I don't think anyone will follow Ford using all aluminum, nobody wants cottage cheese for a truck especially in the bed.

If they dropped that dial shifter, I'd consider one.

Hopefully they finally resolve the catastrophic VM 3.0L engine failures that have been happening in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Low mileage engines and the only warning is a brief engine noise with the bottom end falling apart.

I'm not very hopeful since the FCA norm has been to not address issues.

FCA is pouring what money they have into their Masarriti and other European vehicles. Dropping the 200 and Dart, and trying to find someone else to build a car for them to compete against the similar size cars.
2017's are out now so 2 more years for a refresh?????that might hurt them big time..

re : Ken

here is a small batch of engines that will surely all fail at low miles. VM corrected the issue, but several engines made it through the hot test and were not quarantined. This is what happens when line speed is ramped up too fast and not all quality checks are in place. The V6 line is cranking at 130k engines per year, the most VM has ever produced on one line

I am not a RAM fan but they make good looking trucks, they have a almost Iconic look to them and I think it would be a mistake to mess with that too much.
I can see some powertrain upgrades, improvements though.

I didnt think that it was the bottom end. I though it had to do with the way the timing chain sprocket is attached to the cam.

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2016/3/28/Why-New-Ecodiesel-Owners-Need-To-Beware-Of-Engine-Failure-7732734/

scroll down and watch video...

Again, Chrysler hasn’t acknowledged this issue as an official problem that requires a recall, so the jury is still out on these ecodiesel engines. However owners who have experienced it have traveled to as far as Utah to specialty shops that claim to permanently fix this problem. Not enough is known about this problem as it currently stands, but if you’re in the market for a brand new ecodiesel, consider this a cautionary tale.

Perhaps they'll address the 900lb. payload capacity on certain 1500 models. That's pathetic.

"If you're wondering if the next-generation Ram 1500 pickups are going to take a giant leap forward in technology and design, early reports indicate Ram's half-ton will be more of an evolution than a revolution."

I see something different. When I see "an upgraded ladder-frame platform"
I see more payload and towing capacity.
I see 8 speed and upgraded diesel already.
I see more power across the all engines.
I see and enjoy multilink rear axle suspension already.
I see air ride already.
I see sliding rear doors for more room and easier loading and unloading stuff and passengers.
I see new Chrysler patent for Stow and Go for completely flat rear floor for sleeping when on the road or better and easier toolbox storing.
I see Maga Cab again.
I see new Chrysler patent for new split rear tailgate.
I see 2011 Chrysler patent for lower engine head to lower the hood projection for better airo.
I see a Chrysler patent for automatic air dam, retracting offroad.
I see a new RAM in Sterling Height Assembly Plant. More domestic work for local people and not Mexicans.

It doesn't looks to me like evolution only, but I know, that Mark is disappointed , that RAM won't go fully aluminium, which is again plus in my books.

Exciting times for RAM.
I can smell ford and GM horde fear already. Enjoy your ranting everyone.

The current gen Ram trucks are quite good. They offer very good engines/powertrains, tons of models and options and they look great inside and out. They offer options like air suspension (best ride in class) , small diesel power in half ton (only one currently), unique and useful bed storage system, along with the excellent Uconnect system. They are well built and you can get good deals on them. Versus the competition, the biggest place they are behind is in ACTUAL Payload , when you subtract actual vehicle weight from gross .....GM and Ford are really better there.

The platform is the oldest of the big three. You can tell when you drive them back to back. They are good trucks , but when compared back to back with the GM twins and F series they don't feel as rigid and solid . There is a bit more flex and the doors feel and seem thinner and lighter and less solid . This platform is at the end of its life cycle where the GM's are mid way and the Ford is brand new .....so this is to be expected.

ALL aluminum like Ford is NOT a good idea IMHO. Its costly , has inherent disadvantages in some applications (like a bed floor for example) and is harder to work with . It works well in certain places but NOT the entire body of a WORK vehicle (which most trucks are designed to be at the core).

I think a balanced approach (as GM has said it will take , and now Ram) is a MUCH better approach ....allowing strength AND weight savings along with ease of production and use , cheaper insurance rates , cheaper replacement and repair costs down the line.

Ok, I'll bite. When I see old trucks the first thing I notice is rusted out bodies. How long will it take an aluminum body to rust out? Actually newer trucks are rusting. That bed test punctured and scratched the paint off the GM vehicles. Soon to be rusted out bed. Do you guys even think about these things? Go look at a stop sign, unpainted on the back side. When did you see one rusted through?

@BIJA... FIAT just announced the use of YES ALUMINUM in the new Jeeps. Yup read it!!! is the RAM far behind?? Oh say it ain't so.. It could never happen
http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/report-jeep-wrangler-will-use-aluminum-in-doors-hood/ar-BBwpOQ5

I think a balanced approach (as GM has said it will take , and now Ram) is a MUCH better approach ....allowing strength AND weight savings along with ease of production and use , cheaper insurance rates , cheaper replacement and repair costs down the line.

Posted by: Shriker | Sep 21, 2016 10:49:46 AM

Actually that is all incorrect. Insurance rates are really no different from previous F150s. I work with a few body's hops and all of them say the same thing, the F150 is easy to repair and in fact pretty much easier than a steel truck. The F150 was designed around easy repairs for body shops and they agree. Repair cost are at or below steel trucks. They look forward to the cash cow GM is going to do though with welding steel to aluminum.

Ok, I'll bite. When I see old trucks the first thing I notice is rusted out bodies. How long will it take an aluminum body to rust out? Actually newer trucks are rusting. That bed test punctured and scratched the paint off the GM vehicles. Soon to be rusted out bed. Do you guys even think about these things? Go look at a stop sign, unpainted on the back side. When did you see one rusted through?
Posted by: notoyotaforme | Sep 21, 2016 11:23:05 AM

Well, I'll be long time dead ,when my 2010 steel RAM will rust out. No rust anywhere on the bed protected by rubber, no rust anywhere at tailgate or other body pannels, but I can tell you I have 3 spots on the front edge on my aluminium hood with bubbles under the paint already. No lacquer damage.
How come ? It's aluminium, it shouldn't rust ! LOL. The rock salt on the road is gonna eat your aluminium alive.

@BIJA... FIAT just announced the use of YES ALUMINUM in the new Jeeps. Yup read it!!! is the RAM far behind?? Oh say it ain't so.. It could never happen
http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/report-jeep-wrangler-will-use-aluminum-in-doors-hood/ar-BBwpOQ5

Posted by: supercrew02 | Sep 21, 2016 11:26:48 AM

That's great news. They can build the aluminium doors and hood in completely separate environment, no rivets, but GM patented spot welding, less expensive, easy to assembly and easier to remove for customers.
Much better approach than ford. Ford rushed to the market their garage made aluminium body with rivets and glue. They will pay their price. RAM is aiming for #2 behind the GM.
Can't wait . Jeep is wiping the floor with everyone so far.

@ RAM... some of the reasons trucks rust is simply bad designs of how panels are assembled. And this is all trucks. One example I see here in New England is older (not by a lot) Ram trucks where the rear wheel well edges right over the rear tires all rust out. These trucks not that old. But if better design, better corrosion protect used, last a lot longer. Aluminum used in same location last lot longer. I had an 2002 F150 supercrew, bought new, put ~ 200,000 miles on it, they had factory aluminum hoods then, never had any issue. So if a mfg uses good prep and paint process aluminum will last longer than steel in similar applications. My take is we should worry about moving mechanical issues not body panels under normal use.

@supercrew02
I have a plastic edges at my 2010 RAM 1500 Laramie wheel well , so it's protected better than any other truck, aluminium ford without plastic cover is no exception. It won't last longer because of aluminium at this rock exposed body part, so the aluminium argument is moot.

FIAT has money for new RAM and new Jeep and that's only what I care about. I couldn't care less about aluminium cabin. You can keep that, even non of you drive one. LOL.

I'm Head Over Heels in love with my Ram. Average 22 to 23 miles per gallon City and Highway combined and I end up carrying around at least a thousand pounds in the bed most days considering I'm a bricklayer

Oh, and it's a 2015 with 36,000 miles on the clock.

Sounds good to me.

They look forward to the cash cow GM is going to do though with welding steel to aluminum.

Posted by: LMAO | Sep 21, 2016 11:30:21 AM

Will considering these body shops are the ones that you hang out in you can probably explain how they consider GM becoming the case cow for them.

I wish FCA success with the new Ram. This will hopefully bolster it's numbers. Ram has a nice range of pickups on offer from a diesel powered 1/2 ton, a decent V6 and the Hemi, let alone the Cummins HDs.

GM currently are the pickup kings when looking at sales, Ford is a fair way back in second. Ram could try and take some sales from the top two manufacturers. But it needs a pickup worthy to do this and a changing of perception regarding the Ram pickup.

whatever ram does will be fine on new truck as long as they do not carryover that disgusting grille that has migrated to rebel and power wagon

Yawn; it's clear Fiat does not have the funds for any major changes (again) including aluminum use...jeez;

I guess the poor RAM fan girls will be stuck with another steel junk POS truck (maybe Chinese built this time) for another 5-6 years that can only carry 5-6 healthy American guys with a few suit cases before going 900-payload capacity...LOL

Awesome Ram and GM will be duking it out for #1 and 2 spots soon, now that they will have more production capacity. Ford slowly slides on down to third place with their bed can hole fill bed Fords.

@Don. You must have the Ecodiesel if you get 22 mpg combined with a 1/2 ton Ram. Our 2015 Hemi gets 14mpg average WITHOUT the 1000 lbs you are hauling around.

Purely from a corporate-success angle Ram and Toyota have been smart to shy away from big investments in new product development for half ton trucks.

Today the Fed chairman said she will wait till at least the end of the year for some minor increase in interest rates. They are very afraid that the wimpy US economy will tank if they even raise rates 25 basis points.

In this environment, Ram and Toyota have conserved capital resources that can be used more competitively in some other product line.

Pickup truck guys are fairly conservative when it comes to style and technology. Hats off to Ram.

I was excited to see something totally redesigned but was afraid of changes that would be far from what Ram currently offers. Maybe this is a better move to improve an already solid truck. Ford and Chevy have done this numerous times where a redesign is just a remake of the previous truck. Take a note from the Super Duty, they made a lot of changes to essentially the same truck from 1998 to 2016.

The looks of the ram are one of the few things I like. No need to change it much. But the steel body on mine is rusting, and they don't salt the roads where I live. I'm all for aluminum bodies. Chevy has already confirmed they will be increasing aluminum use. No doubt ram just isn't doing it because they can't afford the changeover. What I really want to see from ram though is to perfect all the little things that go wrong. Why can't they make an hvac system that doesn't have a failure? Mine has had multiple different failures. The blower only running on high. Another time it only ran through the defrost vents. THis is common on ram trucks as well as the caravan and has been a persistent problem for like 15 years. Even with the last generation. My engine and tranny have had no major issues yet, but So many dumb little things like the windows quit working, sensors gone bad, stereo gone bad twice, ignition switch went bad. They need to redesign these little parts to be more reliable. Seems like every other week I find some new little problem. Only big problem I've had is a cracked radiator, which i've never had happen on any other vehicle.

After owning my first Ram for twelve years of trouble free miles I had no problem buying my new Ram. Absolutely love my good old American cast iron Hemi V8's. Love the power and the sound. Best looking truck on the market in my opinion. Glad to see them expanding. My truck has so many gadgets. Back up camera, tow haul mode, cargo camera, traction control, Hill decent, Winch, lockers front and rear, disconnecting sway bar, solid axles. Class leading horsepower and torque. 5 link rear coil, three link front with articulink. Rides really nice for a 3/4 ton truck. Handles my R.V. very well. There is no place i cant take my R.V. and quads. When i go to the Dunes i air down to 12 psi lockers front and rear and this thing just goes anywhere. When i try and drive down a steep dune truck ends up sliding sideways. Hill decent crawls down at what ever speed i want with the + or - at 1/2 a mile an hour at a time. Just love love love it.

RAM

I am so confused with your comments.

so let me help you with some facts...

Aluminum panels riveted and glued are used in aircraft and semi trucks. Two applications that...well, rust is not seen very often on modern examples of each.

Second

Ford has aluminum body panels, GM plans on using lots of aluminum in the 2018 redesign. But did you know that RAM publicly said they would not convert to aluminum until 2021?

The rest is FUD.... except the part with less than 900lbs of bed load being pathetic....yeah I agree with that comment too!

@mackintire
There is nothing to be ashamed of to be confused. It's simple.
Aluminium will corrode, like steel will rust, when not protected properly, because of salt. Just remember , there is no rock salt at the air port allowed.
My wheel wells are protected with plastic lips. They will last more without the rust, than aluminium one without any extra protection. I don't see a point to pay extra few thousands for aluminium other than Mpg improvements, but you pay for that upfront with aluminium cabin. Just look at the F150 pricing and compare it with other trucks. There is no 8 speed in F150, no diesel, no multilink, no air ride... just expensive riveted and glued aluminium.
Thank you very much , but no, thank you.
RAM and GM will get pricing down , because of implemented steps and because of cheap spot welding instead of rivets and glue.
Customers has spoken and are sensitive for pricing in bad times we are living now. Ford is in very bad position right now.
They are preparing another scam for the taxpayers.
Electric F150.
Ecoboost didn't work , but obama saved them. Your taxpayers money will save them again, it's not going to be under the table this time, but be prepared to pay for this again.

http://www.tfltruck.com/2016/09/electric-ford-f-150-super-duty-ford-double-electric-vehicles/

@mackintire
There is nothing to be ashamed of to be confused. It's simple.
Aluminium will corrode, like steel will rust, when not protected properly, because of salt. Just remember , there is no rock salt at the air port allowed.
My wheel wells are protected with plastic lips. They will last more without the rust, than aluminium one without any extra protection. I don't see a point to pay extra few thousands for aluminium other than Mpg improvements, but you pay for that upfront with aluminium cabin. Just look at the F150 pricing and compare it with other trucks. There is no 8 speed in F150, no diesel, no multilink, no air ride... just expensive riveted and glued aluminium.
Thank you very much , but no, thank you.
RAM and GM will get pricing down , because of implemented steps and because of cheap spot welding instead of rivets and glue.
Customers has spoken and are sensitive for pricing in bad times we are living now. Ford is in very bad position right now.
They are preparing another scam for the taxpayers.
Electric F150.
Ecoboost didn't work , but obama saved them. Your taxpayers money will save them again, it's not going to be under the table this time, but be prepared to pay for this again.

http://www.tfltruck.com/2016/09/electric-ford-f-150-super-duty-ford-double-electric-vehicles/

2014 Ram 1500 quad cab w/10000 miles. V6 and 8 speed auto.
Love this truck!! Its quieter then my wife's Buick LaCrosse on the road and it rides nice on the road for a truck. IMO. Better then Chevy or Ford trucks. V6 has plenty of power although I have not pulled anything bigger then a loaded 5x8 trailer. Passing on the highway is very good and cruises at 70-75 with ease. You can actually have a conversation and or listen to the radio on those grooved noisy highways. Rock solid with no squeaks or rattles.
Best of all ,just completed a1400 mile trip and averaged 23.7 mpg. My previous Dakota w/4.7v8 struggled to get 17mpg
And had less power.

Will Ram finally engineer safety into there trucks? All around in all the test they have weak cab structures as well as occupant safety and protection.

Also they have the worst performing HD pickups recently in gas and diesel versions. The TFL guys have vids of where the 6.4 doesn't have enough power to pull a light load at anything over 20-25 mph. Also the 900 ftlbs Cummins is really slow and gutless compared to even the old 765 ft/lb duramax.

Here is the 6.4 hemi pulling a fairly light load for a HD pickup... Pretty gutless. They need a lot of powertrain work in their refresh that the article is about. Ram has to get the a competitive powertrain first before tackling the technical stuff such as advanced material usage like Ford and GM.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeWhXy_ciuM

papajim,
I agree with you. I believe as nice as the aluminum F-150 and soon to be Super Duties are, they are still trucks.

The aluminum F-150 has not produced the best overall pickup. GM outsells Ford in total pickup numbers using an older platform.

The Taco is the same over the nice Colorado and Canyon. Remember the new Taco is a revamped older Taco. There are differences, but the commonality is closer than the differences of the older Taco.

I think Ram or I should say FCA has made a wise decision sticking with steel. Savings can be made by using proven manufacturing techniques and tooling without a total refit and expensive development program to develop an aluminum Ram.

FCA need to change the less than stellar reliability perception of Ram.

papajim,
I agree with you. I believe as nice as the aluminum F-150 and soon to be Super Duties are, they are still trucks.

The aluminum F-150 has not produced the best overall pickup. GM outsells Ford in total pickup numbers using an older platform.

The Taco is the same over the nice Colorado and Canyon. Remember the new Taco is a revamped older Taco. There are differences, but the commonality is closer than the differences of the older Taco.

I think Ram or I should say FCA has made a wise decision sticking with steel. Savings can be made by using proven manufacturing techniques and tooling without a total refit and expensive development program to develop an aluminum Ram.

FCA need to change the less than stellar reliability perception of Ram.

I've been seeing a bunch of Ford Expeditions with corroded trunk hatchesas you can tell they were made from aluminum. I'm guessing F-50 owners will have thier hole trucks corroded after 5 or 6 years in the salt belt.

That's disappointing but not surprising. Fiat is playing it very conservative with one of the few successful platforms it does have. I wonder where the money is going made from the trucks since most of it isn't going back into the trucks themselves and almost none of it going to small/midsized cars that aren't even worth considering. Im sure their HD plans will be far more intense they honestly have to be with the steps Ford has taken. Maybe Jeep is getting the money for their rumored Hummer fighter? But the entire point to that vehicle is high profile low cost low sales volume. The new Wrangler is coming but it pretty much pulls its own weight.

Im sure the new truck will be nice the question is will it continue to gain ground enough to move up from #3 to pass Chevy and be #2. Highly unlikely but all growth is always good.

GM outsells Ford in total pickup numbers using an older platform.

Posted by: WildWilly | Sep 22, 2016 5:16:07 AM

@ BAFO from down under; get your facts straight; Ford's one brand F-Series is the leader in full size trucks & even beats shaky GOVT motors 2 x brands (shaky Chebby & GMC).

Also yr argument of older platform is mute if you are going to include shaky GOVT motors mid-size trucks in the equation...stick to what you know; Mazda BT50...if it's still running.

So Clint, what would you like to see in the new RAM 1500, to be completely satisfied ? Eh ?

FCA has been disappointing lately. They have been innovative in the past, but seems to be nothing ground breaking lately. One of the big three needs to bring on the electric heavy duty pickups.

Ram to have a new center console and smaller lights. They don't get to tout the turbocharged 3.6 because the Fiat-Rambots said turbos were bad.

Could someone please tell me , what is he missing in the new , redesigned RAM 1500 ? Anyone ? Eh ?

I think it's a smart decision, why fix something that's not broken. Ford has the means to take a gamble, FCA maybe not. They have to fix some issues, like increase the payload on some light duties and the power wagon, improve the quality too. RAM also needs something to compete with the EcoBoost.

RAM, Silverado and Sierra are competitive with the F-150, in the end it goes down to price, included equipment and lease terms.

Italians know how to make engines, and in particular VM knows a thing or two about diesel's. Fiat neglected their Euro and South American businesses. Lancia is dead, Alfa Romeo barely alive, Maserati got new products but very late and is still missing a new GT and sports car, Fiat may be reduced to the 500 line only, Fiat of South America is also lacking new models.

FCA poured the resources into Jeep, Chrysler, RAM and Dodge. The problem are the loses incurred in Europe and Brazil, but I think Marchione is remarkable capable and will fix the situation in few years.

I hope they get rid of that embarrassing excuse for a shifter. That knob is a joke.

The coil spring rear suspension isn't cutting it either. Terrible when towing, grinding bumpers off when hauling a decent payload. It's no good.

@Bert
I hope, that knob stays ,to make more room for the spacious center console or third seat in the middle.
Payload and towing capacity is going to be address as well. I's widely available information, that the new frame has been developed, multilink will stay and 6 lug wheels spy photos has been seen several times, so I guess you could be satisfied .
Diesel will get 10000 lbs towing capacity thanks to the upgraded 8 speed and engine. Don't forget, that 8 speed has lower first gear ratio than fords and gm 10 speed , which is not on the market yet.