I would like to know more about the processes involved with a new Ram order. ???

The dealer goes into a computer and checks off the options and the model he wants to order, no? Or is this done on the tele?

He gets a VON number, right? and the invoice?

Then what happens? Are there options that slow down the process of the build?

How does the assembly line work - one model or color at a time? Can different options be added to each truck per an order or are trucks with similar options batched and done at the same time?

Is the build faster if one orders a sixer on the floor rather than an automatic?

If you order the curtain airbag, does that slow things down?

What colors are presently available for the 3500 dually, QC? Is one color easier, or faster, to get beacuse it is more popular? Does it make a difference?

Once assembled, what happens next?

When does the ******* get notified of shipment? By computer?

Then I understand it goes on rail or truck to a central point in a state, and then is trucked to the dealer?

How does this occur regionally? Do they hold back orders until they get enough vehicles to make a load to say go to Missouri, and then wait to get a load to go to Florid-ah?

What information has the Dealer and the prep team received specifically about:

1) low fluid levels in the axles and transfer box- are YOU now specifically told to check all fluid levels, despite that not being done earlier?

2) drilling and welding new frame. Have you received the dispatch Sierra Phil posted on another part of this board?

3) earlier fan torque problems, has this been fixed or is it a continuing problem? etc.


Thanks, Luke and others who might respond.

 

Ok this could take awhile <br><br>Your first question, yes we go on to our computers which connect to chrysler via the internet to their site which is called dealerconnect. We go to an ordering and specing system which DC calls TOPS, then you pick from one of four menus: Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge Trucks. Once you do that it then asks for a model year(because sometimes we actually have to model years running at the same time). Then it will list a long list of different config's(i.e.: 1500 reg.cab4x2, or 3500 quad cab 4x4, and all the others you can think of. Then you pick one of those and it automatically sends you to the page where you pick the interior package and drivetrain by code(i.e.: 2bg, or 2uh, or what ever one you want). Then you go to the page wher you pick any and all free flow options like: side airbags or trailer tow or keyless entry or whatever. Then you got to the next page where you pick your paint procedure, paint colors, seats, and interior colors. Then if it is a sold order there are 2 more pages of customer info to put in. Finally after all that you end up at the summary page where it shows something like an invoice with everything you've done. It is here where you can print it, submit it to DC to get an order #, or clear it.<br><br>As far as options that slow down the build time there is a report a dealer can get on each model about what is on build restriction at that time, I got the side air bags on both of my trucks and neither one has taken any longer than normal. There is no time difference between a 6-speed or an auto as long as one of them is not restricted.<br><br>As far as assembely line procedures, they really don't care what they build with what. I've been in the St.Louis truck plant several times and in the old bodystyle years(94-02) you would see 1/2, 3/4, and 1-tons rolling down the line in no perticular order. Color doesn't matter either, You'll see about every color rolling down the line in no order. <br><br>As of right now DC offers white, silver, flame and garnet red, black, timberline green, and patriot blue for the dually's.<br><br>Once assembeled, the truck goes to an area where it is run on a machine that resembles a dyno with all wheels turing through all gears for a few minutes. Then the truck goes on an allignment machine. After that it goes outside and is roadtested on a short track. If it passes all those tests it is parked on a lot and realeased to the shipper where they later pick it up.<br><br>We get notified of the trucks progress by computer but the system is usually at least 2 or 3 days behind so we never know exactly.<br><br>As far as the shipping itself each state is different. As for us, our trucks come out of Mexico by rail and go to Centerville Ill. The Cassens transport loads them up and brings them out, sometimes a whole load, or one at a time.<br><br>As far as the fluid levels, we have always been required to check all fluid levels here at the dealership as part of the new vehicle delivery inspection. We have always done this, but I think some dealers get lazy and that is where you see these problems. <br><br>About the drilling and welding deal, I think we have some communications here somewhere from DC but we only sell and install the B&amp;W line of gooseneck and 5th wheel hitches and that is approved by DC so that is what we do.<br><br>The fan torque problem has been corrected form the factory but if you have an earlier truck you will be recieving a recall notice in the mail.<br><br>OK, I'm officially out of breath now

 

Well, I'm not Luke, but I ordered my truck in August and had a pretty good experience - here's what happened....<br>1) the dealer took down everything I wanted. Since it was a Laramie package, that made it easy - I only had to add the roof clearance lights (though we didn't know to add the seat heaters). <br>2) He puts it in his computer, says &quot;wait 6 - 8 weeks&quot; and that's that. No invoice then, only an estimate (but the truck was in very early production then, so that may have changed). I got a VIN number a few weeks into the process. <br>3) I called the DC 1-800 number and got the status (using the VIN) after about 6 weeks, and the truck itself arrived almost exactly 8 weeks after order. The dealer was little help in figuring out where the truck was at any particular time, but the 1-800 lady was very helpful.<br>When I ordered my truck, there were a few options just not available yet (underhood light, 6-CD changer) but I lucked out and didn't order anything on restriction.<br>Can't answer the assembly line question.<br>When I got mine, the only way to get the HO was with the 6-speed - I've read rumors that the 48re automatic may be problematic so it just might slow things down a bit. Maybe not.<br>Also don't know about the side curtains - I didn't order them but they weren't on restriction if I had.<br>Dealer gonna have to answer about the colors - I think the Light Almond was unavailable in the dually, to the chagrin of many.<br>The dealer can query DC's computer at any time about the status of the order - but my dealer wasn't too savvy and couldn't tell me where it was until it arrived in the big lot in Jessup Maryland. It had been trained there and then trucked to the dealer. <br>Can't answer the prep team questions except to say that mine was a fairly early build and did NOT have the fan torque problem. <br>BTW, my sixer was my first manual transmission since my first car 15 years ago, and (once I got the whole clutch thing remembered) it's been a blast. Had a driver at the place where I got my truck cap tell me that it was the smoothest manual she'd ever driven - and the power of the HO is incredible! You'll love your truck!

 

Luke,

After a truck hits D status and before D1 and build date, can you make a change without delaying the order?

 

What do you want to change? We as a dealer can't change it, but if it is something really small your dealer might be able to call the distribution hotline and get it done. But the chances of that are really slim :'(

 

Thanks Luke, you can rest now. <br><br>Mr. Billy ;D

 

All this talk about the Flat Floor option got me thinking, that's all. I will leave it as is. Thanks