I heard someone claim they know what is/is not going to be on the 04. This is what I heard. Has anyone else been able to confirm.<br><br>Auto Tranny will not be approved for exhaust brake<br><br>GPS unit<br><br>The 2500 and 3500 have different running gear in addition to the overload spring.

 

Must be some cool stuff coming out for 2004. They are shipping from Mexico in 10 days and no-one has much info at all. Every dealer i talk to just has interest in selling me a 2003. Will be interesting what news comes out in the next month.

 

There is a new audio system option that includes a GPS.<br><br>The running gears are no different for the SRWs. you might find, however (and I don't know the answer to this) that the situation is different with the dualies.<br><br>the rear springs on the 3500 are different in that they have a reduced spring rate AND the addition of a stiffer auxiliary spring. thus, the 3500 unloaded ride should be better than the 2500 but I haven't known anyone to validate that.<br><br>what makes me nervous about manufacturing an automobile with a GPS is that the technology is still evolving. you don't know what maps can be dowloaded, if any, and all of that. I think I'd rather have a portable one. 3 years is an extraordinarily long time in the electronics world, but not for a $40K truck, and in 3 years you might want to take advantage of some new GPS technology or product.

 

If the GPS is tied to the audio system it can be updated via CD. It's just like the car navigation systems that are available from some of the auto manufacturers.<br><br>MikeyB

 

thats a good point -- and lots of maps available via CD. I wonder if its compatible with Garmin and if it can communicate with a laptop computer. one thing I like about the portable Garmin is that you can download maps directly from the computer. I guess with the audio-based system you'd have to burn a CD first and then upload.

 

Is this what us MEN are coming to so we don't have to stop and ask directions?? Boy those women were sure right about us : I never leave Ohio or Kentucky I always thought GPS was Good Pinch of Snuff ;D<br>DM01<br>

 

heh heh heh. I'm interested in GPS for offroad trails where you combine trail maps with GPS coordinates. for highway use, a GPS is (to me) just a fun toy (speed elevation, etc.) ;D.

 

GPS was on option on my '03, if I wanted; I chose not to, because the screen was too small.<br><br>They usually use a DVD disk, not a cdrom, so the map of all of the US can fit, sometimes together with Canada &amp;/or Mexico.<br><br>I have a small Garmin ColorPilot on the dash; it's ok, except for the screen size &amp; the lack of memory - it doesn't use either cd or dvd for the high-detail streets in a local area.<br><br>I've also got a Windows program on cdrom that runs on my laptop &amp; can connect to a GPS receiver thru the serial port. It is FANTASTIC! A little tough to use while I'm driving, tho...<br><br>I've got my eye on a Kenwood with a 7&quot; display - I should be able to see that!<br><br>Also, I LOVE my 2003 HO 3500 (I love it's ride quality, too...)<br><br>Rene

 

So Gadgets, you have a Delorme setup? I use a Delorme GPS setup for a notebook. You're right about the CD, it's a DVD player, not a CD-ROM. 4.7GB vs. 650MB.<br><br>MikeyB

 

[quote author=MikeyB link=board=17;threadid=17396;start=0#163974 date=1059135624]<br>So Gadgets, you have a Delorme setup? I use a Delorme GPS setup for a notebook. You're right about the CD, it's a DVD player, not a CD-ROM. 4.7GB vs. 650MB.<br><br>MikeyB<br>[/quote]<br><br>Yep; Street Atlas 2003 for the laptop/desktop - a previously purchased Earthmate GPS antenna from them; they have since shrunk the antenna down to tiny size, &amp; enabled it to use the usb port, drawing power from there. <br><br>The unit I have requires a bunch of AA batteries that don't last very long...Oh well, progress marches on.<br><br>Very good setup, tho - If you have a co-pilot who can play on the laptop, this is great for directions or for finding spots along the way.<br><br>My only gripe with this version is the 'points of interest' don't actually show up until the magnification is up around 12 or so...It used to be that you could set the mag at which you wanted them to display - much more user-friendly, imho.<br><br>Rene

 

I'm very impressed with the Roadwarrior Street Atlas. I can't believe that it actually shows some of the trails on my deer lease! I also have their topo program.<br><br>MikeyB

 

The auto tranny was never rated for an exhaust brake. The t/c is not strong enough to hold the psi that a exhaust brake puts on it. <br><br>The GPS would be super cool. Makes me want to trade mine in, does the 04 have the EGR system? or is that 05?

 

I've heard they say that the new 04 will be exhaust brake compatible, will have different hp and torque ratings, and have a different turbo. They said first model 04s will have the 'equipment' but wont be able until the software upgrade in January. I wonder if that means first 04's will have egr too and it all gets 'turned on' on january?

 

Unless I'm mistaken, the GPS Unit is just the Mopar GPS unit that is available to be installed now from any dealer, it's just installed at the factory.