Ram UConnect software stuff - worth it?

[utley]

Assistance and navigation + assistance services: for someone who just drives to work and back, is this stuff really worth it? Cant really find a price to compare the value to these apps when I have most of this stuff on my smart phone...and asking Alexa to start my truck just sounds like trouble waiting to happen. Are there alternative things I could replace these apps with? If my vehicle already has remote start, shouldnt this already be included in the package without a subscription? I mean seriously, I paid 60k for my truck...and honestly starting to find out its really not worth it.

 

[brian42]

There is nothing I know of that is a "competitor" vendor. It's all through FCA or Sirius XM.

The shift to a uConnect account is the first step in auto manufacturers adding billions to their pockets by charging for vehicle services that are "free" right now.

You have the remote start option installed and can start your truck from your remote but have to pay to do that via an app on your phone. Next it will be basic features that you take for granted (random examples: heated seat/wheel, adaptive cruise control, etc.).

BMW tried that last year and the uproar from the US market was so bad that they put that back on the shelf. I think Tesla now charges a subscription fee if you want self-driving.

Unfortunately subscription-based features is the way things are going. At some point down the road you'll pay for a Level 1 package to get the features installed and then pay a monthly subscription to have the software activated so you can use it.

 

[Wanted33]

Mine came with all that stuff, and all is use is the navigation. And, I don't use that unless I'm on a longer trip. However, that Harmon Kardon was worth the dough for me. I do likes my music.......

 

[woojyee]

There is nothing I know of that is a "competitor" vendor. It's all through FCA or Sirius XM.

The shift to a uConnect account is the first step in auto manufacturers adding billions to their pockets by charging for vehicle services that are "free" right now.

You have the remote start option installed and can start your truck from your remote but have to pay to do that via an app on your phone. Next it will be basic features that you take for granted (random examples: heated seat/wheel, adaptive cruise control, etc.).

BMW tried that last year and the uproar from the US market was so bad that they put that back on the shelf. I think Tesla now charges a subscription fee if you want self-driving.

Unfortunately subscription-based features is the way things are going. At some point down the road you'll pay for a Level 1 package to get the features installed and then pay a monthly subscription to have the software activated so you can use it.

I read that article on the BWM scam, charging separate subscription fees for each one too boot. Problem is, if people pay it, they will do it if not barred by some law. I like the features in the Ram app. lock/unlock, remote start and the built-in low jack ect... I may even pay to renew the subscription, but I would not be happy if it became mandatory to pay a monthly fee to use features I paid for when I bought the truck. Pay $9.99/month to the air conditioner, could you imagine...lol

 

[18CrewDually]

The Uconnect remote service for me is worth it. Yes my truck has remote start, but from inside of many buildings or if you're out of range it does not work but the Uconnect app start will. Also if you leave the truck say to get on a plane and can't remember if you locked it the Uconnect app will allow you to lock it. You can also check fuel level, tire pressures, oil life, truck location/ your location, and send destinations via google map to the trucks navigation from a search you did on your phone. Among other things those are the most common reasons I feel for me it is worth it. Below are a few screen shots of the options.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

I have this on my 2022 jeep. I will not pay the subscription fee it's not worth it. If the radio stops working then I'll rip out the 8.4, go aftermarket with an antenna.

I'm certain a lot of things will not work like heated seat, steering wheel even back up camera but oh well, lived with out them before now. Can certainly adapt . Besides I might want to roll down the window or take the top off, and listen to nature

 

[turkeybird56]

I do not have all dat stuff in my very lowly 19 RAM. Yup, get remote out, point at truck and remote start. All the other stuff U need on a trip like Sirius, Waze, Maps-Google etc all on phone, and not cost U ne thing, LOL.

BUT I personally pay a reduced Sirius price because it gives me all the capabilities plus on phone, computer, TV, etc. But that is a personal choice a Want, not a need. DO wat works best for you OP.

ADDED: BOIRD be an anomaly. I only have a Plain Jane U Connect 4 in truck (8.4 screen), no Guardian, SOS, special U Connect system, nada. I do not even get OTA's. If I wanna update, have to go to dealer. I have a good SA and he said: DO NOT UPDATE, the new updates are bricking some radios, so I am still on Original OS on truck radio when truck built in 2018. My phone goes through Apple Car Play and no issues. Guess just a lucky BOIRD.

 

[brian42]

If it were all one package and priced decently I'd probably do it.

For me (uConnect 4) the Guardian package has the remote operate functions (start, lock, etc.) and GPS tracking. It's about $25/month and around $17/month if you wear them down for the "promo" deal. If satellite radio came with that deal I'd do it but it's separate so not worth $200/year just to start my truck from my office chair.

 

[Texas5500]

Assistance and navigation + assistance services: for someone who just drives to work and back, is this stuff really worth it? Cant really find a price to compare the value to these apps when I have most of this stuff on my smart phone...and asking Alexa to start my truck just sounds like trouble waiting to happen. Are there alternative things I could replace these apps with? If my vehicle already has remote start, shouldnt this already be included in the package without a subscription? I mean seriously, I paid 60k for my truck...and honestly starting to find out its really not worth it.

I dont trust Alexa or any A.I. thing, but remote start on the key fob is nice during winter and summer. But if you dont really travel anywhere outside of where you live then no, none of that other stuff is relevant. I always carry a road atlas book and paper maps.

 

[utley]

The remote start on my key FOB...is THAT the subscription service? I figured the app on your phone was part of the subscription service that was behind a pay wall, not on the FOB. Had I known this, I would never have bought this truck; I bought the truck as-is, and none of this pay wall stuff was announced as pay wall, or even addressed as a pay wall addon. If thats the case, then Im going to continue paying for the vehicle, but as soon as I find another Ram that doesnt have all these brick walls Ill trade it in. $60,000 truck better have 60,000 dollars worth of features that I own.

 

[brian42]

I don't about the newer (uConnect 5) trucks but the remote start on my fob is a "hard-wired" function. It it part of the truck and not a subscription service.

For now the subscription stuff are things that travel to/from the truck like satellite radio, GPS tracking, and anything you would do from your phone (app). Things that you do from the fob are included with the truck and option package(s) you paid for (door locks, remote start, tailgate, air suspension).

There will be a time in the not-to-distant future where that will not be the case. You will pay for the capability (hardware/software) when you buy the truck but will have to subscribe to activate and use those features. I think it will start logically with advanced features like HUD, vented seats, self-driving, etc., then eventually reach it's way down to most non-federally mandated safety features like adaptive cruise control, dual zone climate controls, display themes, and the like.

That's complete speculation and opinion on my part but subscription services are coming. The auto makers have seen the billions of dollars out there for the taking and they're going to get it.

Some tested the waters with overwhelming negative feedback as they are trying to get the consumer to embrace it. At some point, though, they'll make the collective decision to implement and we'll have to accept it.

 

[utley]

I know its kind of an off-topic question, but is there something out there that can replace uconnect 5.0? I am a bit of a techwhore, but that touch screen is going to kill me.

 

[turkeybird56]

You would have to pull the U connect and replace with another different head unit, IMHO. But, a lot of the truck functions runs through the U connect screen, so do not know on all that. Just thinking out loud, skerry.

 

[turkeybird56]

I don't about the newer (uConnect 5) trucks but the remote start on my fob is a "hard-wired" function. It it part of the truck and not a subscription service.

For now the subscription stuff are things that travel to/from the truck like satellite radio, GPS tracking, and anything you would do from your phone (app). Things that you do from the fob are included with the truck and option package(s) you paid for (door locks, remote start, tailgate, air suspension).

There will be a time in the not-to-distant future where that will not be the case. You will pay for the capability (hardware/software) when you buy the truck but will have to subscribe to activate and use those features. I think it will start logically with advanced features like HUD, vented seats, self-driving, etc., then eventually reach it's way down to most non-federally mandated safety features like adaptive cruise control, dual zone climate controls, display themes, and the like.

That's complete speculation and opinion on my part but subscription services are coming. The auto makers have seen the billions of dollars out there for the taking and they're going to get it.

Some tested the waters with overwhelming negative feedback as they are trying to get the consumer to embrace it. At some point, though, they'll make the collective decision to implement and we'll have to accept it.

BMW, Mercedes and a few others are already starting to do the pay for add-ons. Just a matter of time.