Full Leather Steering Wheel vs. Plasti-Wood?

[TXsportDiver]

Ok, so this is a first-world problem ...but, that happens with the price of our trucks. Prepare for a brief whine.

I love all the niceties in my 2019 RAM 2500 Limited...including the heated steering wheel. But, that the steering wheel is part leather and part plasti-wood is driving me a little crazy in terms of the "wood" part being relatively slippery. To me, it's a almost a safety hazard. So, I'm trying to sort out how to get leather all around the wheel.

My first thought is a leather overwrap/steering wheel cover...but, it seems like the "wood" part of the wheel may be a bit larger than the leather part of the wheel. So, I'm not sure if a lace-up cover will get it done. Also, the wheel is fairly thick to begin with...adding material may be a bit over the top.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced the same "terrible burden" and if you've thought of a solution that works.

 

[Brutal_HO]

I've not found the fauxwood to be slippery.

I AM a bit miffed they call it wood. Even the branded "Longhorn" they call wood is fake. Sad. That fake wood starts to delam or peel over time and I'm gonna lose my sh*t.

 

[1FastHemi]

I love all the niceties in my 2019 RAM 2500 Limited...including the heated steering wheel. But, that the steering wheel is part leather and part plasti-wood is driving me a little crazy in terms of the "wood" part being relatively slippery. To me, it's a almost a safety hazard.

I too have noticed the same thing and had the exact same thoughts about it could be a safety hazard.

If I remember correctly I saw some posts on You Tube by several people that it was Real Wood and now that I got it is isn't. I have seen it listed somewhere on Rams site saying the same thing.

I checked NHTSA and couldn't find anything. I wonder it we all started reporting this possible safety issue to NHTSA if it could help to get it corrected?

 

[TXsportDiver]

I think they're could be some real wood in there...but, it's laid up with a bunch of resin/plastic.

We might be able to get some traction on the safety front. But, it's likely to be an issue with almost any of the wood/leather steering wheel combos out there...RAM didn't break new ground on that front. It seems like if NHTSA was going to force the issue, they already would have

Swapping for a different, all-leather wheel (like a Laramie, with Adaptive--sounds like a unicorn) might work...but, serious pain. I guess we'll just have to man up and grab the wheel

 

[HORam]

I think they're could be some real wood in there...but, it's laid up with a bunch of resin/plastic.

We might be able to get some traction on the safety front. But, it's likely to be an issue with almost any of the wood/leather steering wheel combos out there...RAM didn't break new ground on that front. It seems like if NHTSA was going to force the issue, they already would have

Swapping for a different, all-leather wheel (like a Laramie, with Adaptive--sounds like a unicorn) might work...but, serious pain. I guess we'll just have to man up and grab the wheel

I would trade steering wheels if you were close. I have a 20 laramie with adaptive cruise. All leather.

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[carlrx7]

love my limited wheel. not a fan at first because the truck i test drove was in the sun all day with no windshield sun visor, couldn't even touch it was so hot.

 

[Gondul]

<shrug> I've had no issue, with the plastic-wood...

 

[Burn'n Oil]

Even the branded "Longhorn" they call wood is fake. Sad. That fake wood starts to delam or peel over time and I'm gonna lose my sh*t.

Not so. Longhorn's exquisitely crafted wood trim is referred to as "Barn Wood" and is sourced from some of the finest, dilapidated barns in France. I get all warm and fuzzy knowing that my interior trim is impregnated with bits and pieces of Pierre's 300 year-old barn!

OP, have you considered swapping the wheel for a Laramie or Big Horn equivalent?

 

[bobbya08]

Ok, so this is a first-world problem ...but, that happens with the price of our trucks. Prepare for a brief whine.

I love all the niceties in my 2019 RAM 2500 Limited...including the heated steering wheel. But, that the steering wheel is part leather and part plasti-wood is driving me a little crazy in terms of the "wood" part being relatively slippery. To me, it's a almost a safety hazard. So, I'm trying to sort out how to get leather all around the wheel.

My first thought is a leather overwrap/steering wheel cover...but, it seems like the "wood" part of the wheel may be a bit larger than the leather part of the wheel. So, I'm not sure if a lace-up cover will get it done. Also, the wheel is fairly thick to begin with...adding material may be a bit over the top.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced the same "terrible burden" and if you've thought of a solution that works.

View attachment 5142

Where in Texas are you located? I have the all leather Laramie wheel that I would swap you.


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[TXsportDiver]

Thanks all for you replies. Yes, I considered swapping for a different wheel (I appreciate bobbya08's offer). But, I think it's probably more trouble than it's worth...and will make trade-in (some day) interesting. So, I'll just have to live with my old barn

 

[BEIS]

Man, I agree with this topic - I thought I was the only one that thought this. The Longhorn steering wheel is very slick/slippery. I was considering purchasing a new Longhorn edition, but am actually leaning towards a fully loaded Laramie because of the steering wheel concern.

 

[Eatonpcat]

I too have noticed the same thing and had the exact same thoughts about it could be a safety hazard.

If I remember correctly I saw some posts on You Tube by several people that it was Real Wood and now that I got it is isn't. I have seen it listed somewhere on Rams site saying the same thing.

I checked NHTSA and couldn't find anything. I wonder it we all started reporting this possible safety issue to NHTSA if it could help to get it corrected?

Looks to me like if you keep your hands at 10 and 2 you should at least be partially on the leather!!