Hey all,

New to the forum with a 2005 CTD on order.
I was told the power sunroof and heated seats are unavailable at this time. Bummed since I really liked the sunroof. Anyone have info. on what the problems are with these options? Will they be available anytime soon?

 

Not a clue! But Welcome anyhow.
Nat

 

A new power eject seat is being used for 05. However they found the original design for the sun roof was too small to allow safe egress. Therefore it is on hold while there is a minor redesign of the roof and eject timing mechanism.

sorry I don't know, but couldn't resist. Hope you find out.

 

Seriously I really need to know myself, because I am holding back my order until my dealer can bring up and order the sunroof option on the computer. He says that Dodge wants to be sure its right before they start producing them. He also said the power pedals are not coming up either but thats not a big deal to me. The sunroof is though. Ford has been making them with the sunroofs AND power sliding rear windows not to mention the intergrated brake controller. I would go with a Ford but the Dodge is cheaper. Better? dunno but cheaper. in quality? hope not.........

 

yes I would really like the sun roof option myself! I pray this new Dodge will be better!!! I know they all have there problems, maybe a Nov. order will have some of the kinks figured out--(better milage) flash??

 

I am not big on a Sun Roof. My wife's car has one but all it gives me is sunburn. She really loves the heated seats.

I found the heated seats very good for my long back on extended trips.

Love the "James Bond" reference earlier.. No ejection seats for me.

Enjoy you new RAM when you get it... it tows G R E A T.
cheers
f

 

FrankB wrote:
<Enjoy you new RAM when you get it... it tows G R E A T.
cheers>

Well, to be perfectly Frank, Frank; I think what I'm about to say may be sacrilege to some but: I don't plan on towing anything with this truck(at least not for a few years till I get a boat)....

...for those still with me I drive close to 125 miles each day to/from work. My two previous vehicles(toyota truck and Jeep Wrangler) both got up to about 230k before trade-in. I purchased a Neon for cheap transportation but still needed a backup/reliable vehicle for winters (upstate NY). Missed the functionality of a truck so started looking around. Originally was looking at a Hemi but after checking forums etc...realized not for me. Happened to spot a lone Cummins sitting on the lot, took it for a test drive and found the ride for me. Then checked the forums for opinions etc... and I was sold. The thought of a vehicle that can reach 400-600k well maintained miles that can be performance enhanced is what I was after, and Dodge/Cummins is delivering.

I'm really looking forward to the truck. Should be in by late Dec. early Jan.

How long in the ordering process do I have to change options if the heated seats or power roof become available? Is there anywhere online I can check the status of my order?

Thanks!!

 

I am thinking more and more about not going with a Dodge after reading all the posts about 70mph shimmy, bad smell, getrag transmissions, a/c problems, etc...... what is a diehard Dodge guy going to do? If the 05's are as bad as the rest, I may either keep my 90 Dodge Van, or go with a GMC

 

Really, as far as I can tell all the Dodge really has going for it is price. When I priced it with the options I wanted it was cheaper than Ford or GMC. Man am I ever disapointed. Either stick with Dodge and get an inferior product in my price range or wait another coupla years till I can afford a bigger down payment so I can get one of the others.....

Man, I want a new truck!!!

talk about depressing...........

 

I have been looking at the GMC with the Duramax. Nice looking truck, but I cant really find much info about it.... it seems to have all that is needed in a good truck....except a decent inet forum like this!

 

texasredrider,

You have to choose the truck that you like best. With that being said, I drove all three and did a lot of research and I think the Dodge was the best pick for me. You have to remember that you are reading a Dodge forum. Many of the posts will be about problems that people are having. It is not a perfect truck.

I don't have the 70mph vibe. I do have the oil smell at idle (it not too bad to me.)
The Getrag is not being used yet. I really like my NV 6spd. Ball joints? Injectors? I'll find out with more miles but so far my truck is great!

At 100k miles I really think the Dodge will be in better condition than the others.
Only time will tell.

FB

 

If you are keeping the truck for a short time any of the 3 are good if the price is right. I decided on the Dodge cause I want to keep it for a long time, getting too old. To me it's the cheapest to repair with the longest warranty. I know guys that traded their Fords and Chevys after warranty because they couldn't afford to fix them.

I'm happy with the old 4-speed auto. I can replace the tranny with a beefed up one for the cost of one chevy or ford tranny repair. The added technology of the new 5-speeds adds costs. The Cummins may not rev like the Ford or Chevy, but it just keeps running.

Other things I considered, the Dodge has tried and true technology. No fancy suspensions. Open the hood, remove the batteries and you can sit in there. Open a Ford or Chevy, yikes.

To do engine work on a Ford and the body comes off. My previous Ford had its body off more than my wipers:>). You have to change the whole A arm when a ball joint fails. Ford looses 500 master mechanics a year because they restrict their ability to the job right. I originally looked at a Ford. They offered me a rediculous low price for a pristeen truck and didn't care if I bought one..

I have bleed Ford blue most of my life and not been a Dodge fan, but so far I think I made the right choice. These are my opinions and I sure some folks may disagree. Whatever you do the best of luck.

Pete

 

I ordered my truck without even seeing or sitting in one, I found this site and TDR after I ordered. I read all the problems that everyone had with the early 600's and I began to sweat it out. I dont have the best of luck with anything, kinda have this little black cloud that likes to hang around. my order went in on 3/1, truck finally showed itself on 7/18. Thats 4.5 months for delivery! I figured that was going to be the very begining of my problems.
Well, so far I have none! I dont have the rear end wine, no 70mph shimmy, no leaky cab lights, no saggy tailgate light seal, no milage problems( 13 city, 18+ highway with only 1200miles sofar), I have carpet in the rear of the cab, no leaks, no engine ticking, no metal bracket felt under the seat ( and I am 265 lbs) , a/c works fine hot or cool on both sides, no smoke at startup, no blotches in paint, no stone chips(and I live on a 1mi gravel road), It may have to go in for service someday, but I am not going to get all worked up over it. I am a very satisified customer

Ps: I do have the oil smell at idle with the fresh air on but I don't think it is engine oil. I believe it is all the coatings on the exterior of engine components burning off. The exhaust manolfold was cleared in laquer to keep it from rusting and that seems to be going away just as the smell is..

 

Guys, I really appreciate the responses. I didnt mean to hijack this thread. I kinda half expected to get flamed for my basphemy, its just with all the choices out there, I want to make sure I make the right choice. I plan on keeping this truck. It will be my first and last new vehicle I have/will ever owned. If I spend 40 grand on something, I want to be sure I make the right choice! I can relate to that dark cloud over head, mine wont go away either. My 1990 Dodge van was 5 years old when I bought it, and it has been THE best vehicle I ever owned. But, I dont want my brand loyalty to bite me in the rear. Thats why I am open to all brands. From what I can tell, all the mfg's make good trucks, I just have to find what's best for me. I really wish Dodge will help make my decision easier with that darn sunroof!

 

Strange but true update:

I thought I'd go to Dodges website and send an e-mail regarding if there really is a hold on the sunroof/heated seats. Their response was that both options were available! However, I called my dealer and they said their software still shows them as unavailable. I ended up calling Daimler/Chrysler and the guy said that although these items show as available on THEIR system, the DEALERS software would actually have the most updated reports regarding available options.

How dealerships can have more up to date info. than the home office is a bit baffeling, but, there you go. As always, if I hear about changed availability for these options, I'll post here asap.