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Build quality vs. Build date

Btharp2624

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I’m a total newbie to this stuff so I apologize in advance if this sounds dumb.

Does build quality on these trucks get better as they build more and more? I ask because I’m noticing (at least in MN) that several of the trucks available from dealer inventory, specifically limited’s, have a build date from last fall/winter. Found a couple from 8/18. That seems like an awful long time to sit on a lot, but maybe that’s normal? Should I be concerned about the quality of these trucks that were built months ago or does it really matter?

I guess my main question is have they fixed the issues on newer built trucks and that’s why the older ones are more discounted, or are they simply more discounted because they have been sitting longer?

Thanks in advance!
 

Jus Cruisin

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Yes and no..... I have an early build with no quality issues. You can also go over to F150 forum and find guys that get fresh trucks with poor quality and they are, what, 4 years into the current generation.

The only thing with a truck that has been sitting a while is that there can be lot damage, scratches, etc. Just look a truck over closely (inside, fully cleaned) that's been sitting for a while.
 

mike5809

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I purchased mine at the end of January. It was an 08/18 build and I've not had one issue. I've put 3200 miles so far.
 

Rtl Colorado

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Mine is a 8/18 also
No problems here
I have a small flaw in my seat that I have pointed out
Purchased 12/26/18
 

MValdez

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I have black longhorn and the paint quality is crap! Too many scratches for cost of vehicle. Had I known I would've gotten the truck in white... build date 8/18
 

Creep0321

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I have black longhorn and the paint quality is crap! Too many scratches for cost of vehicle. Had I known I would've gotten the truck in white... build date 8/18
It’s a black truck... unless you paint corrected, PPF, and ceramic coated. (Or do other detailing steps often) scratches are going to appear, happened on my last Black truck.
 

cruz-in

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I guess you could call it build quality. quoting the IIHS Crash Test:

"Beginning with 2019 models built after July 2018, the cab mounts to the vehicle frame at the C-pillars were strengthened to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.) "

See IIHS website for full info on crash tests
 

PTRAM

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I guess you could call it build quality. quoting the IIHS Crash Test:

"Beginning with 2019 models built after July 2018, the cab mounts to the vehicle frame at the C-pillars were strengthened to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.) "

See IIHS website for full info on crash tests


I purchased my Ram on 12-11-2018 and the build date was in May (see my signature) and not sure if what the IIHS test results are for my Quad Cab. It says on the Crew Cab that these results do not apply to the Quad Cab and thought saw a Quad Cab test done in Jan-2019 but it only gives the side impact that I have been able to find. I had to have my tires replaced since they all had flat spots from sitting there and being Nexen tires. It rides great on the Michelin Defenders LTX MS--but cost me 600 dollars with the dealer picking up 360 on the total of 960 dollars. Not happy about not getting the dealer or FCA taking care of the 600, but it was not safe to drive in my estimation on the Nexen tires that came on it--so well worth the expense to be safer.
 

securityguy

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My build date was 11/28 and I am extremely happy with the build quality. Not a single issue or concern.
 

slimchance

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the build dates on both our trucks is 8 - 18 ... we have over 4,000 miles on each truck and have not had any problems .. bought one in september and the other in december
 

Nick54

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Built 10/18, nothing of any concern beside the 2 recalls (Ground cable & Break pedal). First time Ram owner and love it. I have owned Ford Ranger, Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tacoma trucks. The Tacoma and Ram 1500 are the best.
 

Jagtyson

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I have black longhorn and the paint quality is crap! Too many scratches for cost of vehicle. Had I known I would've gotten the truck in white... build date 8/18
We'll I got my 1st 2019 Laramie in tricoat white and had no scratches, but the bed sides and plastic trim parts did not match the tailgate, cab or doors. Also my brother in law bought a bright white BigHorn Crew and same issue with his.

Mine was so severe that my dealer bought it back with little to no help from FCA after more than a month and 700 miles in trips to visit the dealership.

If you look up where is the ivory paint thread, a member just rejected his new ivory truck order when it hit the dealer because he knew to look for the problems.

My new replacement came in 2 months after my ivory truck, I swapped keys and went home with a new granite Laramie.

RAM's paint quality seems to suck no matter the color....white and ivory double suck to the point where even a 20 foot view is horrible.
 

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securityguy

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We'll I got my 1st 2019 Laramie in tricoat white and had no scratches, but the bed sides and plastic trim parts did not match the tailgate, cab or doors. Also my brother in law bought a bright white BigHorn Crew and same issue with his.

Someone at the plant screwed up BIG TIME on that truck my friend. Glad it all worked out in the end!
 

CompuDav

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How can I find out the build date for my truck? I’m curious now...
 

slimchance

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it is on your white door sticker ... look at my wife's trk sticker and look for the red circle
 

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securityguy

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And if you look in the bottom right of that label you'll see "MDH:083019 which means it was built on August 30th Model Year 2019
 

bigdaddymac

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Built 12/18 and I have some scratches but its from someone in the dealers detail shop. Only other issue was a fender flare being misaligned but it was adjusted. No worries for me with mine but not even 2000 miles yet.
 

DM-SC

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And if you look in the bottom right of that label you'll see "MDH:083019 which means it was built on August 30th Model Year 2019
The 19 in 083019 is the hour in 24h format.

His truck's official build date is August 30th @ 7:00pm.

Mine is 112101 which is November 21st @ 1:00am.


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