RAM Truck AC Issues ?

[Haoleguy]

I have noticed that many have complained about the cab cooling and heating in the RAM 1500/2500/3500 trucks. This includes current 2018 & 2019 trucks. Most note that when the truck has sat in the summer sun that it takes ~30min for the cab to get comfortable. Is this really the case? Are the HVAC systems in trucks really flawed? Reason for my questions I have recently test drove both the 2018 & 2019 RAM 2500 6.4L hemi and it drives nice. This year is my year to pull the trigger on a 3/4 or 1 ton truck for the farm. Probably will wait for the 2020 Chevy/GMC trucks to appear but from what I'm reading and hearing it sounds like the new 6.6L gas engine might be underpowered or matched with the wrong tranny(6 spd) and rear end(3.73) for the new trucks. So I would like to hear from RAM owners on their experience with the heating and cooling in their trucks. Thanks you.

 

[TnWV]

I’ve had my 2016 RAM 1500 Ecodiesel for almost 3 years and over 62,000 miles, and have had no AC, or any other, issues. Cold as any other vehicle I’ve owned. Probably more like 5 minutes to get comfortable, definitely not 30. It’s been in the 90’s most days the last 2 weeks or more and my truck sits in the sun while I’m at work, no issues. Just my experience.

 

[coobie]

I have noticed that many have complained about the cab cooling and heating in the RAM 1500/2500/3500 trucks. This includes current 2018 & 2019 trucks. Most note that when the truck has sat in the summer sun that it takes ~30min for the cab to get comfortable. Is this really the case? Are the HVAC systems in trucks really flawed? Reason for my questions I have recently test drove both the 2018 & 2019 RAM 2500 6.4L hemi and it drives nice. This year is my year to pull the trigger on a 3/4 or 1 ton truck for the farm. Probably will wait for the 2020 Chevy/GMC trucks to appear but from what I'm reading and hearing it sounds like the new 6.6L gas engine might be underpowered or matched with the wrong tranny(6 spd) and rear end(3.73) for the new trucks. So I would like to hear from RAM owners on their experience with the heating and cooling in their trucks. Thanks you.

I say don"t believe everything you read or hear.My 2016 Ram 2500 with the 6.4 hemi heats and cools just fine.

 

[Monster5601]

I have noticed that many have complained about the cab cooling and heating in the RAM 1500/2500/3500 trucks.

Where have you noticed these cab cooling/heating complaints?

I have two RAMs, a 2013 1500 gas and a 2015 3500 diesel. While diesel are not known for heating up quickly, I have no issues with the HVAC systems in either truck. As others mentioned, no different than any other vehicle I've owned.

 

[Haoleguy]

Thank you for the quick replies. Noticed discussion of this issue(?) for the first time on AgTalk forum and then followed up on RAM and Dodge truck forums to confirm. As with all auto/truck forums you hear mostly issues and not attributes which is why I thought I would ask the direct question here. Came close at end of June when they had 0% financing for 72 months on 2018 2500s. The dealer did not make an offer I couldn't refuse compared to a 2019. The out the door depreciation was large for a 2018 so he needed to come down a bit. So at this point I will compare the new 2020 Chevy/GMC trucks with the 2019 RAM 2500. I'm thinking 6.4 hemi and 4.10 rear end is best for mostly short drives and weekly towing in the RAM? Only issue is that I would need to figure out what to do with the front headrests as they push forward on my spouse's head......bend them back slightly? It reminds her of the horrible seats when my mom donated her lightly used Plymouth Duster to us years ago.

 

[RickB]

I think the guys on NAT are fairly straightforward. I’ve known nyjim since we were very young. This Ram he owns now is something he is learning to dislike much more than other brands he has owned over the years.

 

[dgl24087]

Rear seat cooling in the "classic" Ram 1500 isn't very good from my experience. 2 small vents at bottom of console, not much air flow from them.

 

[Zick]

My 2017 1500 cools really well. I don't think they changed anything on the 18' model to make any difference.

 

[BigBlue1]

I have a 2017 Ram 2500 crew cab 4x4 with 6.4L engine. Before that a 2010 1500. Both have had climate controls that worked great. No issues. Here in Minnesota we get to test both ends of the spectrum pretty heavily, with winter temps down to -30*F and summer temps approaching 100*F.

Rob

 

[bullbreaker]

I dont own it but I drive quit frequently a 2018 1500 hemi crew cab down here in and around Naples, Fla . Heavy heat and humidity here the norm an that truck ac imo works just fine . Monday of this week had four good size adults in it with two ac vents that blow like from behind the center console back to the rear passengers working like its suppose too .

 

[Vaquero]

2015
Ram 1500
122,000 miles
No AC issues to report
101°f today

 

[WilliamBos]

The cab in my 17 Ram Hemi cooled off fast in the winter, shut the fan off and temps dropped fast, cab felt drafty too. The AC did not cool off as well on nasty hot days - compared to many GM trucks that I have owned, the Rams were not as good at cooling or heating.

The 6.4 Hemi is a gas guzzler, if you want to stay gas, look at an F250 6.2 gas, way better on fuel compared to the Hemi.

Test a new GM HD with the new 6.6 Gasser and 10 speed auto too.

 

[oosik]

My new 2018 Ram Power Wagon( "the" Taco Wagon) sits out in the hot sun all day. By the time I get to my outer gate - the far end of my mile long driveway - it's blowing Arctic air. I've owned many vehicles with AC. BY FAR - this has the strongest AC system of those I've owned. Even those few days that have hit 90F - when I get thru the outer gate - I have to turn the AC down. Otherwise - that Arctic air has made the bursitis in my left shoulder act up.

BTW - the PW has a 6.4 Hemi. I've got 4750 miles on it now. The digital dash display says the overall mpg for the 4750 - - 18.1 mpg. I'm pleased.

But - I sure didn't by the Power Wagon because it would get good mileage - I bought it because it's a fun vehicle. AND - BOY - am I having fun.

 

[wmonroe]

I have a 2017 ram 3500 and have experienced no issues with heating or cooling. One thing I think some people forget is to change the cabin air filter. If that is clogged it will not flow much air through the vents.

 

[bdog]

I have a 19 Ram 1500 and a 19 F-250. The AC definitely works better in the Ford but is adequate in the Ram. We have had many 100+ degree days this year.

 

[oosik]

I've been in Texas - Houston & then Galveston. Didn't mind the heat so much - but the humidity along with the heat. That's why I choose to live in the PNW. I can certainly see where Texas is a challenge to any AC system. Man - is it ever nice here in the AM. No AC running, thumping or roaring. Outside it's 62F and low humidity. It's 8AM here.

 

[lamarbur]

I have a 19 ram 1500 and have no issues with the HVAC system

 

[Oaktree]

It reminds her of the horrible seats when my mom donated her lightly used Plymouth Duster to us years ago.

What was so bad about the seats? I had a Duster back in the 70s and I thought the seats were fine.
I miss bench seats, modern sedans with buckets and the huge consoles they put in today make a car feel very claustrophobic.

 

[dodge man]

We have two 2017 Ram 1500 trucks at work, AC works fine.

 

[Haoleguy]

What was so bad about the seats? I had a Duster back in the 70s and I thought the seats were fine.
I miss bench seats, modern sedans with buckets and the huge consoles they put in today make a car feel very claustrophobic.

These were vinyl buckets seats that seemed to be formed to a 5'8" to 6'3" body types and there was no adjustability. My spouse is 5'2" and not the right fit for the seats. After driving the vehicle on a circuitous route from SoCal to CT over 6 weeks she was giving me some serious "stink eye". Modern sedans mostly seem like sardine cans to me.