First of all, hello. I've been lurking here for a couple of weeks trying to decide if I want to buy a new Ram. I'm in the Navy and currently deployed and I can get a pretty good deal on new Chrysler and Ford products. I am, by tradition, a Chevy guy but the good discount and the fact that the new Rams are hands down the best looking full size trucks made me conclude that a new Ram is in my future. That being said I plan to order a Sport QC 4x4. One nice thing about the program they offer deployed service members is getting to order the exact vehicle you want with all the options you do or do not want.
Along those lines I pretty much have the truck that I want figured out. But, the one nagging question is do I get the Nav. I already am going to order the Alpine 9 speaker because it's part of the Sport package that includes the dual zone climate control. But, the commonly accepted fact is that factory Navs aren't as good as aftermarket. So, my thinking is I'll pick up Pioneer's fancy flag ship in dash GPS.
My question is, too those of you with the factory nav is should I just go with it instead? Is it an exception to the rule or do you find it lacking?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Along those lines I pretty much have the truck that I want figured out. But, the one nagging question is do I get the Nav. I already am going to order the Alpine 9 speaker because it's part of the Sport package that includes the dual zone climate control. But, the commonly accepted fact is that factory Navs aren't as good as aftermarket. So, my thinking is I'll pick up Pioneer's fancy flag ship in dash GPS.
My question is, too those of you with the factory nav is should I just go with it instead? Is it an exception to the rule or do you find it lacking?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Veteran
just my 2 cents.
The money you'll pay for the Alpine9 system is not worth it. You can replace all your stock speakers with an amp and sound 100x better.
Stock Nav sucks for lack of support. Need to spend extra money for a lockpic to enable all the features a aftermarket unit would do with a simple bypass. The price of the unit/lockpic will far exceed a aftermarket flagship, I prefer the DNX9140 for 1,200 which has the built in bluetooth, Garmin Nav, Movie while in motion, etc... One other problem with the stock Nav is the High Bus System it requires. If you plan on adding or using features in your aux 12v or add HID lights later, you'll have problems with the system. I got the stock unit cause I planned on replacing the unit anyways and not paying 2k from the dealer for a locked unit with crap features, not even a decent EQ. I can go on all day on this junk of a unit, but there are ppl out there that do like it. But if you're a true enthusiast and have used aftermarket flagships before, you already know.
ppl are having problems with the dual climate control sys if you seach the thread, seems like the more complicated features you get, the more problems you'll have with these trucks.
Like anything else out there, aftermarket is just the way to go for your money. I'd only get what things you want that you can't add later as aftermarket. ie, remote start, stock is crap and so is the key fob. So I put the viper 5901 kit on and have no issues as I start my tuck within buildings while my truck is 2/3 blocks away and no line of sight.
some items can't be added later as aftermarket, so if you want those, then get those from the factory.
all i'm saying is save yourself some money from the dealership, spend half the cost aftermarket and get way more options than a stock item will even offer you.
another example, i've heard the Apline, i think its crap even turned all the way up. if you bought a true alpine sys aftermarket, it would sound 100x better than the factory fake out. cheap crap with the name to sucker buyers.
hope this helps?
The money you'll pay for the Alpine9 system is not worth it. You can replace all your stock speakers with an amp and sound 100x better.
Stock Nav sucks for lack of support. Need to spend extra money for a lockpic to enable all the features a aftermarket unit would do with a simple bypass. The price of the unit/lockpic will far exceed a aftermarket flagship, I prefer the DNX9140 for 1,200 which has the built in bluetooth, Garmin Nav, Movie while in motion, etc... One other problem with the stock Nav is the High Bus System it requires. If you plan on adding or using features in your aux 12v or add HID lights later, you'll have problems with the system. I got the stock unit cause I planned on replacing the unit anyways and not paying 2k from the dealer for a locked unit with crap features, not even a decent EQ. I can go on all day on this junk of a unit, but there are ppl out there that do like it. But if you're a true enthusiast and have used aftermarket flagships before, you already know.
ppl are having problems with the dual climate control sys if you seach the thread, seems like the more complicated features you get, the more problems you'll have with these trucks.
Like anything else out there, aftermarket is just the way to go for your money. I'd only get what things you want that you can't add later as aftermarket. ie, remote start, stock is crap and so is the key fob. So I put the viper 5901 kit on and have no issues as I start my tuck within buildings while my truck is 2/3 blocks away and no line of sight.
some items can't be added later as aftermarket, so if you want those, then get those from the factory.
all i'm saying is save yourself some money from the dealership, spend half the cost aftermarket and get way more options than a stock item will even offer you.
another example, i've heard the Apline, i think its crap even turned all the way up. if you bought a true alpine sys aftermarket, it would sound 100x better than the factory fake out. cheap crap with the name to sucker buyers.
hope this helps?
Jason,
Thank you for your two cents. I am by no means an audiophile, but I am definitely a believer in that aftermarket equipment generally does the job better. I will look into the problems with the dual zone climate control as I don't really want the Alpine system at all. I just wish they wouldn't package these things. I'll go see what else I will lose if I don't get the Sport "comfort" package or what ever it is called. I'm sure I can live without the dual zone climate control and save some money in the process. Thanks again.
Thank you for your two cents. I am by no means an audiophile, but I am definitely a believer in that aftermarket equipment generally does the job better. I will look into the problems with the dual zone climate control as I don't really want the Alpine system at all. I just wish they wouldn't package these things. I'll go see what else I will lose if I don't get the Sport "comfort" package or what ever it is called. I'm sure I can live without the dual zone climate control and save some money in the process. Thanks again.
Veteran
I'm in the Navy as well and have always considered myself a Chevy guy too. I went with the Ram for looks and performance and opted for the Big Horn with the upgraded technology package. I've typically done the aftermarket audio and nav in my previous vehicles, but after all was said and done, it always seemed to be one problem after the other. The OEM nav and audio in my Ram is great. While I grant you, I am not a super audiophile, this Alpine system has plenty of power and quality for me. The Nav system works great as well, although the inability to enter things while in motion is a little annoying, it is a safety feature and frankly, it's easy enough to get used to and does keep my eyes on the road.
If you're buying a new vehicle, it's nice to know that the electrical system is all hacked up already and that the warranty isn't going to be affected if I have electrical problems.
If you're buying a new vehicle, it's nice to know that the electrical system is all hacked up already and that the warranty isn't going to be affected if I have electrical problems.
Veteran
The dual zone is OK, if you dont like its somewhat spastic operation you have full manual control if you want.
IMO the stock NAV isnt that great. I have the the factory NAV (RER) radio in my 2010 Jeep (same radio as the Dodge) and I'm a little disappointed in the nav part of the radio. Its just pretty clunky in operation and the maps are way out of date for a 2010, plus the sirius traffic is useless to me since it doesnt cover my area.
The REN (non nav) radio in my Ram is decent with the Alpine speakers, at least it has a subwoofer unlike the 'Boston' speakers in the Jeep. I have a Garmin 765T with free lifetime traffic that just kicks the factory nav unit's butt on all counts except screen size. Certainly not audiophile stuff but the Alpine is decent for a stock pickup truck stereo. Although you do lose the RH side rear under seat storage for the subwoofer.
IMO the stock NAV isnt that great. I have the the factory NAV (RER) radio in my 2010 Jeep (same radio as the Dodge) and I'm a little disappointed in the nav part of the radio. Its just pretty clunky in operation and the maps are way out of date for a 2010, plus the sirius traffic is useless to me since it doesnt cover my area.
The REN (non nav) radio in my Ram is decent with the Alpine speakers, at least it has a subwoofer unlike the 'Boston' speakers in the Jeep. I have a Garmin 765T with free lifetime traffic that just kicks the factory nav unit's butt on all counts except screen size. Certainly not audiophile stuff but the Alpine is decent for a stock pickup truck stereo. Although you do lose the RH side rear under seat storage for the subwoofer.
Hey guys. Thanks for the input!
Attono - Where are you stationed? Enlisted or O? I know exactly what you mean. At first my instinct was to order the truck with all the bells and whistles to just be done with it. I don't want to deal with warranty issues and such anymore than anyone else. But, I don't like how with new vehicles (especially trucks) the more advanced your in cab electronics are, the more they effect each other. Then when you try to swap one simple component it messes everything up. I don't know for sure that this is true with Dodges, but it's definitely true with GM (GM LAN). So, I think I am going to go with that truest of truisms: K.I.S.S.
The more I think of it the more I realize that I don't need dual zone climate control. I mean even assuming the system is perfect and it functions flawlessly how often will I ever really use it. My wife is now classified as my future ex-wife so that reduces the amount of time I'll have a co-pilot to almost none and if I do someday find a pretty little thing to sit on my pseudo-leather she can use the seat warmer for her climate control needs. LOL.
Attono - Where are you stationed? Enlisted or O? I know exactly what you mean. At first my instinct was to order the truck with all the bells and whistles to just be done with it. I don't want to deal with warranty issues and such anymore than anyone else. But, I don't like how with new vehicles (especially trucks) the more advanced your in cab electronics are, the more they effect each other. Then when you try to swap one simple component it messes everything up. I don't know for sure that this is true with Dodges, but it's definitely true with GM (GM LAN). So, I think I am going to go with that truest of truisms: K.I.S.S.
The more I think of it the more I realize that I don't need dual zone climate control. I mean even assuming the system is perfect and it functions flawlessly how often will I ever really use it. My wife is now classified as my future ex-wife so that reduces the amount of time I'll have a co-pilot to almost none and if I do someday find a pretty little thing to sit on my pseudo-leather she can use the seat warmer for her climate control needs. LOL.
Rookie
in my 09 i got the automatic climate and it work well after the update, the alpine is fine for me. i get a garmin zumo 660 for gps (about 800$) i like the zumo i can switch it from truck to my bike and wife car.
Veteran
Its not just the dual zone, its the auto temp, set the temp and forget it - in theory anyhow.
As far as electronics even the base trucks have a serial bus that the door locks, windows, lights etc are all tied into, just cant avoid it. But I do agree the less options the better, except at trade in time. I kind of wish I would have bought the plain jane bench seat, cloth interior big horn as opposed to the laramie. Especially after reading about leaking sunroofs, leather seats that wear out etc, not sure if all that was worth the extra 6K in the long run.
As far as electronics even the base trucks have a serial bus that the door locks, windows, lights etc are all tied into, just cant avoid it. But I do agree the less options the better, except at trade in time. I kind of wish I would have bought the plain jane bench seat, cloth interior big horn as opposed to the laramie. Especially after reading about leaking sunroofs, leather seats that wear out etc, not sure if all that was worth the extra 6K in the long run.
Rookie
OP,
I don't know what problem people are referring to when they talk about the Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control. I know there was an issue with the manual controls but I have had my truck since May 2nd and have 19,045 miles on it and NO problems with the climate controls at all so I would take that with a grain of salt since, to my knowledge, it's not a common problem everyone is experiencing.
Secondly...um have you heard of the "Lifetime Max Care" warranty? I paid $1675 (I've seen as low as $1575) for a warranty that covers EVERYTHING for LIFE...no mile or year expiration. So you should think about that when purchasing the truck.
Third, I'm not an audiophile to the nth degree but I will tell you I've had aftermarket systems in the past with Nav, bluetooth, the works. The Alpine speakers are GREAT and unless you're trying to win some show/competition, they will be all you'll ever need. The aftermarket nav could use updated maps I will agree with that but the system is very easy to use. I updated the system myself (search the posts) here and you can buy the Lockpick or the Allgig (HIGHLY recommend the Allgig...nowhere near the issues with audio drop outs the Lockpick has experienced) which will unlock the features so you can watch video in motion as well as input nav while in motion. I paid $199 for the Allgig and installed it myself...super easy to do and it's plug and play so if you ever need to take it in for warranty on something with your system for some reason, simply uninstall it and you're good to go. It also comes with a USB cable you can run like I did and simply hook up to your computer and update it whenever necessary.
You will also not get VOICE on aftermarket systems where you can speak commands. Not only that but the bluetooth mic is usually visible on aftermarket systems. I'm not bashing aftermarket systems in anyway as I've had several but the peace of mind of knowing you can have a very nice stock system that is covered for life if you buy the extended warranty is absolutely worth it in my mind.
Jason
I don't know what problem people are referring to when they talk about the Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control. I know there was an issue with the manual controls but I have had my truck since May 2nd and have 19,045 miles on it and NO problems with the climate controls at all so I would take that with a grain of salt since, to my knowledge, it's not a common problem everyone is experiencing.
Secondly...um have you heard of the "Lifetime Max Care" warranty? I paid $1675 (I've seen as low as $1575) for a warranty that covers EVERYTHING for LIFE...no mile or year expiration. So you should think about that when purchasing the truck.
Third, I'm not an audiophile to the nth degree but I will tell you I've had aftermarket systems in the past with Nav, bluetooth, the works. The Alpine speakers are GREAT and unless you're trying to win some show/competition, they will be all you'll ever need. The aftermarket nav could use updated maps I will agree with that but the system is very easy to use. I updated the system myself (search the posts) here and you can buy the Lockpick or the Allgig (HIGHLY recommend the Allgig...nowhere near the issues with audio drop outs the Lockpick has experienced) which will unlock the features so you can watch video in motion as well as input nav while in motion. I paid $199 for the Allgig and installed it myself...super easy to do and it's plug and play so if you ever need to take it in for warranty on something with your system for some reason, simply uninstall it and you're good to go. It also comes with a USB cable you can run like I did and simply hook up to your computer and update it whenever necessary.
You will also not get VOICE on aftermarket systems where you can speak commands. Not only that but the bluetooth mic is usually visible on aftermarket systems. I'm not bashing aftermarket systems in anyway as I've had several but the peace of mind of knowing you can have a very nice stock system that is covered for life if you buy the extended warranty is absolutely worth it in my mind.
Jason
Guys,
Thanks so much for all of the inputs. The point-counterpoint is great because I think very good points have been made on both sides. A big part of me is leaning towards the K.I.S.S. philosophy. But, an equally big part says that just in buying a brand new truck I am splurging so why not spoil myself and get all the bells and whistles and have them covered under warranty. In the end it will probably boil down to just how big of payment I want to have in the end. I've got a couple of Harley's I've got my eye on and I don't want to spend too much of my toy funds on just one toy. Regardless, once again I appreciate the inputs. I'm really liking this community and looking forward to when I can be a true member.
Thanks so much for all of the inputs. The point-counterpoint is great because I think very good points have been made on both sides. A big part of me is leaning towards the K.I.S.S. philosophy. But, an equally big part says that just in buying a brand new truck I am splurging so why not spoil myself and get all the bells and whistles and have them covered under warranty. In the end it will probably boil down to just how big of payment I want to have in the end. I've got a couple of Harley's I've got my eye on and I don't want to spend too much of my toy funds on just one toy. Regardless, once again I appreciate the inputs. I'm really liking this community and looking forward to when I can be a true member.