2019-2025 Major Differences

[Back of me hand]

I have to ask, why is the 4th Gen cab so crappy? I have more than enough room in my 2019 Cab & Chassis + my 2020 Mega Cab. How much room does someone need to drive or be a passenger? Both Ram and Chevy are so close in shoulder and head room + leg room I just don't get the concern. Again, just my opinion.

The problem is not the mega cab but the crew cab. It has much less leg room than the mega cab, the crew cab on the 1500’s, and much less compared to competitors’ crew cabs. Additionally, and potentially the worst thing, is that the middle seat is not a full seat. You can’t put a car seat there and no adult is comfortable riding in that seat on a longer trip.

Not to mention the crew cab doesn’t have a flat floor.

I regularly take long trips with three adults and my two kids who are still in car seats. The mega cab allows me to put the two car seats next to each other allowing the third adult to sit by the door and not climb over car seats and legs to get in/out.

By being required to get the mega cab, I am stuck with the small bed when I would much rather have (and need) the 8 foot bed.

 

[jsalbre]

Yes, coding. You may not have to know how to code, but that's exactly what you're changing.

That said, it is not "point and click." You still have to know the abbreviations and where to find them. In my thread about disabling RSRA, Jimmy07 was kind enough to try to help, and posted this. What the heck are FOA or CSO? You're not going to just pick up an alphaobd, scroll through a menu and find something that says RSRA to simply flip a switch. Jscan is pretty much worded that straight forward, which is why I bought it instead.
View attachment 81076
Again, if I had an alphobd when he gave me this info I may have tried it. I don't know though, I'd be very worried about adding/removing things to the computer, especially when it's not clearly labeled. The only thing I've done with the Jscan is adjust the TPMS threshold and tire size. Not adding anything, or removing anything. Simply adjusting the value of something that is already there, AND it's spelled out in plain language what you're doing. Obviously it's not as capable as alphaobd, but it does seem to be a bit more dummy proof (ie, me).

FOA is Forgotten Occupant Alert, CSO is Customer Set Option.

JScan renames things to what the program author thinks they should be. AlfaOBD uses the same terminology as the OEM.

 

[Shots]

I have to ask, why is the 4th Gen cab so crappy? I have more than enough room in my 2019 Cab & Chassis + my 2020 Mega Cab. How much room does someone need to drive or be a passenger? Both Ram and Chevy are so close in shoulder and head room + leg room I just don't get the concern. Again, just my opinion.

Yeah, when it comes to 1" or less, it doesn't seem like much of a difference. However, I certainly understand where a little bit can matter. For example, I really enjoy driving my Jeep (2 door) most of the year. In the winter, when I'm wearing multiple layers and/or a heavy coat, I just crowded in it. I guess each person is different and a little here/there makes a difference to some. Although I wouldn't call it "crappy" either.

FOA is Forgotten Occupant Alert, CSO is Customer Set Option.

JScan renames things to what the program author thinks they should be. AlfaOBD uses the same terminology as the OEM.

I kinda figured alphaobd was using OEM terms. Much like the military, car manufacturers are good for using acronyms for everything. Some can be easier to guess/decipher than others. For example ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) versus ECWCS (Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System). So using plain language (Jscan) can be a little more user friendly if you don't knw what all the acronyms mean.
Thanks for the info, those two make sense now.

 

[skidoorulz]

I have to ask, why is the 4th Gen cab so crappy? I have more than enough room in my 2019 Cab & Chassis + my 2020 Mega Cab. How much room does someone need to drive or be a passenger? Both Ram and Chevy are so close in shoulder and head room + leg room I just don't get the concern. Again, just my opinion.

My opinion why the 4th gen cab is so crappy is because it is the same cab for 15 years. The whole body needs to be redesigned not just changing plastic in the front and making the hood have a hump in it. While my 3500 is getting old, I do not feel the need to run out and buy something like I already have, JMHO

 

[BrightWhiteNight]

Love the discussion Everybody, thank you for schoolin me.

Another question on differences, how does HD Radio tie into the the infotainment system? Does it matter if you have U4 or U5, does it matter if you have 8.4 or 12.1, does it matter if you have Nav or Non Nav? I think I want it for its clear, static free reception but it may not be mandatory.

Along with HD how is the overall radio reception/functionality? As you might be guessing by my questions, I don't plan on paying for any subscriptions but I definitely enjoy cranking it when a favorite tune comes up, and when I'm not looking for music I spend a lot of time on the AM dial.

TIA

 

[Jimmy07]

Love the discussion Everybody, thank you for schoolin me.

Another question on differences, how does HD Radio tie into the the infotainment system? Does it matter if you have U4 or U5, does it matter if you have 8.4 or 12.1, does it matter if you have Nav or Non Nav? I think I want it for its clear, static free reception but it may not be mandatory.

Along with HD how is the overall radio reception/functionality? As you might be guessing by my questions, I don't plan on paying for any subscriptions but I definitely enjoy cranking it when a favorite tune comes up, and when I'm not looking for music I spend a lot of time of time on the AM dial.

TIA

For 2025, all radios are UC5, and I’m pretty sure they’re all HD radios. I never use the HD version of radio stations, because while you don’t get the static, it’ll just flat out cut in and out when it’s not coming in good.

 

[BrightWhiteNight]

Thanks @Jimmy07 , do you or anyone else know if HD equipped or not holds true or is different in the 21-24 model years?

 

[Shots]

I've had the same experience as Jimmy07 with HD radio.

IMHO, it's okay. It's nice when it works, but can cut out when the signal isn't strong. On the upside, if you lose HD, you can still pick up the standard signal so you're not without music. The main thing for me with HD radio was that you get extra channels. For example you're local station plays decent music, but they have HD1 and HD2 options that play a different genre, or have different languages, or whatever they chose to do with them. It's nice that you can tune into your preferred channel then jump over to their HD channels for a change of pace. I realize that's really no different than just changing channels, but if you prefer to particular station, or happen to have a really strong signal from them it's nice to not have to switch to one that may not be as good.

 

[BigRigWrecker]

Cannot offer much in terms of HD radio, but regarding your other questions.

Not sure if you mentioned a price point or not but they are making pretty stupid good deals on 24’s and that puts you a new truck and warranty for what it’s worth.

New or used, if you are looking at Laramie's and entertaining the 12 inch screen and safety group you may have better luck finding a limited, not sure how hard it is to come across a Laramie with those options.

I have owned a 19 1500 with the 8.4 and two HD’s with the 12 inch screen… I’d say it’s only worth it if you get a 22 or up once they went to wireless car play and full screen mode to display your apps like Waze or google maps… I miss the knobs and buttons sometimes when the screen goes dark… but that happens less on my 22 than it did on my 20.

Regarding the safety group, I didn’t seek it out, but having had it I wouldn’t want one without it and the surrounding camera. The forward collision alert has saved me more than once in stop and go traffic, and the electric assisted steering that comes with the Lane assist is great, but I keep the lane assist off because it make the truck feel sloppy.

Beyond that, not sure if you were after a mega cab or standard… both mine have been mega, if you will ever have anyone in the back it’s a game changer, but I will note that when you load them up in the Laramie or limited trims. The 2500 payload and towing drops fast… my 20 limited mega 2500 with air suspension and ever other box checked maxed out for bumper pull at 11800 which is nuts to me (per rams vin based towing website).

My 3500 longhorn mega srw with everything but a moon roof and air suspension is 17+ bumper pull if I remember right.

All that aside, I love the truck and loved the two before it… and I don’t think the old cab hurts it… if they went cab like the 1500 chances are they would get rid of the mega because it is so big to begin with, but to me the benefit of the current HD cabs is they are tried and true, my 1500 would whistle at highway speed with the right cross wind and I know the fords and chevys have had issues every time the redo them from scratch… but these 5th gen’s are quite as all get out, no shakes or rattles, no wind noise, they don’t leak, and IMO they are the best looking thing out there.

Last thought… and again not know what you want to spend, but I would be looking for something with a good service history, oil changes no less than 7 or 8k (I do 6 or 7), and no more than 25% idle time.

I do a ton of highway, 4 hours each way and at least one 5k mile trip a year and with 45k miles my idle time is still like 20% somehow. I think there are a number of factors to the lifter failure but I anticipate (beyond poor quality suppliers) much of it can be attributed to the oiling system and long oil change intervals

Hope that helps some

 

[BrightWhiteNight]

Cannot offer much in terms of HD radio, but regarding your other questions.

Not sure if you mentioned a price point or not but they are making pretty stupid good deals on 24’s and that puts you a new truck and warranty for what it’s worth.

New or used, if you are looking at Laramie's and entertaining the 12 inch screen and safety group you may have better luck finding a limited, not sure how hard it is to come across a Laramie with those options.

I have owned a 19 1500 with the 8.4 and two HD’s with the 12 inch screen… I’d say it’s only worth it if you get a 22 or up once they went to wireless car play and full screen mode to display your apps like Waze or google maps… I miss the knobs and buttons sometimes when the screen goes dark… but that happens less on my 22 than it did on my 20.

Regarding the safety group, I didn’t seek it out, but having had it I wouldn’t want one without it and the surrounding camera. The forward collision alert has saved me more than once in stop and go traffic, and the electric assisted steering that comes with the Lane assist is great, but I keep the lane assist off because it make the truck feel sloppy.

Beyond that, not sure if you were after a mega cab or standard… both mine have been mega, if you will ever have anyone in the back it’s a game changer, but I will note that when you load them up in the Laramie or limited trims. The 2500 payload and towing drops fast… my 20 limited mega 2500 with air suspension and ever other box checked maxed out for bumper pull at 11800 which is nuts to me (per rams vin based towing website).

My 3500 longhorn mega srw with everything but a moon roof and air suspension is 17+ bumper pull if I remember right.

All that aside, I love the truck and loved the two before it… and I don’t think the old cab hurts it… if they went cab like the 1500 chances are they would get rid of the mega because it is so big to begin with, but to me the benefit of the current HD cabs is they are tried and true, my 1500 would whistle at highway speed with the right cross wind and I know the fords and chevys have had issues every time the redo them from scratch… but these 5th gen’s are quite as all get out, no shakes or rattles, no wind noise, they don’t leak, and IMO they are the best looking thing out there.

Last thought… and again not know what you want to spend, but I would be looking for something with a good service history, oil changes no less than 7 or 8k (I do 6 or 7), and no more than 25% idle time.

I do a ton of highway, 4 hours each way and at least one 5k mile trip a year and with 45k miles my idle time is still like 20% somehow. I think there are a number of factors to the lifter failure but I anticipate (beyond poor quality suppliers) much of it can be attributed to the oiling system and long oil change intervals

Hope that helps some

Thanks for all the detail, lots to chew on there! I'm fortunate, not heavily restricted on price, mostly trying to figure out what is and isn't desirable for me.

On the Lane Assist, does that change out the entire power steering to electric vs traditional hydraulic, I've not studied that at all?

 

[jsalbre]

Thanks for all the detail, lots to chew on there! I'm fortunate, not heavily restricted on price, mostly trying to figure out what is and isn't desirable for me.

On the Lane Assist, does that change out the entire power steering to electric vs traditional hydraulic, I've not studied that at all?

It’s still hydraulic steering, just with an extra electric motor for assist.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Thanks for all the detail, lots to chew on there! I'm fortunate, not heavily restricted on price, mostly trying to figure out what is and isn't desirable for me.

On the Lane Assist, does that change out the entire power steering to electric vs traditional hydraulic, I've not studied that at all?

The gearbox has "torque overlay." As @jsalbre said, it's an electric drive over hydraulic.

 

[oledirteh]

people are pampered these days.

you never had to ride in a jump seat in a 86 s10 extended cab and it shows. lol

 

[BigRigWrecker]

people are pampered these days.

you never had to ride in a jump seat in a 86 s10 extended cab and it shows. lol

It was an 87 ranger extended cab for my family, me and my twin sis had to ride in the jump seats and our brother up front between my parents.

just now as I dwell on those days it makes it clear to me why I value space and quiet above all else as an adult

 

[BigRigWrecker]

Thanks for all the detail, lots to chew on there! I'm fortunate, not heavily restricted on price, mostly trying to figure out what is and isn't desirable for me.

On the Lane Assist, does that change out the entire power steering to electric vs traditional hydraulic, I've not studied that at all?

Man if price is not a huge motivator, I’d be looking at some of the deals on the 24’s
There are a lot of them out there and the 2500’s and carrying the biggest discounts.

I personally love the six speeds, the 68rfe is significantly smoother to live with day to day than the Asian… particularly when there is not a trailer behind it.

Like I said, I mostly highway driving and try to use one of my cars for short trips, so once you are at interstate speed the 68 RFE or Asian are phenomenal… they get into 6 and and don’t do much unless you floor it under 65 or 70 but if you are running 80 you can live in 6th gear all day long

 

[Shots]

......
I have owned a 19 1500 with the 8.4 and two HD’s with the 12 inch screen… I’d say it’s only worth it if you get a 22 or up once they went to wireless car play and full screen mode to display your apps like Waze or google maps…
........

Yes the update to wireless CarPlay/AndroidAuto is one of the best subtle changes they made. Not a big flashy selling point, or something they really push, but it definitely adds some noticeable convenience. It's a small thing, and certainly not something to be the sole deciding factor on a vehicle, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't really like that.

 

[jsalbre]

people are pampered these days.

you never had to ride in a jump seat in a 86 s10 extended cab and it shows. lol

My first vehicle was an '88 S15 extended cab. Many of my friends got to ride in the fold down "concussion" seats!

 

[henrys]

I have a '22 and was interested in the "new" '25 but I'm not interested enough to overcome the cost difference. I'm not going to consider upgrading until they have the new chassis.

 

[BrightWhiteNight]

I have a '22 and was interested in the "new" '25 but I'm not interested enough to overcome the cost difference. I'm not going to consider upgrading until they have the new chassis.

I'm guessing that "new chassis" really is meant read "new cab" which no doubt requires a new chassis. I'm inclined to agree with your logic on the cost difference especially since it does not include the improved cab. Also, since Cummins/RAM has proven over the last few years that even they can make bad choices, l'm a little reluctant to jump right in on the first MY with a significantly changed power train.

Back to the steering, @jsalbre, @Brutal_HO , if the "electric overlay" is just for lane assist and you have that function turned off is the electric doing anything? I would think you would not know it was there?

 

[jsalbre]

I'm guessing that "new chassis" really is meant read "new cab" which no doubt requires a new chassis. I'm inclined to agree with your logic on the cost difference especially since it does not include the improved cab. Also, since Cummins/RAM has proven over the last few years that even they can make bad choices, l'm a little reluctant to jump right in on the first MY with a significantly changed power train.

Back to the steering, @jsalbre, @Brutal_HO , if the "electric overlay" is just for lane assist and you have that function turned off is the electric doing anything? I would think you would not know it was there?

It also enables adaptive steering, which increases power assist at low speeds.