Knob dial vs shift on console

[PaulTGarrett]

Kind of a reply to two threads... I despise all the BS electronics in the new trucks and really hate the knob shifting. I have a 2012 2500 that has a column shift tranny and a floor shift xfer case. If I am in the woods hunting and start to get stuck, I can rock back and forth with the column shifter. I tried that in a (rented) Jeep with a knob and the computer went crazy. Also the Jeep kept popping in and out of 4x4 (disconnecting the front axle I suppose) instead of staying locked into 4x4. My 2012 also doesn't have the cow **** tank, just plain ol' diesel. It will probably be the last truck I own, not because of my age but because of the simplicity. If I could find an old 1 gen Cummins and figure a way to get it between the front wheels, I would do that and yank out all of the electronics!

 

[Cactusmonkey]

I like the dial shifter it opens up the space between the front seats. I like the storage and the cup holders. If that is the only thing holding you back from a Ram, you weren't going Ram anyway.

 

[jimmyfjk]

i dont hate the dial shifter per say but i do hate having to find a push buttons on the steering wheel to manual shift when towing or going down steep hills. Other than this disadvantage of the knob shifter its not so bad.

 

[ACJCF2]

I'm glad my upgraded 2018 RAM 3500 Tradesman has a column shift and not that dial. I drove a 1500 with that nonsense back when my 2001 2500 was in the shop for an extended stay. To each his own as they say.

Jim

 

[RoTalk]

The dial sucks big time, for starter, learn how to put the stupid *** machine into Neutral that's a must or shift gear up or down manually.
You don't want to have your car stall in a middle of intersection and battery dead and you can push the car out of that intersection.
Who in their right mind would have to bust the plastic panel of a car and it's not as simple as pulling some weird red rope but you'll need a screw driver to press another safety crap.

I had to look online because who reads the manual right?
- YT/Howto.

 

[demech]

I like the dial. Easy to use.

 

[Ironhead3]

Is there any talk of bringing back the console shift (automatic) vs the dial. I have a 2013 and test drove a newer Dodge Ram and HATE the knob dial. I will purchase a different brand of truck if the dial stays, sadly everything changes for the better supposedly, but this is not a plus for me!

I AGREE 100% - MY FIRST RAM, AND I DON'T KNOW IF I WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE IF ALL I COULD GET IS THE ROTARY KNOB FOR A SHIFTER - I HATE IT.......

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

I have the dial in both of my rams and in the Durango RT.

I'm actively working on using the shifter from a Trx or the 2022 GT model to replace the dial in my 14 RT RCSB truck. Time will only tell if I can make this happen. The dial is not my favorite item in the truck.

 

[FLFBSManiac]

I struggle with the dial shift too. To old to appreciate it. Ram / MOPAR should have at least made the dial gear shaped or different other than just size from the radio knobs. I know aftermarket has options - looks like the $60+ gear shaped one for me if it’s actually made in the USA or an by an ALLY. I won’t buy CHINA if I can help it. ( I also drove a push button Plymouth in my youth, LOVED IT - go figure)

 

[bilgsmf]

I purchased a 2018 Laramie with the dial shift, and I like it. Really convenient when stopped for any length of time and put in N or P. I do have a 2004 Forerunner with column shift and 2010 Accord with column shift, and I find that I really like the dial shifter more, I use less energy just turning a dial, and also bc its digital. Use to have a 1979 Chevy pickup with the shifter on the steering wheel, which was the last truck I owned and really hated the shifter on the steering wheel. Do they even make trucks anymore with steering wheel shifter?
My only question I have about the dial is, how long does it last before it needs to be replaced since it is used so much and feels kind of cheap?

 

[RobertsRam]

I just took possession of a Pacifica van, which has this same shifter. It is next to the volume control on the radio. I worry that the radio will play Cardi B, and in my haste to turn it down, I will shift into Park.

 

[bilgsmf]

I didn't realize the dial shifters were in the 2500. My 2013 still has the 6 speed in the console. But talking about shifters, I enjoyed the old Mopar push button transmissions.


View attachment 523403

Looks just like my 62 Fury station wagon. Every now and then those buttons would pop off! 62 Fury was my first car, inherited from my parents. After the 62 was my 1970 Monte Carlo, then my 1969 Impala that I paid $300 for that had a blown motor. Went to the junkyard and bought a used motor and tran for $150. My next car was a 78 Camaro then after that was my 79 Chevy Custom Delux. Then I got married and we bought a brand new 1982 Accord, which was the only brand new off the lot car that I have ever bought. Next was my 2004 Toyota 4runner, which I still have along with my 2018 Dodge Laramie. So far the 4runner was the best car that I have ever purchased. Time will tell with my Laramie.

 

[2Tallguy]

Wa

Is there any talk of bringing back the console shift (automatic) vs the dial. I have a 2013 and test drove a newer Dodge Ram and HATE the knob dial. I will purchase a different brand of truck if the dial stays, sadly everything changes for the better supposedly, but this is not a plus for me!

Wait until trucks come with no spare like many autos. Asinine.

 

[2Tallguy]

Looks just like my 62 Fury station wagon. Every now and then those buttons would pop off! 62 Fury was my first car, inherited from my parents. After the 62 was my 1970 Monte Carlo, then my 1969 Impala that I paid $300 for that had a blown motor. Went to the junkyard and bought a used motor and tran for $150. My next car was a 78 Camaro then after that was my 79 Chevy Custom Delux. Then I got married and we bought a brand new 1982 Accord, which was the only brand new off the lot car that I have ever bought. Next was my 2004 Toyota 4runner, which I still have along with my 2018 Dodge Laramie. So far the 4runner was the best car that I have ever purchased. Time will tell with my Laramie.

You go way back like me. How about the lever to put it into park?

 

[bilgsmf]

You go way back like me. How about the lever to put it into park?

Right! How funny. The technology of the past was pretty funny!

 

[Dean B]

You get used to it. Now when I get in my other trucks I keep trying to turn the radio dial. I guess it’s an old guy thing.

 

[ClawSS]

So you prefer the sloppy action, ripping boots, and "old" look, or the unphased modern appeal and flawless operation of the knob? Interesting opinion.

 

[GTyankee]

I guess it is like working the cursor on the computer

some people just use their finger on the pad
some people use a wired mouse that you move around on a pad

I prefer a track ball, wired or not. I just use my thumb & index finger
others come over to check their mail or send a fax, my track ball drives them batty

 

[Big D's Ram]

My truck has a key and the column shifter. I have also driven ones with the push button start and the rotary transmission dial. I prefer mine as neither has given me any trouble and is a tried and true design. I wouldn't stop me from purchasing a newer truck with both of those features but I would prefer they did not have them.

The way of the future seems to have no keys, shifters, or knobs for any HVAC or radio controls with everything buried in a huge touch screen. Not really a fan of most of that if I need to take my eyes off the road to adjust them. I do prefer to have my keys in the ignition switch so I don't have to worry about them falling out of my pocket into the abyss underneath my seat, which happens way to often.

 

[cnovel]

I have been out working in the middle of nowhere,,when electronic 4x4 shift came in,,regular shifter still on column ,, many issues with that shifter,,when I bought my last one,,manual 4x4 shift on the floor,,18 hours until i got out,,only then because I walked alot then came across someone with a cell phone booster in the truck ,,nice to know when you move the lever it is moving in the transmission,,,,but those days are over,,everything is push button,touch screen now