Should RAM ditch the knob shifter ?

[James1414d]

My last two trucks were Silverados which have the column shifter. I prefer the column shift, but I'm finally used to the knob. I do still occasionally crank the radio when I go to shift lol.

 

[jkratze1]

I came from a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a console shifter. I adapted to the knob shifter quickly and I realize now how much space the knob shifter frees up in the center console. I love the huge center console in this truck and would not trade it for a console shifter. I have always felt that column shifters were outdated.

 

[cobradav]

I thought it might be awkward for me after mostly center shifters and paddle shifters in performance cars and my column shift based trucks. I feel I adapted rapidly and rarely make a misstep even switching vehicles frequently. I think it was well thought out and certainly gives way to a nice center console.

 

[BeauxXL1200]

I’m coming from a 15’ Mustang GT with a Steeda short throw, 6 speed, shifter. Man, I loved rowing thru those gears. But alas, I decided it was time to go back to a truck. I like the knob shifter for the reasons mentioned above. It did take me a little while to stop reaching down for the stick shift.

 

[BlckDT]

Coming from center console shift handles from the last few vehicles, it's nice to have it gone and open up all the room.

 

[Gman]

Since I last posted about this topic, I've driven a new Pacifica and RAM Classic that had a plastic knob shifter (loaner vehicles). The upper trim levels for the 2019 RAM 1500 have a metal knob and you can really feel the difference in quality when rotating to switch gears.

 

[Barney556180]

Another vote for the knob shifter. A simple and space-saving improvement over the steering column lever or console shifter.

Harkens back to the old Chrysler transmission push buttons when everyone else had steering column shifters.

 

[ExcursionDiesel]

I prefer the Knob. I don't care if it fits someone's perception of what a "truck" is. I bought the best truck I could find. I love the huge console and direct access of the Knob. I suspect more vehicles will have a knob or pushbutton shifter in the future. We can't live in the past.

 

[Gman]

We can't live in the past.

Have you seen the interiors on the new GM pickups?

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

 

[Granite5thgen]

Have you seen the interiors on the new GM pickups?

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

It's funny you say that, my buddies a die hard Chevy guy...sat in a new 19 and said its literally the exact same as his 16. Hes looking at ram for a new truck when he decides to get a new one

 

[Gman]

It's funny you say that, my buddies a die hard Chevy guy...sat in a new 19 and said its literally the exact same as his 16. Hes looking at ram for a new truck when he decides to get a new one

That's why I said it. I've been a Chevy guy and couldn't wait to see the new trucks with the return to the rounded wheel wells. I was so disappointed and that's why I went with my first FCA product ever, the 2019 RAM 1500.

 

[ExcursionDiesel]

Have you seen the interiors on the new GM pickups?

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

Good one. As I said, I bought the best truck I could find on the market!

 

[RebelSteve]

I like the knob for all the reasons stated in previous posts, but I'll admit, I do find myself turning it back and forth sometimes, even though there's a indicator light above the gear label (only had my truck for a few days and it's my first knob!) . I like the auto-park feature as sometime I forget to put it in park before I hit the "off" button. In my WK2 (traded for my Rebel) if I left it in park it would just refuse to turn off.

 

[Caballonegro]

I love the Knob, it feels high quality, my only gripe is the volume knob should be further apart.

 

[YawnY]

I’m coming from a 15’ Mustang GT with a Steeda short throw, 6 speed, shifter. Man, I loved rowing thru those gears. But alas, I decided it was time to go back to a truck. I like the knob shifter for the reasons mentioned above. It did take me a little while to stop reaching down for the stick shift.

Don't worry the phantom clutch pedal will slowly fade away.

 

[Jcalton]

I like the knob. Doesn't take long to get use to. I'd be fine with a column shifter or the knob, both work fine and I dont do much with the freed up space on the column.

Only gripe is when I get in our other vehicles I tend to turn the radio up instead of shift into drive. But that only happens the first time I get in after not driving them for a while and the ringing in my ears keeps me from doing it again for a while.

 

[fact mechanic]

Only gripe is when I get in our other vehicles I tend to turn the radio up instead of shift into drive. But that only happens the first time I get in after not driving them for a while and the ringing in my ears keeps me from doing it again for a while.

Same, but I usually do it with my truck. Knob and radio volume control are too similar. But still vote knob over anything else

 

[dutchman187]

I was against the knob when I bought it. Can't say that it has completely won me over, but I don't really think about it anymore I guess. I'd prefer a column shifter, but have zero problems with it now that I've grown used to it. I do think it helps that it feels more substantial than other knob shifters on vehicles I've tested.

 

[jdmartin]

I guess I'm getting used to it but I have to admit it's taken a while. I would like it more if the truck had a true paddle shifter setup. I think the shift point limiter is marginally useful compared to having a true paddle shifter setup, since I don't have a slapstick I can pick my own gears. If I lived in the flatlands I wouldn't care but up here in the mountains you spend a lot of time downshifting, and it's nice if you can do it simply. The other thing is sometimes I grab that knob when reaching for the radio volume knob and vice versa. And a couple of times I forgot to put it in park, but lucky the truck did it for me. And the fact that I've had manuals all my life and have always had a gear shifter to use makes it feel weird to not have it.

That said: it does open a bunch of space on the console, and eliminates cables and linkage since everything is electronic these days anyway.

 

[jloops]

I haven't used the stereo volume knob in probably 15 years, I always use the controls on the steering wheel.

For anyone who doesn't think it feels like a truck, should we get rid of all the luxury, power options and that fancy conditioned air too so it gives you a really rugged feel? Just kidding!

Hands down keep the knob!