Dash protector or cover?

[DFrank]

Is anyone running a a cover on the 5th gen dash? are the leather (pleather?) are these subject to failure down the road? My '03 dash is pretty thrashed from years in the sun and some removal for HVAC work around year 17.

In addition to protecting it, I would love to store things like glasses on it, and not have them slide when influenced by G forces.

Also, what is protocol for cleaning the factory dash? I have heard they can delay if they get wet, so my default do nothing strategy is string to get pretty dusty.

What products are good on here and what should be avoided? I am probably overdue on some seat cleaning and conditioner as well.

Thanks,

Dave

2019 Ram 3500 Laramie, level 2, I believe

 

[bcbender]

If I remember correctly the care guide that was attached to the seat said to use only soap and water to clean them... I've simply wiped everything down occasionally with a damp microfiber cloth and water, but I have not had anything that "needed" soap or cleaner to remove yet.

 

[Diesel85]

Yup, just clean water and a cloth is really all you need.

Be cautious of cleaning the instrument cluster lens not to scratch it from dust.

If you do it periodically, you won't have a problem.

I used to hate when people would "Armor all" the entire interior and make it as a slippery mess.

 

[Wiredawg]

I used to hate when people would "Armor all" the entire interior and make it as a slippery mess.

Like so many other things, many folks didn't apply ArmorAl correctly. They applied too much leaving a lot of residue. A friend of mine did his thesis in college that ArmorAl was a classic case of a company creating a problem to fix all the terrible plastics carmakers used on interiors as a fix. His research showed it was often misapplied and that the residue would heat up in the sun, baking the plastic and doing more harm. Since 1985, no AemorAl for me.

 

[endoscott]

It would be interesting to look at some actual science on, for example, Armor All vs 303 performance. I can't find any actual science like is available on medical topics through sites like Pub-Med.s Sure are lots of opinions out there though...

 

[Wiredawg]

I used 303 when I had EPDM roof on 5th wheels.
Not sure if the type of plastic mattered. I think the plastic used in older vehicles was as much actual heat as UV. My old 2003 and 2002 Rams plastic became very brittle, and I used windshield sun shields, so only saw sun when actually driving. Crap plastic.

 

[DFrank]

Thanks guys. So I don't have any excuses not to go wet wipe my dash, other than the cold temps this week. Maybe I'll get to it when it warms up.

I've always hated armor all. I sure to 303 all my latex dry suit gaskets, but even that is apparently not good for them.

 

[AH64ID]

I just wipe it down occasionally, but I’d like to figure out what’s best for the materiel.

FWIW, there isn’t a 5th gen HD Ram yet. These are still 4th gen’s, or commonly called 4.5 gen.

If you want to know for sure what level Laramie package you have then you can look at your build sheet or window sticker.

https://fcacommunity.force.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing

https://windowstickerlookup.com/

 

[Units]

I do the same this as others, damp rag then make sure it’s dry. I use a cheap 15$ sunshade for the windshield to protect the dash, when not driving of course.

 

[Wiredawg]

I just wipe it down occasionally, but I’d like to figure out what’s best for the materiel.

FWIW, there isn’t a 5th gen HD Ram yet. These are still 4th gen’s, or commonly called 4.5 gen.

If you want to know for sure what level Laramie package you have then you can look at your build sheet or window sticker.

https://fcacommunity.force.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing

https://windowstickerlookup.com/

John, I think Ram is using improved plastics for the interior. My former 2009 I traded in 2018 was not showing the deterioration my previous trucks had shown. Down here in TX is a pretty good test for sun and heat affects on vehicle interiors. My former 2003 Ram 2500 dash plastic completely deteriorated. My brother in law replaced it with factory part and looks good now. We'll see if Ram or manufacturer actually improved the plastic or not.

Cheers, Ron