[divemaster5734]

So I got the nav installed units because I need the voice control.
As a contractor, my truck is as much a tool as a screw driver or tape measure.

I expect it to perform as advertised.

I have found the dealer/manufacturer claims to fall short of actual performance.

Because these units are so integrated into the truck, 3rd party units are not an option.

Discounts aside, I leased a $60,000.00 truck, and fully expect everything to be the highest quality available.

So when I discovered the HD Radio has the weakest reception since the crystal radio I built 45 years ago I was disappointed to say the least.

My trade in had a 2014 JVC top of the line head unit that did everything the 8AN unit does, and did it far better.

The connection issues are present because Ram did not bother to do any real programming.

The reception issues are because Ram decided to save money and not bother to install a digital signal amplifier.

I love the diesel engine, but even that is 3rd party.

The nav system is nothing but a loose patchwork dependent on 2 third party vendors, and Ram never bothered to do a real life test, or didn't feel like spending the money to make their electronics real world practical.

It is very unfortunate, because if they bothered to listen to contractors, or anyone else that has to spend many hours on the road, going to multiple address, and needing to change direction for new destinations mid route, they could have produced a world class unit that as a complete package would immediately take a good share of Ford customers.

As it is, I only experience frustrations and delays every day trying to obey the laws of hands free driving, while also trying to facilitate daily operations of my company.

The lower gas mileage of Ford is almost acceptable after having U connect shoved down my throat.

As for the HD radio, has anyone else discovered that most of their favorite HD stations are no longer available on the 8AN units?
I realize this is something a person would not know unless they had HD before the one in the new truck.
There were only 2 stations I listened to, and one of those is not received.

Anyone else seeing red after trusting the Uconnect to work?

Before anyone says it's my phone, no, it isnt. It is the cheap programming, because my phone works on every other OEM sync type service I have tried,
Toyota, Ford, and VW are what I have connected to besides Ram.
Besides, half of the Ram system works perfect, it's the half that they didn't bother with that sucks.

 

[mattyj724]

My radio works just fine. I understand that you are having issues, and i have had issues in other Uconnect cars before. But i think a class action suit is a little rediculous.

 

[Corvallis]

My radio works fine too.

 

[firemist32]

I have a 2010 Audi S4 and 2013 Toyota Prius and the nav in the dodge is the best of the bunch looks/ functions wise to me. However the voice input is terrible compare to the other 2. I don't listen to HD Radio because I can't stand the commercials. I love satellite radio for this reason and it works great.

 

[divemaster5734]

My radio works just fine. I understand that you are having issues, and i have had issues in other Uconnect cars before. But i think a class action suit is a little rediculous.

What other avenues are left besides forcing them to deliver a quality product?
Are you a contractor? Do you have a job that requires you to visit multiple unknown address every day?
Are you ever out of urban cell areas and need to find local businesses offering specific or specialty items?
Please, I am not trying to attack you in any way, but my livelihood depends on me being able to find new customers daily, or procuring required materials locally.
Have you ever spent 30 minutes on the side of the road because your communications equipment didn't do what it was supposed to do?
I bought the best trim package available. It was sold as a fully functional communications package.
I had the top of the line comm system in my last truck, I know what high quality performance is supposed to be.
Uconnect is not even close.
I love the truck, I switched from Ford solely because Ford decided to not bother to make a diesel 1/2 ton.
That said, I am now in debt for the next 4 years, and what's worse, I can not even purchase the type of professional quality equipment I need because Ram has decided to make the head unit proprietary, and there will not be third party units.
So instead, I now have to pull over to the side of the road every single day.
For a contractor, that means lost time, which is lost money.
If I told my customers I would do something, then only did half of what I promised, they would sue me out of existence.
Why is Ram so special they don't need to stand by their word?
Why are they so special we should just go into debt for years to buy their products that they have not bothered to finish, and we are supposed to be happy with it?
How else am I supposed to get their attention and force them to either deliver what they promise, or at least allow me to buy an aftermarket unit that will do what I need?
Why do you have to authority to dismiss me and my needs just because you don't care or need about getting what you pay for?
Why is it ridiculous to demand honesty?
What's ridiculous is to let anyone push you around because your too scared to stand up for yourself.
I don't care what ocrap said, I DID build my business by myself, no one stood next to me working the 18 hour days, no one brought me food when I was hungry enough to eat a shoe, and I never got a paid day off, a sick day, or even health care when hurt on the job.
So yeah, I got a bad habit of standing up for myself, and demanding I get what I pay for, because I work freaking hard for my money.

 

[mattyj724]

First i dont think anyone said you didnt work hard or dont deserve what you have. I said a Class action lawsuit is not the answer.

So.. one of two things is wrong, Either 'A' your Uconnect radio is no doing what it is supposed to be doing, IE its broke. Take it back have them fix it with a new radio. Or./.... 'B' the Uconnect system is not capable of doing something that you thought it was. Which means you didnt do enough research on the system and made a bad buy. Either way its not a class action lawsuit, if its broke get it fixed. If the dealer lied to you about its capabilities, then thats up to that dealer. Ram does not own the dealers, they are just licensed to sell thier product.

 

[rem26]

Mine kicks butt. I've never had as nice of radio in my life. Perfect, probably not. But I think it's great.

To have a 'class' you would need to find a lot of people who thought they were sold a bill of goods, then get a lawyer to take it up, and when all is said and done, you will get a check for $7.29 and a free firmware update.

 

[divemaster5734]

First i dont think anyone said you didnt work hard or dont deserve what you have. I said a Class action lawsuit is not the answer.

So.. one of two things is wrong, Either 'A' your Uconnect radio is no doing what it is supposed to be doing, IE its broke. Take it back have them fix it with a new radio. Or./.... 'B' the Uconnect system is not capable of doing something that you thought it was. Which means you didnt do enough research on the system and made a bad buy. Either way its not a class action lawsuit, if its broke get it fixed. If the dealer lied to you about its capabilities, then thats up to that dealer. Ram does not own the dealers, they are just licensed to sell thier product.

The concept for today's auto electronics is seamless integration with the owner smart phone.
It's not that Uconnect "can't" do what is needed, it is patched together and serviced by 3 different vendors.
When they claim they have integrated local POI search, live traffic, and full voice commands, they are without doubt claiming to be as operational and comparable as any other manufacturer, and that is far from the truth.
Even the connection process is fragmented and lopsided.
For instance, if I forget to turn off my ear piece before I start the truck, and then turn it off after getting in, the media will connect, but the phone wont. Not unless I either turn it off, open the door, close the door, then restart the truck.
If I am already moving, I have to grab the phone, go to settings, go to Bluetooth, go to uconnect, and enable phone for uconnect.
That's at least 45 seconds of distracted driving, which completely trashes the whole safer driving thing it is supposed to offer.
I do not have the option of not taking calls while driving, any call can be worth thousands, and if it is a new customer calling in response to one of the advertisements I spent thousands on every month, I only have that one time to answer the call and get the job.
If the uconnect can find the phones media, it can sure as heck find the phone signal also.
Ram simply did not bother to address the issue.
Ram also did not bother to take responsibility for the entire package.
They subbed out to XM and navtech, and it shows.
I'll bet high school hackers can do a better job.
And now I am stuck, knowing they could/should have bothered to sew together the system, and I would have not hesitated to take a competent system instead of the extra interior lights.
I have used 3 other auto makers new systems, and each of them does everything seamlessly. Ram is without doubt claiming to offer the same thing with their system.
If Ram wants to actually compete with Ford, they better get their stuff together, because any contractor will demand performance.
I have several friends that are business owners, from retail stores to restaurants, to manufacturers, to other contractors.
In this day and age, full connectivity is essential for any business to survive.
Especially if you have employees and do even a moderate volume.
I'll break 1M gross this year, and there are times minutes count, and it can cost me dearly if I am not contacted.
Ram isn't going to pay my lost wages, they are not going to make my payments.
I showed the salesman and service tech the place where there should have been a HD signal on my new truck.
I then took them to my trade, turned on the stereo, and it was freaking magic, there it was, the station that doesn't even show on my new truck.
I left the truck for a day, and they went through all the connections, and couldn't find anything, but admitted the "old" HD radio in my truck was far better then the new one from Ram.
My system worked perfectly.
I would even be willing to buy an upgraded unit, but they are claiming that one is the best available, and has everything anyone else does.
I bought my head unit last year. It was a 2014 model, but the technology has been out for a long time.
My truck was built in September this year. I fully expected at least similar performance.
They didn't have the system hooked up in the truck, and I was stupid enough to believe the dealer when they promised me it would do everything my old one did.
I am for sure going to check around for others that understand the difference between professional grade communications, and face book gossip.
Sorry for the tirade, I am really frustrated with being told I should just shut up and be happy.
They are starting to sound like our politicians, either "side", they are all full of bs.

 

[divemaster5734]

Mine kicks butt. I've never had as nice of radio in my life. Perfect, probably not. But I think it's great.

To have a 'class' you would need to find a lot of people who thought they were sold a bill of goods, then get a lawyer to take it up, and when all is said and done, you will get a check for $7.29 and a free firmware update.

Honestly, I don't want a penny.
I want my system to work, so I can work.
If Ram got off their butt, they have a core truck that can blow away all competitors.
Pretty much everything else in that truck is on a whole different,(and higher), level than anything anyone else offers.
When I am just driving, and not trying to balance the days operations, the ride is second to none.
I already have 1200 miles in the first month, but only went for a drive once, every other time behind the wheel was for work.

 

[firemist32]

I used to be a hardware tech for Apple. I understand highly functional hardware and software integration. The RAM is not Apple nor do I think any auto manufacturer approaches what Apple can do in that regard. That being said if you are truly reliant on using your truck for work forget the in app electronics and your bluetooth headset for that matter. Pair your phone to the truck and use its bluetooth it works good. For maps and traffic you should use a smart phone with google maps app. Google spends more money than anyone on mapping data and driving roads for accurate pictures of what is going and provides good real time traffic all for free. Its a free app and any smart phone rests easy in the cubby above the 8.4. If its paired to bluetooth as it should be it will give you voice commands over your speakers eyes free distraction driving. Smart phone apps will be constantly updated for free unlike the 8.4 which out of the box has older map data and will cost a substantial upgrade fee every couple years to get newer data. The smart phone probably has an APP to get whatever HD station you are looking for as well via I Heart Radio or something similar so problem solved on all fronts.

I understand your view and agree the RAM system could be better but I would say that for every manufacturer. For most people its pretty good. If you simplify your setup and forget the idea of a head unit upgrade and just use a good smart phone for everything that will always be on the cutting edge and transfer to any vehicle you own I think you could be happy

 

[Katoom250SX]

Good read........

 

[divemaster5734]

I used to be a hardware tech for Apple. I understand highly functional hardware and software integration. The RAM is not Apple nor do I think any auto manufacturer approaches what Apple can do in that regard. That being said if you are truly reliant on using your truck for work forget the in app electronics and your bluetooth headset for that matter. Pair your phone to the truck and use its bluetooth it works good. For maps and traffic you should use a smart phone with google maps app. Google spends more money than anyone on mapping data and driving roads for accurate pictures of what is going and provides good real time traffic all for free. Its a free app and any smart phone rests easy in the cubby above the 8.4. If its paired to bluetooth as it should be it will give you voice commands over your speakers eyes free distraction driving. Smart phone apps will be constantly updated for free unlike the 8.4 which out of the box has older map data and will cost a substantial upgrade fee every couple years to get newer data. The smart phone probably has an APP to get whatever HD station you are looking for as well via I Heart Radio or something similar so problem solved on all fronts.

I understand your view and agree the RAM system could be better but I would say that for every manufacturer. For most people its pretty good. If you simplify your setup and forget the idea of a head unit upgrade and just use a good smart phone for everything that will always be on the cutting edge and transfer to any vehicle you own I think you could be happy

You are entirely correct, google maps is far above most manufacturers.
That said, my last head unit had an app that referenced google maps, then had a feature where I could press 1 button and send it to the nav unit.
The problem with using your smartphone for mapping is it requires a constant data connection.

One call from a customer can potentially destroy your guidance, unless I immediately switch to maps to keep the app running while talking.
Also, full high speed data is only available in urban areas. Go 20 miles out and it's a whole different story.
Get a couple emails and texts coming in while you are on the phone and have map running and you are almost guaranteed to drop something, especially if you have another call on hold.
That's why I paid for a stand alone nav unit that will be unaffected by any other function, and not subject to cellular connection for operation.
All that said, the connectivity itself is heinous, spotty, and intermittent.
I have had to pull over almost once a day to either manually connect to the system, program an address, locate a supplier, or talk to a customer, because I have had to resort to my smart phone.
I did not spend an extra 2k just to have something nice to look at in the dash.

I have yet to actually find a useful POI using XM. There's plenty of restaurants and hotels, but I'm not on holiday.
What about a specialty supplier, or even just finding the phone number of a business customer through a POI search.
Not possible with the system they have now.
While I agree with you on the performance standard, I am offended I have to depend on my phone so heavily, when I paid a lot of money for a head unit that will take some of the load.
If I am in heavy traffic, going to a new customer, and get a call, I have to immediately take my eyes off the road and start fiddling around with the phone to keep on track.
I am operating a 5k lb deadly weapon.
One wrong move and it could crush one of those imported tin cans.
I drove a 2014 Ford ecoboost with sync just before getting the Ram.
It worked flawlessly.
I was amazed, Sync is Microsoft, and they are as dysfunctional as any company ever gets, I never expected any of their mobile platforms to perform.
Next to Uconnect, Sync is amazing.
That is truly sad.

Have started emailing class action attorneys, just sent out a couple requests today.

 

[ED_Lover]

It sounds to me like this is a case of buyer's regret. You said the dealer didn't have the HD radio installed when you test-drove the truck. You can't tell me they didn't have a single RAM on the lot that didn't have HD radio where you COULD test it. And the same goes for navigation or any other feature. You might lose a little pride but save a lot of money if you just admit you regret your purchase and move on. Next time go to the dealer with the intention of selecting a vehicle you CAN replace the head unit on. Personally I find it humorous that you claim your livelihood is dependent on these features (HD radio seems unlikely) and yet you didn't vet them out before the purchase.


The most ironic part about this whole conversation is that despite the obvious fact that you are a conservative you clearly don't believe in personal responsibility. You have an almost entitlement tone to your posts.

 

[firemist32]

I don't think anyone needs to get personal. He is entitled to his opinions on the system and everyone else on theirs. I don't feel like he will get the hundreds of people to agree with him that attorneys will need to start a class though since we can all try before we buy.

 

[hammer1]

I just traded my 2015 Porsche Macan for a loaded eco diesel and The Rams system blows the Porsche out of the water. Last time I checked most car magazines gush over anything Porsche and this system is so much better!!!!

 

[divemaster5734]

It sounds to me like this is a case of buyer's regret. You said the dealer didn't have the HD radio installed when you test-drove the truck. You can't tell me they didn't have a single RAM on the lot that didn't have HD radio where you COULD test it. And the same goes for navigation or any other feature. You might lose a little pride but save a lot of money if you just admit you regret your purchase and move on. Next time go to the dealer with the intention of selecting a vehicle you CAN replace the head unit on. Personally I find it humorous that you claim your livelihood is dependent on these features (HD radio seems unlikely) and yet you didn't vet them out before the purchase.


The most ironic part about this whole conversation is that despite the obvious fact that you are a conservative you clearly don't believe in personal responsibility. You have an almost entitlement tone to your posts.

“It sounds to me like this is a case of buyer's regret.”
Very astute, did you figure that out all by yourself, or did you actually remember it was something I said, if you did manage to remember that was written.

I am impressed, but you obviously are not capable to remembering very much about anything you read at all.
In light of all the other very nice features that did work, and the fact that was the last ecodeisel available in Washington State with the 8AN unit, I believed the salesman when he confidently proclaimed it was not possible to test a set up uconnect system.
If you had the ability to comprehend, or remember what you read, you would have known I never stated the HD radio issue had anything to do with work, here, I’ll quote what I actually DID say, just so you understand
“connection process is fragmented and lopsided.
For instance, if I forget to turn off my ear piece before I start the truck, and then turn it off after getting in, the media will connect, but the phone wont. Not unless I either turn it off, open the door, close the door, then restart the truck.
If I am already moving, I have to grab the phone, go to settings, go to Bluetooth, go to uconnect, and enable phone for uconnect.
That's at least 45 seconds of distracted driving, which completely trashes the whole safer driving thing it is supposed to offer.
I do not have the option of not taking calls while driving, any call can be worth thousands, and if it is a new customer calling in response to one of the advertisements I spent thousands on every month, I only have that one time to answer the call and get the job.”


Please show me where I said the HD was essential in that process.


Or here:
“One call from a customer can potentially destroy your guidance, unless I immediately switch to maps to keep the app running while talking.
Also, full high speed data is only available in urban areas. Go 20 miles out and it's a whole different story.
Get a couple emails and texts coming in while you are on the phone and have map running and you are almost guaranteed to drop something, especially if you have another call on hold.
That's why I paid for a standalone nav unit that will be unaffected by any other function, and not subject to cellular connection for operation.
All that said, the connectivity itself is heinous, spotty, and intermittent.
I have had to pull over almost once a day to either manually connect to the system, program an address, locate a supplier, or talk to a customer, because I have had to resort to my phone.
I did not spend an extra 2k just to have something nice to look at in the dash.”


Once again, Hd not mentioned.


Actually, I only mentioned the radio once, and only to say they don’t have a very good digital amplifier for the system because it won’t even find many of the stations available.


It’s OK, because anyone reading your statements can see you obviously don’t have to worry about anything except going to work for wage.
Before you twist that into something it isn't, I have employees, they are some of the finest people I have ever met, and my company simply could not operate without them. I pay at the top of the scale, and I have been known to give a new hire a raise of up to $5 and hour after two weeks, and make it retroactive to their first day. All without anyone asking for anything, because I value my employees and want to be sure they don't need a 2nd job to provide for their families.
I can guarantee I don't have anyone like you working for me. I demand professionalism, and they MUST be able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

I appreciate the fact that with your 2nd grade education and your obvious inability to remember what you did just read, you have spent a long time working your way up the "management ladder", and there’s no way you are going to ever bother to find a better job, it aint easy making manager at McDonalds, and you are not about to throw out the 15 years it took to get there. The way you read, it probably took all that time just to memorize that huge menu, especially when they added the breakfast schedule, whoa, that was 5 brutal years just for that, wasn’t it.


Since you forgot, I said this also, “I love the truck, I switched from Ford solely because Ford decided to not bother to make a diesel 1/2 ton.”


So go on, hate away buckaroo, it’s the low information voters like you that are the single biggest reason America’s politicians have all but destroyed this nation.
As for this “The most ironic part about this whole conversation is that despite the obvious fact that you are a conservative you clearly don't believe in personal responsibility. You have an almost entitlement tone to your posts”,


That’s just narrow, stupid, and not true.
Did you figure out I am a conservative because I started and operate a company, or because I am standing up for my rights? It doesn’t matter, and all it proves is your words are a sad and profound commentary on America’s socio/political atmosphere.


Once again you missed another part” Honestly, I don't want a penny.
I want my system to work, so I can work.”
That’s “entitlement”?
You are clueless beyond imagination. I freaking PAID for a system, and I demand it do its job, and you call that entitlement?


Oh, OK, just got it, that’s the only word you remember to use when talking to a conservative, especially one that is a business owner, because you have been taught how much we producers despise entitlement programs, especially when my money goes to support imbeciles like you.
Ok fine, your probably not just a brain dead zombie sheeple, you’re a MSNBC loyalist, why I’ll bet Chris Matthews even has you on his supporters emails list.
I’m supposed to just accept I got ripped off for a few thousand dollars, and accept my ability to conduct business has been severely compromised, and just put up with now having to waste what will amount to hours sitting on the side of the road, lost customers, engage in distracted driving, and move on? Really?



To where Mr. Brilliance?


Until I run over some electric powered tin can, maybe even kill the occupants of that tin can, then spend the next several years in prison, and the rest of my life in anguish over the fact I hurt an innocent Human?


See, I’m not like you at all.


I work very hard, I actually operate two businesses,(the 2nd is home based and I spend 2 hours every night on it), I am a firm believer in the Bill of Rights. I do not appreciate the way federal “judges” make “rulings” that only support their boss, and get yearly bonuses based on how many humans they were able to deceive, exploit, and destroy lives by putting them in prison for violating a “civil statute”


I am actually an elected PCO in Washington State, been active for decades. I’m one of those conservatives in direct conflict with the republican establishment.
I, and many others like me, are not willing to just “accept” anything sub-standard that we can make better.


What I find insidious, is we are in fact fighting for YOU too, for YOUR individual rights, as a Human Being, created by God, and the fact you are alive means you have inalienable rights, (that means no government can take them away), but you are so brainwashed by main stream media you just sit on your azz and call us names.


Guess it is true “Stupid Is as Stupid Does”


Go keep attacking me, keep on making up lies, and when you’re done, slink back to your pathetic life of ignorance.


As for me, I will make my stand, I will not run, and in the end, I will have done my best.
All this, over a dang radio. That’s crazy.


One word of warning, if you decide to attack me again, I will in fact return fire.
Make you a deal, stay away from my posts, and I’ll stay away from yours.

 

[ED_Lover]

I'm going to overlook the fact that you attack me personally despite having no information to base your attacks on. Instead I'll stick to facts:


You said: "Very astute, did you figure that out all by yourself, or did you actually remember it was something I said, if you did manage to remember that was written."


I just searched the entire thread (both pages) and did not find "buyer", "regret", or "remorse" anywhere outside of my post or your last. So show me where you said it or accept that you let your emotions get the best of you.


You said: "In light of all the other very nice features that did work, and the fact that was the last ecodeisel available in Washington State with the 8AN unit, I believed the salesman when he confidently proclaimed it was not possible to test a set up uconnect system."


Your first mistake was placing any value on any information a salesman gave you. But more importantly, how was he able to convince you that you could only test a radio in an EcoDiesel? I think a Hemi would have served your purposes just fine for testing the phone connection. Now I understand, we all overlook things from time to time. I certainly have with new vehicle purchases. But the ultimate responsibility is on the buyer to be well informed and to vet the system prior to purchase and in the cases where I overlooked something I accepted responsibility for that outcome.


You said: "It’s OK, because anyone reading your statements can see you obviously don’t have to worry about anything except going to work for wage."


Wrong, I have a family depending on me. I have in-laws that will one day soon be moving into my house and depending on me to keep a roof over their head. So don't even go there, you don't have any idea what you're talking about, but you will by the end of this post.


You said: "I pay at the top of the scale, and I have been known to give a new hire a raise of up to $5 and hour after two weeks, and make it retroactive to their first day. All without anyone asking for anything, because I value my employees and want to be sure they don't need a 2nd job to provide for their families."


I commend you for that, paying good employees a good wage is an honorable thing to do as a business owner.


You said: "I appreciate the fact that with your 2nd grade education and your obvious inability to remember what you did just read, you have spent a long time working your way up the "management ladder", and there’s no way you are going to ever bother to find a better job, it aint easy making manager at McDonalds, and you are not about to throw out the 15 years it took to get there."


This one made me laugh a little, mostly because it's so far off the mark. To be honest you and I probably have a lot more in common than you'll ever admit. Here's the short version of my rebuttal to that: I grew up on a farm where I was often pulled out of school to work and spent many late nights working the fields or scraping crap out of pens. I put myself through college ( B.S. in Physics) on my own dime, no help from mom and dad. I didn't move back in after college, I found a job that was far from perfect but would pay the bills. I worked nights on a manufacturing floor for $20 an hour. At the same time I was working full-time I started graduate school to get my Master's in Electrical Engineering. I eventually was able to get a transfer in that company over to their medical division where they had a need for an engineer. When that company laid off 50% of it's workforce, I was one of the lucky few kept on staff. Nevertheless I knew my worth and my contribution to the company wasn't reflected in my compensation so I found a better job at a consulting company (ironic eh?). I still work at that job although my ambitions haven't been fulfilled there. I have been working nights probably an average of 4 hours per night to design a device that I hope to bring to market soon. So obviously McDonalds was never even a milestone in my ambitions.


You said: "So go on, hate away buckaroo, it’s the low information voters like you that are the single biggest reason America’s politicians have all but destroyed this nation."


I don't hate you, not even after reading your post in which you went out of your way to show hatred towards me. And I am far from a low information voter, although I'll admit I do read MSNBC on occasion for a good laugh. I am a libertarian and fully support the Tea Party and it's mission. To see the damage the Democratic Party has done to our beautiful nation is infuriating. To see Obama and Holder making comments that indicate they value foreigners over Americans makes me all the more determined to defeat them. Not defeat them with RINOs, but with true conservatives consistent with views that people like you and I hold dear.


You said: "That’s “entitlement”? You are clueless beyond imagination. I freaking PAID for a system, and I demand it do its job, and you call that entitlement?"


Anytime someone expects something for nothing, I call that entitlement. RAM chose to use 3rd parties for various parts of the head unit design. The way to voice your frustration with this is not to buy their product and then complain, but instead go to a competitor. To buy a truck and then claim you weren't given what was promised is disingenuous as you had ample opportunity to try out the equipment for yourself. Now most of us wouldn't go to the extreme of testing a different vehicle to verify these features but most of us don't rely on them for our livelihood...


You said: "I’m supposed to just accept I got ripped off for a few thousand dollars, and accept my ability to conduct business has been severely compromised, and just put up with now having to waste what will amount to hours sitting on the side of the road, lost customers, engage in distracted driving, and move on? Really? "


Again, buyer beware. But I have to believe there is a 3rd party solution that bypasses the head unit if you need to go to that extreme. There is a Garmin app that you can download that makes the maps local to your device so that you don't need a data connection to use it. Not ideal but one hour spent with a lawyer will more than pay for it.


You said: "Until I run over some electric powered tin can, maybe even kill the occupants of that tin can, then spend the next several years in prison, and the rest of my life in anguish over the fact I hurt an innocent Human?"


If there is even a chance of this happening then you need to find a new profession where you aren't a danger to others. If the difference between killing someone or not is a fully integrated head unit then I have to wonder how you performed your job before such technology existed.


You said: "All this, over a dang radio. That’s crazy."


I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[rdefayette]

go old school.
am radio and a map.
worked for years before we lost the ability to actually think.

 

[zoomie]

Ok guys, you've had a nice "back and forth". Since it's getting a little personal let's end it here. Take it off line if you want to continue.

 

[CJnOC]

'My trade in had a 2014 JVC top of the line head unit that did everything the 8AN unit does, and did it far better.'

I understand that you are frustrated, but why not just change out the factory radio and put in another JVC unit or equivalent? I also find that if you want best performance that many times it best to use of best of breed approach. Meaning that Ram will 'bundle' a system together, but not necessarily provide the best. Example, the nav system is only updated yearly, so surely someone like us would want to have something more current. So for me, I'm sticking with my MotionX GPS. Yes, it's less convenient using my small iPhone screen, but the maps are great as are the local points of interest info... Yeah, it would be more money that you would have to shell out, but you would better be able to conduct your business while mobile. I've always believed that if you get 90% of what you are looking for in a vehicle, then buy it because that's a find. And for me if the UConnect is a little quirky, I can live with that because when I look at the big picture, having an EcoDiesel for me is just the bomb!