Auxilary power switches for 2011 CC Larimie?

[WMoroni]

Auxilary power switches for 2011 CC Laramie?

Just got my 2011 3500 CC the other day. When we ordered the truck we couldn't find the option for the auxilary switchs in the Laramie. All the SLTs get the switchs in one of the customer preferred option groups. Any way went to the dealer today to try to order some switchs but no luck. The aux switches would be located in the same switch bank where the heated seats and heated steering wheel switch are located. Turns out they are not individual switchs but an entire bank of switchs. I can get the bank to use my aux switchs (which the truck is wired for, even has the fuse in the right place just no switchs, plug in for them is electric taped out of the way behind the dash) but would lose the switch for my seats, etc. . (which is a completely different plug behind the dash). Called in to STAR but the guy who answered the phone had no anwser, had to ask futher up the chain. Anybody else upfitted a CC Laramie yet? I can't be the only one who would like to use the factory switchs rather than use a bunch of toggle switches.

 

[HBarlow]

Sometimes it is very difficult to duplicate a factory option after the truck is built. Your best bet may be to get a sharp parts person to find the switches online and order them for you. You'll probably have to modify and retrofit the bottom of your dash to install the switches or simply build a blank panel for your switches that can be mounted in a convenient location. I don't know how or where the switches are installed in a 2011.

 

[WMoroni]

It's going to be real difficult in this case being as Chrysler blundered and forgot to make a spot for the auxilary switches in loaded version of their truck. Dodge body builders guide says they come standard in all CCs. They do in the STs come with the SLT package but no such luck with the Laramie. I guess the engineers thought if you wanted heated seats you probaly weren't going to use the truck for intended purpose or something. $50,000 and they forgot 4 simple push button switchs that were one of the very reasons I went ahead and got a CC instead of the pickup. Last truck looked like the cockpit of a bomber, Wanted to avoid all the extra toggles and gauges, etc this time. Can't believe they went to the trouble of putting all the wiring in the truck, even a set of pigtails for under the hood, but no switchs to utilize them. If you want to se the location of the switchs look up the builders guide under 2011 then under wiring.

 

[HBarlow]

Your guess sounds right. Dodge probably figured the guy who buys a Laramie is not going to need all the add-on switches for work lights, electric-hydraulic pumps, etc. Too bad you couldn't know that before you ordered your truck. If and when I ever order a replacement for the C&C I have now the extra blank switches will be a definite requirement.

 

[WMoroni]

I know there is not a lot of 2011 CC Laramies out there but if any body knows an upfitter that has put lights, etc. . on one let me know.

 

[WMoroni]

No luck yet.

 

[HBarlow]

WMoroni,

It's raining this morning and I'm bored and browsing on the internet. I was looking over the 2011 Ram chassis cab website and remembered this post about not having upfitter switches on your new 3500 quad cab and chassis Laramie.

I found a description of the upfitter switches with a photograph on the Ram website. It contains the statement that the upfitter switches are not available on the Laramie model.

Ram — All-New 2011 Ram Chassis Cabs — Work-Friendly Features — Conveniences

I cut and pasted the text from that link below:

Quote: Built-in upfitter switches

Four all-new upfitter switches are integrated into the instrument panel, making it easy to control accessories and eliminating the need to install extra switches in the cabin. Each switch is capable of running 25-amp loads using 12-gauge wires (continuous) and a dedicated under-hood Power Distribution Center (PDC). (Not available on Laramie models. ) end quote.

I learned long ago that careful review and selection of models and options is always 100% my responsibility when ordering a new truck. The buyer of a light truck (or car) simply cannot rely on the salesman or truck sales manager at the dealership to know and advise him. It's my money and will be my truck, probably for many years.

I have never met a car or truck salesman who knew as much as I did about his product. I don't say that as a brag but as a simple statement of fact. I have always been more interested in the product than the salesman and I do my homework before I order by use of the internet, manufacturer's brochures, hands on inspections on dealer lots, and test drives. The TDR is another good source of info before ordering.

I"ve also sold cars in new car dealerships and know very well that many car salesmen are trying to sell cars because they lack job skills, are too lazy to work, and are only temporary. For them, a quick lie is much easier than spending hours with brochures and manufacturer's websites. The quick lie works well enough for most buyers.

 

[PLefever]

I couldn't order the pto kit on my laramie 4500, or with carpet, guess that goes along with the "not really" a work truck if you buy leather?. oh well who cares the ventilated seats are the bomb!

 

[WMoroni]

Yeah, kinda my fault for not researching it better before I ordered the truck. Still can't belive they wired the truck without coming up with a switch There's at least six blank spots left over.