When I first learned how to drive, the universal symbol for roll down your window was your hand making a rotating move. Truth be told, I still do that out of habit. But it’s hard to imagine manual windows still exist on any new vehicle, let alone a pickup truck.
Now that Chevy announced power windows are standard for its entire Silverado 1500 lineup starting in 2022, Ford and Ram are the last remaining truck manufacturers to offer manual windows.
Which specific trucks still have the crank?
According to Ford’s build-and-price configurator manual windows (i.e. crank windows) are still an option on the 2022 Ford F-150 XL. And it’s available in all cab configurations: Regular, Supercab and Supercrew (in the XL trim only).
To upgrade to power windows on the XL trim costs an additional $970.
Ram offers manual windows only in the bare-bones Regular Cab 1500 Classic Tradesman.
Now that Chevy announced the discontinuation of manual windows starting with the 2022 Silverado lineup, there are only two truck manufacturers who offer manual window options at all. We checked with Toyota, Ram and Nissan and none of their full-size truck base trims even have manual windows as an option.
So it begs the question, is there still a market for crank windows? If so, it would seem Ford and Ram have the inside track on those who just want a bare-bones inexpensive pickup truck.
The bottom line on manual windows
It’s unfathomable to me that any vehicle, let alone a pickup truck, would still have manual windows. I don’t care if you’re trying to save a buck, automatic windows should be on every new vehicle on the road.
I realize there are old-school people who fear that more motors and electronics running windows means more potential for things to break. To me that is a negative outlook on today’s automotive manufacturing.
Prices are on the increase for trucks (and all vehicles), so I want and expect as many niceties as possible. Crank windows are antiquated and so 1990. Do you agree or disagree with me? Or are you secretly pining for a manual window? Leave your comment below.
Related posts:
- 2022 Ram 1500 vs 2022 Toyota Tundra: A side-by-side comparison
- Which pickup trucks have adjustable pedals?
- Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke diesel discontinued, hybrid kills engine
16 comments
Tsosie
Much prefer crank open windows. Reasons above all make senxe. In addition I want Wind Wings – the push open window openings to direct air into the vehicle.
Bench front seat or 60/40 bench/bucket style is OK – with NO center divider to force into a jet cockpit type of driving arrangement.
joey
same here., can’t stand power everything. still driving 1994 toyota pickup for all the reasons mentioned.
Steve Stockton
There are more of us “old school” types out here than you might guess. I use a truck for work, not just toodling around town, so the fewer high tech bells and whistles on my truck, the better. Which is why I want a standard cab TRUCK with manual windows and locks and absolutely no touch screen, not some “truck” that is essentially a luxury car with an open trunk.
Dan Lester
… dead battery, dead windows,possibly dead people or dead pets …
Michael Pierce
The reason I’m interested in manual options would be if it’s cheaper and like you said less to go wrong. Vehicle prices are crazy! I have an 07 trailblazer with 360,000 mls, a 08 dodge ram with 160,000 mls that I wish I could get it, but right now only the rich it seems could get a new vehicle.
Jake
All the manufacturers have abandoned the individuality. The fact is all of their technology and perks sold to the idiotic masses aren’t necessary. If they want to keep cost down and truly help the environment then serviceability should be key. It’s not and hasn’t been for a long time. Manual windows are a small piece of the money machine that is Detroit. Tesla won’t do any better with electric cars. The battery production and replacement cars will cause much more damage that my old dodge van ever will. Detroit should be embarrassed by the cars they produce. Give me a solid axle, all manual, 4×4 diesel that runs on old French fries. More green than a Prius and less pretentious.
diane adams
Yes I would pay more for crank windows and I hate auto locking doors! For all the reasons others above have already stated.
Anonymous
Personally, I prefer crank. Yes, I am old school. I even prefer manual transmissions because I can always start my car and if it has a compound low, even better. Had to replace the motor on my back windows, and it cost a couple thousand. If I had a crank, the back windows could be fixed easily.
Anonymous
I prefer manual windows and locks. In subzero temps I have have windows motors not able to move the window and power locks just seems lazy and thoughtless you don’t need to think did I lock the doors you hit a button. This is a reason why kids get left people do not pay attention to what is going on.
Anonymous
I like manual windows and doors .if things shut down you can still open your door or window and not be stuck inside.actually have one like that ,was looking for another and was told you can’t buy them anymore.
Mario
I want manual crank windows, and air conditioning.. also what’s wrong with a floor lever to activate 4wheel drive ?? And there should “NOT” be an “OPEN” differential in 4 wheel drive trucks
Zorba
This article shows the insane level of effeteness of the average American. Power windows are the answer to a question NOBODY was asking. Although a small argument can be made in favor of power door locks, I don’t want “power” anything. I want air conditioning, and I want cruise control. Nothing else, and certainly not a screen in the middle of the dashboard!
Michael Brink
Silly, why do i want power windows? As already stated, if you live near water, power windows worthless if submerged. Also, I like to roll windows down while truck not running!
Deborah Flood
Jimmy, it is not the money at all. I would PAY for manual windows as a precious option! You can open them whenever you want, whether the power/battery is on or not (due to accident or being submerged in water, or your husband ran in the store on a 90-degree day and forgot to leave the key). They always work perfectly even when they get old. You can’t beat ’em!
Veronica
I love manual windows. No need for power if something goes wrong or if submerged in water, it’s easier. Lots of people would prefer manual.
Susan E
This post says it all.
I too would pay for manual windows. Evidently, the manufacturers do not care if power windows stop working and they do not care how many people have been injured or died because of them.
I’m not about to be a flunky that has to turn my car on just to open the window.
The people who sell them do not recognize that this is my property and they have no right to choose what kind of windows I have.
The other thing that enrages me is when so many vehicles with manual windows want to stick you with
two wheel drive or even rear-wheel drive. Why is this?
I want a truck with a back-up camera, four-wheel drive and manual windows.