truck.