Hmmm, what to buy?

[kt4hx]

First off let me say that I am not buying right now, so there is no real rush. I have a 2019 1500 Classic Tradesman with under 37,000 miles, with the 5.7 V8 (MDS, no etorque). I am just wanting something newer with so more stuff on it, such as a Big Horn or Laramie. I was eagerly anticipating the announcement of the Hemi's return, but the fact that it includes etorque has left me at least a little skeptical. I had considered a 2025, but with all the issues I've read about, I am not fully confident in doing that. But I also have concerns about how successful Ram will be with interfacing the Hemi with the new electrical platform now in use.

I have done a lot of reading and watching about the etorque system, plus reading comments on here, and while some like it, I am not fully sold on adding the extra complexity and potential for failure to a base Hemi engine. Of course I can be hopeful that Ram will eventually offer a non-etorque option for the Hemi, though I am not overly optimistic about that happening. I am also considering buying a used truck without etorque.

So anyway, I am just biding my time presently. Any comments/suggestions are welcome as I sit back and see how the release of the 2026 MY unfolds.

 

[jws123]

new vechiles are not good right now all brands I would hold on to your 2019 til at least 100,000 miles Min.

 

[mikeru]

Since you’re in no hurry, my advice is to wait and see what happens. People are happy that the Hemi is back but many of those people are unhappy it’s basically unchanged from previous years.

If you’re unhappy with the lack of features on your current truck there’s always the option of adding them yourself. Many of the higher trim model features can be added to lower trim levels. Which specific features are you wanting?

 

[GeauxinUp]

Since you’re in no hurry, my advice is to wait and see what happens. People are happy that the Hemi is back but many of those people are unhappy it’s basically unchanged from previous years.

If you’re unhappy with the lack of features on your current truck there’s always the option of adding them yourself. Many of the higher trim model features can be added to lower trim levels. Which specific features are you wanting?

This!
If it were me (and I realize you're not me), I'd take that new truck money and upgrade my current truck to what I wanted it to be.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

My next truck if something happens to my current truck will be built, not bought. It may take a minute but rather have the features I want vs what someone decides

Tired of the lackluster offerings from the big 3.

 

[oe542bob]

I feel the same as the OP. Just looking at upgrading my ‘22 1500 Longhorn, Good deals on ‘25 models right now, but I want to wait to see what is coming for ‘26.
Although I haven’t had any issues with my eTorque, I wasn’t thrilled about the Hemi/eTorque. Hemi by itself with a regular alternator is preferred. On my 4th 1500 and my eTorque Hemi gets the worst gas mileage. Personally I kinda don’t see any performance differences with the eTorque I have now vs. my previous trucks.
Plus just looking at a Tungsten with the online configurator, adding the one package automatically gives you a bed cover. Why?

 

[GeauxinUp]

I feel the same as the OP. Just looking at upgrading my ‘22 1500 Longhorn, Good deals on ‘25 models right now, but I want to wait to see what is coming for ‘26.
Although I haven’t had any issues with my eTorque, I wasn’t thrilled about the Hemi/eTorque. Hemi by itself with a regular alternator is preferred. On my 4th 1500 and my eTorque Hemi gets the worst gas mileage. Personally I kinda don’t see any performance differences with the eTorque I have now vs. my previous trucks.
Plus just looking at a Tungsten with the online configurator, adding the one package automatically gives you a bed cover. Why?

We already know what’s available for ‘26

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/hemi-update-2026-my-ram-1500s-at-mark-dodge.218187/

 

[Burla]

Get a 2500, you can buy one a couple years old and save all the money it would take to upgrade.

Either that or roll the dice with the hurricane, it could be a worse roll out, seams to generally be popular. Not that's not what I would do, but they are popular here. If it were me, I'd drive that 19 til it died put the defibrillator paddles on it and bring it back again. What I wouldn't do, buy an e torque because some focus group mandated it and told me to protest with a protest badge. They killed the hemi, what they are bringing back is a big load of ****.

 

[mikeru]

Get a 2500, you can buy one a couple years old and save all the money it would take to upgrade.

Either that or roll the dice with the hurricane, it could be a worse roll out, seams to generally be popular. Not that's not what I would do, but they are popular here. If it were me, I'd drive that 19 til it died put the defibrillator paddles on it and bring it back again. What I wouldn't do, buy an e torque because some focus group mandated it and told me to protest with a protest badge. They killed the hemi, what they are bringing back is a big load of ****.

I'm not disagreeing with you, but if he's gonna go the used route he could also look for a used 1500 without etorque if he wants to maintain ride comfort, generally for less than a 2500. There should be plenty of used 2019 thru 2020 non-etorque 1500's out there.

 

[kt4hx]

I do appreciate the responses. I am in my early 70's and my physical abilities and attentiveness are not as sharp and refined as they once were. I do take extra care to look around me while driving because I don't have the safety bells and whistles on this truck. The backup camera is in the rear view mirror and I sometimes struggle to get a good view because the image is so small.

So now I really do want to have those safety features to make sure I am fully aware of my surroundings while driving. It would make me (and my wife) feel better. One feature I 100% want is the MFT to help me with bed access because I struggle to get in and out of the current one a little bit. I would also like the Rambox though its not the most important thing for me. There are some other upgrades I would like as well more as creature comfort for us both in case we take the truck on longer trips. I do no tow, so that factor is not a consideration.

While I do like my current truck (bought new in late 2019) I really do desire some of the additional comforts and safety of the upgraded models. This will likely be my last new truck given my age, and would just like a little more in terms of features.

As I said up front I am in the consideration phase right now, so any and all comments or suggestions are welcome. Thanks everyone.

 

[mikeru]

Thanks for the added information. Your desire for the MFT and especially the Rambox options necessitate a different truck. Those features can be added but it wouldn't be worth it if you're paying someone else to do it. And even if you do the work yourself it'd be expensive.

Since you're wanting some of the drive assist features you're better off waiting and buying new once you decide on what you want to buy. Each year those features improve as the technology matures. About the only drive assist feature I like is adaptive cruise control. I'm not judging anyone in saying this, but I'm 62, and the way I figure it is if I can't be safe driving without nanny features it might be time to stop driving myself around. I know it's coming eventually. I just hope that by then fully autonomous cars will be an affordable and reliable alternative.

 

[kt4hx]

Thanks for the added information. Your desire for the MFT and especially the Rambox options necessitate a different truck. Those features can be added but it wouldn't be worth it if you're paying someone else to do it. And even if you do the work yourself it'd be expensive.

Since you're wanting some of the drive assist features you're better off waiting and buying new once you decide on what you want to buy. Each year those features improve as the technology matures. About the only drive assist feature I like is adaptive cruise control. I'm not judging anyone in saying this, but I'm 62, and the way I figure it is if I can't be safe driving without nanny features it migh as

Thanks Mike. Yeah I get the thing about not wanting the "nanny" features. Its not that I can't drive without them, and perhaps I am questioning my own attentiveness too much, I don't know. The wife's car (Kia Telluride) has a lot of the stuff, and I will be honest and say that I find them useful, particularly the large backup camera display. Nonetheless, I still look around all the time using the mirrors to see what is going on. Those are just some functions I would like to have on my next truck. To each their own as they say.

 

[Jrod]

Don’t let forums deter you from getting what you want. 95% of all brand specific forum members join to find a solution to a problem. Meanwhile the forum community equates to less than 1% of actual owners. You’ll find trash in all of them.. Over 11k miles on my 25 Laramie and I could never see myself going back to a HEMI, with or without E-torque. Plus paying an extra $1200 for the HEMI downgrade is a kick in the teeth..

 

[Mpgrimm2]

Options? ....

RamForum threads and info

- M² Mods Intro

** AlfaOBD (for activating factory features yourself. See Docs linked in OP )

- RAM Security Module Bypass Instructions.pdf

-----------

- DIY: 2017-19/20 classic Overhead Mic and Compass harness install

- DIY: Add 2013-2018 OEM Foglight Wiring

-----------------
- DIY: 2013-2018 RearView Mirror Upgrade & Harness install

- DIY: 2013-18 (19 classic) Power Fold Mirror upgrade/Notes

- DIY: 2013-2018 OEM Steering Wheel Audio Control Install

-------------
If you want to go full 8.4" radio conversion:

- DIY: 2013-2017 RA3/RA4 8.4" Radio Upgrade/HVAC Conversion

- How To: Install a 2018 4C (UAQ/UAS) Radio in 2013 - 2017 RAM (Please read posts 1-5 for correct PNs, etc)

- HVAC problem with UAS upgrade (see ATC thread)

- How to Add Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) to a Manual Temperature Control Truck
(corrects potential HVAC issue with UAx radios)

- FIX > 2013-18/classic 4th Gen USB Hub ... Battery to Keyed Power (For AA/CP wireless adapter)

--------

- How-To: Add Heated/Ventilated seats and Heated Wheel to Express/Tradesman


----------
CircuitGuys - List of desired 4th Gen Mopar options and part numbers.

- Mpgrimm2's Cellphone and Hidden Power setup

- DIY - Truxedo Sentry Review/Latch Mod on 5th Gen Ram 1500 w/Rambox & videos

.

 

[mikeru]

Thanks Mike. Yeah I get the thing about not wanting the "nanny" features. Its not that I can't drive without them, and perhaps I am questioning my own attentiveness too much, I don't know. The wife's car (Kia Telluride) has a lot of the stuff, and I will be honest and say that I find them useful, particularly the large backup camera display. Nonetheless, I still look around all the time using the mirrors to see what is going on. Those are just some functions I would like to have on my next truck. To each their own as they say.

I wouldn’t classify any cameras as nanny features. Things like lane keep assist and park assist are features we have in our 2020 Limited but don’t use at all. Three features I like to get in all my vehicles are heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, and massaging seats. I didn’t know what I was missing until I tried them. Now they are deal breakers if a new vehicle doesn’t have them.

 

[KeithP]

My next truck if something happens to my current truck will be built, not bought. It may take a minute but rather have the features I want vs what someone decides

Tired of the lackluster offerings from the big 3.

I plan on ordering my next one too. However, if one has some flexibility on options, waiting until the next year’s models are arriving at the dealerships can get you a good deal on a leftover. My last 3 were leftovers. It took some work searching and a willingness to travel to buy, but all 3 were very close to what I would have ordered. No regrets but as I get older I’m wanting what I’m wanting. I now have time to wait and the resources to buy it so I’ll order it.

 

[kt4hx]

I wouldn’t classify any cameras as nanny features. Things like lane keep assist and park assist are features we have in our 2020 Limited but don’t use at all. Three features I like to get in all my vehicles are heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, and massaging seats. I didn’t know what I was missing until I tried them. Now they are deal breakers if a new vehicle doesn’t have them.

Well my 2019 Classic has nothing other than the backup camera in the rear view mirror. But the wife's Telluride has blind spot, lane assist, braking assist, nice backup camera view with cross path warning. It does have the stop/start thing, but I usually hit the button to deactivated it when I start the car. Mainly I like the blind spot warning and cross path when trying to back out of a parking space. No heated steering wheel but has heated front seat, which is more important for the wife than myself.

I would like the heated steering wheel and seats in the truck. Massaging and ventilated would be nice as well. Blind spot and cross path would be good as well. As I mentioned before I would like to have the MFT to make it easier to access the bed, and I think Rambox as well. Just keeping an eye on how things develop over the coming model year as I am not in a position where I have to buy. The 2019 is still under 37,000 miles and everything is working great.

 

[GeauxinUp]

I wouldn’t classify any cameras as nanny features. Things like lane keep assist and park assist are features we have in our 2020 Limited but don’t use at all. Three features I like to get in all my vehicles are heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, and massaging seats. I didn’t know what I was missing until I tried them. Now they are deal breakers if a new vehicle doesn’t have them.

I'll for sure never own another vehicle without ventilated seats.