What will they think of next?
Art.

 

I too was disappointed by this. The whole front is a plastic cover. They are removable. The rim below is what is on every other truck with aluminum rims.

 

Those pictures are a good illustration of what they really are. You can't simply replace the plastic covering if it gets cracked or chipped. I also bet they are more expensive to replace than what you think.

I just wish they would make more good looking aluminum wheels. Not everybody needs/wants the flashiness of chrome. I like my aluminum wheels but wish the spokes were more narrow. Actually, if they made the chrome clad wheels you get on the sports and SLT's in a painted aluminum wheel I think they would look awesome.

 

So wait, these rims are aluminum with just plastic covers? My build sheet says that I have all aluminum rims but not a mention of chrome clad or plastic covers.

 

I think in 03 that you could actually get polished aluminum wheels (like yours). Maybe others can verify. My brother has the same wheels on his 03 Ram.

 

My wheels are the plastic covers.

 

Don't be upset with a chrome clad wheel. You're actually getting a really good product. The cladding is bonded to the wheel and withstands some pretty destructive tests by the automakers. Chrome steel wheels corrode much easier and are a pain to clean. The chrome clad aluminum wheels don't get as hot (because of the heat transfer properties of the materials) and don't bake brake dust onto the surface of your wheel like the steel ones do. So you get a wheel that is easier to maintain and is lighter while your average passer by has no idea its chrome clad. Whats the big deal?

 

Great post man, I was hoping someone here was in the know. After I realized mine, I gotta say I was surprised, but once I started looking, they are all over the place. Easy to spot if you know what you're looking for, and on a hell of a lot of new vehicles.

 

My first impression was dodge is on the cheap. Then I thought at least my sales guy brought it to my attention telling me that it was less of a maintenance cost if it got nicked, etc. The +'s of the 09 Ram far out weighed
chrome clad wheels and ended up buying a 09 crew.
So fast forward to this past weekend..... Took a trip to Mammoth CA.
My buddy has a brand new Honda Odissey (spelling?) with REAL alloy wheels.
While tossing a little bull I got some heat from the guys for the so called chrome clad wheels. Ironically we looked at the wheels on the Honda and found numerous scratches and a bad factory blemish on one of his wheels.... Guess what? $$$$$$ BUT luckily this should be under warranty.
The Honda wheel looks like the finnish was flaking off.

2009 Ram 1500 Crew Sport
Grey
ARE bed cover

 

my passenger front looks like it has little rust specks on it. i've only had the truck 11 days.

you can rub your finger nail on the specks and feel them, sometimes you can see them smudge, but they just absolutely will not come off.

warranty issue you think?

btw, i'm terribly **** about things, so its something most might not notice..