[Morris]

It kills me not having AWD on my 2020 Rebel. I have a fully loaded Rebel, except the brain trust at the dealer did not order that option. My salesman incorrectly said AWD was not offered on the Rebel. Later I see the AWD option for $199. Heck, I would have had the salesman do a dealer search to get the AWD included.

Q1: why isn’t an AWD option standard on Rebel? I’ve heard the off “dedicated to off road argument”, but I’m not buying it. Daily use often benefits from AWD.
Q2: Can a dealer add the selector that allows AWD? Would it be hugely expensive?

Any hints are appreciated, thanks.

 

[Rabbit929]

It’s quite possible it’s just a switch and a flash, it should be.
My wife’s Durango is AWD but that’s not Changable, as AWD really means one front tire and the opposite corner rear tire are your main driving wheels, coupled with limited slips.
4WD is the same but will bind and hope when turning sharp, as it is a much more true-lock design.

if it’s offered as a $200 option that would be a fairly easy upgradeif that’s what your looking for.

 

[Morris]

I will call more dealers tomorrow. The “truck accessories” guy at our local dealer was not familiar with adding an AWD feature. Honestly, I am perplexed that FCA would make AWD a $200 option. They might as well make a rear window defogger a $200 option. These features belong on every Ram truck.

Oursalesman said the truck has AWD, even though it is missing the $200 option. I would not have bought the truck without AWD. Slipper damn salesmen, and dope me for trusting him.

 

[Rabbit929]

I understand your pain, but I must add that AWD is usually a lesser than true 4wd. (IMO)
There is a reason many cars come in AWD but not selectable 4wd.
selectable 4wd is more useful when you need it, AWD requires wheel slippage to engage.
but I understand your pain, and I will state that salesmenusuallyknow very little about what they are selling.
i told my dealer to find me what I wanted, SPECIFICALLY. I really wanted the maroon interior. They screwed it up, I got everything else I wanted, but wheni Opened the door, she said “oooo woweweewwewww”
I was not at all impressed.
we wound up settling for it, some days I wish I told her to pound sand, but I like the truck nonetheless.
what I’m saying is such a small thing at least to me, isn’t a deal breaker.
I hope you find what your looking for, and keep us posted on how it turns out.

 

[Morris]

Oh, I want selectable 2WD, AWD, and 4WD High & Low. I generally leave it in AWD except when snow / ice hit and I need 4WD. I had these selections on my Chevy and GMC trucks.

My real pain is believing my lying salesman.

 

[Rabbit929]

Yeah I understand that believe me.. but I gotta ask what is it your after with the AWD?
between traction control, limited slip, and selectable 4wd I can’t seem to fathom why AWD would be better.
it is a handy feature, but personally I like being able to choose when my truck engages the front drivetrain.

 

[Morris]

I hear you Rabbit. Roads in my area are not that predictable regarding when 4WD or AWD is needed. We need the driving security in winter of having the front axle either engaged (4wd) or at the waiting (awd). So often the roads are partially covered with ice or snow and I only want 4WD when the roads are 100% bad.

We do not go off-roading, I admit.

 

[Morris]

I will post what I learn about installing the AWD option after calling a few more dealers.

One word of advice to all, assume your FCA salesman is either a liar or an idiot and you will be better off.

 

[Rabbit929]

Thanks Morris, a friend once told me, salesmen of any type, lawyers and HR personnel are one step down from politicians, and one step above a snake. 😂

 

[WillinNOLA]

Thanks Morris, a friend once told me, salesmen of any type, lawyers and HR personnel are one step down from politicians, and one step above a snake. 😂

Oh, the mental anguish! Did I mention I'm a lawyer? Oh, the pain. 🐍

 

[Rabbit929]

You know exactly what I’m talking about! 😅

 

[jmichaelprice2]

Any updates on being to add AWD with a switch and flash?? I seriously doubt its much more than that since its only a $200 option and the transmission, transfer case and axles are all the same since they are all electronically controlled.
Thanks.