Remote starter, backup camera much cheaper already installed.

 

Get your truck loaded with everything available.

 

Ok, let me try again.

I don't have a choice of all the options possible since there aren't that many 09 trucks available, and I'm not looking to drop $36k on a truck either. I am looking at an 09 instead of 2010 becuase of warranty changes, unless someone convinces me that the 2010s are the way to go because of ___.

Most of the trucks left on the lots seem to be SLTs. And no, I'm not intending to retrofit a transfer case or rambox or anything like that, I'm looking for feedback on the 'little things' that could be a surprise hassle. Like the guy who needed his ECU reprogrammed when he tried to add a steering wheel with audio controls, or the guy who finds out his truck doesn't have a wiring harness for fog lights.

I do understand that I want to get the 3.92 axle ratio and LSD in the build since I want to tow.

Off the top of my head the options I would like to have are:

- Phone bluetooth connectivity
- Fog lights
- Tow Hitch (is the factory hitch "just the hitch" ?)
- Remote Start

There are lots of little things that seemed to be included in 'packages' I've seen on window stickers that aren't listed on the dodge site - so I'm a little concerned about what niceties I might be missing out on without realizing it...

 

Cost of checking the 3.92LSD option on the order form = $375.

Cost of changing gears on a 4x4 later on = 4X that.

 

I would just get a 2010 already, you'll get everything you want now and not have too worry about unforseen expenses when you add what you want in the first place.In case you hav'nt noticed, Dodge was down another 25% in sales in november, you're gonna get a good deal on a 2010.Now for the Lifetime Powertrain warranty, the basic stuff is warranteed for 3/36,000 miles, thats the stuff that always goes after 3/36,000 miles.The powertrains on today's vehicles are gonna last for at least 200,000 miles before you might have to do anything, before that time the average owner is gonna be looking to trade up.The powertrains on 2010 are good till 5/60,000 miles.Just a thought, good luck...........Kevin.

 

is that pic photoshopped?

Or is it me

 

I took the little air brush tool all the way around the edges and in the corners to darken them up a little and try to give it the "vingette" look of a nicer camera. Nothing other than that.

Edit: Oh yeah, and I blurred the plate.

 

I can answer this one..

The tow hitch or receiver is a fairly simple bolt on. The truck already comes prewired for towing, so all you need to do is add the receiver. This is available from the dealer for $123 or off e-bay for around $90. I bought mine at the dealer because I needed it sooner than later. It took about half an hour to install. The installation isn't difficult and everything you need comes in the box. I did add an unbent coat hanger to my "bag of tricks" to help with the install though. I would advise dropping the spare tire. While not required (I installed mine with the tire in place), the job would have been MUCH easier had I done so.

As for comments about '09 verse '10 - I'm with you. The Lifetime Powertrain Warranty is the MAIN reason to go for the '09. I have an Isuzu Rodeo I bought new in 2001 that has 167K miles on it. The transmission went out and now it's just a hugh paperweight in my drive way. The cost of the trans is $6k new and that does NOT include installation. While I'm sure Dodge didn't have me in mind when they offered the warranty - I can assure you the truck will be in my driveway for a very very long time. I will use the warranty.

As my daily driver I put just under 80 miles a day on the truck. With weekend driving we're approaching 500 miles a week, which puts me at 25k a year easy. That adds up fast and the standard warranty would have run out long before the truck was paid for.

 

Do more checking-- That won't even get you close. From my understanding it's about $7000-9000 (depending on who you ask and what discounts they offer) for all the pieces to change over to a Ram Box bed.