Most consumers don't order their cars... they look over the dealer inventory and find what comes closest to what they want. Conversely, truckers order exactly what they want right down to the tire tread on each axle.
Heavy duty pickups are getting caught in the middle.
Because of the surge in sales of full size pickups over the last 15 years, manufacturers have increasingly followed the lead of cars and make their trucks available in large option "packages". This saves costs by reducing the number of configurations and cutting build time. And with the notable exception of Ford, whose heavy pickups are on a completely separate chassis and body, these cost saving measure are shared over the entire line. This option package mentality is understandable for small and midsize cars because of the volume and lack of profit margin... pick a color, pick a primary package, and drive home.
But does that really serve the intended customer of a heavy duty pickup?
I ordered my 1996 and 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT dually pickups, exactly the way I wanted them. But if something happened to my 2005, I could not order an equivalent 2008 because of the new option package mentality. Part of my 2005's features are in the 2008 SXT trim level, and part are in the 2008 SLT trim level. If I am willing to sacrifice what I can no longer get in an SLT, I still have to get an option package that includes things i have never ordered and definitely don't want. not surprisingly, most of these "extras" are electric or electronic and expensive to repair if they fail.
And this is not to single out Dodge... all the manufacturers do this.
But heavy duty pickups and chassis-cab trucks (250/2500, 350/3500, 450/4500, 550/5500) are purpose-built, and primarily for people who need a truck to be a truck. I like a comfortable supportive seat, but I shouldn't have to spend hundreds extra for premium cloth or leather to get it. If I want the steel fold-out floor for the rear, why do I have to now order a package that includes an alarm system? What do those two things have to do with each other?
When a trucker sits down to spec their next rig, they make sure it's going to do the job. They can specify things like suspension type (air or leaf pack); tire size, brand, load rating, and tread; engine brands, size, and power rating; transmission type and number of gears; brand and model of seats; the number of gauges and which functions; even the number of marker lights and turn signals. Not saying my next truck needs to be that customizable from the factory, but if I want a particular component, I shouldn't have to order 10 things I don't want or need.
A dually is not a consumer vehicle or a "family car". It's a duty-rated vehicle that should be configured to the desires of its owner in order for it to perform the needed tasks. I don't want "fluff" with my "stuff"... but I fear that's exactly what I'll have to suffer through the next time I sit down at a sales desk in a showroom.
