by L Baures | Jan 21, 2019 | Trusted Auto Pros
Fremont Motor Rock Springs Among Top FCA Dealerships in Region
The only dealership in the Denver Business region to receive a perfect score from J.D. Power. Fremont Motor Rock Springs, a Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, RAM dealership wins Customer First Award for Excellence. Only 34 dealerships in the region won this prestigious award.
Fremont Motor Rock Springs
Customer First Award for Excellence
The Customer First Award for Excellence is an award given to elite Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, dealerships. FCA compiles the results in partnership with J.D. Power.
Dealerships must excel in various aspects of the business. The criteria consists of five main areas; Customer Treatment, Employee Engagement, Facilities, Processes, and Training Certification. This is for both the sales and service departments within the dealership. This is exactly what Fremont Motor Rock Springs has achieved.
What made this award possible for Fremont Rock Springs
Steph Staton, Customer Experience Manager at the Fremont Motors Rock Springs, dealership tells us more.
What did you implement at the store to make this award a reality?
“We identified process improvements. Aligning with Chrysler’s pillars to adopt a culture that proved to provide an excellent environment. A good setting for our employees results in a better experience for sales, service, and parts. These processes were specific in nature and required meetings with each department to review all of their individual processes. Ensuring they align with Chrysler’s goals and objectives while still adhering to Fremont’s processes. Communicating the processes to the frontline to ensure a proper rollout and training. The award – while daunting at first – has allowed all employees to “level up” and rise to the occasion to adopt these practices on a daily basis.”
What does this mean for Fremont Motor Rock Springs customers?
“Dealership customers now experience improved communication in their visits from start to finish both in sales and service. The environment is more customer-focused on providing a warm and welcoming area and overall culture. Our processes have drastically improved our reputation in the community raising our Google rating increased. We’ve heard from various customers and businesses in the community that they have seen and experienced very positive changes. A Dealerships reputation is EVERYTHING!!!!”
Staton says, “A BIG THANK you to all of the employees at Fremont CJDR Rock Springs. Embracing this as an opportunity to change, improve and really “level up.” This is not an award that is easily achievable. We were 1 out of 34 stores in the Denver Business Center to receive the award the only store to receive a perfect score of the JD Powers Certification.”
by L Baures | Jan 14, 2019 | Automotive News
What’s new for the 2019 RAM Heavy Duty Trucks?
Jan 14th at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), RAM reveals the new 2019 Heavy Duty Trucks.
Bold statements on the stage screen display, “OUT POWER, OUT TOW and OUT HAUL” every other truck on the market.
2019 RAM Heavy Duty Trucks, Photo: RAM.
Powertrains
RAM’s all-new 6.7L Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel engine is capable of 400 hp and 1000 lb-ft of torque. Made possible improvements such as; new exhaust valves and springs, new rocker arms, lighter and stronger pistons, low friction rings, and forged connecting rods. Also completely new is the exhaust manifold. This HO engine is paired with the Aisin AS69RC electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engines are up to 870 lb-ft torque and 370 hp. This engine is paired with an upgraded 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission.
Payload is up to 7,680 lbs. Up 330 lbs from 2018.
“Every powertrain is optimized to work with a new chassis to deliver the industry’s highest towing and payload ratings”, says Reid Bigland, Head of RAM Brand.
2019 RAM 3500 Limited DRW, Photo: RAM.
Variable cam timing and cylinder deactivation improves fuel efficiency on the 6.4L Hemi gas engine. An all-new 8-speed automatic transmission (a first in HD trucks) adds shift refinement. This will come in the form of the e-shifter rotary dial.
Suspension
Suspension setups include frequency response dampening (FRD), re-engineered bushings and progressive springs. Class-exclusive rear air suspension is still an option. It now has a driver-activated Bed Lowering Mode. Other modes include; Normal/Payload Mode and Trailer Tow Mode.
Brakes
With more power, has to come more braking. Calipers, booster and master cylinders are upgraded.
No more manuals
2019 RAM Heavy Duty trucks will not have a manual transmission option.
Towing
2019 RAM 3500 Limited, Photo: RAM.
An all-new high strength multi-gauge steel frame reduces weight, which increases capability, RAM announces a new best towing number of 35,100 lbs. This is on a 3500 4×2 regular cab long box dually with a 4.10 rear axle ratio.
Here are some other towing capacity numbers for 2019 RAM 3500 4×4 trucks with the new engine;
MEGA CAB | SHORT BOX | 6.7L I6 CUMMINS HO TURBO DIESEL | NEW 6 SPD AUTO AISIN HD TRANSMISSION | DRW | 4.10 REAR AXLE RATIO | MAX TOWING = 33020 lbs.
CREW CAB | LONG BOX | 6.7L I6 CUMMINS HO TURBO DIESEL | NEW 6 SPD AUTO AISIN HD TRANSMISSION | DRW | 4.10 REAR AXLE RATIO | MAX TOWING = 34130 lbs.
CREW CAB | LONG BOX | 6.7L I6 CUMMINS HO TURBO DIESEL | NEW 6 SPD AUTO AISIN HD TRANSMISSION | SRW | 3.73 REAR AXLE RATIO | MAX TOWING = 25150 lbs.
Dynamic grid lines on back up camera for 5th wheel and gooseneck hitches. 360 Camera has trailer reverse guidance view that doesn’t require any setup or stickers. Mirror-mounted rear spotlights aid trailering in the dark.
Selectable tire pressure monitoring display including tire pressure monitoring for up to 12 wheels. Tire Fill Assist is added and 4 trailer profiles can be stored.
Auxiliary camera setup provides the ability to add cameras to the back of a trailer, or inside the trailer.
Interior Design and Infotainment
Bigland says, “This is the most technologically advanced and luxurious HD truck ever.” With a completely redesigned interior, taking cues from the award-winning 2019 RAM1500 interior. Premium materials such as hand-wrapped leather surfaces and real wood are available on ‘Limited’ and ‘Longhorn’ trims.
Longhorn trims features barn wood on the passenger side dash with the Longhorn logo stamped in. The center console boasts 40 liters of storage and transfers into 12 different storage configurations. MegaCabs feature reclining seats which can also fold completely flat.
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2019 RAM Laramie Longhorn seats, Photo: RAM
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2019 RAM Laramie Longhorn stamp, Photo: RAM
5″ touchscreen standard on Tradesman and Big Horn trims. Big Horns have the option of the 8.4″ screen. Power Wagon, Laramie, and Longhorn trims get the 8.4″ as standard. They have the option of upgrading to the gigantic 12″ touchscreen with UConnect 4C. The 12″ touchscreen is standard on the Limited trim. Split screen configurations on the 12″ allows multiple views such as climate controls and Apple CarPlay simultaneously.
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Big Horn Interior
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Power Wagon cloth Interior. Leather an option.
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12″ touchscreen standard in the Limited trim
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Limited interior
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Longhorn interior
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Limited interior. Photos: RAM
Optional dedicated/assignable switches, up to 5 USB ports and a wireless charging pad add to the tech. Also available, is up to three 115V household plugs able to handle 400 Watts to charge or power tools. One in the front, one in the rear and now one in the RamBox (if equipped).
Introducing active noise cancellation and laminating the windows reduces noise by up to 10 dB. Talking of decibels, the premium sound system on the new 2019 RAM Heavy Duty trucks is a 17 speaker Harman Kardon.
Exterior Design
There are 6 different grille designs, based on the trim level of the trucks. Exterior design adds larger bumper cuts and a 30% larger grille for maximum airflow. Three variations of headlights are available including an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). AFS lights move in the directions of travel up to a max of 15°.
A new package called Laramie Black edition will be an available package on the ‘Laramie’ and ‘Big Horn’ trim levels. A monochromatic sport package is also available on those trims.
2019 RAM Laramie Longhorn. Photo: RAM.
Safety
New 2019 RAM Heavy Duty trucks boast over 100 safety features. One of the big ones is ACC. The only heavy truck to offer Adaptive Cruise Control with full stop and full speed forward collision plus with Automatic Emergency Braking. “Which all work whilst towing a 35000lb trailer”, says RAM.
Smart backup sensors now cover dually fenders.
All New Power Wagon
During the press conference, the all-new Power Wagon emerges downhill through a digital screen of smoke and hot lava.
The heavy-duty off-road truck keeps the ‘Power Wagon’ retro graphics on the bed and tailgate. With Front and rear lockers as well disconnecting sways bars the truck has a factory 2″ lift. Extensive underbody armor and off-road biased coil springs and Bilstein shocks are what makes the Power Wagon. For 2019, the Power Wagon will feature a new Warn winch. Still the 12,000lb winch, but this time, with a synthetic cable to reduce weight. It also gets a 360-degree camera with forward facing off-road view to aid tire placement.
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2019 Power Wagon Photo: RAM
2019 RAM Heavy Duty Trucks will be available at dealerships in the second quarter of 2019.
First New 2019 RAM Heavy Duty Truck Arrives Fremont Casper, WY
Top 5 Reasons You Might Want a RAM Cargo Camera.
by L Baures | Jan 4, 2019 | Trusted Auto Pros
Can you fit a snow plow on any truck?
So, can you fit a snow plow on any truck?
Just about. Yes. Heavy duty trucks are preferable due to having more weight, a wider track, and more durable transmissions. Heavy-duty pickup trucks usually have more front weight capability for the truck to be able to hang a heavy plow on. Gasoline engined trucks may not require any modifications to carry a heavier plow versus a diesel. Diesel engined trucks usually weigh more, therefore, weight limits on the truck could restrict the size and type of plow allowed on the truck. Gross vehicle (GVWR) and rear axle weight (RGAW) limitations will determine which size/type of plow you can fit to your truck. Going overweight on your truck will not only increase the likelihood of failing parts, but risk a voided warranty and potential legal problems should something happen.
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by L Baures | Dec 31, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is traction control, why would you want to turn it off and how to turn off traction control?
via GIPHY
First off, what exactly is traction control?
It’s a safety feature. Abbreviated as TC, TCS, or TRAC.
Traction control systems are designed to assist the vehicle from losing traction. In other words, to stop the wheels from skidding/slipping/spinning. There are various methods in which traction controls systems do this. They either apply engine braking to reduce power to the wheels or apply the brakes on each wheel that is spinning. How does the vehicle know a wheel is slipping? There are various sensors on the vehicle that can detect a difference in each wheel speed and the speed the vehicle is actually moving at.
For example, say the vehicle is traveling at 30mph, however, one wheel starts to spin. That one wheel might now be doing 50mph. The sensors detect this and traction control will kick in to reduce the speed of that particular wheel.
When the system is actively applying the traction control system, the light will flash on your driver information display.
Traction control light
So why on earth would you want to turn off a system that is designed to keep you safer?
Why would you turn off traction control?
When traveling up a steep icy hill, or when trying to get unstuck from snow/mud. When attempting to travel through deep snow or mud, reduced power may end up in the vehicle getting stuck. Reducing power or applying brakes to a spinning wheel(s) in these circumstances is counterintuitive.
These situations may require more momentum, so reducing the power is not good.
When you might need traction control off in deep snow. Photo: L Baures
How to turn off traction control (TC) (TCS) (TRAC)
This may vary by the manufacturer of your vehicle. If equipped, there should be a switch/button showing a picture of a car with wavy lines underneath.
Press this button to turn off traction control.
This should then display the light on the dash as a steady yellow light indicating the TC is now turned off.
On a Ford, depending on the year/model, either press and hold the traction control button or scroll through the menu using steering wheel controls on the instrument cluster. On the left-hand side of the steering wheel, press the back arrow (facing left), then scroll down (using down arrow) to get to ‘settings’. Select ‘ok’, then select ‘Driver Assist but pressing ‘ok’ again.’Traction Control’ will then appear, select ‘ok’ on the steering wheel again
For Volkswagen’s, turn the car onto accessory mode (ignition on but not engine). Push the button to turn on the hazard warning lights (triangle button), followed by pressing the gas pedal 5 times. After the vehicle moves 5ft, TC will automatically turn back on. This may not be possible on all VW’s.
Note, that sometimes this may also deactivate other safety features such as trailer sway control (if equipped).
This may turn off the traction control/stability control partially.
When the traction control button is pushed, this partially disengages the traction control, but stability control will still be active (which can also reduce power, apply braking).
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the traction control system may also be linked to other active safety systems such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control). Variations of these systems have different names depending on the manufacturers. various names include; VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), ASC (Active Stability Control) DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
To turn off traction control and stability control systems fully
Note: “ESC “Full Off” mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use only. Major safety systems are not available when turned off. Not being in control of the vehicle may lead to death or serious injury. Some systems may automatically turn back on when a certain speed is reached (depending on the vehicle year make and model).
Ford, Lincoln
Source: 2018 Ford F-150 Owners Manual
Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge Jeep, and RAM
Engine running and vehicle at a stop. Push and hold the ESC button for 5 seconds until you hear a chime. “ESC OFF” will be displayed on the instrument cluster.
Toyota
Push and hold the VSC button for three seconds to turn off both TRAC and VSC. The TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators will appear.
GMC/Chevrolet
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the button (car with wiggly lines) in the center stack until the TC and Traction Control lights illuminate in the instrument cluster and the appropriate DIC message displays. As per 2018 GMC Sierra owners manual. StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn on if the vehicle exceeds
56 km/h (35 mph). Traction control will remain off.
You may also like: Tips for Driving in Snow
by L Baures | Dec 28, 2018 | Automotive News
Top 10 Features on the 2018 Ford Edge
Here is a list of the top 10 features available on the 2018 model year Ford Edge.
2018 Edge SEL, Photo: Ford
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by L Baures | Dec 20, 2018 | Automotive News
Is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator a Wrangler an SUV or a Pickup Truck?
It’s a pickup truck. A real pickup truck and a midsize one at that. A Jeep truck. Eagerly anticipated, the Jeep Gladiator is finally coming and its real. A real truck with 2 seats up front and 3 in the back. Not just a Jeep Wrangler with a bed attached to the back. Built on a truck frame, with the ability to tow, it’s longer and bigger than a Wrangler.
Coming to showrooms in the 2nd quarter of 2019
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon in Red, Photo: Jeep
Quick Specs
- 3.6L V6 Engine with Start/Stop technology (3.0L EcoDiesel coming later)
- Choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission
- Up to 7,650 lbs towing capacity
- Up to 1,600 lbs of payload capability
- Crew cab
- 5′ steel bad
- 3.73 Axle ratio (Rubicon is 4.10)
Off-Road Specs
- Command-Trac shift on the fly 4×4 system with a 2.72:1 crawl ratio
- Dana 44 axles
- Trac-Lok limited slip diff
- Up to 30″ water fording
(see Rubicon specs under trim levels)
Clearances
| Clearances | Sport | Overland | Rubicon |
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| Ground Clearance | 10" | 10" | 11.1" |
| Approach Angle | 40.8 degrees | 40.8 degrees | 43.4 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 18.4 degrees | 18.4 degrees | 20.3 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 25 degrees | 25 degrees | 26 degrees |
Trim levels
All trim levels get a push-button start, rear under seat storage and lockable read behind seat storage. A six-way manual adjustment driver’s seat and 4-way manual adjusting passenger seat is also standard for all trims. Then there’s the removable carpets and a drain plug for a wash-out interior.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Photo: Jeep
Sport
‘Sport’ trims get a class II bumper hitch with four-pin and seven-pin wiring as standard. Cloth interior, a dampened tailgate, cargo lights and roll up windows. Halogen headlamps accented by a body-colored grille and fog lamps are included. Skid plates cover the transfer case and fuel tank. Wheels are steel, painted black and wrapped in 17″All-Season 245/75 R17 BSW Bridgestone Dueler H/Ts.
Sport S
Over and above what the ‘Sport’ trim level already has, the ‘Sport S’ will get 17′ aluminum wheels, power windows, and power locking doors/tailgate. Also added is remote keyless entry, and power heated mirrors. (Available upgrade to the 7″ screen with Apple CarPlay Android Auto capability).
Overland
Includes all feature on the ‘Sport S’ but adds body-color fender flares, 18″ aluminum wheels, 7″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tinted rear and quarter windows, as well as automatic headlamps and side steps, are included. Leather seats are available as an option on the ‘Overland’.
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Jeep Gladiator Overland, Photo: Jeep
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Jeep Gladiator Overland, Photo: Jeep
Rubicon
Off-road
- 33″ off-road tires (Rubicon)
- Rock-Trac NV241 OR shift on the fly transfer case, 4:1 low gear ratio and crawl ratios of 84.2:1 (manual trans Rubicon) or 77.2:1 (auto trans Rubicon).
- Forward-facing camera (on Rubicon)
- Tru-Lock electric front and rear axle lockers (Rubicon)
- Electronic sway bar disconnect (Rubicon)
- FOX monotube shocks (Rubicon)
- Heavy duty off-road bumpers front and rear (Rubicon)
Top of the range and off-road ready, as well the off-road specs listed, the Rubicon also gets; heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails and rock rails for the bed corners. Two-piece high-clearance fender flares in black or optional body-color. As well as the other skid plates, the Rubicon gets an extra brush guard one on the front. 18″ Falken Wildpeak A/T tires (M/Ts are optional), and 4 tow hooks. Exclusive on the Rubicon interior is LED center console ambient lamp and Rubicon premium cloth seats. Leather seats are an option.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Photos: Jeep
“There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere. Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks. Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility, and functionality resulting in the most capable midsize truck ever,” says Tim Kuniskis, Head of Jeep Brand – North America.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Photo: Jeep
Multimedia
All trims get at least one USB port and aux port and a 12v power outlet and 8 speakers.
Jeep Gladiator ‘Sport’ trim lines will get a 5″ touchscreen as standard with UConnect 3. A 7″ screen with UConnect 4 can be added through a package upgrade. ‘Overland’ and ‘Rubicon’ trims will get the 7″ touchscreen with Uconnect 4 as standard. An upgrade to the 8.4″ UConnect with NAV can be added with a package to ‘Overland’ and ‘Rubicon’s’. The 7″ and 8.4″ screens add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
2020 Jeep Gladiator interior, Photo: Jeep
Packages
Of course, with it a being a Jeep truck, there will be a plethora of accessories available to customize the Gladiator. Some package and Equipment groups available from the factory include;
- Trailer tow package.
- Premium LED lighting group.
- Cold weather group.
- Premium audio.
- Active Safety group (Blind Spot and Cross-Path Detection, LED Taillamps, ParkSense Rear Park-Assist).
- Advanced safety group (Advanced Brake Assist, Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control).
- Smokers group.
- Aux switch group.
- Cargo management with Trail Rail System.
Spray in bed liners, fender flares (standard on Overland), winch-capable steel front bumper and a forward facing trail cam are just some of the other available extras.
Roofs
There are 4 choices of roof/top configurations from the factory. Sunrider folding soft top with sunroof feature is standard. Other choices include a Black Freedom Top (3-piece hard top) and the Body-Color-3-Piece-Hard Top. Then there is the Premium Black Sunrider Soft Top. The Dual Top Group has both the black Freedom Top (hard top) and black Sunrider Top (soft top).
Prices
Gladiator pricing.
You can build your Jeep Gladiator on the Jeep website. This could be a popular choice of vehicle in Wyoming, and in the Rocky Mountain region. What do you think?
Contact your local Jeep dealership for more info.
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