don't want to stir things too much, but you really can't compare a factory s/roof to an aftermarket shop product. The factory s/roof is engineered to fit exactly in the also engineered roof panel and everything is spec'd out. An independant shop taking a sawzall and cut-off wheel to your roof is a whole different level of chance....just sayin. Good luck.
I certainly wouldn't recommend some random shop just dropping in universal a roof that "fits". That's asking for problems. You can get aftermarket roofs that are designed for specific vehicles.
Purchase it with the factory Panoramic sunroof. Go sit in a Chevy with their little sunroof and it will seem like junk after seeing the Rams.
Plus, it is only $1495 (yes, nothing to sneeze at but for what you get I think it is a bargain) and I don't think an aftermarket would be any less. I actually inquired about an after-market sunroof on my 2016 Bighorn and the local shop that has been around for over 30 years said they didn't do them anymore due to liability and airbag placements.
I love the Ram panoramic sunroof and think it is absolutely gorgeous. The light it lets in makes the cab seem much bigger and there is no buffeting when open even at highway speeds. It's one of the nicest sunroofs I have ever seen.
I agree with all of this. The panoramic roof is amazing. And as noted, you're probably not going to save any money going aftermarket. In fact, in some cases it could cost more. I would only do the aftermarket roof if a factory one isn't available.
Another thing noody has really mentioned, the factory sunroof is designed to be there and the roof is designed for the sunroof for the added support needed. Cutting in an aftermarket sunroof into a non-sunroof roof reduces the structural stability of the truck in a roll over.
Again, this is assuming a universal fit aftermarket roof. You can get a quality aftermarket sunroof that is every bit as safe/stable as the OEM roof. The one I had put in my '05 had a support structure mounted between the headliner and sheet metal to account for the hole. It spanned the truck and framed in the sunroof.
I agree that you don't want a universal fit installed by an inexperienced shop. If you go aftermarket with an item like this, you want one designed specifically for the Ram, with that specific cab type (RC, QC, CC) and installed by a reputable shop that stands behind the product/work and has some staying power. That's a lot of requirements, but it can be done. It's just a whole lot easier to just get the factory one. My point is only that there
is an option if a factory sunroof is not available.