Head rest / restraint comfort. Fixes? Replacement options?

[1651Naismith]

Test drove a 2021 2500 Laramie yesterday. I was really pleased with it until about 15-20 mins in when I really started to relax into the truck. At that point, I could feel my neck and upper back tightening up and I realized how much the head restraint was pushing my head down. I pulled over and spent about 5 mins trying different settings but just couldn’t get comfortable. I test drove a limited right after and it may have been just a bit better, but still not comfortable.

I did some research and apparently this forward lean on the head restraint is due to federal safety reg on whiplash. however, it’s uncomfortable as hell. Fixes mentioned online include turning the head restraint around (not very safe), bending the shafts to a better angle (not ideal either), or swapping the front and rear head restrain.

Has anyone located an aftermarket replacement or other safe solution? I’m coming from a 2008 2500 (seat is great) and realize the regs kicked in after that. However, my 2016 charger hellcat seat and head restraint is awesome! Just frustrated as I was ready to negotiate price before this issue came up..

 

[Broccoli2]

You think Ram is bad I have a new body style Jeep JL and that thing is horribly

 

[Xflight29]

I appsalutly love mine . I have the Longhorn and love all the different adjustments it has.

 

[1651Naismith]

You think Ram is bad I have a new body style Jeep JL and that thing is horribly

Are you planning to do anything about it?

 

[Trooper]

You can adjust them though pull forward, they will spring back to fully vertical... at least mine do on my Laramie. I find them ideal and vert comfortable. of course much of this depends on your height and build I guess? I am 5"8' so not the tallest person around

 

[1651Naismith]

Yeah, I did the pull forward and then snap back to get it as far back as I could. Tried moving it lowest to highest settings. Fells like I just need another inch farther back. Fwiw, I’m 6’1”.

 

[Broccoli2]

Are you planning to do anything about it?

Nope, I'm getting used to it. And I'm 6'1" too. I agree that the Ram all the way back are fine for me. The jeep is not adjustable except up and down.

 

[LateToTheParty]

I recall reading another thread a while back about the same thing. I don't know if anyone ever came up with a solution that worked for them, but it may be worth a little hunting for that other thread.

Personally, I think the Laramie seats are great coming from the split bench in my 2016 Tradesman. But I'm 6'4" and have my seat laid back pretty far, so that could be part of why the headrest has never been an issue.

 

[1651Naismith]

I recall reading another thread a while back about the same thing. I don't know if anyone ever came up with a solution that worked for them, but it may be worth a little hunting for that other thread.

Personally, I think the Laramie seats are great coming from the split bench in my 2016 Tradesman. But I'm 6'4" and have my seat laid back pretty far, so that could be part of why the headrest has never been an issue.

Yeah, I think if you have the seat laid back far enough it won‘t be an issue.

I may take my charger hellcat to the local dealer and see if those head rests fit the 2500. The charger doesn’t have the tilting mechanism and the color / leather could be a close match. If so, I’ve found those head rests online.

 

[dragrcr]

Test drove a 2021 2500 Laramie yesterday. I was really pleased with it until about 15-20 mins in when I really started to relax into the truck. At that point, I could feel my neck and upper back tightening up and I realized how much the head restraint was pushing my head down. I pulled over and spent about 5 mins trying different settings but just couldn’t get comfortable. I test drove a limited right after and it may have been just a bit better, but still not comfortable.

I did some research and apparently this forward lean on the head restraint is due to federal safety reg on whiplash. however, it’s uncomfortable as hell. Fixes mentioned online include turning the head restraint around (not very safe), bending the shafts to a better angle (not ideal either), or swapping the front and rear head restrain.

Has anyone located an aftermarket replacement or other safe solution? I’m coming from a 2008 2500 (seat is great) and realize the regs kicked in after that. However, my 2016 charger hellcat seat and head restraint is awesome! Just frustrated as I was ready to negotiate price before this issue came up..

I usually buy lower line trucks. So I am stuck with non adjustable head rests. To make matters worse I like my seat more upright. So the headrests will make my neck so sore. About 3 trucks ago (I have another on order) I took the head rests out and bent the risers. They were extremely hard to bend. That is some strong material right there. So I have been keeping them. The first ram 1500 I sold the truck without them. Now I install them in my new Truck and take them out when I sell..........