2021 Ram 1500 Big Horn on 2040-cars

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2021 Ram 1500 Infotainment Driveway Test | Bigger IS better

The 2021 Ram 1500 comes standard with a simple 5-inch touchscreen, while the 8.4-inch version found on most versions as standard equipment is the same user-friendly unit found elsewhere in the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram line up. Unlike all those other brands in the North American Stellantis empire (ugh), however, the Ram offers a unique take on the Uconnect: a 12-inch vertically oriented touchscreen. While other cars offer similarly tall screens, such as the Subaru Outback, Ford Explorer and every Volvo, none do such an exceptional job of taking advantage of the orientation and size. The same can be said in comparison to the Ford F-150's new jumbo touchscreen.  My full review of the system is in video form and can be watched above. I've also included a few pictures below to dig deeper and touch on some areas I missed in the video. Here's what the screen looks like when you just want a colossal map. Sadly, the map graphics are pretty low-fi and Garminy.  As I mention in the video, one of my favorite things about this system is the ability to choose what is displayed on top and what's displayed on the bottom. That the Ram's screen is basically the size of two normal screen definitely helps in this regard. I especially like that you can see Apple CarPlay at the same time as radio controls.  I also like how prominently placed and easily reached the radio preset buttons are in this full-screen media layout (utilizing the full-color logos of satellite radio stations is a nice touch, too).  One thing I didn't touch on in the video is the redundant control knob that's appreciated for scanning playlists or contacts. There are USB-A and USB-C ports up front. Note, however, that there are really only two outlets — each is just split between the different formats and you can only use one at a time. There's another unit like this in the back seat, as well as another USB-A port under the center armrest. This is a clever bit of design. The wireless charger is on the left and utilizes a holster-like element to press your phone against it, thus saving space versus the usual flat pad. That holster then extends to the right to hold in place phones without wirelessly charging them.  This and so many other thoughtful details are big reasons why the Ram 1500 interior has been so universally lauded. It's not just fancy leather, better-than-average plastics or even that gigantic "hey look at me!" screen. There's also tons of substance.   

NHTSA investigating power modules on Chrysler Group SUVs and minivans

The Center for Auto Safety is officially petitioning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to begin scrutinizing alleged problems with the totally integrated power module (TIPM) on about 24 Chrysler Group SUVs and minivans. The advocacy group claims that the part's failure can cause affected vehicles to stall or not start at all. NHTSA is still looking into the accusations and deciding whether a full investigation is actually warranted.
The CAS petition claims at least 70 TIPM failures, but according to NHTSA, six of the complaints are for models that don't have the modules. In 34 of the reported cases, the vehicles refused to start, and in 17 of them the engine stalled. There were also two allegations of smoke and one of a fire. However, none of these affected airbag deployment or resulted in a crash.
This petition isn't the first TIPM-related problem for Chrysler Group. A recent report in the New York Times alleged that it found 240 complaints potentially related to the issue on NHTSA's website alone. In September, the automaker also recalled 230,760 examples worldwide (188,723 in the US) of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango replace the fuel pump relay circuit inside of the TIPM-7 with one external to the unit. The original part could allegedly cause the models to stall without warning. Even earlier, the company also recalled about 80,000 examples of the Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro in 2007 to have the module reprogrammed.

2019 Ram HD Chassis Cab trucks: tough on the outside, comfy on the inside

The past year or so has been big for Ram. FCA's truck division went from having some of the most dated (though still solid) pickups on the market to introducing the 2019 Ram 1500, arguably the new segment leader. A year later, at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, FCA revealed the new Ram Heavy Duty. Yesterday, Ram announced the 1500 was getting a trick tailgate to compete with the power tailgate on the Chevy Silverado and MultiPro tailgate on the GMC Sierra. Today, at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, FCA will present the new Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cab models. Like the Ram 2500 and 3500, the new chassis cab trucks appear to share a lot with the current crop of Ram HD trucks. The cab itself appears to be unchanged from the outside, though the front fascia has been updated to reflect Ram's current design. As with most things, it's what's inside that counts. The chassis cab models get the fantastic interior from the 2019 Ram 1500. It's a handsome and well-appointed cabin. Even base Tradesman models benefit from the new design and packaging. There's new tech, too. The 12-inch infotainment screen is nice to look at, but customers are likely to enjoy features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (with trailer brakes). The safety tech is available on all trim levels. The trucks also pack parking assist and a 270-degree camera view. There are also camera features to help hook up trailers (including fifth-wheel goosenecks). The Ram Chassis Cab 3500, 4500 and 5500 represent Class 3, 4 and 5 GVW ratings. As such they pack some punch under the hood. The standard engine is the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 making 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, though 4500 and 5500 models only make 370 horsepower. The Ram 3500 features cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy. The three trucks are available with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six. The engine makes 360 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. An Aisin six-speed auto is available on V8 models and standard with the diesel. Both engines are available with dual alternators. The trucks are available in four industry-standard frame lengths measured in inches from the cab to the rear axle: 60, 84, 108 and 120. Upgraded brakes should shorten stopping distances and improve pedal feel. Thanks to high-strength steel and aluminum, the truck should weigh about 120 pounds less than before.