Late-Model RAM Owners - how do you like your “tech”?

[Galileo]

Hi RAM drivers,

     I’m thinking of switching from my GMC trucks to RAM in 6 to 18 months, and was curious what you thought of the technology of late-model RAM trucks.

    I love my GMC diesels - but I find the technology to be more than a bit flaky: nav systems that stop working, features that are fine one day, and missing in the next, the rare - and impossible to replicate - infotainment system glitches. Frankly, they seem to promise more than they can deliver. I find my “Google Mobile” infotainment system to have considerably less utility than one that doesn’t interface so tightly to Google. 
 

    I’m looking at the 2026/2027 Ramcharger 1500 hybrid. Most likely I’ll let the 2026 one pass me by as I don’t care to be a beta tester. Depending how well that model goes I’ll likely be ready to pull the trigger on the 2027 model.

 

thoughts?

 

 

[Ray Kimsey]

I have a 2019 RAM 1500, so I am not sure if that qualifies as a late model anymore,  and it has worked great for me. The only issue I have had was it would not recognize my iPhone at first. Service replaced the USB port on the truck and ever since then no issues.  As far as infotainment issues, I had to reset it after replacing the battery once. After the reset all apps came back like normal.

[Snackchaser]

9 minutes ago, Galileo said:

Hi RAM drivers,

     I’m thinking of switching from my GMC trucks to RAM in 6 to 18 months, and was curious what you thought of the technology of late-model RAM trucks.

thoughts?

I like our 2022 RAM 2500 gasser a lot!  

Some of the many notable features that we like include Apple Car Play.  It always synchronizes seamlessly, without the frustration we've had with other cars including our old 2016 Ram.  We frequently use it to display full screen Google maps from the phone, and we can toggle back and forth to the RAM GPS which offers nice features too, like a side bar that shows upcoming rest stops, gas stations, etc..

My absolute favorite feature is the digital rear view mirror camera option.  It's a high resolution and wide angle view that is way better than the standard mirror.  Best of all, it has an auxiliary camera  for mounting on a trailer, and the resolution is just as good.   I think it's a fantastic towing safety feature, where you have an excellent wide angle view of directly behind and side lanes where there is normally blind spots.  There is an outlet in the rear bumper for the trailer camera, and a cord garage for the trailer during storage.  My camera is mounted on the spare tire cover.  It also has a 5-camera outlet for a trailer surround and interior views, but we don't use those.

Other features I like, are the side mirror sensors that warn of vehicles in side lanes.  This can be adjusted for your trailer length.  The self adjusting steering aggressiveness for highway and town is just right, and the lane departure steering correction is very suttle, even better than our Tesla that can startle you with aggressive corrections. 

I'm sure that other trucks have similar features, but I also have a personal preference for the RAM dashboard layout and controls.

That my two cents worth!  Cheers, Geoff

[Dennis and Melissa]

3 hours ago, Snackchaser said:

I like our 2022 RAM 2500 gasser a lot!  

Some of the many notable features that we like include Apple Car Play.  It always synchronizes seamlessly, without the frustration we've had with other cars including our old 2016 Ram.  We frequently use it to display full screen Google maps from the phone, and we can toggle back and forth to the RAM GPS which offers nice features too, like a side bar that shows upcoming rest stops, gas stations, etc..

My absolute favorite feature is the digital rear view mirror camera option.  It's a high resolution and wide angle view that is way better than the standard mirror.  Best of all, it has an auxiliary camera  for mounting on a trailer, and the resolution is just as good.   I think it's a fantastic towing safety feature, where you have an excellent wide angle view of directly behind and side lanes where there is normally blind spots.  There is an outlet in the rear bumper for the trailer camera, and a cord garage for the trailer during storage.  My camera is mounted on the spare tire cover.  It also has a 5-camera outlet for a trailer surround and interior views, but we don't use those.

Other features I like, are the side mirror sensors that warn of vehicles in side lanes.  This can be adjusted for your trailer length.  The self adjusting steering aggressiveness for highway and town is just right, and the lane departure steering correction is very suttle, even better than our Tesla that can startle you with aggressive corrections. 

I'm sure that other trucks have similar features, but I also have a personal preference for the RAM dashboard layout and controls.

That my two cents worth!  Cheers, Geoff

Did you mount the camera on you Ollie?  How? Where? 🙂

[Mike and Carol]

We’re very happy with the electronics in our 2020 Ram 2500.  The CarPlay works everytime, the camera views are great and the other electronic gizmo’s are nice.  The big center screen for media and maps makes the driving experience enjoyable.  I bet the new Rams are even better.  Mike

[Snackchaser]

2 hours ago, Dennis and Melissa said:

Did you mount the camera on you Ollie?  How? Where?

Camera is through bolted with nylock nuts as to not to chip the fiberglass, like happens with sheet metal screws.  The very tip of a step drill works well for making holes in the fiberglass because it doesn't grab and chip like a twist drill.

Cheers!  Geoff

[Tony and Rhonda]

@Snackchaser What are the two other black connectors bolted to your front tray in your photo above?

Thanks, Tony

[Snackchaser]

1 hour ago, Tony and Rhonda said:

@Snackchaser What are the two other black connectors bolted to your front tray in your photo above?

Thanks, Tony

Those are parking places to keep dirt and water out of the cables. One is for the DC to DC charger cable made by Trailer Vision.  They also make the plug covers and receptacles for Anderson connectors.  The other one is for the 7-pin cable (AP Products Plug Guard.)

Cheers!  Geoff

[BigTexas]

I have a 2024 Ram 2500 that I'm still learning all the features that come with the infotainment system. My truck came with the 12" screen which at first seemed excessive but I've learned to split the screen into several functions (Map on top, radio and engine parameters on bottom)  If that's not enough info for you, the map and additional vehicle information parameters can be also be displayed on the drivers dash screen.  I love all the cameras, although this has become pretty standard these days but they greatly assist when parking.  At first, I did not like the digital rear view mirror and turned it off because my old eyes didn't like the change in focal length.  But it has not become my favorite feature.  A rear view mirror is mostly useless when towing a trailer the size of an Oliver but the wide field of view lets you see down both sides of the trailer even before checking the side mirrors. I still use the wireless rear camera that came with our trailer.  There is a convenient 12V plug up on the dash so no power wires dangling everywhere.   The adaptive cruise control is handy in stop and go traffic (unless you come to a complete stop; then it kicks out)  As mentioned Apple Car Play is wireless and works smoothly.  Apps like IExit and MyRadar are very useful on the big screen.

Things I don't like or I'm not sure of.   The truck nav system is based on Tom Tom.  It works well but is an interface I'm not used to.  The jury is still out on the Trailer Steering option when backing up.  Once it learns your trailer it's good at backing up straight but a slight turn of the knob will send your steering wheel spinning.  Maybe I'm a DIY back up guy.  Also, lots of reliance on voice actuation. The truck has it's VO system plus Siri is available.   I don't know, I'm just not much for talking to my truck. 

All in all, I'm pleased with the systems.  I came from a 2015 so a big jump in available technology.  Finally, I'd say it strikes a good balance between being too intrusive and just letting you drive the vehicle.  My wife has a new Lexus.  It's always beeping at her and warning her of potential hazards.  Some of it is just annoying.