Looking for objective input

[mwardncsu]

ok, that may be asking a lot

I was in a 2016 F-150 Platinum until about a month ago when a 80’ tree landed dead down the middle in a storm and totaled it out. Fortunately I had replacement coverage and came out OK with insurance and now I’m trying to decide what to do

My default was to get a new F-150, or maybe a 2016-17 used if I could find the right deal - or maybe even a used 2017 F250

But, in looking I came across the new 2019 RAM 1500 - drove a Limited yesterday and it’s a very nice truck - some things the F150 has that his did not and vice versa, but really do like it.

What worries me is the “Year 1” issues - every Make has them - curious to what folks are seeing as true, serious issues.... vs minor things.

Also looking for any input from those that may have come from a newer F150 to the Ram.

Thanks!

 

[troutspinner]

There is a thread here https://www.ramforum.com/threads/did-you-switch.124640/ that touches on asking if people switched.

I had two F150s when I finally moved to Ram in 2014. I picked up my 19 just yesterday but my confidence in Ram based on past experience does not make me worry at all.

I’d pose the same question or search on a Ford forum. There will be bias here and there I am sure but you’ll also get some honest opinions.

FWIW, I did look at Ford, Toyota, GMC and Nissan. IMO they just can’t hold a candle to Ram’s design, especially interior.

 

[tidefan1967]

https://www.ramforum.com/search/1226415/?q=2019&o=relevance Here's a bunch of threads on the 2019's. There is at least one thread with problems.

 

[PowrRam]

ok, that may be asking a lot

I was in a 2016 F-150 Platinum until about a month ago when a 80’ tree landed dead down the middle in a storm and totaled it out. Fortunately I had replacement coverage and came out OK with insurance and now I’m trying to decide what to do

My default was to get a new F-150, or maybe a 2016-17 used if I could find the right deal - or maybe even a used 2017 F250

But, in looking I came across the new 2019 RAM 1500 - drove a Limited yesterday and it’s a very nice truck - some things the F150 has that his did not and vice versa, but really do like it.

What worries me is the “Year 1” issues - every Make has them - curious to what folks are seeing as true, serious issues.... vs minor things.

Also looking for any input from those that may have come from a newer F150 to the Ram.

Thanks!

I can't speak to the Year 1 issues but I can tell you I had leased seven F150's (XLT's, FX4's) before I got my 2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn. The only reason I even looked at Rams back in 2015 is because that was the year the F150's came out with the new aluminum body. There simply were no attractive leases on them. Ford didn't need to deal on them. I would have paid $120 more per month to get a lesser equipped XLT than the 2012 I was turning in.

So I went with a Ram Big Horn. And what a difference it was. Every day I drove it I found more and more things that Ram does better than Ford. The most obvious thing was ride quality and handling, but also steering "feel" and responsiveness, seating comfort, interior fit and finish, electronic touch screen, stereo system, better and easier to use voice control/phone integration, and more. But also little things like real tilt steering (not unclamp, move entire steering column, reclamp), a grab handle on the drivers side windshield pillar, a shift knob not a clumsy shift lever (how quaint!), windshield washer nozzles on the hood (not integrated in the cowl where they are difficult to clear of snow in winter), the windows will roll down immediately after turning on the vehicle with no delay, the rear windows roll ALL THE WAY DOWN, *deep breath* tighter turning radius, automatic 4 wheel drive, more readouts and customizable readouts on instrument panel, digital speedometer, climate control standard on Big Horn, the lift over height on the bed is shorter (easier to reach into bed from side of truck), headlights are brighter, there are liners in the wheel wells, the third brake light doesn't fill up with water, a heated steering wheel (need to go Lariat or higher to get it in a F150), heated seats, trailer towing package is standard on Big Horn and doesn't cost $1,000, exterior mirrors are bigger and power foldable, storage cubby holes all over the place, and so on.

Some of the equipment I got on the Big Horn you surely had on your Platinum, but to get this much stuff on a Ram for $24 less per month than I was paying for my 2012 F150 was impressive.

You've got a tough decision to make. I'd look real hard at the new Ram Limited. I know for a fact it's going to ride better than an F150. Quieter too. Probably more comfortable. Check out the little things I mentioned as well. Three years ago I never imagined myself driving a Ram. Ford was it. Now I can not see myself in an F150 ever again.

 

[BossHogg]

What worries me is the “Year 1” issues

First year issues are really first 90 days of production issues. As issues are identified, changes are incorporated into production. What they have is a schedule production timeline of start of production, then comes plus 90 days, plus 180 days, etc.

I would rather have the first year of production pf a new vehicle generation than a following year of the same generation. Once the issues, if any, are worked out, they go into cost-cutting.

I bought a first year generation 4 RAM (2013), outside of several reflashed during the first year or so, I've been trouble free.

 

[John813]

IMO the things I worry about the most are first year engines and transmissions.

Other things like the screen can be annoying, but usually fixed without too much hassle(once the surplus of parts arrive at dealers).

The 19 still has the 5.7L and the transmission from the 18's and previous years. The Etorque is new and personally I wanted a truck with the alternator.

So far I've had no issues other than the 8.4 screen stuck in some loading mode for a few minutes. Fixed itself before I reached the first stop light.

I came from a 13 Ford(Raptor) but have driven the 15+ F-150's for a bit due to work/long term rental from dealer.
They are very nice trucks. I've been a Ford guy my entire life till now. Still like them, just found the Ram to be a better buy due to cost, interior, and I like the exterior as well.
Also, imo the 8 speed > 10 speed in terms of shifting in the trucks.

 

[chrisbh17]

I can't speak to the Year 1 issues but I can tell you I had leased seven F150's (XLT's, FX4's) before I got my 2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn. The only reason I even looked at Rams back in 2015 is because that was the year the F150's came out with the new aluminum body. There simply were no attractive leases on them. Ford didn't need to deal on them. I would have paid $120 more per month to get a lesser equipped XLT than the 2012 I was turning in.

So I went with a Ram Big Horn. And what a difference it was. Every day I drove it I found more and more things that Ram does better than Ford. The most obvious thing was ride quality and handling, but also steering "feel" and responsiveness, seating comfort, interior fit and finish, electronic touch screen, stereo system, better and easier to use voice control/phone integration, and more. But also little things like real tilt steering (not unclamp, move entire steering column, reclamp), a grab handle on the drivers side windshield pillar, a shift knob not a clumsy shift lever (how quaint!), windshield washer nozzles on the hood (not integrated in the cowl where they are difficult to clear of snow in winter), the windows will roll down immediately after turning on the vehicle with no delay, the rear windows roll ALL THE WAY DOWN, *deep breath* tighter turning radius, automatic 4 wheel drive, more readouts and customizable readouts on instrument panel, digital speedometer, climate control standard on Big Horn, the lift over height on the bed is shorter (easier to reach into bed from side of truck), headlights are brighter, there are liners in the wheel wells, the third brake light doesn't fill up with water, a heated steering wheel (need to go Lariat or higher to get it in a F150), heated seats, trailer towing package is standard on Big Horn and doesn't cost $1,000, exterior mirrors are bigger and power foldable, storage cubby holes all over the place, and so on.

Some of the equipment I got on the Big Horn you surely had on your Platinum, but to get this much stuff on a Ram for $24 less per month than I was paying for my 2012 F150 was impressive.

You've got a tough decision to make. I'd look real hard at the new Ram Limited. I know for a fact it's going to ride better than an F150. Quieter too. Probably more comfortable. Check out the little things I mentioned as well. Three years ago I never imagined myself driving a Ram. Ford was it. Now I can not see myself in an F150 ever again.

Third brake light in my 17 leaked. I guess you are correct in that it didn't fill with water because the water went into my truck instead

But I hear you... I test drove a '17 f150 with the 2.7 ecoboost. Fast! But I would have spent 4k more for it and it still had far less stuff than my RAM.

They sure are proud of their aluminum...salesman basically told me that's why the truck can be so much more expensive with less included features. So I let them keep it.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[SilverBullet85]

ok, that may be asking a lot

What worries me is the “Year 1” issues - every Make has them - curious to what folks are seeing as true, serious issues.... vs minor things.

Also looking for any input from those that may have come from a newer F150 to the Ram.

Thanks!

I'd say it depends on how that worrying would affect you. Chances are you may have some issues, albeit small. Will that drive you bat**** crazy? Just gotta decide on the risk factor and your attitude towards the truck if you have issues.

My brother has an F-150 and it's a great truck. Ride isn't as good as the Ram when unloaded and on two lane back roads. The head toss is much worse as opposed to not being existent in my Ram. Unless you are a die-hard fanboy you always find that some have this while yours has that...Personally, I'm big on interiors and for whatever reason Ford does not float my boat and has not for quite a while just from a 'first look' appearance. Once you really nit pick it's not just the style but the materials are just not as good as in the Ram. Period. I won't deny that since you can't swing a dead cat without hitting an F-150 doesn't help their case either for me. I can't argue that the F-150 is not the safer bet on paper for a variety of reasons.

 

[PowrRam]

Personally, I'm big on interiors and for whatever reason Ford does not float my boat and has not for quite a while just from a 'first look' appearance. Once you really nit pick it's not just the style but the materials are just not as good as in the Ram.

Here's what I went from in my F150 to my Ram. The difference was breathtaking.

 

[troutspinner]

Here's what I went from in my F150 to my Ram. The difference was breathtaking.


View attachment 137562

If you told me that dash was from a 2000 Ford I’d believe you as it hasn’t changed much.

Here’s a pic from a 19 Big Horn for comparison.

 

[PowrRam]

If you told me that dash was from a 2000 Ford I’d believe you as it hasn’t changed much.

Here’s a pic from a 19 Big Horn for comparison.

View attachment 137564

Very nice...

I see they kept the sunglasses tray on top of the dash. Yes, that's what it's for. Sunglasses. AND NOT ANYTHING ELSE!!

I like that they moved the USB ports right next to the phone holders.

I see that you've got three of my XM Radio presets on your radio. HA!

I love that subtle swooping curve of the center console giving a bit more foot/leg space.

 

[Dan B]

Hopefully I can lend some advice. I owned a 2017 F150 king ranch and currently own a 2019 1500 Limited. The Ram is nicer. The ecoboost is a good engine, but it’s a small engine working hard. The Hemi is a big engine working easy. The dash in the Limited Ram is very cool. I’m fiddling with that thing all day long. I love it.
Now, one caveat, the ford will probably be more reliable. That’s not saying it definitely will be, but the odds are good. I will say, compared to Ram’s of old, this one is miles ahead, and I believe will be the truck of the year in 2019.
All this being said. I would still get the Ram. The interior is just too nice to give up.

 

[JoshR104]

I owned a 2015 F150 platinum and now drive a 2016 laramie.. outside of the adaptive cruise and massaging seats it has all the other bells and whistles for close to $190 less a month for payment. I think Ram has a much nicer interior and the ride unloaded isnt even a comparison its worlds apart. If you need the payload then ford is the way to go since it will generally have a decent amount more.

I didnt really have any issues with the first model year ford and owned it for close to 2 years but I also picked it up in October when the 2016s were on the lot.

I recently test drove the 19 limiteds and Im having a real hard time not dealer ordering one since the interior is just amazing and the air ride is 10x better than the ride of my 16 with king coilovers specifically tuned for on road driving.

If it was my choice I would 100% go with a dealer ordered 19 limited with exactly what I want in it. I think fords model refresh with that grill is absolutely disgusting looking the 15-17 looked worlds better to me.

If you tow a lot or haul often the Ram 2500s also have the coil suspension and will ride smoother unloaded than a F250 will for sure and rumor has it that they will be releasing info in the next few months and releasing 1/2019. Thats the only reason I havent ordered one yet as I want to see what the 2500 is offering since the extra capabilities will be nice around the house especially after this last storm and flash flooding hit.

 

[BWL]

If you told me that dash was from a 2000 Ford I’d believe you as it hasn’t changed much.

Here’s a pic from a 19 Big Horn for comparison.

View attachment 137564

What I wouldn't give for that heat mode selector button.

 

[R1200GS]

We are on our 4th Ram, a 2018 1500 Big Horn 4x4 Crew Cab Hemi 8 Speed. Just yesterday when going to breakfast my wife all of a sudden says "I just love this truck...its the best Ram we've ever had". Well, I don't know about that but we do like this truck very much, quiet, comfortable, good power and user-friendly with its electronics, economical for its power, and well-made. In a few years we will have our eye on the newer generation but for now, we are pleased as punch.

 

[SilverBullet85]

I'm not gonna bite.

 

[MADDOG]

Gentlemen,

Some posts here have been deleted. It is best that you all stay on topic and refrain from political discussions.

The forum rules are clear:

5. Please keep all posts related to the original poster's (OPs) thread topic and all threads in appropriate sections. This will help keep the forum better organized, more informative and enjoyable. Break this rule and you WILL be getting a warning. Repeat it, you will be suspended.

11. Political opinions and views are an extremely touchy subject, Please refrain from such posts. To keep keep RamForum a drama free environment, we will remove posts pertaining to political topics, views, and or opinions.

Thank you.

 

[Dusty]

ok, that may be asking a lot

I was in a 2016 F-150 Platinum until about a month ago when a 80’ tree landed dead down the middle in a storm and totaled it out. Fortunately I had replacement coverage and came out OK with insurance and now I’m trying to decide what to do

My default was to get a new F-150, or maybe a 2016-17 used if I could find the right deal - or maybe even a used 2017 F250

But, in looking I came across the new 2019 RAM 1500 - drove a Limited yesterday and it’s a very nice truck - some things the F150 has that his did not and vice versa, but really do like it.

What worries me is the “Year 1” issues - every Make has them - curious to what folks are seeing as true, serious issues.... vs minor things.

Also looking for any input from those that may have come from a newer F150 to the Ram.

Thanks!

As you say, everyone has first year issues so I would not expect a 2019 Ram 1500 to be any different. But I think there is a difference with the new 2019 (DT) Ram. The drive train is pretty much the same design, yet it too has been improved. The 8HP75 transmission is new, but retains the very same architecture as the previous 8HP70. It just has some larger and stronger components. The 5.7 Hemi is also the same, except they've now have fuel shutoff in de-acceleration mode in all eight gears instead just 1st and 2nd. The driveshaft design is the same with the exception of improved materials and section joint sealing. It now has improved motor mounts and exhaust manifold mounting. The suspension design is the same, but improved for ride. The ZF axles are the same as 2014 and up.

What is completely new is the frame and body. I've looked mine over and I cannot find one area that has not changed in the body or frame. So this is where you are most likely to experience issues in a first year of production. Oddly, I'm not hearing much from the technicians, although mine was in today for a couple minor issues (glove box lamp won't go out, door seal damaged).

Having just been in a 2018 F-150 Platinum and they are a very nice truck. More reliable? Don't think so based on what I'm hearing and what Consumers' Report says. But I would not take a Platinum over my Laramie based on what I see.

Best regards,
Dusty

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Now at: 001934 miles.

 

[Elkman]

I have been looking at the 1500 class pickups from Ford, Chevy, and Ram, over the past few months. When I read all the complaints by F-150 owners about the doors suddenly opening thanks to the latch defect and others having problems with water leaks in the cab and being told by Ford that this was not covered by the factory warranty, I took Ford off the list.

What I also found was that in terms of owner satisfaction and vehicle quality and reliability the Ram trucks are rated much higher than Ford and Chevy. I have a 2018 Chevy Traverse SUV and a 2011 Chevy 2500 diesel pickup but no blind loyalty to any truck manufacturer.

For towing I would go with a Chevy truck with the leaf springs but for the new pickup I will not be towing or putting a large load in the bed and so the Ram coil spring suspension will not be a liability for my intended use of the vehicle.

Ram does have some dumb configuration limitations with its 2019 pickups. Cannot get the V6 engine with the two upper trim levels. Cannot get the navigation package with the Tradesman. Limitations on availability of the quad cab to certain models. Chevy and Ford are not nearly as restrictive when doing a factory build out of their pickups.

 

[Stevesfirstram]

I agree the Ram is much nicer than the Ford or Chevy. I drove it and had to have it. Now, I just have to get my problems fixed so I can enjoy it. I agree with the comment Ford is more reliable. That has been my experience too. I would not order a truck because I would want to drive the one I am going to buy to make sure nothing is obviously wrong. If you order it and wait for it to be built and then there is something wrong, you would have to walk away after waiting the six weeks or more for it to show up.

I bought the towing package for the 3.92 rear and also the big mirrors. I have no regrets but I wish the mirrors folded in electrically. You have to manually fold them in on the bigger ones. I still recommend getting the package. I hope Ram reads these posts to hear what people are saying and start focusing on quality control.