Welcome Scott, it's a very enjoyable truck and powertrain that is for sure! I sounds like you are driving as much as I was when I got mine. I put 10k the first 3 months and 29k for the first year. About to turn 2 years and 43k near flawlessly!
The only change is cold viscosity, 40 opposed to 30. That's not really going to effect anything. The computer flash update is to keep engine rpms closer to 2k opposed to being able to drop into 8th at 55-60 and see 1400rpms where there can be some excessive load and engine lugging with a "less...
Actually yes you could run it through a lap top. It is just a Bluetooth adapter for the obd2 port and an android application. There are others out there but I like this enough to have purchased the app.
I have a 7" wifi tablet also I Used to keep in the truck to run it but it's really not...
Happily I can report that my CEL is now off. I did NOT clear the fault code whatsoever. Friday-Tuesday morning and it was all good. No big deal.
By the way I have bulk pump Def from the big rig lane if it is of any concern.
My HID system works great with Auto function. If you want "DRL" with such just cover the photo cell on the dash with electrical tape and you have always on exterior lighting when the vehicle is running.
The transmission filter is integrated with the transmission pan, completely unrelated to engine oil or pan. The extra capacity pan is just for peace of mind for those under extreme load, aka frequent tt tow'ers. Alternatively just change the oil before the 10k. Simple enough
I got a 7 year 100k bumper to bumper wrap for mine from the dealership third party, don't recall the exact company but not a mopar contract. 0$ deductible at purchasing dealer, $100 anywhere else. Not terrible. Ran like $2k
42k on my '15; near flawless. Hopefully I don't follow Mr Kitchens fate. But that will be a Warranty concern between ram powertrain, my third party extended Warranty, and my dealership lifetime powertrain Warranty, though I accidentally Used non spec oil for 2 changes by fault of my own I could...
I use torque pro also when I feel the need to monitor anything and it is pretty good, some limited dpf readings but if you know what to look for on egr temps 1&2 you can watch the regeneration cycle.
Anyways sometimes the trucks just pick a poor time to try and force a regeneration like right...
I have a system from enlight automotive. It's very similar to the one from another higher end place I think RetroShop or something like that, anyways I've had mine for about a year and a half and it's been fantastic. I have 55w ballast which I don't think are available anymore and the 8k (35w)...