RAM missing out on parts sales...maybe RAM Cares can influence Corporate?

[El Toro Blanco]

Bought an OEM fuel tank skidplate thru a dealer parts dept to add to my '21 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4. Turns out I also need a cross member for the front mounting...not a big deal. Looking online there's two cross members listed and parts breakdown doesn't specify which is for the transfer case skidplate...came with my Snow Chief pkg...and the fuel tank skiplate...what I am trying to add. Why they would leave out 1 out of 4 skidplates in the pkg is beyond me. Parts guy inquired to the cataloging and specifying department at Mopar. They won't give him much assistance because the vin # of truck shows it was not a factory installed item?! Oh, and the accessories depart does not list an add on kit either. So it seems we are on our own...ordering the pieces we 'think' I need.
My question(s) to RAM Cares is why aren't there:
1. Better descriptions in the parts breakdown...
2. Or better yet, 'parts kits' identified for such circumstances?
3. Service technician instructions to add the various items to a vehicle that did not come equipped?


Low hanging fruit if Mopar would act on any of the above suggestions:
- Skid plates
- Remote Start
- Power running boards
- Bed lighting
- Bumper step
- front winch
- 5th wheel mounts
- front mount tow hitch
- Tow mirrors for a 1500
- Side molding

This is a HUGE profit margin the mfg is potentially missing out on because a lot of owners will simply give up on.

What says RAM Cares?
(Based on previous responses to other posts, I am not expecting much)
What says the RAM Owners?
Feel free to add your $0.02

Cheers.

 

[rw4363]

@RamCares

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Most people go aftermarket for all those things as dealer pricing can be absolutely stupid sometimes

 

[joelp]

these guys raise the price of a new truck 5-6000 bucks in a month or so and people still ilned up with cash in hand and you think they care about much of anything? they give us awful cust serv and many product issues on 50-90k trucks and people still pay. they have no motivation to improve, just to keep making more.

PS- you're not wrong. it's just the wrong time. things will only improve when the market demands it (economic slowdown/crash)

 

[El Toro Blanco]

@ H3LZSN1P3R
Yes, dealer pricing can be rediculous. The upside is you know it will fit...bolt right on with no modification, and will 'plug and play'. Fortunately, some are listing stuff online at cheaper prices...shopping at the fingertips. I'm in MD, but currently getting parts from PA. Even with shipping, they are beating my local dealers price.

Guess I got spoiled by my wife's Toyota Highlander...and her 4Runner before that. Anything the vehicles did not come with (but could have), I can go to the dealer and buy...and get a copy of the same factory instructions provided to a shop technician if it were to be added by a dealership.
Highlander:
- Remote Start
- Side molding
- Bumper gaurds
- Trailer hitch
- Trailer wiring harness

These were not on the vehicle, but I got them included in the sale. Installed all myself. Yes, I had to get the remote start 'flashed' by the dealer...$64. The look on the service writer's face when they asked who installed everything and I told them 'me', was priceless.

With the 4Runner I added factory:
- fog lights
- rear locker
(These included the factory switches in the dash)
- factory flares

I'm a die hard Dodge Boy, but if Toyota offered a 3/4T, I would likely be driving one. Their support is light years ahead.

 

[JHeat2500]

If limiting access to items motivates buyers to order vehicles with them to begin with, then FCA will ultimately make more money through financing those options vs. selling them after the fact. Keep in mind, too, that many options require specific wiring provisions built into the harness. Ram doesn't use a standard wiring harness assembly for all of their trucks; it's very much option specific, so you can't simply "bolt-on" many options. I'm guessing they have a pretty solid team of finance people who are constantly trying to maximize profit while reducing operating costs, and they have determined the traditional model wasn't as profitable.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

 

[El Toro Blanco]

If limiting access to items motivates buyers to order vehicles with them to begin with, then FCA will ultimately make more money through financing those options vs. selling them after the fact. Keep in mind, too, that many options require specific wiring provisions built into the harness. Ram doesn't use a standard wiring harness assembly for all of their trucks; it's very much option specific, so you can't simply "bolt-on" many options. I'm guessing they have a pretty solid team of finance people who are constantly trying to maximize profit while reducing operating costs, and they have determined the traditional model wasn't as profitable.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

Up until recently (since COVID) manufacturers preferred buyers buy off the lot as opposed to special ordering a vehicle...made things easier to spit out 'runs' of what they wanted to. That's why they would periodically 'turn off' the special ordering.
When there's a (new or used) vehicle on the lot...built without a few options a buyer wants, it seems crazy that the mfg wouldn't have provisions in place for said dealer to easily add the items that a buyer wants. At the same time, it would provide an opportunity for owners/ new buyers to purchase the parts and either install themselves...or attempt to, then take it in for the dealer to install if they think it's more than they are capable of. Seems making multiple variations of wire harnesses is not smart. You save a couple cents on connectors and wire...maybe a couple dollars on assembly. Now you have more inventoried items to keep track of...and have limited each vehicle as what can be added... reducing profit on the 'big' items that would be bolted on, be it by the consumer, or more likely by the dealership as part of a sale.

I get it, reduce operating costs...but sometimes it can be hard for someone to see the forest for the trees.

 

[El Toro Blanco]

RAM Cares? Any comments on the subject?

 

[Brutal_HO]

Tag them by using @ and start typing the member name then select, or send them a PM.

Simply bleating "RAM Cares" in a post doesn't notify them.

 

[elephantrider]

buehler..buehler...

 

[TW720HVY]

@El Toro Blanco you bring up some excellent points. I am new to Ram and the truck we just purchased was due to Ford not being able to build our truck that was ordered 7/5! On the Ford order was power running boards, I love the look of them, so the first thing I did was look into adding them. Found a thread that talks about adding them, which requires us to build our own wire harness. I am wanting to build it, but now I am trying to figure out how to get dozens of literal parts and materials from several suppliers to do so! What's the odds I'll get all the parts I need the first time around?! And unfortunately those who actively involved with the project are no longer active in the thread, and right now I have more questions than answers.

I know AMP will be the easiest way to go, but I'd like to not have anything plugged in full time to the OB-II port, and like to mentioned, I rather have MOPAR parts that I know will fit and work without doing additional fabrication to a VERY expensive truck. I reached out to @RamCares to see if they're offering a kit for the HDs, they said no and highly recommended that I do not alter truck from how it was built at the factory. I completely understand why they would say that, however, the 1500 has a MOPAR power running board kit, and yet the HD does not.

Regarding the truck's wire harness, I believe it would be much more cost-effective to build just one wire harness for all HD trucks, verses several different harnesses for several build combinations. We also have a Mini Cooper S, and I've added a component that's not offered on any Minis in the United States, all that was required was a new light switch assemble and reprogramming, and within a few minutes we had rear fog lights, and like your Toyota, other manufacturers are already doing this and doesn't require a reinvention of the wheel.

 

[El Toro Blanco]

@Brutal_HO thanks! This 'long in the tooth' member did not know how that worked.

@elephantrider I laughed right along with you. I LOVE that movie!

@TW720HVY we are mind melded. I also looked into the OEM retractable boards. Ended up with the AMPs. Have been happy with them, but would have ponied up a bit more for OEM boards. I like the fact there is nothing hanging down/ out when going off pavement. Lots of revenue being given up by RAM.

@RamCares is anybody listening? Does anybody care? RAM has made great strides in making a lot of things 'factory available' that used to be aftermarket only items...but are seriously missing the boat on not making these items easily obtainable to retrofit onto vehicles that did not originally come with the items.

 

[jadmt]

asking ramcares about the way RAM (Mopar) sells parts is akin to asking the Walmart greeter to change the way walmart sets up their oil display....Ramcares is a liaison between a ram service department and customer with a warranty issue.

 

[El Toro Blanco]

asking ramcares about the way RAM (Mopar) sells parts is akin to asking the Walmart greeter to change the way walmart sets up their oil display....Ramcares is a liaison between a ram service department and customer with a warranty issue.

Got it. Thanks @jadmt Yet another way RAM is missing an opportunity to improve their customer service...by not having a pulse on what their customer base is saying/ dealing with, when it comes to their product.

Reminds me of when we bought my wife's Platinum Limited Highlander...we wanted rubber floor mats. Salesman says they had had a lot of requests for rubber mats, but corporate was pushing carpeted...said they gave a more 'high end, luxury look'. I told him he should suggest 'corporate' try keeping carpeted mats clean. Agreeing with me, he wondered if I could be allowed to sit in on a regional meeting. Haha! Told him he could quote me, and they could call to verify if they wanted. He said they continued selling rubber mats at a 5 to 1 ratio over carpeted.

 

[RamCares]

@El Toro Blanco you bring up some excellent points. I am new to Ram and the truck we just purchased was due to Ford not being able to build our truck that was ordered 7/5! On the Ford order was power running boards, I love the look of them, so the first thing I did was look into adding them. Found a thread that talks about adding them, which requires us to build our own wire harness. I am wanting to build it, but now I am trying to figure out how to get dozens of literal parts and materials from several suppliers to do so! What's the odds I'll get all the parts I need the first time around?! And unfortunately those who actively involved with the project are no longer active in the thread, and right now I have more questions than answers.

I know AMP will be the easiest way to go, but I'd like to not have anything plugged in full time to the OB-II port, and like to mentioned, I rather have MOPAR parts that I know will fit and work without doing additional fabrication to a VERY expensive truck. I reached out to @RamCares to see if they're offering a kit for the HDs, they said no and highly recommended that I do not alter truck from how it was built at the factory. I completely understand why they would say that, however, the 1500 has a MOPAR power running board kit, and yet the HD does not.

Regarding the truck's wire harness, I believe it would be much more cost-effective to build just one wire harness for all HD trucks, verses several different harnesses for several build combinations. We also have a Mini Cooper S, and I've added a component that's not offered on any Minis in the United States, all that was required was a new light switch assemble and reprogramming, and within a few minutes we had rear fog lights, and like your Toyota, other manufacturers are already doing this and doesn't require a reinvention of the wheel.

@Brutal_HO thanks! This 'long in the tooth' member did not know how that worked.

@elephantrider I laughed right along with you. I LOVE that movie!

@TW720HVY we are mind melded. I also looked into the OEM retractable boards. Ended up with the AMPs. Have been happy with them, but would have ponied up a bit more for OEM boards. I like the fact there is nothing hanging down/ out when going off pavement. Lots of revenue being given up by RAM.

@RamCares is anybody listening? Does anybody care? RAM has made great strides in making a lot of things 'factory available' that used to be aftermarket only items...but are seriously missing the boat on not making these items easily obtainable to retrofit onto vehicles that did not originally come with the items.

Greetings @El Toro Blanco and @TW720HVY ,
We enjoy reading your ideas and do document your feedback accordingly. The forum members are a great resource to learn and understand what Ram owners value. Please always feel comfortable expressing your thoughts via PM.
Thank you for tagging us!

Rob
Ram Cares

 

[dynocompe]

Bought an OEM fuel tank skidplate thru a dealer parts dept to add to my '21 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4. Turns out I also need a cross member for the front mounting...not a big deal. Looking online there's two cross members listed and parts breakdown doesn't specify which is for the transfer case skidplate...came with my Snow Chief pkg...and the fuel tank skiplate...what I am trying to add. Why they would leave out 1 out of 4 skidplates in the pkg is beyond me. Parts guy inquired to the cataloging and specifying department at Mopar. They won't give him much assistance because the vin # of truck shows it was not a factory installed item?! Oh, and the accessories depart does not list an add on kit either. So it seems we are on our own...ordering the pieces we 'think' I need.
My question(s) to RAM Cares is why aren't there:
1. Better descriptions in the parts breakdown...
2. Or better yet, 'parts kits' identified for such circumstances?
3. Service technician instructions to add the various items to a vehicle that did not come equipped?


Low hanging fruit if Mopar would act on any of the above suggestions:
- Skid plates
- Remote Start
- Power running boards
- Bed lighting
- Bumper step
- front winch
- 5th wheel mounts
- front mount tow hitch
- Tow mirrors for a 1500
- Side molding

This is a HUGE profit margin the mfg is potentially missing out on because a lot of owners will simply give up on.

What says RAM Cares?
(Based on previous responses to other posts, I am not expecting much)
What says the RAM Owners?
Feel free to add your $0.02

Cheers.

i found the easiest way to order parts for your vehicle that wasnt included from factory is using a VIN number that had these parts from factory, say a truck on their lot if possible. In other years where the lots were full this was easier to do granted.

 

[El Toro Blanco]

i found the easiest way to order parts for your vehicle that wasnt included from factory is using a VIN number that had these parts from factory, say a truck on their lot if possible. In other years where the lots were full this was easier to do granted.

@dynocompe While I appreciate your input, I'm not sure how that helps when trying to determine a parts list needed to install a component?

Examples:
- I can find a parts breakdown showing the P/N for the fuel tank skid plate...even what looks like the bolts to attach it. But that breakdown is not specific (lists two) on what cross member to use. There appears to be no installation instructions either.
- I can find a parts breakdown showing the P/N for the retractable running boards, but nothing else showing wiring requirements, installation instructions, or computer flashing requirements to integrate them into the pickups' electronics, etc.

I'm sure it would be the same if someone wanted to add remote start, bed lights, 5th wheel mounts, or a winch on a 2500/ 3500.

From my personal experience, other manufacturers (i.e. Toyota) offer 'kits' that like an aftermarket item, can be purchased with everything needed, , then added to a vehicle...be it by the owner or a dealer. Since it's from the mfg, you know it has been test fitted to go right together.
@RamCares Am I making sense? Or does RAM (Stellantis) not see it this way?

 

[dynocompe]

"They won't give him much assistance because the vin # of truck shows it was not a factory installed item?"
My reply was refering to this statement. Comparing both vins should indicate which parts you need. This definitely isnt a Ram problem alone, this is very common among different manufacturers in my experiences. 90% of the accessories you listed are made to be built with the truck, not add ons i think is the issue, thats why they dont have the info to add them afterwards. YOu think they should be, but these manufactures obviously disagree. They do carry many accessories that will have installation instructions that are made to be added to the truck after the fact. You order the trailer camera for the HD from factory for instance when the truck is being built, its only $400, you buy the camera after the truck is built and its going to cost you double just for the part. These add ons are not marketed for after sale in anyway that is why they dont tell you how to install the or what is needed..
Its like saying how come a 2wd drive truck doesnt show on the computer how I can turn it into a 4x4, no installation instructions or anything. If you want 4x4, you gotta order it from factory. Could you add it afterwards? Yes , but you are not going to get help from the manufacture.

 

[El Toro Blanco]

@dynocompe I realize 2WD to 4WD is unreasonable...kinda like buying a Tradesman and then trying to add all items to make it a Limited...but for someone buying a vehicle off the lot vice special ordering may want a specific item or two that are 'available', just not on the vehicles ready for sale. Why wouldn't these items be available to be added in order to seal the deal? Or for the owner who is happy with their special order, but after taking delivery decides they would like to add something after the fact? Happens all the time. From a business standpoint, I see turned up noses at money that could be made, as well as return customers, happy with a brand's customer support.

 

[dynocompe]

@dynocompe I realize 2WD to 4WD is unreasonable...kinda like buying a Tradesman and then trying to add all items to make it a Limited...but for someone buying a vehicle off the lot vice special ordering may want a specific item or two that are 'available', just not on the vehicles ready for sale. Why wouldn't these items be available to be added in order to seal the deal? Or for the owner who is happy with their special order, but after taking delivery decides they would like to add something after the fact? Happens all the time. From a business standpoint, I see turned up noses at money that could be made, as well as return customers, happy with a brand's customer support.

you just said kinda like buying a tradesman then trying to make it a limited. What you are doing is essentially that, but instead of adding all the options, you're picking and choosing which options are reasonable for you. There is no difference, hence why they have no instructions for installation because they are not meant to be added afterwards through dealerships You are asking why this isnt done,well that is why. They are not typically bought to be added after factory production unfortunately. Not trying to start a fight, just giving an explaination! Mopar has a full catalogue of accessories to add to your ride after purchased from the dealer! Most will come with installation instructions, or be able to be dealer installed.