Why Does RAM Make Getting Surround Cameras An Ordeal?

[Shutterbug57]

I had pretty simple wants for my truck. The list included:

- 18” wheels with Off Road Tires
- Cloth heated seats
- Off Road Package
- Standard bed in a 1500/150 truck
- Ability to tow it 4 down

That is what I wanted. I shopped Chevy, Ford & RAM. Chevy has the B pillar too far forward and it jams my left elbow, so the Trail Boss was out. Ford has a zillion trucks at the XLT level that would fill the bill, but I won’t like their seats and they are a pain to deal with in neutral tow mode. That left the RAM.

I test drove a Bighorn and liked the seats. The Big Horn is essentially the same level as Ford’s XLT. The XLT and above trims come with surround cameras as standards. It turns out to get what I wanted in the RAM, I had to order a unicorn. Surround cameras require one or more packages of stuff I didn’t really need or want, but had to be ordered to get the cameras.

I have kept my eyes out for the truck I speced on a nationwide search. There was one over 2K miles away, but it had a sunroof, an option that, for me, is a deal killer. I also found a Laramie that was close, but had 20” wheels, leather seats and cost $10K more.

I wonder why RAM make getting surround cameras so difficult? Not only are they useful for off-roading, but they are handy in every day life.

 

[vincentw56]

I had pretty simple wants for my truck. The list included:

- 18” wheels with Off Road Tires
- Cloth heated seats
- Off Road Package
- Standard bed in a 1500/150 truck
- Ability to tow it 4 down

That is what I wanted. I shopped Chevy, Ford & RAM. Chevy has the B pillar too far forward and it jams my left elbow, so the Trail Boss was out. Ford has a zillion trucks at the XLT level that would fill the bill, but I won’t like their seats and they are a pain to deal with in neutral tow mode. That left the RAM.

I test drove a Bighorn and liked the seats. The Big Horn is essentially the same level as Ford’s XLT. The XLT and above trims come with surround cameras as standards. It turns out to get what I wanted in the RAM, I had to order a unicorn. Surround cameras require one or more packages of stuff I didn’t really need or want, but had to be ordered to get the cameras.

I have kept my eyes out for the truck I speced on a nationwide search. There was one over 2K miles away, but it had a sunroof, an option that, for me, is a deal killer. I also found a Laramie that was close, but had 20” wheels, leather seats and cost $10K more.

I wonder why RAM make getting surround cameras so difficult? Not only are they useful for off-roading, but they are handy in every day life.

Well, I have them on my BH, but that's because I installed them myself. But that only works on 2019 to 2024. The Big Horn is not on the same trim class as an XLT from what I know of Ford. So, you aren't comparing the same thing. And not sure what's wrong with the sunroof. I love mine.

 

[Shutterbug57]

Well, I have them on my BH, but that's because I installed them myself. But that only works on 2019 to 2024. The Big Horn is not on the same trim class as an XLT from what I know of Ford. So, you aren't comparing the same thing. And not sure what's wrong with the sunroof. I love mine.

The sun roof limits headroom. My head hits the ceiling if a sunroof is installed - deal breaker.

The XLT & Bighorn are both a step above the entry level Tradesman/XL models. They are both below several other trim levels. Also, both come with cloth seats. There are several other similarities. Are they exact equals? No, but they are generally in the same price range and can both be dressed up a bit. Additionally, the cameras are not standard on the Laramie trim either. Not sure on the limited.

 

[1791]

in the end they are production trucks. i don't know of any volume vehicle manufacture that's like burger king (have it your way) since the 60's. the packages they pretty much force you to get are actually a hell if a deal if you look up what it costs to add just one or two options from infotainment.com.
truck's are the modern 4 door sedan. i estimate the closest to off road over 95% of people with 4x4 get is their yard. LOL
if your tiring to save 10k i get it, personally i would not go below a Laramie ever again. i like the leather it's easier to clean and keep clean than cloth. you could always swap the wheels stock ram and rebel 18's are for sale all over FB

 

[Ram1500OwnerMaybe]

The advanced safety group and surround camera is a priority and dictates that I will eventually have to get a Laramie when the time comes.
Really do wish that feature was available on the BH.

 

[USMUSL]

….. dictates that I will eventually have to get a Laramie ….

I think this effectively answers the ”why” question posed to start the thread.

 

[HSKR R/T]

The advanced safety group and surround camera is a priority and dictates that I will eventually have to get a Laramie when the time comes.
Really do wish that feature was available on the BH.

How about the Rebel trim? It comes from the factory with 18" wheels. Anything else above a Bighorn is 20" or 22* wheels. And even most Bighorns will have 20" wheels. Not sure about the surround view, but as you already mentioned, it would probably require a package option with features you don't want. That's just the nature of the beast ordering vehicles anymore.

As far as sunroof headeoom, how tall are you? I'm 6'5" and have the panoramic sunroof, and have zero issues with headroom. Plenty of space up there

 

[HSKR R/T]

I had pretty simple wants for my truck. The list included:

- 18” wheels with Off Road Tires
- Cloth heated seats
- Off Road Package
- Standard bed in a 1500/150 truck
- Ability to tow it 4 down

That is what I wanted. I shopped Chevy, Ford & RAM. Chevy has the B pillar too far forward and it jams my left elbow, so the Trail Boss was out. Ford has a zillion trucks at the XLT level that would fill the bill, but I won’t like their seats and they are a pain to deal with in neutral tow mode. That left the RAM.

I test drove a Bighorn and liked the seats. The Big Horn is essentially the same level as Ford’s XLT. The XLT and above trims come with surround cameras as standards. It turns out to get what I wanted in the RAM, I had to order a unicorn. Surround cameras require one or more packages of stuff I didn’t really need or want, but had to be ordered to get the cameras.

I have kept my eyes out for the truck I speced on a nationwide search. There was one over 2K miles away, but it had a sunroof, an option that, for me, is a deal killer. I also found a Laramie that was close, but had 20” wheels, leather seats and cost $10K more.

I wonder why RAM make getting surround cameras so difficult? Not only are they useful for off-roading, but they are handy in every day life.

Just did build and price

Add sport appearance package and BigHorn level 2 and you get surround view. Yes it adds a bunch of other features, but it checks all the blocks for your wants. $55k MSRP.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Guess you don't need the sport appearance package that was just personal preference but you do need bighorn level 2

 

[Shutterbug57]

Guess you don't need the sport appearance package that was just personal preference but you do need bighorn level 2

You need the Bighorn 2, Trailer Tow Group and Trailer Technology group to be able to select the Surround View Camera system. FWIW, I like the chrome bumpers and grill look with the Delmonico red paint.

 

[Ram1500OwnerMaybe]

How about the Rebel trim? It comes from the factory with 18" wheels. Anything else above a Bighorn is 20" or 22* wheels. And even most Bighorns will have 20" wheels. Not sure about the surround view, but as you already mentioned, it would probably require a package option with features you don't want. That's just the nature of the beast ordering vehicles anymore.

As far as sunroof headeoom, how tall are you? I'm 6'5" and have the panoramic sunroof, and have zero issues with headroom. Plenty of space up there

Prefer the looks of the Rebel but no need for 4x4.
Actually started a thread a few weeks back about purchasing a 4x4 even though it will never be used.
My only concern is I do prefer the bench seat for the front.
What a dilemma, right????
A panoramic sunroof is a definite no go for me.

 

[Shutterbug57]

Prefer the looks of the Rebel but no need for 4x4.
Actually started a thread a few weeks back about purchasing a 4x4 even though it will never be used.
My only concern is I do prefer the bench seat for the front.
What a dilemma, right????
A panoramic sunroof is a definite no go for me.

Yeah, only 5 seaters in the Rebel. Additionally, unless you pony up for enhanced seating, the interior looks like it was designed by Jeep designers with a red paint brush. Also, you get stuck with a 5’7” bed.