Best years for 5th gen? Looking to purchase

[Ranger482]

I've got a 19, non etorque. It's been flawless. Not 1 issue.

 

[JerryBsizzle]

I have owned 4 5th Gens.

2019 Laramie Non Etorque
2020 Rebel Non Etorque
2021 Laramie Etorque
2022 Big Horn Etorque

In terms of quality/issues/QC etc i would rank them

2022
2021
2020
2019

Etorque or Non Etorque is your choice, my rankings are not based on that. I like the Uconnect 5 and wireless AA much much better. The 2019 had discolored paint on fascia, loose mirror, and just some other little odds and ends. My 2022 has been pretty much flawless, even though I have a 6" lift on it (6" lift on the 21 also)

 

[rick619]

I'm happy with my 2023 Big Horn with Etorque. Though I wanted a new one with no miles at the time because I got burned buying a used F150 a few years ago (needed a new engine after 5K miles). If you don't want the ETorque, definitely save some money on a used truck. They do extend the warranty if you get certified pre-owned.

 

[BlueHemi1500]

I have a Nused 2020 Laramie Level 1(base Laramie) it does the B.U.G option (bed liner, lights, tie-down rack, and bed step) 2 tone paint (Patriot Blue/Silver Trim)Hemi (Non-E-torque), Cab Length Cab Wheel to Wheel Steps, 12 Inch/Nav Radio (UC ver 4), Alpine system.
My problems since Owner:

• Radio - would get stuck and not load Sirrus/XM
  • Was fixed by self-upgrading - to software version 40.1 - the hardest part is obtaining the updated files
    • you must follow detailed instructions carefully!
• Missing Factory Trailer Brake - Self - upgraded
  • Buy a Real MOPAR Part
    • Requires equipment
      • AlphaOBD - software
      • Good quality OBD reader/writer
        • a few options
      • Security Gateway access tool/part
        • a few options
    • A few hours of your time (I am very careful, and take lots of precautions - consumes time)
• Outdated - Nav Maps
  • Requires Requires Purchase from internet
  • I live/work in a poor cell phone coverage area, and frequently travel to areas where I need the maps to get to a specific location(s)
    • Your needs may vary - I find my Nav system 99% very accurate (enough to get me very close within a few blocks) I can usually figure out if there is not an exact location upon arrival.

My MODS - Optional - Not Problems - Preferances:

• I got a bed cover -it keeps most water out
  • I use my bed to carry items frequently
  • Water intrusion is easily mitigated by
    • Plastic tubs
    • Plastic trash bags
  • Easily/quickly removed/reinstalled to carry large items ( my truck is frequently used as a truck)
• The following Mods require tools and equipment noted above - OBD programmer/writer/ AlphaOBD software/Security Gateway tool/device
  • Tailgate Ajar - not all trucks were equipped with the proper wiring harness (mine was, but not enabled, enabled easily)
  • Fog Lights on with High Beam Headlights ( I live in a high deer population and often have to drive at night in rural areas)
  • Changed/Calibrated my Speedometer to a different tire size - changed from factory 275/55/R20 to 275/60/R20 - slightly bigger Allterrian tires when the factory tires needed replacement -need better rain/snow ability vs street tires (factory)
• Keep up with:
  • Maintenance schedule(s)
  • Frequent Oil Changes
  • Tire Rotations
• Proactive - got some parts to hopefully prevent visor failure - common to several Dodge/Ram models (had the failure on Dodge Caravan -PITA)

I can say that I have been fortunate - My truck has not had any other problems/failures that others will talk about if you read here, and other forums.

Summary - I would buy my truck/sell my truck to friends/family without hesitation.

Good Luck with your purchase.

BlueHemi1500

 

[redcrewcab]

I had a loaded 2019 Laramie with I think every option available with off road package. I didn't like the manual folding trailer tow mirrors and they would get stuck in reverse position, mostly in colder temperatures and this problem was never resolved.
I had a 2022 Limited I factory ordered with 6' bed and split tailgate. The split tailgate had issues saying it wasn't closed when it was. Then some of the spacers broke and it was hard to close. They replaced one spacer and with some others still missing it was no longer an issue in either regard. The 12" uconnect 5 would glitch, freeze, make noise, and then reset. They were not able to solve that. That last recall for the screen freezing in reverse, which also happened to me, may have finally fixed it but I only had the truck a couple of months after that.
Both the uconnect 4 and 5 12" screens had issues with apple car play that were never resolved. I liked the uconnect 4 better and didn't use all the uconnect 5 features. I like it basically on one whole big screen and didn't use split screens or cards.
No issues other than, they were both leases and I didn't have high mileage. 2019 hemi, 2022 hemi with etorque and i did use the start stop as it didn't annoy me and maintained whatever mpg you were getting in city/local traffic. I only turned it off before I was going to back into my driveway because when I stopped to shift from D to R, it would stop and then start again.

 

[HemiDude]

I had a '20 Sport and now a '22 Laramie G/T. Other than having etorque, the '22 has been a better truck all around. As others have stated, if I was buying used I would look for a '22 non-et, for the following reasons: All other things being equal, I'd rather have a 3 year old used vehicle than a 6 year old; UC5 has not been any worse of a system in my experience than UC4, the only issues with UC5 that I have experienced have been after OTAs; Etorque has given me no discernible benefits, and I see numerous complaints from people about lack of parts if or when it fails. The extra weight and complexity doesn't offset the corporate hype; Depending on what options you want or want to add, a Laramie may give you a head start (i.e. passive entry, heated/cooled seats, fender flares).

Good luck with your decision, and I'm looking forward to pics of your new rig.

 

[MarkTTU]

I’ve got a 22 limited with 91k miles and etorque. There’s a persistent Siri volume bug with CarPlay (Siri gets quiet, everything else is fine) but when it comes up holding the power button and rebooting the uconnect solves it. Other than that it’s been super reliable. All I’ve done is change fluids, tires, and windshield wiper blades. Far more reliable than the two Fords that came before it. Just ordered a new 25 from MD last week.

 

[Ramfancy]

22 Laramie non etorque with 25k. I think it has the 8.5” screen, which I liked so everything is also controlled with knobs and can be used with gloves.

I have not had any issues except for the plastic housing behind the rear view mirror popping loose and rattling. Took me a month to figure out where that rattling came from lol.

The led lights are amazing compared to my 2010 st with that had what seemed like candle lanterns for headlights. The heated and cooled seats are awesome. I don’t mind fabric but with leather, the heat and cool seats are awesome. I wish it had the rear heated seats but it doesn’t.

3.21 gearing and I love it even towing. The 8speed transmission is amazing. When not loaded it gets great highway mileage. I have not changed tires yet as they are still looking good.

I don’t have a lot of the heavier options so the payload is over 1700 which was a priority.

It is really hard to be more impressed with a vehicle. If it was less expensive it would be perfect!!!! They just cost too much.

Good luck looking.

 

[detractus]

There are too many variables to say which years are the best. Knowing your engine preferences would help with answering this though. Since I want a V8 and am not a fan of etorque, if I were looking for a used 5th gen my vote would be 2020 thru 2022 hemi, since starting in '23 all 1500's with the Hemi only came with the etorque version. 2019's had quite a few recalls and seem to have the most problems. That's not to say I wouldn't get a 2019 if the right deal came along. Also know that 2019 and 2020 models with tow mirrors didn't get power folding mirrors or surround view cameras, if those features matter to you. There are lots of other small differences as well, which is why more information about what you're wanting would be helpful.

My 2017 Sport had power folding mirrors, and they only worked about half the time (sometimes literally, only one side would fold...)

So on my new 2020, I'm going to switch to regular mirrors but not power folding.. But I'd like to do the blind spot monitor upgrade at some point.

 

[1791]

i had a 20 b-horn before i got the 19 laramie. i found a 23 horn crew with 12in, sunroof and leather for 32k with 33k miles on it i passed on it because of e-torque. actually i passed on quite a few nice trucks over the e-torque thing i guess that tells where i'm at. recalls don't really bother me because they get fixed for free and a 19 should have had them all done by now. realistically finding a non e-t high trim level that you like is easier said than done. that being said i love my 19 laramie and i will keep it till the wheels fall off.
i would think alot of people on here have seen the u-tuber that has the high mileage edition 19 limited at over 250k mi he has had really just issues with wear items. he never even serviced the trans it's 4wd and he tows with it a lot. so i feel like i'm in good shape.
IMO i would only get a 19-22 crew, reg hemi and no lower trim than a laramie.
good luck with your search.

 

[Kilroy]

I think this is very subjective. Personally I have owned a 2011 4th Gen Limited, a 21 5th Gen Limited, and now the 25 5th gen refresh. Historically, buying a fist year run for an all new vehicle has its problems. 2-3 years better, but usually mid year or last year for a generation is the best options. Then again its subjective as you will find people reporting issues across t he board in years as the MFG is always making changes, and example when they went from the UConnect 4 to 5, whoo boy! But and may find that they are usually a temporary things as software updates continue to improve over time, they can't fix hardware related issues but they can solve many issues. As many have stated here also, over the life a generational model they continue to add and subtract features as they discover some options are either unwanted or problematic. For me the parking assist never worked right on my 21, and a couple times I used it, if I hadn't intervened it would have caused damage to my truck and or other vehicles depending on the situation where I was parking, so I never used it. I know how to park a vehicle. My Tungsten has hands free driving, will I ever fully trust is or use is all the time, NO WAY. But is was a feature I wanted to have to see how well its works and remind myself that I am responsible for controlling my vehicle, to 100% rely on tech for my safety or the safety of others is carless on my part. My advice, do your research, buy what you want, and accept the fact there ios a good chance you are going to have some kind of issues along the way.

 

[Ram4Lou]

I have a 2019 Limited with 3.92 rear. She’s sweet and no issues. Best truck I’ve ever owned. Check out the “Truck Central High Mileage Edition” videos with Justin Wheeler on YouTube. His is a 2019 with over 250K miles. He uses it as work truck and has just had normal wear and tear items replaced. He started having issue with the air suspension later on, but that’s the same air bag system across all model years.

 

[Jako]

This will give you an idea of the issues forwarded to NHTSA for a 2019. Lot of complaints for the manifold and bolt.
To be fair the other brands would need to be evaluated also.

Vehicle Detail Search - 2019 RAM 1500 PU/CC 4WD | NHTSA

www.nhtsa.gov

 

[OldMarine]

my 19 Limited has been just about flawless for 63K miles now. What I like about is is 1. Hemi V-8, 2. NO START STOP!!, 3. last year of CD player. 4. price I paid ($44K in 2020), when it had 13K milees on it. Since I bought in 2020, there was only 2 years of 5th gen's out there. If I was buying today, I would get any 5th gen that had a V-8, and NO START STOP!

 

[dajogejr]

My 2023 has been great.
Had a new rear gear set, seals, etc., put in due to a slight clunk.. had to have the turn signal assembly (clock spring) replaced under warranty.
Other than that.. it’s been a great truck.
20K on the clock, owned since July/August of 2023.

Wireless CarPlay, U Connect 5, both outstanding.
We had a cold spell last week, in my 2015 Limited the air ride would’ve probably given me a problem or two.. not so on this truck.

I get it, 20K isn’t a lot. I can only tell you it’s been a great truck so far.
My biggest gripe is the factory tires. I drive regular… the factory Pirellis may have another 2-5K miles left…maybe.
I keep them rotated and balanced regularly…and they’re wearing VERY even.

 

[Dewey]

My 2022 with 51,000 miles has been flawless so far even with eTorque. Wish I didn’t order since I had that option but been trouble free so far. No complaints and haven’t been back to the service department since the day I picked my truck up.

 

[Jako]

My 2023 has been great.
Had a new rear gear set, seals, etc., put in due to a slight clunk.. had to have the turn signal assembly (clock spring) replaced under warranty.
Other than that.. it’s been a great truck.
20K on the clock, owned since July/August of 2023.

Wireless CarPlay, U Connect 5, both outstanding.
We had a cold spell last week, in my 2015 Limited the air ride would’ve probably given me a problem or two.. not so on this truck.

I get it, 20K isn’t a lot. I can only tell you it’s been a great truck so far.
My biggest gripe is the factory tires. I drive regular… the factory Pirellis may have another 2-5K miles left…maybe.
I keep them rotated and balanced regularly…and they’re wearing VERY even.

I had Pirellis on my 1994 Ford Explorer thanks to the "Ford/Firestone Rollover fiasco". Great tires, mpg improved and handled better. I also am very happy with my 2019 Ram but at 40,011 miles the motor went, covered under the lifetime warranty and took 4 months to get back. Felt kind of like the girl friend who cheated on you but I would get rid of her, I'm keeping the Ram.

 

[HSKR R/T]

my 19 Limited has been just about flawless for 63K miles now. What I like about is is 1. Hemi V-8, 2. NO START STOP!!, 3. last year of CD player. 4. price I paid ($44K in 2020), when it had 13K milees on it. Since I bought in 2020, there was only 2 years of 5th gen's out there. If I was buying today, I would get any 5th gen that had a V-8, and NO START STOP!

CD player was option through at least 2020.

 

[tanner12]

We had a 22 2WD Limited with 3.21 gears and eTorque that was recently totaled with 24K miles. It had Limited Level 1 group but no sunroof and 20" wheels instead of 22". We were t-boned by a Camry with damages to the rear axle, bed side, wheel/suspension, cab corner and cab floor. Repair estimate was 35K+ so it was deemed a total loss. It was a great truck, no major issues in the 25K miles other than the occasional Uconnect glitch and Rambox lids not being aligned from one side of the truck versus the other. We could definitely tell when they were pushing software updates as things we noticed as problems previously would go away as the patches were applied. With the 3.21 we also got good highway mileage (18-18.5 doing 82 mph).

We purchased a 24 4WD Limited with 3.92 and eTorque recently. It has 34K miles. A few differences are the gauge cluster is now all digital (22 was analog tach and speedo). The 24 also has the Elite package so suede headliner and chrome pedals, sunroof, multi-function tailgate and 22" wheels. The MFT is a handier feature than I expected it to be, but we've also had times when it says the tailgate isn't closed but it actually is. The truck rides a little stiffer with the 22" wheels versus the 20" but not significantly different. The gear ratio is the biggest thing, running roughly 300 rpm higher in the 24 versus the 22 plus the additional weight of 4WD brings mileage down quite a bit. We're getting about 14.5-15 so far, so a drop of about 2 MPG overall.

Overall, great trucks, personally I'd pick a 3.21 versus 3.92 as we don't tow heavy and towing with these trucks will be payload limited anyway.

 

[OldMarine]

CD player was option through at least 2020.

yes, I stand corrected on 19 being last year, I still like that I have one. Looks like 21 was last year.