(poor) AM reception fix?

[slowneasy]

From the beginning we've had poor and in some cases, very poor AM radio reception with the 2014 & 2015 Ram trucks compared to the 2009 Ram truck which hasn't been as good as the previous 2004 & 1999 Dodge Ram trucks. Has anyone looked into this issue with their trucks and found a fix? Seems like all the good talk shows suck here in southern california while all the crap ones come in loud n clear. Conspiracy??
I will be pulling the radio out in a couple of months to install a backup camera wiring so it would be a good time to try fixing the AM reception too.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

If you find a solution, post it here.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I thought it was just my new truck! My 86 Dodge W100 AM works great.

 

[jhenderson]

I thought it was just my new truck! My 86 Dodge W100 AM works great.

Your 86 has an analogue radio with an antenna trim adjustment. Not so with new vehicles. Welcome to the digital age.

 

[Timd32]

I tried my '18 out today, the radio station is half mile from my office. After 6 miles lost reception.

Yeah I think with the new digital station transmitters I wonder if the wattage is what it was anyway, that is most likely reduced as well.

You can stream radio with your phone, you can downoad pod casts as well if you dont want to use a data plan. Its actually a lot easier then you think to get the content you like for free. Then use the aux port.

AM is still going to be impacted by line of sight like tall buildings and mountains. Plus the hardware has changed as mentioned above.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I tried my '18 out today, the radio station is half mile from my office. After 6 miles lost reception.

Yeah I think with the new digital station transmitters I wonder if the wattage is what it was anyway, that is most likely reduced as well.

You can stream radio with your phone, you can downoad pod casts as well if you dont want to use a data plan. Its actually a lot easier then you think to get the content you like for free. Then use the aux port.

AM is still going to be impacted by line of sight like tall buildings and mountains. Plus the hardware has changed as mentioned above.

I wish I could stream from my cell phone but most of the places I go to don't have cell coverage! I suppose I'll just drive the old 86 when I want AM radio. Hahahaha

 

[Deleted member 995608]

^^ This is what I've resorted too. I got an unlimited data cell plan so I can stream IHeart radio which plays most of my local favorite AM stations. XM/Sirius fired some of my favorite talk shows so I stream them through IHeart also.

 

[Ozymandias]

You still use AM over there?

This service is down many years ago in Europe, right now we phase out FM Radio and in 2 years or so we only have digital radio DAB+ left on air.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

You still use AM over there?

This service is down many years ago in Europe, right now we phase out FM Radio and in 2 years or so we only have digital radio DAB+ left on air.

Yes we still have AM and we also still have our firearms to protect us from our government

 

[Ozymandias]

Yes we still have AM and we also still have our firearms to protect us from our government

Im fine with that, I've still a leftover around... https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIG_SG_510
And got this from Dads service time.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/K31

 

[gsbrockman]

Yes we still have AM and we also still have our firearms to protect us from our government

I’d almost rather stick my firearm to my temple......as to listen to AM radio.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

You still use AM over there?

This service is down many years ago in Europe, right now we phase out FM Radio and in 2 years or so we only have digital radio DAB+ left on air.

Well, I guess making a nice little crystal set to listen to radio stations is no longer an option.

 

[Ozymandias]

Well, I guess making a nice little crystal set to listen to radio stations is no longer an option.

I remember that!

 

[mwilson]

Yes we still have AM and we also still have our firearms to protect us from our government

Ozy is in Switzerland, don’t lump him in with the others in Europe.

The Swiss voted this crap down in 2011. Cantons are similar to our States..

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_gun_control_initiative,_2011

 

[mwilson]

And this...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Switzerland

 

[mwilson]

Sorry for the thread derail but there are others in the world that feel as we do.

 

[JCronnelly]

I am having the same problem, but its both AM and FM and only happens in the morning. Come afternoon heading home, radio works fine. Anyone have any ideas???

 

[TFucili]

You still use AM over there?

Sure, when I was a lad, I was told that AM=American Music, and FM=Foreign Music

 

[jhenderson]

Sorry for the thread derail but there are others in the world that feel as we do.

No apology necessary. We all fall into the trap of lumping folks into conveniently available groups. It’s good to be reminded when we make the mistake.

 

[Wiredawg]

Are you folks who are complaining about poor AM reception still have the metal whip mast antenna? My 2017 5500 has it but my wife's 2019 1500 doesn't. I'll have to try AM see if it works OK. I listen to Sirius and FM in my 5500. My wife listens to raging Republicans in her truck on AM ok.

Cheers, Ron