2019 Ram 1500 Quality

[alangsam]

So I am looking to buy a pickup for the first time - I have been looking at the 2109 Ram Limited, the 2019 Sierra Denali and the Ford Limited.
While the reviews of the interior and ride quality have been good I have been a bit gun shy to buy an FCA product given they finish last in about every survey.

However in spite of that today I went to test drive a Limited at the local mega dealer - Arrigo.

"Im sorry sir we have no 2019 Laramie -Longhorn or Limited trucks available to test drive.."

They ALL are unable to drive because of the FIVE recalls already on the vehicles.

I asked when they might have one available to test drive - "we don't know?"


You cant make this up. doesn't give me a lot of confidence in their products.

I went on to test drive the Fords and the GMCs - no issues with recalls or problems keeping them from being test driven.

Can anyone who owns a 2019 share some positive experiences with their trucks?

 

[klail]

So I am looking to buy a pickup for the first time - I have been looking at the 2109 Ram Limited, the 2019 Sierra Denali and the Ford Limited.
While the reviews of the interior and ride quality have been good I have been a bit gun shy to buy an FCA product given they finish last in about every survey.

However in spite of that today I went to test drive a Limited at the local mega dealer - Arrigo.

"Im sorry sir we have no 2019 Laramie -Longhorn or Limited trucks available to test drive.."

They ALL are unable to drive because of the FIVE recalls already on the vehicles.

I asked when they might have one available to test drive - "we don't know?"


You cant make this up. doesn't give me a lot of confidence in their products.

I went on to test drive the Fords and the GMCs - no issues with recalls or problems keeping them from being test driven.

Can anyone who owns a 2019 share some positive experiences with their trucks?

So far I love my truck. Before my purchase I was apprehensive as well on the longevity of the vehicle along with this being the first year of a new gen of truck for Ram. Again, so far I love it. I am sure there will be some first year pains with built quality on some trucks here and there, but so far my 1k miles have been perfect.
Yes, there are a few minor recalls but from what I understand FCA is a little quicker to react to potential problems before they escalate. An example of this is the newest recall with the power adjustable pedals; I don't think there have been any reported problems. This is the first year of the new design for Chevy and I think you will start to see some recalls in the future. I doubt it will be anything major but that is expected in the first year of a new design.
The other thing is the warranty will at least cover my decision for the short term and there are available extended warranties (84 month/125k miles $1,644) that are very affordable if I am still concerned.
Both Chevy and Ford have a great track record and are definitely worth a look but the fit and finish of the Chevy High Country just wasn't up to snuff compared to the Ram. I didn't test drive the Ford so I don't know the finish of the interior.
Overall, I just liked the look, tech and interior design of the Ram the best and will take a gamble that mechanically everything goes well.

I forgot to add, I was just at a detail shop yesterday to set up an appointment to have a ceramic coating put on and they were saying that the Ford is having issues with their paint. They said that because of the aluminum body, the paint is not adhering as well as it would to the steel bodies of Ram and Chevy. Now Chevy also has the aluminum on the movable panels (doors, hood, tailgate) but they didn't say if they are having the same issues as Ford with paint.

Just food for thought

 

[sticker500]

Not too long ago you wouldn't have been able to purchase any Ford Platinum or Ford Limited on the lot because of a recall on inflatable seat belts. They all have issues, pick the one you like

 

[George Bednar]

I have had my Ram Limited Billet Silver pick up since August of 2018. I have only had cosmetic issues. The limited badge on the glove box was adhered crooked and the center console between the front seat had a squeak coming from the passenger side if you put your arm on it. Both have been replace with no signs. I have had the HK radio service bulletin and the transmission shift bulletin completed. I have had 1 recall taken care of with 2 more now needed. Power steering ground cable and adjustable brake adjustment. Knock on wood that I have had no other issues at all. I love my truck and I am very happy with it. Not liking the tow mirrors, but that was my own fault.

 

[klail]

I have had my Ram Limited Billet Silver pick up since August of 2018. I have only had cosmetic issues. The limited badge on the glove box was adhered crooked and the center console between the front seat had a squeak coming from the passenger side if you put your arm on it. Both have been replace with no signs. I have had the HK radio service bulletin and the transmission shift bulletin completed. I have had 1 recall taken care of with 2 more now needed. Power steering ground cable and adjustable brake adjustment. Knock on wood that I have had no other issues at all. I love my truck and I am very happy with it. Not liking the tow mirrors, but that was my own fault.

Good point on the mirrors. That seems to be the least liked feature of the 2019s. If you get the tow mirrors, you don't get the power fold, heated, or surround view cameras. To me, not having the surround view camera was a deal breaker.

 

[alangsam]

good info on the mirrors. So far the Ford had the best seats - they have active massaging built in. I have a stiff back on long trips and this is pretty cool. that said the ford drove like a big truck - very ponderous. the interior overall was very nice. The GMC drove better IMO. I also like the looks. I was disappointed in the interior however. For a 65K truck it felt pretty cheap. Also no Active cruise control. seems like the only brand without it.

 

[klail]

The interior of the Chevy was the ultimate factor as to why I chose the Ram. I wasn't going to pay that amount for that interior. The screen was small, the plastic was abundant. It just didn't feel like high a high quality package and for them to not include the adaptive cruise control when the already offer it on the Tahoe and Suburban!! HUGE miss.
What steered me away from the Ford before I even drove it was the look of the interior, the placement of the shifter and the sticker shock compared to the Ram. I just feel that FCA put together a better all around package.
I know you haven't been able to drive the Ram Limited but let me tell you it rides better than the High Country. The ride is supreme!
P.S. Massaging seats would have been nice.

 

[RAM309702]

My 2010 F150 has issues, leaking rear window, leaking under driver side floor, but besides that pretty good. I was going to buy another Ford, but a friend of mine said I should check out RAM. He got a 2019 and loves it and has no issues. I went and looked at his and man, I was absolutley in love. I decided to do my own research, and once I started actually looking I saw some trends that looked positive. A local company switched their entire work force from Ford to RAM. I then asked a customer of mine who are in the trucking industry and know everything about trucks. I asked him what his thought was on RAM, and he said he loves RAM and has had them forever and they are super reliable.

Mine should be here within a week, and I am pumped! It was scary to think about leaving Ford at first, but I am pretty excited now that I did.

 

[maddog49]

Wait for a 2020 if you want a more polished truck. It's a first run vehicle so it will have more than normal items to fix. I'm normally a ford guy but the ram clearly drives and rides better and at least as far as I could tell the limited is heads and shoulders above the other 3 brands with its features. Bought a extended warranty and not worrying about it (as I would have on the other brands too). The chevy/gmc, in particular, had awful interiors on their top trim levels for the $$$ they were asking. They also drove like trucks, but not in a positive way in my opinion. I'm pretty brand agnostic and was surprised to end up with another Ram (prior was a 2016). I figured I'd get a ford but they all have some catching up to do now.

 

[FirstTimeRamDriver]

I have 2019 Laramie blacked out package, in 5 days I drove 650 miles just because I can, just got the ceramic coating done today. Love every min of driving it. No issues so far. You have to keep in mind that far more people come to forums to complain than people who have only good things to say. I have the break pad recall that I am taking care of next week. Other than that, zero problems. I drove a ford limited before I chose RAM, no comparison in interior, tech and ride quality. I agree the massaging chair would have been nice

 

[whsk12]

ram is a nice truck!

 

[Boozygoose]

I'm still curious "5 recalls" according to OP's dealer. I'm aware of two, neither of which affect every singlt vehicle produced.

There is the battery ground cable and the adjustable brake recall. That's all I am aware of.

What 3 am I missing, if in fact 5 exist.

 

[Jus Cruisin]

I'm still curious "5 recalls" according to OP's dealer. I'm aware of two, neither of which affect every singlt vehicle produced.

There is the battery ground cable and the adjustable brake recall. That's all I am aware of.

What 3 am I missing, if in fact 5 exist.

Exactly..... 2 recalls on my Limited (ground and power adjustable pedals). Both were corrected in 45 minutes at the dealership Monday. Neither would have stopped my dealership from allowing a test drive. Close to 7,000 miles on mine. One warranty claim for a misaligned window trim piece. Fords are fine, too. The GMC interior still looks like it was designed 10 years ago. Not sure if they ever added rear a/c.

 

[alangsam]

Exactly..... 2 recalls on my Limited (ground and power adjustable pedals). Both were corrected in 45 minutes at the dealership Monday. Neither would have stopped my dealership from allowing a test drive. Close to 7,000 miles on mine. One warranty claim for a misaligned window trim piece. Fords are fine, too. The GMC interior still looks like it was designed 10 years ago. Not sure if they ever added rear a/c.

here are three more and there is another one just now related to the Power running boards.


SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICEDALS AND LINKAGES
Feb 05 2019
If the brake pedal separates from the pedal assembly, the driver may be unable to brake the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
Read Recall Details
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Jan 24 2019
A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of crash.
Read Recall Details
SEATS
Nov 20 2018
If the sensor cannot identify that the seat is in the full-forward position and adjust the frontal air bag deployment accordingly, there would be an increased the risk of a injury in the event of a crash.

 

[alangsam]

I have 2019 Laramie blacked out package, in 5 days I drove 650 miles just because I can, just got the ceramic coating done today. Love every min of driving it. No issues so far. You have to keep in mind that far more people come to forums to complain than people who have only good things to say. I have the break pad recall that I am taking care of next week. Other than that, zero problems. I drove a ford limited before I chose RAM, no comparison in interior, tech and ride quality. I agree the massaging chair would have been nice

What is the CERAMIC COATING?

 

[klail]

What is the CERAMIC COATING?

In short, a Ceramic Coating adds additional protection to your car’s exterior and helps keep it looking like-new with comparatively minimal maintenance. The coating achieves this result by making your vehicle more resilient and easier to clean.
https://exclusivedetail.com/ceramic-coating-for-cars/

There are a couple different types but this is something I found.

I am getting one on my truck on Wednesday after a detail and polish Tuesday

 

[Jus Cruisin]

here are three more and there is another one just now related to the Power running boards.


SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICEDALS AND LINKAGES
Feb 05 2019
If the brake pedal separates from the pedal assembly, the driver may be unable to brake the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
Read Recall Details
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Jan 24 2019
A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, possibly causing vehicle oversteer or understeer, increasing the risk of crash.
Read Recall Details
SEATS
Nov 20 2018
If the sensor cannot identify that the seat is in the full-forward position and adjust the frontal air bag deployment accordingly, there would be an increased the risk of a injury in the event of a crash.

Top 2 are what I had done .easy peasy repair. Bottom one did not apply to my Limited built in July 2018.

 

[alangsam]

In short, a Ceramic Coating adds additional protection to your car’s exterior and helps keep it looking like-new with comparatively minimal maintenance. The coating achieves this result by making your vehicle more resilient and easier to clean.
https://exclusivedetail.com/ceramic-coating-for-cars/

There are a couple different types but this is something I found.

I am getting one on my truck on Wednesday after a detail and polish Tuesday

thanks I never heard of the ceramic until now. What do they charge to coat your truck?

 

[FirstTimeRamDriver]

What he said. There are many in the market, I went with IGL Kenzie based on recommendation from my detailer. In my previous car I had optimum pro plus, not exactly ceramic coating, but great product. No matter what coating you put on, unless you hand wash carefully, there will be marring and scratches. If you prefer car wash and use the non-touchless ones, save the money, it will leave swirl marks. I was going to do PPF( paint protection film, but that was going to be fairly expensive, so I skipped. Worth it, or so I hear. But at the end of the day this is my daily driver and this is a truck, I will hand wash and maintain as best as I can.

 

[FirstTimeRamDriver]

thanks I never heard of the ceramic until now. What do they charge to coat your truck?

Ranges widely based on what brand you choose, mine was 800 for IGL Kenzo, ceramic pro gold package can be close to 2k.