What alarm? I'm with Greg: the only sure deterrent is a yellow sticker with a picture of a gun and a witless threat on it. Potential thieves hate this One Weird Trick.
someone here posted a picture of their anti-theft device -- it was a close up of the clutch pedal.
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@edsnova posted:....the only sure deterrent is a yellow sticker with a picture of a gun and a witless threat on it...
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The car's in Texas. Every car in the state has one of those — even the Priuses.
I was thinking a simple 'Newsom in 2024' bumper sticker would work.
@Stan Galat posted:Some guys even have GMC DENALIS!
* Oh wait... that was me
** Exotic pickup trucks: Rivians, Ram Laramies and the like
LOL, but not sure if you're just fun'in me. Did you know the last vehicle we had left when we bailed out of CA towing the little camping trailer to FL is the Laramie? It's not exactly in the realm of "exotic" in our building's parking garage. In fact, it is the ONLY pick-up truck in the garage, and I park it myself because I'm too embarrassed to hand it off to the valet (for which I'm sure they are relieved). "Tito, take the Maybach to C27; and Will, you take the, um, you know, um, the pickup to A118, sorry, somebody has to".
But WE love the Laramie and will be sad to let it go in a couple of months.
Oh, I’m absolutely funnin’, Mark. I yam what I yam.
My life (and neighborhood) is clearly markedly different than yours. I live in a place where a $100k luxury vehicle is almost guaranteed to be a factory-pimped pickup truck. No Lambos here, not even a Gallardo.
My own pedestrian-endangering monster truck doesn’t really fit the Morton mold, either. Nobody in this town (but me) is jonesing for a 5-y/o non-lifted white single-cab F150 ecoboost with an 8 ft bed, cloth seats, and 80k mi. It’s an honest truck in a town full of “Yellowstone Inspired” glamour-puss prettyboy truckettes with 5-ft beds and a 5000 lb tow rating, but those trucks would seem pretty out of place pulling a 5 ton load of concrete rubble in a dump trailer up the Indian Creek Landfill mountain.
I’ve got just what I want... until I've got the scratch for a quad-cab, Ram 3500 Cummins dually with an 8 ft bed. THAT would be just what I want.
I want the same thing. Almost.
How about a Ram 2500 Cummins. Single rear wheels are just fine.
That ticks all the boxes for what I need.
@DannyP posted:I want the same thing. Almost.
How about a Ram 2500 Cummins. Single rear wheels are just fine.
That ticks all the boxes for what I need.
Single axle works- but that means no gooseneck trailer, and I'd really like a gooseneck at some point.
We're not talking about "needs" - my bagged half-ton meets my needs. This is mid-winter spitballing here.
One of my neighbor families is a 2-diesel family. Father and son both have 2500 pickups: Dad has a 6.7L Ford and son has a Ram with a Cummins. They pull a 17,300 lb, 5-th wheel travel trailer with a "Toy Garage" at the rear for dirt bikes and/or golf carts. Both of them think the Cummins is a better engine (me, too) and pulling the trailer they get 16 (Ram) and 12mpg (Ford).
I was surprised that the 5 common things that failed on my 6L Ford diesel really haven't been eliminated on the 6.7 as I thought they would be: FI computer, FI high pressure pump, FI pressure regulator, Cam position sensor and EGR valve are all weak points. And, of course, if you "chip" a 6.7L engine you really should replace the head bolts with better ARP ones or the Head Gasket will fail.
I'm sure the Cummins diesels must have some weak points, but I haven't heard much about them. They just go and go and go. Chris had a 7.3 Cummins in one of his pickups and it was awesome.
@Gordon Nichols posted:One of my neighbor families is a 2-diesel family. Father and son both have 2500 pickups: Dad has a 6.7L Ford and son has a Ram with a Cummins. They pull a 17,300 lb, 5-th wheel travel trailer with a "Toy Garage" at the rear for dirt bikes and/or golf carts. Both of them think the Cummins is a better engine (me, too) and pulling the trailer they get 16 (Ram) and 12mpg (Ford).
I was surprised that the 5 common things that failed on my 6L Ford diesel really haven't been eliminated on the 6.7 as I thought they would be: FI computer, FI high pressure pump, FI pressure regulator, Cam position sensor and EGR valve are all weak points. And, of course, if you "chip" a 6.7L engine you really should replace the head bolts with better ARP ones or the Head Gasket will fail.
I'm sure the Cummins diesels must have some weak points, but I haven't heard much about them. They just go and go and go. Chris had a 7.3 Cummins in one of his pickups and it was awesome.
The weakest part of the Ram w/the Cummins engine is RAM's own 68RFE transmission. 
That engine will go 300K miles with relative ease. Although recently I have read a number of issues with the heating grid that aids the engine during those cold morning starts. On the problem heating grids they don't shut off and that cooks the bolt head which can then break off and fall into the cylinder causing a catastrophic issue. RAM is aware of it but hasn't issued a recall. It probably hasn't reached a high enough level of happenings for them to consider it their problem.
The FI computer issue with Ford could probably be eliminated by moving the ECU from right on top of the engine over to one of the inner wheel wells to get it away from a heat source, but what do I know?
@Robert M posted:The weakest part of the Ram w/the Cummins engine is RAM's own 68RFE transmission.
That engine will go 300K miles with relative ease.
Did you not get the Allison, Robert?
I'm pretty sure the Cummins will go 500k mi easily. The Dana pumpkins/axles as well. That 68RFE trans is the weak link (like all Stellantis transmissions) for sure, but they know it and offer the Allison as an option.
I'm a Ram/Chrysler fanboy, but there's no way anything else on the truck will last that long. The body in particular starts rotting the day it rolls off the line. Living in CA is a huge advantage in the longevity of a Ram truck.
@Stan Galat posted:Did you not get the Allison, Robert?
When I bought my truck RAM/Chrysler was only using the 68RFE or the AISIN transmission. I bought my truck as a two year old vehicle and didn't have a choice. It came with the 68RFE. I was under the impression RAM didn't offer the Allison until this model year.
@Robert M posted:When I bought my truck RAM/Chrysler was only using the 68RFE or the AISIN transmission. I bought my truck as a two year old vehicle and didn't have a choice. It came with the 68RFE. I was under the impression RAM didn't offer the Allison until this model year.
You're right. I wasn't thinking about how long you've had yours. I keep thinking the car-hauling gig is a new thing. It's not, obviously.
@Stan Galat posted:You're right. I wasn't thinking about how long you've had yours. I keep thinking the car-hauling gig is a new thing. It's not, obviously.
I'v been considering looking at a new truck, but d@mn they're expensive. But the Allison/RAM partnership is a definite game changer.
@Robert M posted:I'v been considering looking at a new truck, but d@mn they're expensive. But the Allison/RAM partnership is a definite game changer.
I don’t see the Allison Transmission as an option when you build a truck on their website. Am I missing it somewhere? All I see on the internet is rumors, but that’s it.
@LI-Rick posted:I don’t see the Allison Transmission as an option when you build a truck on their website. Am I missing it somewhere? All I see on the internet is rumors, but that’s it.
I was on the configurator not a month ago, and I could have sworn it was there. I look this morning, and it's not.
Once again, Rick seems to be right.
@LI-Rick posted:I don’t see the Allison Transmission as an option when you build a truck on their website. Am I missing it somewhere? All I see on the internet is rumors, but that’s it.
@Stan Galat posted:I was on the configurator not a month ago, and I could have sworn it was there. I look this morning, and it's not.
Once again, Rick seems to be right.
This is from Fiat Chrysler America:
2023 RAM 2500 Diesel Allison Transmission Switch
An eight-speed ZF transmission sends power either to the rear or all wheels for the 2023 RAM 2500 diesel. This is one of the reliable combinations in the market, but also the part that causes a lot of rumors recently. General Motors improved the HD diesel trucks thanks to the new Allison gearbox. According to speculations, Ram wants the same from its transmission. The company is even considering moving on from the ZF to Allison.
Still, the German company (ZF Friedrichshafen AG) is not giving up so easily. Recently, they invested more than $200 million into R&D and the expansion of current plants. Also, experts believe that Ram will stick with the ZF because of the special applications for their vehicles, where more than two overdrive ratios are the best possible setup.
So it looks like RAM isn't quite ready to switch after all of that crowing they were doing about putting the Cummins and the Allison together. It's still not completely dead in the water as Allison is still plying for the business.
Well, I did just have cataract surgery, so I thought maybe I missed it! 
FWIW, I have owned 3 Ram 1500’s, a 2012, 2016, and currently a 2019. The 2012 had the older 6 speed and was only ok. The ZF 8 speed in the 2 newer ones is a great improvement. Power everywhere, and a 3 mpg increase. If ZF can engineer the 8 speed to handle the torque, there is probably little incentive for Ram to change.
I’m with DannyP, I’d take a Ram 2500 crew cab with Cummins power.
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"...The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission alone reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to a large extent thanks to a higher transmission spacing, a start/stop system, and improved efficiency...**"
Not that car makers pay much attention to that stuff today.
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@Sacto Mitch posted:a start/stop system, and improved efficiency..."
I'm good with anything you'd like to do in your car, but I find the start/stop systems to be dangerous nuisances, and I can't override them fast enough.
*Installed on every vehicle I own that has start/stop system.
@Sacto Mitch posted:.
"...The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission alone reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to a large extent thanks to a higher transmission spacing, a start/stop system, and improved efficiency...**"
Not that car makers pay much attention to that stuff today.
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Neither of my ZF 8 speed Rams had/has start/stop. Is it only on certain models?
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OK, I'm no truck guy, but as soon as I heard dudes who are truck guys wondering why Big Auto just swapped out some running gear that should have been a good thing 'for no apparent reason', I was pretty sure I knew what at least one of the reasons would be.
CAFE numbers may be the largest single factor determining vehicle design today. They're certainly responsible for the sudden and almost blanket adoption of the CV transmission. (Or, was it the wonderful driving experience and the clamor for them from driving enthusiasts?) Being the natural cynic that I am, I also strongly suspect it's the CAFE numbers that are responsible for more than a little of the 'market pressure' to do away with manuals.
Anyway, I can't see what possible inconvenience a start/stop ignition would pose for your typical work truck driver maneuvering on a job site or, say, towing a cumbersome trailer in heavy, stop and go traffic.
It's all good.
@Sacto Mitch posted:Anyway, I can't see what possible inconvenience a start/stop ignition would pose for your typical work truck driver on a job site or, say, towing a cumbersome trailer in heavy, stop and go traffic.
It's all good.
I love you Mitch. Don't ever change.
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The always cheerful John Cadogan on auto start/stop systems:
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@Sacto Mitch, that was entertaining!
These auto start/stop features are the result of the Law of Unintended Consequences. That’s our bureaucrat’s at work!
I love how you guys can always take a topic and spin it off into 50 tangents! Best forum and group of passionate car guys ever! I really must make it to Carlisle this year...
We must be slipping - We used to go off on 75 tangents per thread.... 🤣
@Sacto Mitch posted:.
The always cheerful John Cadogan on auto start/stop systems:
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I regret that I can only like this once. My common sense has been telling me the same thing since these "emissions/money-saving systems" came out.
I have seen this guy before on other topics. Simply awesome!
Thanks, Mitch.
@DannyP posted:I regret that I can only like this once. My common sense has been telling me the same thing since these "emissions/money-saving systems" came out.
I have seen this guy before on other topics. Simply awesome!
Thanks, Mitch.
I had never seen this video, but common sense and having driven cars for close to sixty years led me to the same conclusion, when these stop/start cars started appearing.
Yeah, I'm going to stop and restart my engine ten times a day and never cause any wear on any mechanical components...
Who are the idiots who come up with these ludicrous ideas?
Wait. I think I know.
I don't care if they save a gallon every tankful (they don't).
Car builders, the EPA, and NHSTA clearly have different goals than I do. Above all, I want things that work. As such, when I push the "go" pedal on my transportation pod, I want it to immediately "go". Not, "eventually go".
The lag makes the vehicle more dangerous and frustrating. The heavier the load on the truck, the more ridiculous the entire idea becomes.
We presently live in a bizarro-world where high-performance cars come equipped with both launch control and a start/stop system.
I wonder how it works when both systems are engaged.
I can't engage both launch and "Whoa" at the same time even on my Nissan Rogue.
You can mat the accelerator, but if the brake is on in anything other than park it's just gonna sit there at idle.
I suppose someone thought that, if you hit the "Whoa" pedal, you really want to Whoa!
I'm just not a fan of vehicles that think for me.
I don't like stability control. I don't even like ABS. I surely don't want a work truck texting me because a tire is low. I don't need to know that there is a tornado watch in DeWitt County, and I'd like to be able to sit at a 4-way stop and not have the engine decide to take a few seconds off. If I want to power-brake, I'd like the car to allow me to power-brake.
Sports cars with rev-matching manuals, or (worse) no manual transmission option at all, launch control, etc. make me wonder if the same engineers hire a gigolo because he can probably show their wives a better evening then they can themselves. If a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing poorly if that's the only option. It is practice that makes perfect, not giving the task to a machine.
Driving a car well used to mean more than how much a guy spent on the software package.
To the grumpy old retrogrouch looking at me in the mirror every day, fun cars are primarily about engagement and ultimately about control. I'm aware that this predilection is probably considered a psychological red flag in 2023, but I want to be in as close to total control of my machine as possible. Put me on a register or watch-list somewhere, but I'd rather do it myself.
I can't think of a single "feature" designed in the last 15 years that makes cars better. Perhaps back-up cameras and blind spot monitoring, but that's about it.
@Stan Galat posted:I can't think of a single "feature" designed in the last 15 years that makes cars better. Perhaps back-up cameras and blind spot monitoring, but that's about it.
Heated steering wheel! Best option since heated seats. I love it! Probably not needed by you SoCal boys! 
@LI-Rick posted:Heated steering wheel! Best option since heated seats. I love it! Probably not needed by you SoCal boys!
True, but my '99 E39 had one, so I'm not sure that counts. The same vehicle had an ECU for the ABS that couldn't decide if it wanted to work or not. A King's ransom was spent trying to fix it, before I admitted defeat.
But back to the luxury that is heated steering wheels - Jeanie is OK living in the rust belt as long as we have a heated steering wheel in her minivan. They are truly fantastic.
My wife's 2016 Corolla has a CTV and it's worlds better than the 4-speed auto on my 2010. Same car, same engine, but a much better driving experience and better mileage.
Will it hold up for 300,000 miles with minimal maintenance like normal Toyota everything has for the past three decades? One can hope. I'm still not sold on drive-by-wire throttle controls and they've been unavoidable for a decade.
As for stop/start? We ain't got it and I don't want it. Seems overcomplicated. But it also seems like a stop-gap solution, soon to be replaced by universal hybrid and/or full EV drivetrains.
Putting something like that in a diesel truck seems mindless.