Pick WinterDeere's next truck

[sunandsand]

Well here's what ChatGPT had to say about $4,500 taillights:

Why OEM Ford taillights can be extremely expensive​

1. Complex electronics inside the lamp
   
   • Modern trucks often have full LED lighting, sensors, radar, and wiring modules built into the taillight assembly (e.g., blind‑spot detection or side‑obstacle alert systems). These aren’t just bulbs — they’re integrated electronic systems.
2. Sensor modules and communication networks
   
   • On some newer F‑150s and Super Duty models, the taillight assembly communicates with other vehicle electronics (CAN bus). If it fails (e.g., water intrusion), you often must replace the entire harness/ module, which drives up cost.
3. Dealer parts markup + limited supply
   
   • OEM parts from a Ford dealer often cost far more than their component value — e.g., an LED tail lamp may be listed over $1,100–$1,400 at parts counters, and modules/ harnesses add more cost. When shops source all necessary parts, total repair bills can exceed $4,000–$5,000 with labor.
4. Misunderstanding what the “taillight” price means
   
   • When people talk about “$4,500,” they usually mean the repair invoice total (parts + labor + associated wiring modules), not the raw housing itself. Forums mention some Super Duty owners reporting dealer quotes between $4,500 and $6,500 for full system replacement.

So here's Ford's "Better Idea" - how about we put two of these complicated, expensive, delicate devices on the back, outer corners of a work truck where they are very exposed to accidental damage and destruction even in normal, everyday use, and integrate them into the CAN bus so nothing else will work without them!

Chop shops are going to LOVE these things . . .

Best Regards,
Mike/Florida

 

[WinterDeere]

Below is what I'm looking at, but probably in Granite Chrystal Metallic, same as my Charger. But need to figure out difference between Night Edition vs. Sport Appearance Package, in terms of wheel size and color.

Given this is my snow and offroad vehicle, I'd actually favor a taller skinnier tire, over anything wider with better street performance. It ain't a sports car.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Smaller diameter wheels is always my choice ... Then add the larger sidewalls to make up the difference (no low profile tires on my truck!) ... Give the option of airing down if off road ... Just make sure you have a compressor to fill them back up!

 

[sd455dan]

Yeah, Dodge use to make a Ram, but Ram now doesn't make a Dodge ...

Many moons ago I had a little Dodge Ram 50 ... Had a Mitsubishi 4 cylinder with a "electronic carburetor"! IIRC ... RAM is now making tiny trucks though, just not available on this side of the border ... Sorry for the thread derailleur!

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I didn't think I'd like the big backseat in mine, and that I'd rather have a longer bed, but I really like my crewcab now that I've had it awhile ... Still wish the tiny bed was longer, even though I have both a 10' & 20' trailer to use ...

Our his and her 03 and 04 HD's have both RAM and Dodge markings, but the ones that count most to us are the little Cummins badges.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Back in 1914 was when Dodge added the RAM line to there trucks, and started calling them that ...

In 2009 Dodge split off the RAM line, and from then on only used RAM on there truck and large van lines ... Dodge still makes the caravan I believe?

My 2018 doesn't say "Dodge" on it anywhere ... And the sign out front of the dealership has two distinct signs ... Just like Ford/Lincoln ... (Use to have Mercury too!)

 

[dodge man]

I had a 2004 DODGE with a Cummins, it also had the snowplow prep option(I never plowed with it) which gave the truck a little lift on the front. This truck just barely for in a standard garage door. I’m not sure how what your looking at compares in height.

Ford taillights? Something AI didn’t cover. The backup sensors are in the bumper but the 360 cameras have something in the taillights for that.