Nothing leaks like a Ram Truck

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Beast2017

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2017
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Cummings 6.7L
Take head - it costs big bucks to fix a leaking 3rd brake light. Ram dealership replaced leaking (bad gasket) 3rd brake light on 2017 3500 Laramie Longhorn with MSRP on part at $993. This was the 3rd leak in the truck: 1st it was the sunroof and top lights; then the rear exhauster vents. Bottom line - either read the other forum recommendations for improving the sealing life of the gasket or pay the big bucks. Either way, always let Ram know when you are displeased with a shotty part or workmanship on your Ram. For what a Ram costs, no one should have issues, especially water, in a Ram truck.
 

pacofortacos

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I am taking it that they replaced the entire 3rd brake light?
Gasket is under $20.
 

mtnrider

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I am taking it that they replaced the entire 3rd brake light?
Gasket is under $20.

Yep, and a little bead of RTV is even cheaper.

I sure hope the OP didn't pay for an entire light and paid full msrp? You can get them at least $300 cheaper from the online retailers.

Leaks are pretty common with sunroofs on all brands, I like them but will not get one on my truck.

I did have my rear vent leak (after 5 years). replaced it myself with the new version of the vent.


.
 

corneileous

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2018 Ram 1500 Limited 4X4
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Hemi 5.7
I know this is your opinion and it sounds like you feel pretty firm about it but number one, all of these new trucks aren’t cheap but just despite that, the new rams seem to still be a little bit cheaper than the GM’s and the Fords but either way regardless, they all have their problems with something.

And when you say your third brake light was close to $1000, I’m assuming you’re talking about the one that has the cargo view camera in it? Yeah that’s an expensive light, I don’t think I’ve seen it that much but still, I don’t know why you let them talk you into replacing the light unless you had warranty coverage because if you didn’t have warranty coverage, there’s no need in replacing the whole light fixture when you can just go down to Lowe’s or Home Depot and buy a roll of the good rubber gasket material and just replace the gasket. I’ve had to do that, a lot of people have. I even had to replace the **** on the aftermarket third brake light I bought as well.

Fortunately my sunroof has yet to leak and I don’t have cab lights but I have had to replace my cab exhausters as well which I know, is something nobody should ever have to replace but hey, it is what it is. I don’t know if you’re one of those people that doesn’t have a particular favorite brand and you just shop by whoever has the best of what at the same time you’re looking for a new truck but usually the majority of the people who do have a brand favorite, this is just one of those things you have to deal with. Ive owned Mopar products ever since 1999 and sad to report, this 2018 1500 is the only one that’s really given me any real problems but you know, I just see it as a reflection of modern day quality.
 

crazykid1994

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2017
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Hemi 5.7
The cab lights are known to leak if the are over tightened as it’ll crack the plastic or warp the housing causing a bad seal. I’ve replaced the vents and the 3rd brake light gasket. Ram knows they are issue because they have updated parts to replace with. You can’t expect them to go back on every truck ever and swap the parts to the new version for free either. That’s why it’s nice if you can work on your vehicle and save the labor costs and markups. I will never buy a vehicle with a sunroof or moonroof. Anybody I know that’s had sunroofs end up with leaks. I’m sure generally it’s due to the drain getting clogged but I’d rather not deal with that.
 

Atcer2018

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2018
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3.6
Oddly I’ve never had a leak in my 2018 BigHorn. All original till this day and it’s parked outside year round. While my Ram hasn’t been the most trouble free vehicle I’ve owned it certainly isn’t the worst. I personally think the build quality is quite good and my vehicle was assembled in Mexico. Kudos to Ram for producing vehicles in a foreign country with good quality. The issues I’ve had were a faulty three way coolant valve, cruise control steering wheel switch and bad driver side heated mirror, all repaired under warranty. I did have a delaminated 8.4 radio screen but Ram replaced it for $100 on a good faith repair outside of warranty. Only thing that actually cost me a considerable sum was the faulty fuel tank valve that doesn’t allow the truck to be fueled. I replaced it myself for less than $500 which included a new tank, evap canister, purge vent, purge solenoid and fuel filler neck. Are they perfect trucks? No but they aren’t inherently bad either.
 

shibby927

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The Great State of Iowa
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2021
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5.7L Hemi

Haven't done this on a 5th Gen yet but worked like a charm on my 2011, and 2016. Dirt cheap fix that takes very little effort/time.
 

British Bulldog

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Jacksonville NC
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2025
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SST HO
I have removed both my third brake light and antenna and siliconed them in. No leaks, truck barely a year old but I don’t want water ingress now or ever!
I suppose that if, Sod’s Law, the third brake light fails now and they need to change it out it MIGHT cause raised eyebrows but I’ll take me chances!
 

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