Talk With a Dodge Truck Design Engineer

[cksh8me]

Get rid of / reduce the blind spot on the door pillars. Better seats the seats in my 97 are better than my 04.



Better QC the stupid things going wrong leaking back window, wires run where they rub and short, a new spare tire mount (have you ever tried to lower your tire with a camper hanging off the back. ), relocate the filters to convient places. I'd rather lay on the ground and change them in a couple of minutes than be bent over the fender and cussing. Go back to a club cab and go to a (GM/Ford) 4 door. A real gauge package would be great. Taller 6th gear lower reverse. Better gear ratios. Hubs that disconnect. 19. 5's on the SRW maybe that's over kill but I wouldn't have to buy them later.



Copy VW on how the window /door locks work. Add another 20 gallons to the fuel tank.



Zerk fittings for everything, upgrade the AC to be as good as the 2nd gens.



Get rid of the death wobble.

 

[bighammer]

Bighammer, Is there anyone really listening? The way I hear the situation in Detroit is "DOWNSIZE" everything! Including eliminating key personell. 'Course, management is still in place and those that arent have a "Golden Parachute". I would really like to see a change for the better, with the Dodge/Cummins offering. I will believe it when I see it! GregH

I don't know that they are or aren't listening. They should be. It seems like the forums needed a little "stirring" to get things moving again. :-laf

There are some great ideas on here.

My old truck ('69 f250) had the junior west coast style mirrors and I loved them. Size and shape was right but they weren't heated or remote controlled, or I'd look at mounting something like that again. I think the slope of the windshield might be too much on the newer trucks.

 

[Grizzly]

I'm on my second Dodge/Cummins DRW and I'm completely satisfied with both. The 3rd gen is a big improvement over the 2nd gen. Both trucks have been awesome.

 

[AClayton]

I would be appreciative for a front-end that is reliable. Gauges would be nice and a trans that can actually hold the torque curve of a stock Cummins!!!



I can't believe nobody mentioned the dash cracking issues we have in 2nd Gens.





Alan

 

[RDHamill]

I would have these on my wish list:

1)seats that are as good as I had on my '01

2)grease fittings on everything ( they could ask Hino about that one)( including front wheel bearings)

3)easier to reach filters

4)easier to change headlight bulbs

5) better headlights ( read HID)

6) front axle disconnect and / or free wheeling hubs

7) Auto. headlights and dash lights that can be seen at dusk instead of only when it's pure dark.



While some of these things are for the engineers, keep in mind it's the bean counters that hold the engineers back.



I truly can't understand why Chrysler passes on the chance to sell a better list of options. I'd add

1) a true trailer tow package which includes, HD transmission, factory fifth wheel, brake controller .

Since so many of the users of these trucks add equipment, why would they not offer an optional " upfitters" wiring package and Aux switches.

Lots of guys spend money forguages, why not offer a factory package?



I think they are missing a great chance to make some extra $$$ with a better selection of options.

 

[EDankievitch]

Wow, after reading all these posts if someone just built half of the truck we all seem to want it would be awesome! Now how do we get that to happen Mr Patton? How do we get Dodge to listen??????

 

[John Boyce]

I love my 06, but there is always room for improvement. Here are five things:
-paint that doesn't chip so easily
-more tie downs in the bed
-taller transmission 6th gear (already done for 08, I think)
-vents for heat and cooling for people in the back seats
-heated rear seat option

 

[TRoss]

since everyone took all the good ones already, I like the roll down rear window in the new Tundras instead of a slider. I know some people who've had sliders broken into and it'd just be nice to roll the whole thing down. other stuff, too, but that was the most innovative thing I'd seen lately.

 

[Jeremiah]

Headlights, puh-leeze!

Headlights that reach out beyond the front bumper!!!!!!!!Oo.

 

[SShafranko]

How about a body that doesn't crimple, dent,and colapse when you walk on the bed rails or when you breathe too hard towards the truck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Matt400]

Headlights that reach out beyond the front bumper!!!!!!!!Oo.

X2. . on that one.

Has to be one of the more expensive mods I have changed over and over trying to fix.

Our 07 Charger is great right off the lot.

 

[raksasa]

Diesel only service dealers that are familier with and concentrate on our Cummins trucks. Then no more posts about the dealer not knowing how to grease your front drive shaft!

Factory installed gauges - but don't take away my handle on the pillar.

An overhead that reads an ACCURATE average AND instantaneous MPG.

 

[bighammer]

I would have these on my wish list:
1)seats that are as good as I had on my '01
2)grease fittings on everything ( they could ask Hino about that one)( including front wheel bearings)
3)easier to reach filters
4)easier to change headlight bulbs
5) better headlights ( read HID)
6) front axle disconnect and / or free wheeling hubs
7) Auto. headlights and dash lights that can be seen at dusk instead of only when it's pure dark.

While some of these things are for the engineers, keep in mind it's the bean counters that hold the engineers back.

I truly can't understand why Chrysler passes on the chance to sell a better list of options. I'd add
1) a true trailer tow package which includes, HD transmission, factory fifth wheel, brake controller .
Since so many of the users of these trucks add equipment, why would they not offer an optional " upfitters" wiring package and Aux switches.
Lots of guys spend money forguages, why not offer a factory package?

I think they are missing a great chance to make some extra $$$ with a better selection of options.

I think a more extensive menu of options to choose would be good. Sort of like the factory stereo-- A functional unit that should be a fraction of the price, but people buy it so it's over and done, not a separate purchase/instal, etc.

 

[surfbeetle]

How about better fuel economy on the 3rd gens, sprayed in factory bedliner, option for rubber floor mats, and the back window that rolls down.

 

[bruiserbob]

All Of The Above............plus

1. A REAL CONVEX MIRROR (ie;MUCH LARGER) LIKE FORD OR GM MIRRORS

2. OPTION FOR REAR VIEW CAMERA WITH A LARGE VIEWING SCREEN EVEN

IF YOU DON'T WANT THE OVERPRICED DODGE NAV SYSTEM.

3. A "BACK-UP" WARNING SYSTEM... ONCE YOU'VE HAD ONE,YOU LOVE 'EM

4. DOUBLE DITTO ON A BETTER PAINT JOB.

5. COUNTER-BALANCED TAILGATE FOR US SENIOR CITIZENS.

6. TRIPLE DITTO ON DECENT HEADLIGHTS.



7. SOMEONE AT DODGE CORPORATE WHO WILL ACTUALLY ANSWER TO A

QUESTION OR CONCERN THAT A PAYING CUSTOMER MIGHT HAVE.

 

[Grizzly]

How about a body that doesn't crimple, dent,and colapse when you walk on the bed rails or when you breathe too hard towards the truck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aren't you exaggerating just a bit!!!



Furd, Chevy and Toyota are no better.

 

[Kubotaorange76]

the cfm data on the stock cat and muffler

 

[MStrain]

All the stuff you guys said, and how about a locking tailgate like every Ford F150 and superduty have had for years. And the integrated trailer brake controller would be nice so you dont have to have yours hanging off the dash.

 

[captainmike]

A diesel electric SUV/small pick-up

I want to second Gharmon's request for a diesel electric vehicle. A small diesel engine powering a generator, with batteries and electric motors at the wheels. Maybe enough batteries to give it a 50 miile or so range on batteries alone. More would be better if we have better batteries. It would have to get outstanding mileage. Oh yes, lets have regenerative braking and plug-in recharge capability too.



Thanks, Mike in Florida - '06 2500 Megacab

 

[surfbeetle]

To add to the diesel-electric thing... I would like to see a diesel hybrid that is like the contractor's special prototype they were hyping a few years back. Give us the ability to power our trailers with 50 amp AC power.