The Trouble With Moving On

[Jmarler]

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[Grumpaw]

 

[GhostStrykre]

No lie I felt 30 years older after being confused by technology in a friggin truck

 

[Grumpaw]

No lie I felt 30 years older after being confused by technology in a friggin truck

Right pedal.....GO
Left pedal.....Stop

 

[OCL]

I mentioned this in a previous post. I got a 38 year old camper van months ago with absolutely zero tech. Fuel Injection and power door locks are its only techs. I love owning and driving this behemoth. So much cockpit room. The big V8 rumbling under there. When I drive this van I DRIVE. No distractions. I have to pay attention to all my tasks of managing the vehicle on the road. It is refreshing to say the least. And I'm tech-savvy.

I remember owning a 2016 Work Truck GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3 V8. yes it had roll up windows but it only had two windows. Single cab, long bed. She was fast too because she was so light weight. Tool box on the bed. Fatter wheels and tires. A 91 Octane Tune. Bilstein shocks. No LED information screen. LOL! That truck was awesome. I miss the simplicity.

This emphasis on giving buyers more tech in our vehicles is a horrible idea in my opinion. You don't need a 360 camera. I could back that 8 foot bed single cab truck into any parking spot. You have eyes attached to a swiveling head right? Google Maps is on your phone if you want to navigate. Ok you're allowed to stream music. Do you need it displayed on an 8" screen? Do you need to cycle through menus to change settings on the truck or climate control? C'mon! If I were replacing my Ranger I think I want to go back to basics. My smartphone is my tech. My truck is for driving.

 

[Grumpaw]

I mentioned this in a previous post. I got a 38 year old camper van months ago with absolutely zero tech. Fuel Injection and power door locks are its only techs. I love owning and driving this behemoth. So much cockpit room. The big V8 rumbling under there. When I drive this van I DRIVE. No distractions. I have to pay attention to all my tasks of managing the vehicle on the road. It is refreshing to say the least. And I'm tech-savvy.

I remember owning a 2016 Work Truck GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3 V8. yes it had roll up windows but it only had two windows. Single cab, long bed. She was fast too because she was so light weight. Tool box on the bed. Fatter wheels and tires. A 91 Octane Tune. Bilstein shocks. No LED information screen. LOL! That truck was awesome. I miss the simplicity.

This emphasis on giving buyers more tech in our vehicles is a horrible idea in my opinion. You don't need a 360 camera. I could back that 8 foot bed single cab truck into an parking spot. You have eyes attached to a swiveling head right? Google Maps is on your phone. Do you need it displayed on an 8" screen? Do you need to cycle through menus to change settings on the truck? C'mon! If I were replacing my Ranger I think I want to go back to basics. My smartphone is my tech. My truck is for driving.

Yeah....when we decide to stop camp[ing and get rid of the travel trailer, won't need the Expedition.
Plans are in next 2 years to source out an early to mid 90's Ford F-150 Bull Nose for a daily driver. Will look for a low milage, original, mint cond. Their out there....just have to search and spend the $$$$
Couple of years back there was a Bronco listed on one of the auction web sites...think it was a 92 or 93 owned by a college and used for on campus only. Very low mileage, 4x4, stright 6 with a 4 speed and ac...pretty much basic but from the photos was in pristine cond. White with blue vinyl interior. It was in the low $20's....but at the time with new motor home and new Subi to tow behind it, couldn't justify buying it.....
Oh how I wish I had got it.....

 

[OCL]

Yeah....when we decide to stop camp[ing and get rid of the travel trailer, won't need the Expedition.
Plans are in next 2 years to source out an early to mid 90's Ford F-150 Bull Nose for a daily driver. Will look for a low milage, original, mint cond. Their out there....just have to search and spend the $$$$

Those are in demand right now for sure. So many people are just getting tired of all the tech and the price tags of these ridiculous add-ons! You need to find one that someone else already worked on and made close to 100%.

 

[Grumpaw]

Those are in demand right now for sure. So many people are just getting tired of all the tech and the price tags of these ridiculous add-ons! You need to find one that someone else already worked on and made close to 100%.

There out there, in one owner pristine condition. Pricy but still cheaper than buying an average one and then have to throw $$$$$ into it to bring it up to reliable standards.

 

[Jmarler]

I recently went from 21 ranger to 26 ranger raptor. Also got a 25 mustang a year ago. The mustang they stuffed everything in the touch screen including climate controls. Which i didn't like but its my wifes car so whatever.

With the 26 ranger its a little more balanced with knobs. Only some options in the touch screen that you probably won't need on a daily base except cameras. So its not bad. Not as complicated.

 

[seanellaz]

Over the years I've really enjoyed my 2019 Ranger, but it does have quirks that get to me from time to time. As a result, I've kicked a few tires through the years.

This summer has been different. My Ranger is nearly at 100k miles and every other month or so 4th gear gets a bit churlish before it chills out for a while again. So I checked out an F-150, a Tundra, and a RAM 1500. I've always wanted the extra utility of a full size, so I figured why not.

The Tundra was really nice and my wife and I liked it, but the price was outrageous just to get the 360 parking cameras. The F-150 I would've loved, but the seats on new F-150s happen to be incredibly uncomfortable for my wife (glad I didn't go look at the truck without her!).

So that left the RAM 1500 in a Rebel trim. RAM is running ridiculous deals this month so despite the horror stories I've seen online we gave it a chance. The test drive was awesome. That HEMI engine freakin rules with the GT exhaust on it. It just sings. The interior is the best of the 3 and it isn't even close.

All my words above just to arrive at the point of this post. The trouble with all 3 of these trucks, but especially the RAM, is the design decision to move so many controls and features into the infotainment screen. If the screen goes out I lose more than just heated seats and such. It has all the diagnostic data like temp sensors, sound/chime settings, safety system settings, etc. The screen is powerful, but if it goes out it's like losing the brain. Ford and Toyota both have a lot of physical buttons, but they still have a lot of important tech in the screens. RAM just put darn near everything in their screen.

While the trucks all have warranties and will make parts a while, I do have to wonder what the state of things will be in 15 years. Could an OEM just say they aren't making the screen parts anymore and then I'm sunk? If they did that and my screen is busted then man.. it's sunk. Unsure if aftermarket can fix the problem with so many proprietary modules in the engines.

So here I am, with my simple and easy going 2019 Ranger. Loads of memories and I'd drive it anywhere tomorrow. Tech isn't buried in screens in such a way that the truck is sunk if it breaks. The trouble with moving on is that the 5th Gen Ranger sits in what feels like the goldilocks zone of old school and unobtrusive tech. And that makes it so dang difficult to walk away from.

Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to get my thoughts out on the matter.

Here's the rebel I test drove just cuz i think she's purty:

Man she was tempting......

My neighbor loves his Ram, except is has no dipstick. Not for the oil, and not for the transmission fluid.

 

[GhostStrykre]

My neighbor loves his Ram, except is has no dipstick. Not for the oil, and not for the transmission fluid.

yeah that hurricane engine is awesome. The no dipstick is a head scratcher. It is apparently very common in Europe and the former Stellantis/RAM CEO was European. With Tim Kuniskis really taking control I have to wonder if Gen 2.0 of the hurricane will have a dipstick.

I’m tellin ya, kuniskis says all the right things. I get good vibes from him. I hope I’m right and wish them success. I’d love to see RAM and Chrysler succeed. Time will tell.

edit: one big reason I only considered the HEMI with the etorque is because I wondered about what happens if that oil level sensor goes out at higher mileages. I’d rather deal with a failed etorque motor imo.

 

[OCL]

You need to take a deep dive with ETorque and Hurricane.

Personally for me, those would be the last things I would buy from Stellantis. Extremely complicated powertrains on an already complicated truck. A factory warranty is never a guarantee of ownership bliss because if the dealerships don't know what they're doing....? I would instead get a Work Truck with one Option Package for the convenience of having a few luxury items. Opt for the base Hemi Engine with trailer tow package. Then go to aftermarket to add the stuff I want. At least the guts won't be so complex. But that's just me because I'm old and I don't need/want all the high tech stuff.

 

[GhostStrykre]

You need to take a deep dive with ETorque and Hurricane.

Personally for me, those would be the last things I would buy from Stellantis. Extremely complicated powertrains on an already complicated truck. A factory warranty is never a guarantee of ownership bliss because if the dealerships don't know what they're doing....? I would instead get a Work Truck with one Option Package for the convenience of having a few luxury items. Opt for the base Hemi Engine with trailer tow package. Then go to aftermarket to add the stuff I want. At least the guts won't be so complex. But that's just me because I'm old and I don't need/want all the high tech stuff.

oh I’ve read about it for years. I do like the idea of the inline 6 hurricane. Hemi etorque seemed like a good idea, and supposedly failure rates are low, but wait times for parts are awful.

https://moparinsiders.com/official-ram-will-phase-out-5-7-liter-hemi-v8-etorque/

looks like RAM is turning the page on HEMI ETs tho. Seems like another move by Kuniskis who knows what people want.

 

[OCL]

Yeah they're returning to their HEMI V8 roots. For now. Hopefully without Start-Stop BS that helps kill gas engines. I hope they don't go cylinder deactivation either. Just give us V8's please! As much as I love my Turbocharged Ranger, especially in Hot and High situations, there's just nothing like a V8 engine. There is no replacement for displacement when it comes to ICE's. I'm fine with hybrids. Boring as all hell but ok it's easier to live with than full electric.

 

[GhostStrykre]

Cylinder deactivation is sticking around, ASS is going away. I don’t think the HEMI can meet the needed standards without it. IIRC the EPA took away the ability for them to purchase credits from other manufacturers. But I’m just guessing.

either way, I agree with you on the simple V8s, that’s all I’d need. Tho I suppose I can deal with some unnecessary tech if it’s my only choice to eight cylinders.

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