On my 2008 and 2015 Super Duties, if you turn off the key: The dash dies, the engine ignition dies, lights stay on because ford lights stay on when you turn them on, the transmission STAYS in gear, the TCC stays locked in, the engine keeps on turning over as long as you're moving, power steering still works because belt is still pumping. Turn the key back on, and engine fires right up, no starter needed.
If her story is true, Dodge has a safety issue. I'll bet her story is false, and that the Dodge operates the same as Ford.
My 08 had a sensor bug for a while, would give off false HET alarms, that I could clear on the hwy, by simple key off, key on. Never did track it down.
OP: The Ford rear Elocker is priceless. And NO, paying twice as much for a truck that's no better than an XL is not worth it. None of the bling bling stuff is worth a single darn anywhere. I'm not jealous of Lariats at all. I prefer the manual xfer case, but my current truck's ESOF is winning me over. 4wd, and locked with just a flick of the wrist. Avoid the moonroof, electric up/down tail gate, adaptive steering, and maybe the adaptive cruise. Lifts and winch bumpers jack up the cruise sensors.
If you have the irresistible urge to keep up with the Jones's, use the $400 a month you save, and buy Ducati or BMW.
I'd recommend, F250/350 CC, Tremor, XL, XL equipment upgrade group power everything, any engine, any trans, any axles. But get the biggest gears you can. Avoid the diesel if you don't NEED the diesel, get it if you truly do. Then just get brighter bulbs for the headlights. Sylvainias Silverstar are excessively bright, and if you don't aim them down.........
Dodge needs a rear locker, freespin hubs, and a new gas engine before I'll look at them again.