Picked up my new '05 3500 Ram w/ the 600 diesel 4X4. Compared to my '01, does this thing ever ride nice!!!!!

But the driver's seat is sooooooo small!!!! In my opinion, it's just the right size for a person who's 5' 5" with a 28" waist which is about 15% (or less!!) of the buyer's!!! My butt/thighs are riding on the bolsters! Makes me feel like I'm sitting on a "milk crate" and my cheeks are hanging over!!!

Just what was Dodge thinking????

Is it just me or do others feel the same way?

 

Yeah I was just thinking that this morning. We have a couple of F250's at work and I always hated riding in them because their seats are that way. I was always shifting left or right. The Ram's not near as bad but I hear ya.

 

Did they change them from the 03-04 seats?

 

I totally agree and have posted before about the poor seats. It's the only major fault I have with this truck. They are too small, and on my 04 I sit right on top of the metal rail under what little padding there is.

I was all set to take mine to have an upholster modify them when someone hit me from behind and now it's been in the shop for a month. Anyway, the upholster I spoke with said he should be able to improve the seat, about $65 per seat. Not too bad.

Other people have posted that they have problems with the lumbar support. But my complaint is those metal rails under the seat cushon.

 

Buddy at work is looking at new one tons and biggest complaint is the seats . Ford has one up on Dodge with the seats and mirrors I think .

 

EIther they made a change for 2005 or it must be a genuine case of "if the shoe fits . . ." with these seats. I think these are the most comfortable seats I've had in a long time (including the seemingly infinitely adjustable sport seats in my wife's BMW 330cic). I get less fatigue in long drives than I did with my Ford PSD. As for the width, no problem for me and I hate to admit that I have a pretty good sized keester.

Neil

 

I think there may be some kind of difference between the seat construction in the SLT vs. the Laramie. Maybe the layers underneath the fabric vs. the layers underneath the leather? Maybe more paddding with seat heaters? I don't have any complaints with the comfort of my (heated) Laramie seats, and I'm 6'-2" 270 lbs.

 

Ya, I have the laramie as you could see from my sig, and they are heated. It seems that the "heavier" crowd doesn't have as much problem because they have their "own padding". But I really don't care to hear from those who think these seats are comfy.

 

I drove my 01.5 2500 4x4 quadcab CTD SLT Plus 165 miles to the dealer when I traded it in. It had the top of the line leather as does my current truck. The 01.5 seats were in my opinion much more comfortable. It was very easy to tell with the back to back 165 mile drives. The seat bottom was longer on the 01.5 and seemed to support your legs better. The 03 is not bad but I consider it a step back compared to the Gen II. Perhaps this was the work of the dreaded DC bean counter again.

 

Jack Thorpe,

No they aren't any different from the '03/04 and the '06 I road in, isn't any different either although that could change by launch of '06.

Jonesey,

You're exactly right; the Gen III is a Big step backwards!!

My truck is a Laramie and it's too short and it's too small on the bottom!!!

v12xke & Beavermike,

I wasn't referring to the "euro" type of seating (which is the use of a firmer foam) that DCX is using across the board, it's just the size. After reading both of your replies I started thinking about the difference between the Laramie and the SLT and I got even more PO'd. Paying more money for these P.O.S. seats GRRRRRR!

Sorry, I'm done now.

 

Okay, I am 5'9" and around 170. These seats are way too short front to rear.

The analogy to the milk carton is right on! The leather seats in my 1999 were great....

Beavermike - what is your upholsterer going to do? I would be curious, and may investigate finding someone who might be able to help me out locally. Thanks!

Matt

 

Kahuner,

In your original post, you asked
Later, you say
If that's really your preference, then please rephrase your question next time. As I read it, "others" includes all of us.



Neil

 

Nope, that was me that said it. Just kidding around about the comment thing.
But not about the seats-they are too small and I sit on metal. But do keep your pants on.

To gsdog1, the upholster I spoke with was going to build them up from the bottom using a good quality foam. I never got around to doing it because the truck was hit and is still at the repair shop. I was really really hoping to hear some good news that dodge designed a new seat for the 05--but according to Kahuner that hasn't happened. Doesn't sound like there is anything new on the 05. How disappointing.

 

gsdog1;

Thank you! I just can't imagine ANY design criteria that would lead to a seat design such as the one's in the Gen III Laramie!!! This crap may be in "vogue" when it comes to a Bm'er, but it doesn't cut-it in a truck!!! In "German speak" it'd be "dumbkauff"! (chuckling!!!) Nuff said.

As I think about this; a truck only boils down to a couple of things: (1.) towing capability, (2.) engine/trans durabiulity (3.) interior comfort and lastly (4.) styling.

I as a "buyer" look for the best out of 4. My new truck rides sooooo nice, the engine is "best in class" but the other 2 categories in the '05 are at the opposite end of the scale!! And what really sends me is that for $50 or less in cost, they could've corrected the seat issue.

 

I couldn't resist this because it sounds like a no-brainer to me..Why would anyone put up with an uncomfortable seat when it’s so easy for a knowledgeable upholsterer to fix? I still have my ‘85 and it came with a vinyl bench that was hard to take even getting in and out of. So I removed the seat and delivered it to him. Four days later I reinstalled it and still love it. Even if it means doing without the truck for a week, it will pay for itself the first day, believe me.
Nat