I was responding to a PM, and thought I would toss this in while I am taking a little break from tax prep (UG!!!)
So far the new truck has been pretty good. The more I drive it, the more I start to like it. What I really miss is the ability for the cruise control to stay put when going up an incline. This one will drop 3-4 mph before it finally drops a gear or two to get back where I have it set, and even when off cruise, there is no such thing as mildly accelerating with gradual throttle pressure. It seems to maintain speed, then drop 2 gears and the RPMs jump from 1500 to 2800 and away we go (and there goes the EVIC fuel mileage). Just does not have that power band of the Cummins, or at least my mildly tweaked one coupled with the manual trans to accelerate without lugging in that RPM range.
There are some features that are available with these new trucks that are pretty neat, and I almost wish I had them. I had a purpose behind this truck and need to stick with it. It's a plain Jane work truck with minimal frills. Crappy part is that with all the negotiations and searching and holding to my budget..I once again spaced out other crucial items like wheel to wheel running boards, mud flaps, in bed tool box, tinted windows (the sun is brutal at 5k feet and up), seat covers (one size fits all no longer works, especially with air bags in the seats), floor mats, and so on. Maybe by the end of summer I will have that list done. There goes another $2k.
The FOBIK key/fob. That I hate. A big bulky FOB that in my line of work is begging to get broken. The sick part is, that to get the standard key with the transponder - it's $30 for the key, and anywhere from $35 - $50 (depending on the dealership) to program it. Can't be done without their programmer connected to the truck like you can on the older trucks. I would almost prefer the keyless system and have the RFID chip implanted into my forearm. Gone are the days of a $3 replacement key at the hardware store.
FWIW - somebody had asked about a front axle disconnect - pretty sure I don't have it.
Off Roading...I had to make a crossing through some very soft and wet grassland next to a runway. Sunk in to the rims on the wheels, and forward momentum stopped (I started to feel it sliding around a tad in the rear and pushing the front. One of those "Don't stop, just keep your speed and direction and hope you make it to the end"). Pushed it into 4wd, dropped into reverse and backed right back out with no problem. Tired a different route, and had to go back into 4wd, this time I stayed in it until I was clear. I could have done that to begin with, but we are still in the testing phase. First time I have had to use the 4wd - as it is, I am one that will only use it when it is a must or safety is an issue. Not a hard core test, but a real life example of conditions that I will have to deal with. I'm pleased with the results considering they are OEM all season tires. The coworkers were all set to start gloating over having to tow a Dodge out of a mud puddle when they saw me dig in. Maybe next time, maybe I will be the one gloating for towing them out.
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
