Buying for longevity

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Docwagon1776

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I'm still mulling over what my next truck will be, but the 5th Gen Rebel is in consideration. I've owned my current truck for 10 years and will likely keep the next at least as long. Options to avoid?

Seems like:
Sunroof (eventually will rattle and/or leak)

Is the 5th gen air suspension any more reliable than previous versions? Reading the manual online, it looks like it only gives you 1" of lift with trucks with the offroad package vs 2" on others?

Has eTorque been problematic long term? I'd spec one without eTorque for sure, but I'm mulling the G/T if I go the Rebel route and apparently you can't get the 'normal' hemi in the G/T. I'm assuming eTorque adds a lot of complexity and likely prohibits forced induction down the road. I'm pretty unlikely to go to FI for years or ever, TBH, but I'd like to keep my options open.

I'm not getting the 12" screen. Way too much $ for something I care nothing about.

It sucks the Big Horn Back Country can't be optioned with the 360 camera. That makes the Big Horn look pretty decent.
 

tron67j

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Obviously the more options you add the more there is to go wrong. My personal set of things to a avoid is air suspension, a fully integrated electronic system that controls everything, sunroof, and leather. I have had enough vehicles over the years to know that these all ended up costing me more headaches than they were worth. That was a mix of multiple Ram, Chevy, Ford, Dodge, and Porsche vehicles.

My thing is to add accessories aftermarket with separated controls (if needed) so I always buy base vehicles. My last Ram I bought new in 2003 and my parents just sold it a few weeks ago. One before that which was also a new vehicle, a 1994, still pops up now and then. My 2018 I bought new in 2019 is running strong.

I can't speak to engines other than to say every Hemi my extended family has had have been bulletproof, and we have had them for decades.

Good luck.
 

Rlaf75

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More options means the more potential problems. I too like to keep vehicles as long as I can so those options you mentioned are out for me with the exception of the 12" screen. I wish the hemi didnt even have the MDS system.
 

ramffml

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If you're getting a rebel, you probably don't want air suspension since it's not as good off road. I believe the rebel has a different 4x4 system with real locking center diff instead of the clutch pack the others have (but it gives up 4wd auto which some might find a bit of a con, just depends what you're looking for).

etorque doesn't seem to have any issues beyond any other component on our trucks. I don't think its terribly effective and I hate stop/start which it comes with but you can disable it at least and I wouldn't turn down an otherwise perfect truck if it came with ET. Some trucks with ET have the tiny fuel tank so look out for that.

For me the biggest worry in the 5th gen is the same worry I'd have with the 4th, which is the hemi itself. I have a pretty strong love/hate relationship with it.

Agreed with the 12 inch screen, the 8.4 is perfect IMHO. Rear view camera is crystal clear, and I like that we get normal buttons for the stuff we use everyday. Mine doesn't even have nav, which I consider a plus as it saved me money when I ordered it and lets be honest it will never beat android auto or car play anyway. I have a mount on my dash for my cell phone and whenever I need nav, the USB cable permanently tucked into my truck is just 2 seconds away and I'm good to go with android auto maps. So in terms of longevity, you're probably better off with the 8.4 screen without nav.
 
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Docwagon1776

Docwagon1776

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If you're getting a rebel, you probably don't want air suspension since it's not as good off road. I believe the rebel has a different 4x4 system with real locking center diff instead of the clutch pack the others have (but it gives up 4wd auto which some might find a bit of a con, just depends what you're looking for).

etorque doesn't seem to have any issues beyond any other component on our trucks. I don't think its terribly effective and I hate stop/start which it comes with but you can disable it at least and I wouldn't turn down an otherwise perfect truck if it came with ET. Some trucks with ET have the tiny fuel tank so look out for that.

For me the biggest worry in the 5th gen is the same worry I'd have with the 4th, which is the hemi itself. I have a pretty strong love/hate relationship with it.

Agreed with the 12 inch screen, the 8.4 is perfect IMHO. Rear view camera is crystal clear, and I like that we get normal buttons for the stuff we use everyday. Mine doesn't even have nav, which I consider a plus as it saved me money when I ordered it and lets be honest it will never beat android auto or car play anyway. I have a mount on my dash for my cell phone and whenever I need nav, the USB cable permanently tucked into my truck is just 2 seconds away and I'm good to go with android auto maps. So in terms of longevity, you're probably better off with the 8.4 screen without nav.

The "auto" is the clutch pack transfer case, the "non-auto" is available but apparently not with the G/T. I'd much rather have the GT but it's bundled with the eTorque and worse transfer case.

I would 100% option the bigger gas tank again.
 
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Docwagon1776

Docwagon1776

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More options means the more potential problems. I too like to keep vehicles as long as I can so those options you mentioned are out for me with the exception of the 12" screen. I wish the hemi didnt even have the MDS system.

Sure, but I guess I'm asking about more catastrophic issues. If a heated seat goes out, you aren't stranded and can repair it (or not) at your leisure.
 

FL-RAM

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OP, I think you have a pretty good list of options to avoid. Sunroof, 12" display, etorque, and air suspension are the items I was thinking. I'd add the "Alpine" 9-speaker system to the list. Nothing about it is made by Alpine. It's the same cheap speakers as the 6-speaker system. Yes, you get a subwoofer and two tiny tweeters in the rear, but overall it's not worth the $1000 markup. The multi-function tailgate seems unnecessary and a big waste of engineering as well. Can't really think of anything else to actively avoid. Overall, the truck is solid and reliable. Most of the problems I read about here tend to be on early 2019/2020 models.
 
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Docwagon1776

Docwagon1776

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OP, I think you have a pretty good list of options to avoid. Sunroof, 12" display, etorque, and air suspension are the items I was thinking. I'd add the "Alpine" 9-speaker system to the list. Nothing about it is made by Alpine. It's the same cheap speakers as the 6-speaker system. Yes, you get a subwoofer and two tiny tweeters in the rear, but overall it's not worth the $1000 markup. The multi-function tailgate seems unnecessary and a big waste of engineering as well. Can't really think of anything else to actively avoid. Overall, the truck is solid and reliable. Most of the problems I read about here tend to be on early 2019/2020 models.

Good info on the Alpine, thanks.

The multi-function tailgate was something I actually liked. The 'barn door' swing to make it easier to get luggage or the like out of the bed appeals to me. Has there been problems with them, or just the function is not something you care for?

It looks like I have to avoid the Rebel. After reading on here about the "auto" transfer case, that's definitely not something I want to deal with. I intend to actually offroad this truck and having a T-case that can overheat and doesn't actually lock up is a bad idea for that, IMO.
 

FL-RAM

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Good info on the Alpine, thanks.

The multi-function tailgate was something I actually liked. The 'barn door' swing to make it easier to get luggage or the like out of the bed appeals to me. Has there been problems with them, or just the function is not something you care for?

It looks like I have to avoid the Rebel. After reading on here about the "auto" transfer case, that's definitely not something I want to deal with. I intend to actually offroad this truck and having a T-case that can overheat and doesn't actually lock up is a bad idea for that, IMO.
I haven't heard of any issues with the tailgate, it just seems unnecessary to me. I don't know much about the Rebel, but something about a high performance sport truck just screams complications. I'm a pretty basic guy. Excessive bells and whistles do not appeal to me. I've spent 20+ years in aircraft and truck fleet maintenance. Extra unnecessary "stuff" tends to only create problems down the road.
 
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Docwagon1776

Docwagon1776

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I haven't heard of any issues with the tailgate, it just seems unnecessary to me. I don't know much about the Rebel, but something about a high performance sport truck just screams complications. I'm a pretty basic guy. Excessive bells and whistles do not appeal to me. I've spent 20+ years in aircraft and truck fleet maintenance. Extra unnecessary "stuff" tends to only create problems down the road.

It'd save me from removing the tailgate when shoveling mulch or landscaping gravel and make it easier to get stuff out of the bed routinely, so while not necessary I think I'd find it useful.

The reason for the Rebel is primarily aesthetic and trying to get as much ground clearance as possible. I do not care for the chrome of the Laramie. The "Back Country" Big Horn would work for me if you could get a 360 camera system, but Ram in their infinite wisdom does not allow you to package it as such. Who'd want a camera in a full sized truck offroad, amirite?
 

hemihustlin

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It looks like I have to avoid the Rebel. After reading on here about the "auto" transfer case, that's definitely not something I want to deal with. I intend to actually offroad this truck and having a T-case that can overheat and doesn't actually lock up is a bad idea for that, IMO.
as far as I understand the rebel is one of the only trims that doesnt come with the "auto" transfer case
i detest the auto function as well. either you need 4wd or you dont as far as im concerned
the auto function doesnt even work well in the last ram that i tried it on. you get about a second of slip in the rear before it engages the front with a bang. disgusting!
 

runamuck

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I am the other way with leather. I always get leather since the 70's and the seats seam to always still look good after years of use and dont take on any odors. I dont have a sunroof now but have had several with only one small leak when one of the drains on my avalanche sunroof clogged with tree sap and we got some rain. a damp headliner around the sunroof. pipe cleaner and some air cleared the drain and no problem again. I also prefer the built-in nav as I am a no clutter kind of guy and dont like loose items or fiddling with my phone while driving. I might like having the air suspension but not willing to pay that much for it so added airbags at the rear for when towing. 100$
 

andymax

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a fully integrated electronic system that controls everything,
Folks... ALL of these truck have a fully integrated electronic system. Don't confuse the presence of a mechanical button versus a touchscreen as a jump in reliability. Most all of the switches, temp and fan knobs, etc are actually just CANbus switches...they arent directly controlling anything. They send signals (CAN messages) to the BCM which triggers some sort of output (IE: your ventilation fan blowing higher or lower). A touchscreen is as reliable as any other switch. Now on the other hand...There's slightly more chance of the software glitching because you're relying on a computer to display the graphics on the screen as well as process your touch as a command...but these systems have been around for years and suffer relatively little reliability concerns.
 

Wild one

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I'm still mulling over what my next truck will be, but the 5th Gen Rebel is in consideration. I've owned my current truck for 10 years and will likely keep the next at least as long. Options to avoid?

Seems like:
Sunroof (eventually will rattle and/or leak)

Is the 5th gen air suspension any more reliable than previous versions? Reading the manual online, it looks like it only gives you 1" of lift with trucks with the offroad package vs 2" on others?

Has eTorque been problematic long term? I'd spec one without eTorque for sure, but I'm mulling the G/T if I go the Rebel route and apparently you can't get the 'normal' hemi in the G/T. I'm assuming eTorque adds a lot of complexity and likely prohibits forced induction down the road. I'm pretty unlikely to go to FI for years or ever, TBH, but I'd like to keep my options open.

I'm not getting the 12" screen. Way too much $ for something I care nothing about.

It sucks the Big Horn Back Country can't be optioned with the 360 camera. That makes the Big Horn look pretty decent.
There's a guy on the hi-po Ram facebook pages who's put a, if i remember right a Pro-charger on his E-torque equipped 5th Gen,so boosting an e-torque truck is definitely do-able
 
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Docwagon1776

Docwagon1776

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I am the other way with leather. I always get leather since the 70's and the seats seam to always still look good after years of use and dont take on any odors. I dont have a sunroof now but have had several with only one small leak when one of the drains on my avalanche sunroof clogged with tree sap and we got some rain. a damp headliner around the sunroof. pipe cleaner and some air cleared the drain and no problem again. I also prefer the built-in nav as I am a no clutter kind of guy and dont like loose items or fiddling with my phone while driving. I might like having the air suspension but not willing to pay that much for it so added airbags at the rear for when towing. 100$

Generally speaking, until you are in the tippy-top trims the domestic vehicles' "leather" is some combination of leather and synthetics. I don't think they are worth the upgrade cost. I would rather have cloth and then do aftermarket, like Katzkins. Much better quality for the $. I have them in my Camaro and they are *so* much better than what GM thinks is leather.

Factory nav sucks compared to a BT connected Google maps, and with proper integration it's actually less onerous to use from my experience with multiple rental cars.

Runroofs are simpler than panoramics, and more trouble free for sure.
 
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Docwagon1776

Docwagon1776

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There's a guy on the hi-po Ram facebook pages who's put a, if i remember right a Pro-charger on his E-torque equipped 5th Gen,so boosting an e-torque truck is definitely do-able

That's pretty interesting, actually. I don't think I'm going to go that route but I just wonder what it took to engineer the system and software to all play nice together. Maybe it's not as complicated as I'm imagining it to be, but I think that's pretty impressive.
 

tron67j

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Folks... ALL of these truck have a fully integrated electronic system. Don't confuse the presence of a mechanical button versus a touchscreen as a jump in reliability. Most all of the switches, temp and fan knobs, etc are actually just CANbus switches...they arent directly controlling anything. They send signals (CAN messages) to the BCM which triggers some sort of output (IE: your ventilation fan blowing higher or lower). A touchscreen is as reliable as any other switch. Now on the other hand...There's slightly more chance of the software glitching because you're relying on a computer to display the graphics on the screen as well as process your touch as a command...but these systems have been around for years and suffer relatively little reliability concerns.
My point is that the controls for my features are all separate so I can replace a simple switch if needed instead of the entire infotainment system, which is its own computer with separate software and integration is not always seamless with updates; that is the nature of software designed by varied teams.

I have a truck and use it that way, I need to be able to adjust heat, etc. with work gloves on. So big knobs are a must. One zone of temperature is fine. Maps is free on my phone and I can control through 8.4 if needed. Simple works for me, and keeps my truck repair costs low and downtime for such to a few days every decade.
 

BWL

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The "auto" is the clutch pack transfer case, the "non-auto" is available but apparently not with the G/T. I'd much rather have the GT but it's bundled with the eTorque and worse transfer case.

I would 100% option the bigger gas tank again.
I wouldn't worry too much about auto transfer case problems. They're not the best if you need to push the truck through some deeper mud or snow as a lot of wheel spin will tend to cause the clutch packs to overheat, but works for the most part. I carry a set of tire chains in those instances as it gives me more than enough traction on those rare occasions. I ended up replacing mine on my last 1500, but I snagged one used for 300 bucks. Threw new fluid in it and swapped it out in a couple hours. Most do not fail and they make a ton of them so the wrecking yards usually have a plentiful supply if you blow one. They're not worth repairing.
 
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Docwagon1776

Docwagon1776

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I wouldn't worry too much about auto transfer case problems. They're not the best if you need to push the truck through some deeper mud or snow as a lot of wheel spin will tend to cause the clutch packs to overheat, but works for the most part.

Which eliminates it from my intended uses, which includes moderate off roading for extended periods of time. Hard pass on a clutched transfer case.
 
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