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Ordered my Banks Pedal Monster today. What to expect?

It’s the torque management that is causing what you call dead petal..
 
I have been using the Banks PedalMonster with my 2019 3500 HO for the last 13,000 miles. I ordered one the day they became available for this truck.

As others have said, the PedalMonster just changes the pedal mapping (position and velocity). When you push the pedal, it acts like a man-in-the-middle and remaps the actual pedal position and velocity. It tricks the truck into thinking you pushed the pedal farther or faster, depending on the settings in the PedalMonster.

While this not the same as an engine tune, the net effect is that the truck feels much more responsive. If I think "go," the truck goes. I don't have to put extra muscular effort into "go" which tricks my brain into thinking the truck is faster when in reality it would behave the same if I just pushed the pedal farther and faster.

I like that it doesn't change any of the engine parameters because it has much less chance of voiding a warranty. It leaves no trace when uninstalled.

Yes, it is a just a throttle trick, but it makes me giggle every time I barely push the pedal and the truck takes off, so the money was well spent. I understand that quickly accelerating will wear out the engine, transmission, etc. more quickly than stock, and I accept that.

My main complaints are:

1. Sometimes it "forgets" that I have a Ram 6.7L engine configured, so I lose the transmission gear value which is one I monitor on the screen. Changing the engine setting fixes it. I have reported this to Banks, but they haven't reproduced the problem. It has happened 3 times in the last year.
2. Twice, the PedalMonster has silently stopped remapping the throttle position. I can tell when it happens because I have to push the pedal harder. Both times, the fix was to unplug the PedalMonster from the OBD-II port as restarting the truck didn't reboot the device. I don't consider this a safety issue because the device just reverted to factory throttle mapping which is what Banks claims is one of the distinguishing features of their product compared to competitors.
3. It is very expensive because you have to also buy a Banks iDash. I ended up really liking my Banks iDash, so I feel like I got my money's worth, but if you don't care about the iDash then you won't be happy with the price. Banks now sells a standalone PedalMonster that doesn't require the iDash.
 
Last edited:
thestuarts said:
I have been using the Banks PedalMonster with my 2019 3500 HO for the last 13,000 miles. I ordered one the day they became available for this truck.

As others have said, the PedalMonster just changes the pedal mapping (position and velocity). When you push the pedal, it acts like a man-in-the-middle and remaps the actual pedal position and velocity. It tricks the truck into thinking you pushed the pedal farther or faster, depending on the settings in the PedalMonster.

While this not the same as an engine tune, the net effect is that the truck feels much more responsive. If I think "go," the truck goes. I don't have to put extra muscular effort into "go" which tricks my brain into thinking the truck is faster when in reality it would behave the same if I just pushed the pedal farther and faster.

I like that it doesn't change any of the engine parameters because it has much less chance of voiding a warranty. It leaves no trace when uninstalled.

Yes, it is a just a throttle trick, but it makes me giggle every time I barely push the pedal and the truck takes off, so the money was well spent. I understand that quickly accelerating will wear out the engine, transmission, etc. more quickly than stock, and I accept that.

My main complaints are:

1. Sometimes it "forgets" that I have a Ram 6.7L engine configured, so I lose the transmission gear value which is one I monitor on the screen. Changing the engine setting fixes it. I have reported this to Banks, but they haven't reproduced the problem. It has happened 3 times in the last year.
2. Twice, the PedalMonster has silently stopped remapping the throttle position. I can tell when it happens because I have to push the pedal harder. Both times, the fix was to unplug the PedalMonster from the OBD-II port as restarting the truck didn't reboot the device. I don't consider this a safety issue because the device just reverted to factory throttle mapping which is what Banks claims is one of the distinguishing features of their product compared to competitors.
3. It is very expensive because you have to also buy a Banks iDash. I ended up really liking my Banks iDash, so I feel like I got my money's worth, but if you don't care about the iDash then you won't be happy with the price.
Click to expand...

I take it the iDash is required to make adjustments?
 
Brutal_HO said:
I take it the iDash is required to make adjustments?
Click to expand...

As far as I know, the iDash is used for the following with the PedalMonster:
1. Update the firmware in the PedalMonster.
2. Turn off the PedalMonster when you go into reverse.
3. Log PedalMonster telemetry if you have the iDash DataMonster variant.
4. Actually performs the man-in-the-middle attack on the CAN bus depending on the sensor in the PedalMonster.

To make changes to pedal responsiveness, you use a well-written mobile app. The UI shows the actual throttle position beside to the Banks spoofed throttle position.

There are 4 possible major settings: Stock, City, Sport, Track

Within each major setting, you can make a smaller adjustment from 1 to 10. So, technically, there are 40 possible combinations, although I really only use Sport/10 when not towing, and City/10 when towing.

City
This setting introduces a little artificial pedal lag at low speed to make stop/go traffic more smooth, but the throttle is more responsive once you get up to speed. I like this setting when towing so I can ease off the line without jerking the trailer and straining the transmission. Banks marketing material states, "Gives a more responsive feeling while retaining a smooth driving experience. Power is focused more on the higher range to prevent unintentional quick acceleration around town, ideal for city driving."

Sport
The is perfect for everyday driving, IMO. The truck is very responsive, but I don't feel like the engine or transmission are being overtaxed. Banks marketing material states, "Gives your vehicle a sportier feel with a focus on the mid- to high-level throttle. More power is delivered in the mid-range ideal for when you want more get-up-and-go."

Track
I only used this setting once for test, and it was too much for me. It feels like you floored the pedal when you barely touch the pedal. Banks marketing material states, "10 levels of increased sensitivity in the lower pedal travel range with boosted resolution in the upper travel range for finer control on the track. More power is delivered sooner making it ideal for performance and track use."

For supported engines like the 6.7L Cummins, the iDash can monitor the transmission gear, so it can turn off all throttle remapping when you are in reverse. They call this "reverse safety" which is one of the other features that Banks uses to differentiate the PedalMonster from similar products.

Screenshot_20210225-154928_PedalMonster.jpg
 
thestuarts said:
I just looked at the Banks web site. It looks like they now sell a standalone PedalMonster that works with the Ram 3500. You aren't required to buy the iDash if you don't want those features.

PedalMonster [64310] for many Cadillac, Chevy/GMC, Chrysler, Dodge/Ram, Ford, Jeep, Lincoln, Mazda

#1 Throttle Booster. Patented safety features. Bluetooth mobile app controlled. OBD-II connected. Improve pedal response for Chevy, GMC, Dodge, RAM, Jeep, Ford.
www.bankspower.com www.bankspower.com
Click to expand...
My petal monster is a stand-alone..you download the app and us your phone to change the settings
 
My 2020 / 3500 Mega Cab HO has never had any sort of bad pedal management issue what so ever. I give it fuel and it goes and pulls like it should.
 
Xflight29 said:
My 2020 / 3500 Mega Cab HO has never had any sort of bad pedal management issue what so ever. I give it fuel and it goes and pulls like it should.
Click to expand...
I am just guessing they dont like to smash the skinny pedal or are to short to stick it to the floor.... if i want it to go i just mash the pedal and it goes... if i want to eliminate the tq delay from tq managment i just use the gear limiter to 5 and get all the power right away then back to 6th gear once the needle gets close to the ketchup (redline) or at the upper limits of that gear....
 
H3LZSN1P3R said:
I am just guessing they dont like to smash the skinny pedal or are to short to stick it to the floor.... if i want it to go i just mash the pedal and it goes... if i want to eliminate the tq delay from tq managment i just use the gear limiter to 5 and get all the power right away then back to 6th gear once the needle gets close to the ketchup (redline) or at the upper limits of that gear....
Click to expand...
No, coming from a 2500 with a 6.4 that thing when you would push the pedal it went no matter what. I would floor it and it would go right now. I just traded that in for a 2020 3500 HO and if you don't roll into the throttle it does not want to go. If you pull out into traffic and floor it you can count to 2 or 3 before the truck really takes off. That's not even taking into account what people were talking about where you get in and out of the pedal quick and then get back into it. It will stumble and fall on its face for what seems like forever then. So no it is people are "afraid to press the pedal"
 
loveracing1988 said:
No, coming from a 2500 with a 6.4 that thing when you would push the pedal it went no matter what. I would floor it and it would go right now. I just traded that in for a 2020 3500 HO and if you don't roll into the throttle it does not want to go. If you pull out into traffic and floor it you can count to 2 or 3 before the truck really takes off. That's not even taking into account what people were talking about where you get in and out of the pedal quick and then get back into it. It will stumble and fall on its face for what seems like forever then. So no it is people are "afraid to press the pedal"
Click to expand...
Something has to be wrong with your truck as mine, a 3500 HO when you step on the pedal it goes just as my 16/ 3500 did.
 
loveracing1988 said:
No, coming from a 2500 with a 6.4 that thing when you would push the pedal it went no matter what. I would floor it and it would go right now. I just traded that in for a 2020 3500 HO and if you don't roll into the throttle it does not want to go. If you pull out into traffic and floor it you can count to 2 or 3 before the truck really takes off. That's not even taking into account what people were talking about where you get in and out of the pedal quick and then get back into it. It will stumble and fall on its face for what seems like forever then. So no it is people are "afraid to press the pedal"
Click to expand...
You cant compare gas and diesel throttle response and thats torque management.... i have the SO cummins but i have driven a few HO cummins with no issue of what your describing but i keep on the pedal no on and off
 
H3LZSN1P3R said:
You cant compare gas and diesel throttle response and thats torque management.... i have the SO cummins but i have driven a few HO cummins with no issue of what your describing but i keep on the pedal no on and off
Click to expand...
Accurate.
 
Thorvald said:
Sorry Mike, want to make sure I understand. So even with the Pedal Commander, it still has a lag when accelerating while under power? (i.e. Passing?). However it is great from a standing start?
Click to expand...
Yes
 
I have experienced the dead pedal once in my 3500 HO - unloaded - when I was trying to change lanes....let off the pedal slightly to look then when I went to move in the lane the pedal seemed go down but no pick up in speed....it does make you a little nervous for a split second.

After the AUX Fuel tank this will probably be my next purchase.
 
sstoner911 said:
I have experienced the dead pedal once in my 3500 HO - unloaded - when I was trying to change lanes....let off the pedal slightly to look then when I went to move in the lane the pedal seemed go down but no pick up in speed....it does make you a little nervous for a split second.

After the AUX Fuel tank this will probably be my next purchase.
Click to expand...
Yeah, in today’s age when computers are considered to be fast and up your productivity, makes me wonder why this is even an issue but it is.
 
I have yet to experience this and based on what has been said I've tried to replicate it. It responds exactly as it should when I hit the pedal.
 
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