Parking Sensor Blindspot/deadspot and Mopar Tonneau Cover?

[law]

Hey all,

I was just curious if anybody that has experience with the Mopar tonneau cover could tell me if it's normal for it to be rubbing and scratching the top plastic piece of the tailgate? Initially I was under the impression that it was a result of a sloppy installation by the dealership, but they told me it was due to the Mopar tonneau cover itself. I took it to a third party store nearby and asked if it was normal and they also said it was. Was just wondering if any of you guys have a similar experience?

Now the bigger thing I have a question about is regarding the rear parking sensors on the vehicle. I've noticed that there is a bit of a blindspot for both the left and right rear parking sensors when objects are in very specific spots. This isn't a huge deal to me since I can see said objects in my reverse camera, but I have never had a vehicle with parking sensors blindspots like this and the same dealership that installed my tonneau cover also told me that this is normal.
In the 3 attached pictures, I did not move the truck or garbage bins at all. I was sitting in the same spot the entire time yet you can see the rear left parking sensor would rotate between not detecting the bin and detecting the bin. This issue can also be replicated on the right rear parking sensor.

Would appreciate any information!

 

[law]

Also was wondering if any of you have experienced lines/curbs showing up as crooked on the 360 degree camera occasionally? Might be when the wheels are turned?

But again, any information regarding whether it is normal for the rear parking sensors to have a deadspot would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dajogejr]

My understanding is that the parking motion sensors are radar based.
That being said.. I’m gonna say something, and I don’t mean it to be derogatory towards you, or anything in general, so please don’t take offense.

Technology will never have common sense.
Between mirrors and cameras, the best safety is between the ears.

Should it be consistent and warn you? yes.
Do I expect mine to be perfect? Nope.

Tall blades of grass backing into a parking slot have slammed on my brakes ”for me”.
Do I like it? Nope. Am I glad, if that was a kid on a bike, a dog, etc., it would’ve slammed on the brakes hopefully as well? Yes.
Do I trust it to do so perfectly? Nope.

On my Limited 23 with Ram Boxes… I don’t see any scuffs or scratches on my tailgate top.
I also have MFT tailgate and Mopar factory tri fold if that helps at all, coming up on 16K miles.

Lastly, regarding the cameras. You’re going to see that occasionally.
It is piecing together video from several cameras, and sometimes where they overlap, you may see abnormalities.
We could get perfect, high definition camera systems that could be precision accurate.
It would drive the cost up so much, it wouldn’t be worth the effort.

 

[law]

My understanding is that the parking motion sensors are radar based.
That being said.. I’m gonna say something, and I don’t mean it to be derogatory towards you, or anything in general, so please don’t take offense.

Technology will never have common sense.
Between mirrors and cameras, the best safety is between the ears.

Should it be consistent and warn you? yes.
Do I expect mine to be perfect? Nope.

Tall blades of grass backing into a parking slot have slammed on my brakes ”for me”.
Do I like it? Nope. Am I glad, if that was a kid on a bike, a dog, etc., it would’ve slammed on the brakes hopefully as well? Yes.
Do I trust it to do so perfectly? Nope.

On my Limited 23 with Ram Boxes… I don’t see any scuffs or scratches on my tailgate top.
I also have MFT tailgate and Mopar factory tri fold if that helps at all, coming up on 16K miles.

Lastly, regarding the cameras. You’re going to see that occasionally.
It is piecing together video from several cameras, and sometimes where they overlap, you may see abnormalities.
We could get perfect, high definition camera systems that could be precision accurate.
It would drive the cost up so much, it wouldn’t be worth the effort.

Hey Dajo,

Thanks for the response, deeply appreciate the insight. There's absolutely no way a sane person would view your response as being derogatory or offensive, so no worries there haha.

I've definitely had the misfortune of the truck slamming on the brakes a few times when reversing when it wasn't necessary, but you bring up great points about the what-ifs. What you say about the 360 degree camera makes sense, I haven't owned a car with the feature before so I wasn't sure if it was normal or not.

Definitely agree with you with what you said about technology never having common sense, and the parking sensor thing wasn't too huge of a deal to me since ultimately my mirrors and eyes are king. It's just that all my previous vehicles (all Lexus, so I'm not too familiar with the American vehicles) never had this particular issue with the parking sensors so I just wasn't sure if it was something that I should chase after while still under warranty.

Out of curiosity, is your tri-fold a hard or soft cover?

Thanks again

 

[1923bob]

Hey Dajo,

Thanks for the response, deeply appreciate the insight. There's absolutely no way a sane person would view your response as being derogatory or offensive, so no worries there haha.

I've definitely had the misfortune of the truck slamming on the brakes a few times when reversing when it wasn't necessary, but you bring up great points about the what-ifs. What you say about the 360 degree camera makes sense, I haven't owned a car with the feature before so I wasn't sure if it was normal or not.

Definitely agree with you with what you said about technology never having common sense, and the parking sensor thing wasn't too huge of a deal to me since ultimately my mirrors and eyes are king. It's just that all my previous vehicles (all Lexus, so I'm not too familiar with the American vehicles) never had this particular issue with the parking sensors so I just wasn't sure if it was something that I should chase after while still under warranty.

Out of curiosity, is your tri-fold a hard or soft cover?

Thanks again

I have the factory soft cover on my truck doesn't rub,

 

[law]

I have the factory soft cover on my truck doesn't rub,

Good to know, thanks for sharing! I'm using the hard cover, so that could be a possible reason why mine rubs and your guys' doesn't.

 

[dajogejr]

Yep, good call law, should’ve stated that in my original post.
Mine is the soft cover as well…

This is my first truck I’ve owned with more than just backup cameras. Takes a minute to get used to it…but that 360 is nice!
What really freaks me out… is when I forget to extend my power fold mirrors before backing out, that REALLY screws up the picture/view…and it does two things. 1, a ha.. 2, you should use your mirrors more, cameras less.
I wish I could say that reminder sticks….but often, it doesn’t

The cross traffic warning, is really, really good on my truck. I try not to park in busy/crowded spaces, I try to find open spaces. But sometimes those fill up too…and sometimes it’s just unavoidable.
Catching that notification of oncoming cars while backing out (let’s face it, they’re not gonna stop..lol) is nice.

You’ll find there are some on here who think they’re the smartest person in the room, all the time, and they think It’s their job to remind you of that. So… that’s the disclaimer reason. You’ll figure that out on your own…

Be safe, welcome aboard!

 

[law]

Yep, good call law, should’ve stated that in my original post.
Mine is the soft cover as well…

This is my first truck I’ve owned with more than just backup cameras. Takes a minute to get used to it…but that 360 is nice!
What really freaks me out… is when I forget to extend my power fold mirrors before backing out, that REALLY screws up the picture/view…and it does two things. 1, a ha.. 2, you should use your mirrors more, cameras less.
I wish I could say that reminder sticks….but often, it doesn’t

The cross traffic warning, is really, really good on my truck. I try not to park in busy/crowded spaces, I try to find open spaces. But sometimes those fill up too…and sometimes it’s just unavoidable.
Catching that notification of oncoming cars while backing out (let’s face it, they’re not gonna stop..lol) is nice.

You’ll find there are some on here who think they’re the smartest person in the room, all the time, and they think It’s their job to remind you of that. So… that’s the disclaimer reason. You’ll figure that out on your own…

Be safe, welcome aboard!

Thanks for the welcome!

Agreed, love cross traffic warning. I always try to park backwards into the stalls, but sometimes you just have to pull in forward. I find the technology on these trucks (minus parking sensors) to all be either on par (such as rear cross) or superior to the Lexus vehicles I have had in the past which was a pleasant surprise. I actually allow lane keep assist to be enabled about half the time I drive the Ram as opposed to permanently being disabled in any Lexus I get into (had a redesigned 2023 RX as a courtesy vehicle that I couldn't figure out how to turn lane keep assist off in, vehicle then tried to send me into a concrete barrier after 20 minutes of driving which only further solidified my position of lane keep assist being a hazard). My only complaint about the Ram's technology aside from parking sensors is that it doesn't seem as if I can get the RPMs to show up in the heads-up display like I can with the Lexus heads-up displays. Not really an issue overall but my brain does enjoy watching the revs climb when I push.

I've been watching these forums for a while on and off, just never really created an account (I did a couple months ago, but never posted and forgot the password). So I have seen some of the rather interesting conversations on here that you were referring to.

Regardless, glad to be here and interacting with such an active community.

 

[cerbo]

I ve installed several different covers myself. There is a fine line between it being tight to keep water out and way too tight.
If it s going to seal then it s going to rub. I don t know your cover. Some have a less pressure seal. If it rubs the top plastic and leaves a mark I m OK with that to keep water out. When it s closed I don t see a mark. I have not checked mine on my new truck. Pick your poison .

 

[dajogejr]

So, I have lane assist on for 95% of my driving. I also have the correction factor set to very low (how hard the wheel will fight you if you go over the lines extended)
In my wife’s Grand Cherokee, she likes it set higher….that dang thing will make a left turn on you if you let it..lol.

I have to turn off my lane assist where there are construction barrels that cross over the lane line I’m in…otherwise I’m fighting it. Otherwise, I let it do its thing…. Don’t need it, but nice to have.

I have the HUD on mine as well as my wife’s GC. A year now after buying the truck still getting used to having it. First car ever to have it.
What’s nice is… i use CarPlay and Apple Maps. So it’ll give you turn by turn directions in the HUD.
For me… and I know you can program it for pretty much anything (other than RPM..) I want minimal. Speed limit, my speed, and directions. Between a very nice digital cluster, 12” radio screen and HUD.. it’s a very nice, intuitive and useful driving experience.

The only tech I turn off on mine is lane assist in construction and if I’m in stop and go traffic, I do turn off stop/start occasionally. Otherwise, I know a lot can’t stand the stop/start. For me… it really doesn’t bother me at all.

 

[1923bob]

So, I have lane assist on for 95% of my driving. I also have the correction factor set to very low (how hard the wheel will fight you if you go over the lines extended)
In my wife’s Grand Cherokee, she likes it set higher….that dang thing will make a left turn on you if you let it..lol.

I have to turn off my lane assist where there are construction barrels that cross over the lane line I’m in…otherwise I’m fighting it. Otherwise, I let it do its thing…. Don’t need it, but nice to have.

I have the HUD on mine as well as my wife’s GC. A year now after buying the truck still getting used to having it. First car ever to have it.
What’s nice is… i use CarPlay and Apple Maps. So it’ll give you turn by turn directions in the HUD.
For me… and I know you can program it for pretty much anything (other than RPM..) I want minimal. Speed limit, my speed, and directions. Between a very nice digital cluster, 12” radio screen and HUD.. it’s a very nice, intuitive and useful driving experience.

The only tech I turn off on mine is lane assist in construction and if I’m in stop and go traffic, I do turn off stop/start occasionally. Otherwise, I know a lot can’t stand the stop/start. For me… it really doesn’t bother me at all.

I had a 05 Ram before this truck what a difference got into this truck and it was like driving something from the future but I love all the modern technology when I do use the navigation it shows up in the instrument display also and that's very nice. Love the new Rams.

 

[1923bob]

I had a 05 Ram before this truck what a difference got into this truck and it was like driving something from the future but I love all the modern technology when I do use the navigation it shows up in the instrument display also and that's very nice. Love the new Rams.

I had a street rod just before this truck and it was all most as much fun as the truck.

 

[law]

So, I have lane assist on for 95% of my driving. I also have the correction factor set to very low (how hard the wheel will fight you if you go over the lines extended)
In my wife’s Grand Cherokee, she likes it set higher….that dang thing will make a left turn on you if you let it..lol.

I have to turn off my lane assist where there are construction barrels that cross over the lane line I’m in…otherwise I’m fighting it. Otherwise, I let it do its thing…. Don’t need it, but nice to have.

I have the HUD on mine as well as my wife’s GC. A year now after buying the truck still getting used to having it. First car ever to have it.
What’s nice is… i use CarPlay and Apple Maps. So it’ll give you turn by turn directions in the HUD.
For me… and I know you can program it for pretty much anything (other than RPM..) I want minimal. Speed limit, my speed, and directions. Between a very nice digital cluster, 12” radio screen and HUD.. it’s a very nice, intuitive and useful driving experience.

The only tech I turn off on mine is lane assist in construction and if I’m in stop and go traffic, I do turn off stop/start occasionally. Otherwise, I know a lot can’t stand the stop/start. For me… it really doesn’t bother me at all.

Yeah, I think my perception of lane keep assist may be soured by where I live. Here in Alberta we have eternal construction projects combined with sloppy work regarding the painting of new lanes and removal of old ones.
6 months of winter and snow may or may not also be a factor
Thankfully I don't have to deal with start/stop, I was able to get a truck without the etorque system which feels like unicorn levels of rare for a 22 Longhorn, at least where I am.

 

[dajogejr]

Yeah, I think my perception of lane keep assist may be soured by where I live. Here in Alberta we have eternal construction projects combined with sloppy work regarding the painting of new lanes and removal of old ones.
6 months of winter and snow may or may not also be a factor
Thankfully I don't have to deal with start/stop, I was able to get a truck without the etorque system which feels like unicorn levels of rare for a 22 Longhorn, at least where I am.

Um..hate to break it to you, but in Michigan our state bird is the orange construction barrel… LOL.
Our Governor, literally, ran on part of her platform as “fix the damn roads”….
We have 3 months of winter, followed by 3 months of cold/gray, 3 weeks of Summer…and the longest fall season known to man.

I know I see a lot of hate on the ETorque. Does not bother me… but, I have a one year old truck a tick under 16K miles.
Plenty of time to change my tune. As is, zero issues.
My only qualm… if the 12V battery is dead, you’d think the 48V should serve as a backup to start the truck.
I understand that a cold, first start supposedly the 12V starter system is more efficient.
But you can’t tell me that 48V bat pack can’t spin up a cold motor and start it just fine…. As a backup.

Previously had a 15 Limited. Had many of the same creature comforts. But lots of new tech that I’m enjoying in my 23.

 

[law]

Um..hate to break it to you, but in Michigan our state bird is the orange construction barrel… LOL.
Our Governor, literally, ran on part of her platform as “fix the damn roads”….
We have 3 months of winter, followed by 3 months of cold/gray, 3 weeks of Summer…and the longest fall season known to man.

I know I see a lot of hate on the ETorque. Does not bother me… but, I have a one year old truck a tick under 16K miles.
Plenty of time to change my tune. As is, zero issues.
My only qualm… if the 12V battery is dead, you’d think the 48V should serve as a backup to start the truck.
I understand that a cold, first start supposedly the 12V starter system is more efficient.
But you can’t tell me that 48V bat pack can’t spin up a cold motor and start it just fine…. As a backup.

Previously had a 15 Limited. Had many of the same creature comforts. But lots of new tech that I’m enjoying in my 23.

Ah yes, even I've heard of the infamous Michigan roads all the way up here in Canada.

I personally don't have any hatred towards the e-torque system, and I actually think in theory it's quite nice and impressive. I just didn't really want to have yet another complicated system to potentially worry about going wrong later down the road, even if it still is under warranty. Seeing complaints about the e-torque system a couple years back causing the truck to shut down while in the middle of driving didn't help either, though I believe that was eventually fixed with some kind of software update?
Coming from Lexus to Ram required a bit of a leap of faith for me due to FCA's perceived reliability issues, and I figured it'd be best to stick with a more relatively simpler powertrain for my first experience. Seeing the general good reliability of the 5.7L Hemi (aside from the well documented hemi tick) and the ZF8 transmission did help relieve some worries. So far both have been great, but they're still pretty new to be fair. But at least I'll be under warranty until 2030!