Took Delivery of my 2019- Initial Thoughts

[jschneider910]

Hi All,

I took delivery of my 2019 Limited in Granite Crystal yesterday and I thought I'd share some of my initial thoughts. Overall it's a beautiful truck and I'm really enjoying it so far. I'm about 160 miles in (picked it up at 2 yesterday with 33) and I'll update as I continue to accumulate mileage. My points of reference are a 2017 F150 Lariat and the 2015 Silverado High Country I've owned over the past several years.

1. Ride Quality- This is the smoothest truck I've ever owned. I live in Northeast PA and we are known for some of the worst/least funded roads in PA. This truck handles rough roads extremely well. The suspension absorbs most of the bumps with very little secondary motions making it into the cab. Kudos to Ram for a terrific suspension setup.

2. Wind/Road Noise- There is absolutely no wind noise and very little tire noise at 80 mph. It's almost deafeningly quiet.

3. Tech is terrific and works well (so far)- adaptive cruise is a bit more aggressive than my wife's Infiniti which I appreciate- these systems have a tendency to keep a bit too much room sometimes making the person in front of you unaware that you'd like to pass them.

4. Storage- there's a place for everything! My ratchet straps are in the floor compartments. Very cool. I like the multiple smaller compartments for change, pens, gum, whatever in the center console also. I've had trucks with big consoles but without the smaller compartments, everything just gets burried.

5. Build Quality- all panels seam to align, no squeaks or rattles, no unfinished edges- so far, so good but I suspect I need a few more miles to completely flush this one out.

6. Seats- seriously the nicest leather I've ever had in a vehicle- very soft and buttery. The seat bottoms are great for my long legs (I'm 6' 3") and hit the back of my thighs at the perfect spot- I usually feel like I'm falling out of a seat. Haven't tried the seat heaters yet, but the cool feature works the quickest of any truck I've had with cooled seats. It's almost instant.

7. Uconnect- Still adjusting. I like the split screen but it doesn't seem to split what I want it to. For example, I'd like to split media/controls, but the controls menu doesn't appear to be able to share the screen. Any tips? Other than that, the response is great and it's extremely user friendly.

8. Audio System- one of my few gripes. I have a level 1 equipped truck with the Harmon/Kardon system. Imaging is good, bighs are a bit flat, but the bass is perfect for me. Why so quiet though?? It's 900 watts and I find myself at full volume on a song I really want to get into. Other than that, great system- there's not a bad seat for listening in the entire truck.

9. Powertrain- Smooth, effective, but missing the snap of the ecoboost in the F150. On the flip side of that, I'm enjoying a V8 rumble again- it's especially noticeable on a back road with the windows down. There's actually a bit of exhaust noise! Mileage is on part (according to the truck) with the EB, but I trended towards the boost end of the ecoboost. Trans shifts are incredibly smooth in the Ram.

Overall I'm extremely happy with my purchase and can't wait to rack up some miles. The dealer was great and sat with me for almost an hour going over the Uconnect system. I'm sure I'd have figured it all out on my own, but usually a dealer pairs your phone and sends you on your way.

 

[devildodge]

Congratulations on your Ram. Sounds like you are pretty impressed. Keep us posted and thanks for giving the review.

 

[alwi228]

Awesome truck! "Buttery smooth" is a perfect description of the seats. As for the volume, have you updated the Uconnect system yet? There was an update last week that seemed to help the HK system a lot

 

[jschneider910]

No, I didn't! What's the update procedure?

 

[Neurobit]

No, I didn't! What's the update procedure?

It should pop up on you screen when it detects that an update is ready. You can also create an account online at UConnect and it will let you know if there's an update available.

 

[Neurobit]

Oh, and don't forget to activate your SXM accounts. You get one year of SXM Music, and FIVE years of SXM Guardian, so get that done and then download the XM Guardian app for your mobile device. Allows you to remote start, lock/unlock, horn & lights, and send locations to your nav unit from your phone. Pretty nifty.

 

[jschneider910]

Just finished 500 miles in the past two days. Put me down as a happy camper. This is the most comfortable truck I've ever owned.

Stereo is growing on me- physical media (CD, USB) is much better than bluetooth and Sirius, but that's usually the case.

Stop and go was awesome when I got hung up in some major traffic last night.
Mileage is ok- truck was saying 21 for this first 200 miles but mountains and traffic brought that down to about 18. On par with the ecoboost.

One glitch- I brought a dirt bike with me so I had the tailgate down the entire trip. When I got home and unloaded, the truck didn't want to recognize that I put the tailgate up so the cargo lights and open tailgate light would stay on. Ended up working itself out but took a few restarts.

 

[RBRK]

You have to kinda slam the tailgate if the lights stay on etc. Mine is similar at times.

 

[YoAdrian]

Great write-up @jschneider910 , thanks! Several others have the same problem with the sound being too low, not sure if it has been sorted out yet. If you have a quick moment you could fill out our member poll linked here: https://5thgenrams.com/community/threads/how’s-your-2019-ram-running-take-our-poll.1017/ . If you click on each selection you can see who else is reporting each problem, and looking at each member’s postings you can find out what they might have done to fix it. Takes a few clicks but might help. Good luck, I would bet a software update eventually will sort that volume thing out.

 

[sgk]

2019 Longhorn off road package with e-torque. 500 miles in two weeks. Hate it. Very stiff ride. It has been in the shop now twice for same issue. Still waiting for it to be fixed. So my 5th Ram and my previous 4 never once was in the shop. Dealer assured me that after they had me sign a contract and place my down payment on the actual truck I wanted (everything was the same except it did not include off road pack) they located this one and I questioned the ride quality but was assured it was the same. Yes, I test drove it on their route and it was smooth. Get it out in the city and you feel every bump. I paid 56k and am now stuck with a truck that does not run and when it does it is not comfortable.

That's odd, I have read many posts on here and you may be the first or the only one I recall complaining about the ride. Most have an overwhelming driving experience. They all rave how smooth it actually drives especially compared to the 4th gen.
Do you think because you don't have the off-road package it's causing a stiffer ride? or what are you contributing your stiffer ride to? just the new Rams in general?
I know its tough to have a sour taste in your mouth this early but let them fix the issue and see how it goes. If you still hate it then you have 2 options. You stay with it and learn to like it and if not you bite the bullet and sell it. Sure there will be a loss but there are some awesome incentives on 18's better then we've ever seen before. (I'd rather take a loss then drive a car I hate for a few years)

What is the issue your having by the way? (just read it on another thread) you know you can always open a case for it falling under a lemon law, there is some guys here that have done this successfully. They will be able to steer you in the right direction.

 

[devildodge]

That's odd, I have read many posts on here and you may be the first or the only one I recall complaining about the ride. Most have an overwhelming driving experience. They all rave how smooth it actually drives especially compared to the 4th gen.
Do you think because you don't have the off-road package it's causing a stiffer ride? or what are you contributing your stiffer ride to? just the new Rams in general?
I know its tough to have a sour taste in your mouth this early but let them fix the issue and see how it goes. If you still hate it then you have 2 options. You stay with it and learn to like it and if not you bite the bullet and sell it. Sure there will be a loss but there are some awesome incentives on 18's better then we've ever seen before. (I'd rather take a loss then drive a car I hate for a few years)

What is the issue your having by the way? (just read it on another thread) you know you can always open a case for it falling under a lemon law, there is some guys here that have done this successfully. They will be able to steer you in the right direction.

@alacombe is our resident expert. I figured he would have already gave you phone numbers and websites.

He will be around shortly.

This is my fear with buying this 2018 HD...will it be like my 2013 and I will still have to use my 99...fears

 

[Neurobit]

2019 Longhorn off road package with e-torque. 500 miles in two weeks. Hate it. Very stiff ride. It has been in the shop now twice for same issue. Still waiting for it to be fixed. So my 5th Ram and my previous 4 never once was in the shop. Dealer assured me that after they had me sign a contract and place my down payment on the actual truck I wanted (everything was the same except it did not include off road pack) they located this one and I questioned the ride quality but was assured it was the same. Yes, I test drove it on their route and it was smooth. Get it out in the city and you feel every bump. I paid 56k and am now stuck with a truck that does not run and when it does it is not comfortable.

Sorry to hear about your truck.

I have had Audis, BMWs, and my last vehicle was a Mercedes GL550 with air suspension. The ride on my RAM is almost as good as my Mercedes (taking into account that it is a pickup truck), and I have 22s, which have less sidewall and therefore a little stiffer than smaller wheels.

Here's a silly thought, could the tires perhaps be way over-inflated? Can't think of anything else that would make the truck stiff.

What other issues are you having?

Thanks,
Neurobit

 

[alacombe]

2019 Longhorn off road package with e-torque. 500 miles in two weeks. Hate it. Very stiff ride. It has been in the shop now twice for same issue. Still waiting for it to be fixed. So my 5th Ram and my previous 4 never once was in the shop. Dealer assured me that after they had me sign a contract and place my down payment on the actual truck I wanted (everything was the same except it did not include off road pack) they located this one and I questioned the ride quality but was assured it was the same. Yes, I test drove it on their route and it was smooth. Get it out in the city and you feel every bump. I paid 56k and am now stuck with a truck that does not run and when it does it is not comfortable.

Would you like phone numbers and contacts for a lemon law claim? If you wish to go that route the truck has to be serviced 4 times int he 1st year of ownership at any certified FCA dealer without the role resolved and it does not have to be the same dealer every time

 

[SoCal Truck]

Just finished 500 miles in the past two days. Put me down as a happy camper. This is the most comfortable truck I've ever owned.

Stereo is growing on me- physical media (CD, USB) is much better than bluetooth and Sirius, but that's usually the case.

Stop and go was awesome when I got hung up in some major traffic last night.
Mileage is ok- truck was saying 21 for this first 200 miles but mountains and traffic brought that down to about 18. On par with the ecoboost.

One glitch- I brought a dirt bike with me so I had the tailgate down the entire trip. When I got home and unloaded, the truck didn't want to recognize that I put the tailgate up so the cargo lights and open tailgate light would stay on. Ended up working itself out but took a few restarts.

Any issues with the 33 Gallon Gas Tank? Previously people had said that the gas gauge is off but have not seen anything.

 

[Neurobit]

Any issues with the 33 Gallon Gas Tank? Previously people had said that the gas gauge is off but have not seen anything.

This is the first I've heard of this. No issues with mine.

 

[VaderRebel]

Any issues with the 33 Gallon Gas Tank? Previously people had said that the gas gauge is off but have not seen anything.

My 16' was all over the map, even changing range to empty after a few hours by 100's of klicks. My 19' has been extremely accurate so far.

 

[jschneider910]

Nope, no fuel tank issues. Bit sensitive when parking on a hill. Got about 445 miles range out of the first, filled up a bit under a quarter tank.

 

[Cajun]

That's odd, I have read many posts on here and you may be the first or the only one I recall complaining about the ride. Most have an overwhelming driving experience. They all rave how smooth it actually drives especially compared to the 4th gen.
Do you think because you don't have the off-road package it's causing a stiffer ride? or what are you contributing your stiffer ride to? just the new Rams in general?
I know its tough to have a sour taste in your mouth this early but let them fix the issue and see how it goes. If you still hate it then you have 2 options. You stay with it and learn to like it and if not you bite the bullet and sell it. Sure there will be a loss but there are some awesome incentives on 18's better then we've ever seen before. (I'd rather take a loss then drive a car I hate for a few years)

What is the issue your having by the way? (just read it on another thread) you know you can always open a case for it falling under a lemon law, there is some guys here that have done this successfully. They will be able to steer you in the right direction.

That is strange. I have a 19' Longhorn with the offroad package and a leveling kit. This is the smoothest/best riding vehicle I have ever owned. My last 2 trucks were a 13' Ford F150 Lariat and a 17' GMC Sierra All Terrain, and this Ram blows them out of the water. The ride is incredible.

 

[Jimmyk]

I am happy to say I love my Limited and the only complaint I have is the Air Conditioning taking a little longer to cool off than I would like but I think this has alot to do with the panoramic moon roof, dark color truck and 100 degree Texas hat. I found that leaving it in auto mode an recirculate works best for me. I am in the a/c business and can tell you that putting it in just the a/c mode brings in outside air and it takes much longer to cool off that way. The sports section of the Travel link is not always responding and I think it may be an issue with Siriusxm or something a software update may resolve..

 

[SpeedyV]

I am happy to say I love my Limited and the only complaint I have is the Air Conditioning taking a little longer to cool off than I would like but I think this has alot to do with the panoramic moon roof, dark color truck and 100 degree Texas hat. I found that leaving it in auto mode an recirculate works best for me. I am in the a/c business and can tell you that putting it in just the a/c mode brings in outside air and it takes much longer to cool off that way. The sports section of the Travel link is not always responding and I think it may be an issue with Siriusxm or something a software update may resolve..

Leaving it in 'auto' mode should automatically recirculate when needed, right? All of my past vehicles with 'auto' A/C will do that, including my 15-year-old truck.