RAM 1500 PedalMonster Review: Zero Throttle Lag

Introduction & Factory Throttle Lag Issues

[00:00:00] What’s up guys, welcome back to the channel. It’s been a minute since I made a video, it’s been a long winter.
[00:00:15] We’re going to be doing some changes on the truck, so some exciting content coming up this summer.
[00:00:20] To kick off the end of the hiatus, today we’re going to be installing the Banks PedalMonster.
[00:00:24] Of course, like always, we’ll do a thorough install and take it for a drive, and I’ll let you guys know my thoughts on it.
[00:00:28] I am super excited to get this thing installed. It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long, long time.
[00:00:33] As many of you know, if you own one of these trucks, the stock pedal calibration is absolutely horrible.
[00:00:44] I understand the theory behind it for better fuel mileage, but they claim a more enjoyable ride—it is absolutely not more enjoyable at all.
[00:00:50] I actually kind of hate driving this truck anything below like 30 or 40 miles an hour.
[00:00:56] If you’re cruising through a neighborhood or going down a street with multiple traffic lights or stop signs, the pedal lag is just God awful.
[00:01:02] There’s just nothing, nothing, nothing, and bam—it goes. It makes the truck kind of clunky at lower speeds.
[00:01:15] That is the main reason why I’m installing this, just for a more enjoyable ride.
[00:01:22] Hopefully, with any luck, this PedalMonster will cure all of those issues and make it more enjoyable to drive.

Unboxing & Pedal Harness Installation

[00:01:27] We’ll do a quick unboxing here. You get a little notice: “Remove before dealer visit.” Probably not a bad idea, under warranty or not.
[00:01:34] Here is the main module, some connectors, stickers, and directions.
[00:01:46] This is a pretty simple plug-and-play deal, so we probably won’t need the instructions much.
[00:02:03] It’s all plug-and-play, so we’re going to get to work, get this thing installed, and see what it does.
[00:02:07] First, we are going to unplug the pedal. They say you’re supposed to disconnect the battery, but I’m not too worried about it. You can if you want.
[00:02:20] If you have this style connector, pull on this black tab. As you pull this black tab out, the connector lifts up out of the pedal.
[00:02:35] Next, take the PedalMonster harness and plug this end into the truck side.
[00:02:50] Push on this locking tab until it’s fully locked.
[00:03:01] Do the push-pull test to make sure that it is in there and locked.
[00:03:16] Take the other end, plug it right into the pedal, and push that tab until it is fully closed. We are good to go on the pedal side.

OBD-II Connection & Module Routing

[00:03:31] For the actual module itself, that is where this other harness comes into play.
[00:03:44] This plugs into your OBD port for 12-volt power. Find your OBD port under the dash.
[00:03:53] Plug this into your OBD port, and then take the other end and plug it into the PedalMonster itself.
[00:04:11] Take the four-pin end and put it in there, and then the six-pin goes into either slot.
[00:04:19] If you don’t have the iDash and just have the standalone like I have, you’ll have an open port.
[00:04:28] The second port is for the iDash controller, but we’re just going to control this off our phone. Either port will work.
[00:04:39] Next, we’ll download the app and get this all set up. I’m going to clean up all these wires off-camera with the included zip ties.

App Setup & Throttle Calibration

[00:04:49] Download the Banks app. Once you open it, hit allow and turn the truck on.
[00:05:04] Put the module in pairing mode. There’s a little orange button on the back of it.
[00:05:30] Use something small like a pick. Push that button, and it will enter pairing mode.
[00:05:48] Create your account, sign in, and follow the prompts. Select “Start Auto Detect.”
[00:06:10] The vehicle must be in park with the engine off and the key in the run position.
[00:06:15] Start the calibration: press the pedal to full power, release, wide-open throttle, and release. That’s done.
[00:06:33] The level goes up the more you press the gas. The higher you go, the more aggressive it gets.
[00:06:56] We’ll crank it up to Sport and see how it does.
[00:07:04] First startup: no error codes, no check engine lights.

Test Drive: City, Sport, and Track Modes

[00:07:18] Let’s go for a drive and see how this thing does.
[00:07:34] It connects super fast. Wow, it’s like a light switch! It is already night and day.
[00:07:44] I just tapped the gas and it moved. That’s pretty aggressive.
[00:08:00] I’ve had tuners with throttle sensitivity adjustments before, but nowhere near as aggressive as this.
[00:08:14] You hit it, and it’s super responsive—about 95% more responsive than the factory configuration.
[00:08:26] You can adjust it on the fly. I’m going to put it up to Max City mode and see how that is.
[00:08:37] That is much better. The response is there, but it’s not as touchy; it’s much more linear.
[00:08:50] Cruising along, if you want to pass someone, bam—it’s right there.
[00:09:01] In Max City mode, it’s not overly aggressive, but the pedal is right there when you need it.
[00:09:36] Max City feels like how the truck should have come from the factory. It feels like a proper stock calibration.
[00:09:52] Even in Max Sport mode, it’s still linear enough that you can ease into the gas without snapping your neck unless you stab it.
[00:10:10] My main goal was getting rid of that pedal lag at lower speeds in neighborhood stop-and-go driving.
[00:10:35] Coming out of a stop, the factory setup had nothing, nothing, nothing, and then bam—it was jerky. This takes care of all of that.
[00:10:55] In City mode, when you hit the pedal, you just go. It’s much more refined and comfortable to drive.

Reverse Safety Demonstration & Summary

[00:12:02] Now I’ll show you the Reverse Safety feature.
[00:12:05] Put the truck in reverse, and Reverse Safety activates immediately, putting the pedal back into stock configuration.
[00:12:10] That prevents surging when backing up, which is a great safety feature.
[00:13:05] Just for fun, let’s crank it all the way up to Max Track mode and do a quick acceleration.
[00:13:30] In Max Track mode, the slightest tap of the gas gives you neck-snapping response. It’s off the charts.
[00:13:52] It’s definitely fun, but Track mode is intense for everyday driving.
[00:14:09] Overall, I can’t recommend the PedalMonster enough.
[00:14:15] Between the automatic Reverse Safety, the 12-volt OBD connection instead of pulling 5 volts from the pedal, and the ActiveSafety failsafe that prevents limp mode, it won’t leave you stranded.
[00:14:42] The app works seamlessly, and the overall driving experience is much more refined. It’s definitely a must-have.