Help on option packages

[jacket_fan]

First post.

I spent several months planning a purchase of a used F-150 and understood all of the option and equipment availability on the Ford. We own a 1997 F-150 and need to replace it with a vehicle that will serve as a light duty truck and a SUV. My wife sells real estate and needs as much luxury as a truck can offer. We will use it on long distance trips. No towing, but hauling stuff for the business. I frequently stick a ladder in the back.

Was ready to pull the trigger on a new Lariat, but decided to check out what all of the magazines were calling the truck of the year and stopped by the Dodge dealer. We sat down in a Laramie Longhorn and were very impressed. I now understand why the magazines raved about the interiors.

The vehicle we looked at optioned out at $68k. It had the mountain brown interior and tri-coat white exterior. It also had the 12 inch infotainment system and the Harman Kardon stereo. (Both of those were very impressive to me) It also had the sunroof. It had the optional safety sensor package which seemed like it had sensors on all corners of the truck. I believe these are the options and colors we want to go with.

Now I am trying to quickly settle on what packages are worth the money. I understand to hard core truck guys, all the bells and whistles are worthless, but for our use, they could be quite helpful. Seems like the Limited does not offer the mountain brown interior. (Wife is adamant about that particular aspect of the truck) Are the sensors worth the price? I never thought I would like adaptive cruise control until I drove a car with it.

I would be interested in opinions on which options are the most useful and the ones we could do without from those who have lived with them a while.

Thanks

 

[MADDOG]

Welcome to RamForum.

My take on the safety options is a positive one. They make for an excellent package to avoid low speed collisions and keeping an electronic eye on things.

You just can't see anything below the hood line at either front corner on these trucks. I find having the front Park Sense system almost as handy as the rear sensors & camera combination. You get plenty of warning and room to maneuver when they start beeping at you.

I should have opted for the front camera and may add it to my truck. The rear camera is a good one and provides a pretty clear picture. At night time, in rainy conditions, more light is recommended. I have two flush mounted Rigid LED pods mounted in the rear bumper to provide that light.

The cargo camera is super handy, especially when towing or backing up to a gooseneck or 5'vr but not absolutely needed just for cargo.

The interiors on the newer trucks are outstanding. The diesel gray cloth interior in my Big Horn was very comfortable but the heated and cooled leather seats in my Laramie are outstanding. Well worth the money for the option package that included them.

The full power tow mirrors are a nice touch with power fold included. I find that option handy in tight parking lots.

All in all, the Laramie with options I have on mine suits me to a "T".

 

[sierraangler]

I looked at the Lariat Longhorn and brown interior but optioning it up to Limited specs would cost thousands more so I went with a limited with black leather. The stitched black leather has an upscale appearance. Easier to maintain, dirt and stains don't show up like on the lighter brown interior.

The Limited comes standard with powered side steps and air ride. The powered side steps are much lower and wider than you would have with fixed steps. Along with the air ride ability to lower the height, it would make it easier for older clients to get in and out. I know it helps my mom.

Having all the optional safety sensors and assists only have to keep you from wrecking or hitting a pedestrian once to make it worth the expense. I like the surround camera, makes it much easier to park.

 

[mike12193]

I looked at the Lariat Longhorn and brown interior but optioning it up to Limited specs would cost thousands more so I went with a limited with black leather. The stitched black leather has an upscale appearance. Easier to maintain, dirt and stains don't show up like on the lighter brown interior.

The Limited comes standard with powered side steps and air ride. The powered side steps are much lower and wider than you would have with fixed steps. Along with the air ride ability to lower the height, it would make it easier for older clients to get in and out. I know it helps my mom.

Having all the optional safety sensors and assists only have to keep you from wrecking or hitting a pedestrian once to make it worth the expense. I like the surround camera, makes it much easier to park.

Very well put. I optioned out a longhorn and ultimately went with a limited because it was about $2500 more and didn’t have all the features of the limited.



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[soapy]

I have a Laramie with brown interior. Ordered with level 2 package and full sensor and surround view cameras. I did not get the 12 inch screen or full center console. Very loaded otherwise including off road package. Window sticker 60k but only paid 49k. Longhorn or limited would have been 6 to 10k more for about the same truck.

 

[jacket_fan]

Thanks gentlemen. The kind of input I need.

Will make sure I get the sensor package since ya'll highly recommend it.

 

[hotrod45]

In regard to towing, if you get the towing package, that cancels out power-fold mirrors. The brake controller for towing is available separate from a package. Personally, I really like the power-fold mirrors.

 

[runamuck]

I went with the laramie because it was for me the best price point with the most options I would use. I always get leather buckets/sunroof/4x4/good sound system/20" wheels. this one has the 33 gal. tank and if you travel it is nice to fill up and see that 595 miles range. my laramie is very quiet and comfortable on the highway and with the hemi and 3.92 gears passing folks is effortless. the flat floor in the rear and semi reclining seats get praise from anybody that rides back there. plus I live in Texas and having rear a/c is nice. some brands dont have that even as an option. the assisted short ratio steering makes the truck seem really nimble and fun to drive. I went from a loaded 2017 sierra 4x4 ccsb which was a darn good truck but this laramie has much better visability out the front and feels a lot sportier. I also have the ORP and sport package.

 

[jacket_fan]

Pulled the trigger today and bought one off the lot. The dealership gave me a great offer on trade for my 1997 F-150 to seal the deal.

Looking forward to learning all the bells and whistles.

The interior on this vehicle is what sold me over the Ford. And the geek in me is enjoying the touch screen.

How long does it take to get used to the transmission selection on the dash? My Dad had a 1964 Plymouth Fury that had a push button transmission that had buttons on the left hand side of the dash. I was too young to remember too much about it, but was something unique.

Now I also have to remember it is a RAM, not a Dodge.

Thanks for the input.

 

[bryan28]

Congratulations Mark. Hope you enjoy the Ram. You will probably turn a radio knob or some other knob a few times thinking it's the transmission but it won't take too long to get used to it.

 

[jacket_fan]

I do have a question and will ask it here. I did not get a tailgate bumper step (or whatever the correct terminology is). I have to have one of those. Is that something best gotten from the dealer through the parts department or is there a better aftermarket product?

 

[hotrod45]

It took me about a year to get used to reaching for the shift knob. YMMV. I think age is a factor here. As far as a step is concerned, I have a two-step vinyl step stool that I keep in the corner of the bed just inside the tailgate. I hook a short bungee cord through the step and attach it to the anchor point right there. It doesn't weigh very much at all and it cost next to nothing, IIRC. The step stool definitely lacks the cool factor, but I have no trouble getting onto the tailgate at the corner of the truck. I'm 74 and most of my athleticism fell off somewhere along the trail.

 

[runamuck]

that's probably the only gripe I have about my ram truck. the 2017 sierra slt 4x4 I traded in had those built-in foot holds in the rear bumper which made it an easy step up to the bed.

 

[Gulf Driver]

In regard to towing, if you get the towing package, that cancels out power-fold mirrors. The brake controller for towing is available separate from a package. Personally, I really like the power-fold mirrors.

Is a factory trailer hitch available without the tow package?

I'd like a factory trailer hitch but have no need for a brake controller.

 

[hotrod45]

Is a factory trailer hitch available without the tow package?

I'd like a factory trailer hitch but have no need for a brake controller.

Now that falls in the enormous category of things I don’t know.

 

[RainDesert]

Is a factory trailer hitch available without the tow package?

I'd like a factory trailer hitch but have no need for a brake controller.

Yes it is:

Class IV Receiver-Hitch

$445

• Class IV receiver hitches are bolted directly to the steel frame. They allow for the maximum towing capability of the truck when properly equipped. Class IV receiver hitches are standard on Rebel, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited. They are available with H1 and H2 Equipment Packages, the Tradesman Group and Trailer Tow Mirrors and Brake Group.