2018 Ram HD Updates

[smurfs_of_war]

How dare you! My JD is the heart and soul of my major logging operations over here! LOL

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We have a little Gator 4x2 that keeps the yard running during the summer. My daughter is always bebopping back and forth in it to feed the animals, tend the garden and bring us food in the fields and on the rare occasion medical supplies LOL! It's sure a handy little thing and manageable for her since she's only 13 and has some pretty short little legs!

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[HvyDuty]

Interesting, I wonder what "vertical body panels" are now aluminum? Maybe the back cab wall, bed sides and tailgate?

Also, what frame "steel mixture" was improved? Current frame is 50ksi high strength steel. Is there a new higher number for 2018?

 

[Rampant]

Interesting, I wonder what "vertical body panels" are now aluminum? Maybe the back cab wall, bed sides and tailgate?

Also, what frame "steel mixture" was improved? Current frame is 50ksi high strength steel. Is there a new higher number for 2018?

I don't remember where I ran across that info... maybe C&D or Motortrend.

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[R.D.J.]

Just messing around on Ram's website and noticed for 2018 you can no longer option the Offroad Package without buying either the Sport Appearance or Snow Chief Group. When I ordered mine you could option it without these. Pricing looks the same though.

Also noticed you can no longer get Ram Box on Limited. Either 1/2 ton or HD. 5'7" or 6'4". Wonder why?

The truck I ordered (8 weeks ago, apparantly still not even a build date yet, WTF) was built off of the Canadian 2017 model year Ram site.

I noticed now on the American Ram site, I can view the options, and I am able to get the Off Road Package with selecting the 18 inch wheel and on/off road tire combo, along with the Snow Chief Group, or Sport Appearance Package.

One thing puzzling to me, is the addition of two types of front bucket seats. Leather Trimmed Bucket Seats, or Leather Trimmed Sport Bucket Seats. Kind of obvious, but it requires the SAP to get the Sport Bucket Seats. On the American site, the difference in seat packages, are "Upgraded Floor Length Console, and Instrument Panel Premium Bezel" included in the Sport Bucket package. Anyone know what these are and how different they are?

Only thing I have noticed by random dealer pictures online is the absence of the "Laramie" badge on the passenger side of the dash, on SAP models. Does that constitute a "Premium Bezel"?

 

[Rampant]

The truck I ordered (8 weeks ago, apparantly still not even a build date yet, WTF) was built off of the Canadian 2017 model year Ram site.

I noticed now on the American Ram site, I can view the options, and I am able to get the Off Road Package with selecting the 18 inch wheel and on/off road tire combo, along with the Snow Chief Group, or Sport Appearance Package.

One thing puzzling to me, is the addition of two types of front bucket seats. Leather Trimmed Bucket Seats, or Leather Trimmed Sport Bucket Seats. Kind of obvious, but it requires the SAP to get the Sport Bucket Seats. On the American site, the difference in seat packages, are "Upgraded Floor Length Console, and Instrument Panel Premium Bezel" included in the Sport Bucket package. Anyone know what these are and how different they are?

Only thing I have noticed by random dealer pictures online is the absence of the "Laramie" badge on the passenger side of the dash, on SAP models. Does that constitute a "Premium Bezel"?

I think it's actually the multi-color "luxury" display between the gauges.

 

[mohemipar]

After 8 weeks and no build date I wouldnt be surprised if your dealer put in the wrong build priority by mistake. I would def check up on that.

As far as the seats go in the US they are all the same no matter what package or center console set up you get. They just call them "bucket seats" when you get the full floor console lol. So im guessing its just the same deal with the Canada spec. I think Rampant is right on the "premium bezel". It is the one with the 7 inch cluster and says RAM up top and stuff.

 

[theviking]

I thought JD green complemented my truck well. Was a bit of a strain on the truck pulling it home, but she managed

 

[R.D.J.]

OK well I actually received an update today.

I bought this truck via a rental agency, and am renting it for 6 months, and buying after that. Kind of a quagmire of agreements and paperwork, but the discount off of dealer pricing is substantial.

The truck was actually built a few days ago, and is scheduled to ship on Nov 19. Roughly two weeks later it will end up in the city here, and I would get it shortly there after, (hopefully).

I hope mine ends up coming with the 7 inch multi color display! (much like my dads 2013 1500 Laramie)

I ordered the truck as follows:

2018 Ram 2500 Laramie
6.4 HEMI, 4 wheel drive, crew cab, short box

I ordered every available option I could, except: RAM BOX, clearance lights, dual alternators, 5th wheel prep, and SAP.

I basically pieced together the "Snow Chief Group", for the exception of clearance lights. There is alot of overlap in the option packages, but you end up paying a bit more to delete the clearance lights. In hindsight, I would have taken them.

I did get the floor lenth console, and bucket seats, so I hope this truck comes with the 7 inch Laramie color cluster!

I would have ordered the 2018 Power Wagon (even though I wouldent even use it as such) but according to the build and price website, I couldn't order a Power Wagon Laramie like I could have in 2016. I dont mind the new grille, but dont want lower black two tone (gravel here will make that look like garbage in one week), or the "Power Wagon" stitched in the leather seats. Now I'm finding out that I COULD have ordered a Laramie Power Wagon, much like the 2016 model! Now, Ive only read that on the net, and have not seen one in person, so it may still be an elusive unicorn.

 

[billa9b0ng]

OK well I actually received an update today.

I bought this truck via a rental agency, and am renting it for 6 months, and buying after that. Kind of a quagmire of agreements and paperwork, but the discount off of dealer pricing is substantial.

The truck was actually built a few days ago, and is scheduled to ship on Nov 19. Roughly two weeks later it will end up in the city here, and I would get it shortly there after, (hopefully).

I hope mine ends up coming with the 7 inch multi color display! (much like my dads 2013 1500 Laramie)

I ordered the truck as follows:

2018 Ram 2500 Laramie
6.4 HEMI, 4 wheel drive, crew cab, short box

I ordered every available option I could, except: RAM BOX, clearance lights, dual alternators, 5th wheel prep, and SAP.

I basically pieced together the "Snow Chief Group", for the exception of clearance lights. There is alot of overlap in the option packages, but you end up paying a bit more to delete the clearance lights. In hindsight, I would have taken them.

I did get the floor lenth console, and bucket seats, so I hope this truck comes with the 7 inch Laramie color cluster!

I would have ordered the 2018 Power Wagon (even though I wouldent even use it as such) but according to the build and price website, I couldn't order a Power Wagon Laramie like I could have in 2016. I dont mind the new grille, but dont want lower black two tone (gravel here will make that look like garbage in one week), or the "Power Wagon" stitched in the leather seats. Now I'm finding out that I COULD have ordered a Laramie Power Wagon, much like the 2016 model! Now, Ive only read that on the net, and have not seen one in person, so it may still be an elusive unicorn.

Surely I'm not only one that is curious... can you give us more details on buying from a rental agency, etc?

 

[R.D.J.]

Well, this is my first time doing it, so I’ll let you know once the truck is in my name if it was worth it or not.

Basically, I order a truck or take one they have in stock, and rent it for 6 months, and have to put 12,000 kms on it. Once those two are met, it is considered a used vehicle and I can purchase it from the rental company. All of the money I pay for the truck during those 6 months go straight to the purchase price, for the exception of 150/month for insurance, which I would have had to insure anyway.


What this company likes to do, since the truck market here is absolutely insane for used trucks, is take the trucks back and send them to auction. At 6 months old, and 12,000 kms
On them, they get more than what they paid for them brand new from FCA, and make money on it. I told them I wasn’t giving it back and buying it outright after it’s considered used. All said and done it’s 20,000 off of the build and price number.

 

[Danno]

The new Holland and case editions are available now. John Deere will never be made available as an edition as it's American owned. New Holland and case are owned CNH industries, the chairman of that company is Sergio Marchionne aka FCA. See the relationship?

Disappointed that they didn't drop the 66rfe for a functional transmission. Keep the 5.7 as it was initially designed as a HD motor and get rid of the weak point the transmission.

A key feature they a should have added was the ability to beat an old gm 6.0 pulling trailers up Ike Gauntlet. Still a challenge ram can't seem to meet.....

 

[EJR_3]

Another difference is the color matched "RAM" grill if you select the Sport package. I seeing some people are against it and prefer the color match crosshair grill instead.

 

[Chigurh]

I've been looking at the '18 2500's and found a few things that have been updated for this year model. Here is what I have found:

- Uconnect

-- 8.4 models are no longer produced by Harmon. New units are now made by Panasonic.
-- Android Auto and Apple Carplay are included on both Non-Nav and Nav units
-- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is now standard instead of 3G
-- Higher screen resolution
-- All models now have backup cameras standard
-- Pinch-to-zoom and swipe similar to a smart phone experience AI

- Bed Lights

-- There is now a switch in the bed to control the bed lighting.

- Body & Chassis

-- Stronger steel mixture in frame

- New Editions and colors

-- New top of the line Tungsten Edition
-- New Harvest Edition aimed at farmers-- available in Case IH red and New Holland Blue

- Engines

-- They turned up the wick in the 3500 Cummins to a class-leading 930 ft lbs of torque!

This is by no means an all-inclusive list, it's just what I have found. Please feel free to add to this!

***** time, I'm going to have to sit at my desk for an extra 15 minutes so I can calm down.

 

[HS-LD]

How dare you! My JD is the heart and soul of my major logging operations over here! LOL

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Those little electric log splitters are the BOMB! I LOVE mine. (Though the house light dim every time I run it LOL! )

Not sure I'd ever buy another JD product again, though. I bought a D110 mower for $2,000 in 2013 and it blew up in 2016. 1/4 acre of lawn 20 times a summer with regular maintenance. JD's attitude was "yea, that happens with those..." **** POOR.

 

[HS-LD]

The new Holland and case editions are available now. John Deere will never be made available as an edition as it's American owned. New Holland and case are owned CNH industries, the chairman of that company is Sergio Marchionne aka FCA. See the relationship?

Disappointed that they didn't drop the 66rfe for a functional transmission. Keep the 5.7 as it was initially designed as a HD motor and get rid of the weak point the transmission.

A key feature they a should have added was the ability to beat an old gm 6.0 pulling trailers up Ike Gauntlet. Still a challenge ram can't seem to meet.....

I understand people's displeasure with the 66rfe, but in my opinion the 8 speed is a disaster. Sure it's smooth and works nice, but you cant check the fluid level without a degree in quantum physics, and you can't change the fluid either: lifetime fill. Who's lifetime is always my question. Couple that with an incredibly complex and expensive design and all I see is dollars flying out of my wallet. I can live with the inexpensive (relatively) and simple 66rfe.

As for the Ike Guantlet, I'm not so sure those guys were utilizing the machinery to it's optimal capabilities. I know that manual shifting isn't part of their test, but all they proved was what the machine does on autopilot, not with someone actually piloting the thing. Is it really the fault of the engine being underpowered compared to the 6.0 Chevy? or does FCA's computer control programming suck? If the machine can do it with proper driver input, I'm ok with that. Particularly only in situations where I'm at 11,000 feet pulling max payload on a 7% grade, what 3 times in your life? A little manual shifting aint gonna make me hate the truck.

Like the recent Power Wagon "failure" going up the "dare side" on Gold Mine Hill where the guy just kept flooring it and digging holes while the guy in the Raptor even said he needed to ease his way up and succeeded. If a Raptor is going where a PW can't it's Pilot error 100%

TFL does a good job, but they got some issues too.

I had a 6.0 that I bought used that used 2 qts of oil a month. I was alarmed and I went up on a Chevy forum and asked about it and everyone came back and said they all do that from the factory not to worry. It really was just accepted as normal. WTF? There were other things about that truck that made me want to drive it into GM's headquarters lobby, but the guy I sold it too is still driving it, (I sold it with full disclosure, he bought it anyway) so what the hey. Guess I just don't speak or understand GM.

 

[Rampant]

Those little electric log splitters are the BOMB! I LOVE mine. (Though the house light dim every time I run it LOL! )

Not sure I'd ever buy another JD product again, though. I bought a D110 mower for $2,000 in 2013 and it blew up in 2016. 1/4 acre of lawn 20 times a summer with regular maintenance. JD's attitude was "yea, that happens with those..." **** POOR.

Lol yeah that lil' sumbich has done me well. Hooked up to my gen, she's split 4 good sized trees on my property up without a glitch. That wood is just for outdoor evening bull****ting with the fam & neighbors and I couldn't have asked for more of it. Harbor Freight special $89 or something like that.

As for JD... I bought my zero turn in '13 and have changed all the fluids to Amsoil and have had zero problems. Runs like a champ and cuts like a fiend. Best mower I've owned for sure. I've towed a few trunks weighing in excess of 1k and it has always delivered.

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[reek]

Those little electric log splitters are the BOMB! I LOVE mine. (Though the house light dim every time I run it LOL! )

Not sure I'd ever buy another JD product again, though. I bought a D110 mower for $2,000 in 2013 and it blew up in 2016. 1/4 acre of lawn 20 times a summer with regular maintenance. JD's attitude was "yea, that happens with those..." **** POOR.

I'd have to agree. I own 3 acres and after my JD lawn tractor premature death, I ended up buying a big box brand with the biggest 2 cylinder motor I could find for less than my JD. As I gradually went to a xeroscape as well as digging the foundation for my shop add on, I've moved probably more than 10 tons of gravel and dirt in that time and it still keeps going, my dump trailer has long since collapsed. that thing is now running on 6 years with routine maintenance. My plan was to buy a proper Kubota tractor with a bucket when this cheap little lawn tractor dies.

 

[Nystagmus]

Those little electric log splitters are the BOMB! I LOVE mine. (Though the house light dim every time I run it LOL! )

Not sure I'd ever buy another JD product again, though. I bought a D110 mower for $2,000 in 2013 and it blew up in 2016. 1/4 acre of lawn 20 times a summer with regular maintenance. JD's attitude was "yea, that happens with those..." **** POOR.

The JD D110 is a big-box grade lawn mower. I agree that 3-4 years is unacceptable life span, but you’ve got to move up to the “X” series mowers to get true JD quality. About $1k more dollars last I checked.

 

[68PowerWagon]

The JD D110 is a big-box grade lawn mower. I agree that 3-4 years is unacceptable life span, but you’ve got to move up to the “X” series mowers to get true JD quality. About $1k more dollars last I checked.

This is what I have heard too... from somebody that works at JD. They make this cheaper version to sell at Lowe's & Home Depot. She said they are no where near the same quality. Not the best move if you ask me... having the JD name on something that is no better than a Murray. It only gives the "real" JD mowers a bad name.

 

[theviking]

Not just JD. Several contractors have told me not to buy plumbing fixtures, power tools, etc from Home Depot. Many companies make a specific line just for HD in order to meet price point requirements, etc. I can understand why they do it as it's got to be a huge part of their consumer sales. At least until Amazon takes over.

Go to a JD dealer and price out their line of tractors/mowers. It's sobering.