Work Truck Magazine, April 2018

26 WORK TRUCK APRIL 2018 I RECENTLY HAD AN OPPORTUNITY to test drive the all new 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman model and compare it to its predecessor model Without question the new Ram 1500 Tradesman is head and shoulders above the prior generation model in every comparison metric The 2019 model offers vocational The pickup is also available in either a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain All New Chassis The Ram 1500 offers up to 2300 pounds of payload in a four door Quad Cab configuration which is a 22 increase compared to its predecessor ing system gear Ram Tradesman features a standard Class III trailer hitch and lighted abovebumper four and seven pin trailer wire connectors Properly equipped Tradesman models provide towing capability up to 12750 pounds Roomy Interior The Ram 1500 cab is very spacious due to longer frame lengths There are three new longer frame lengths offered a 1445 inch wheelbase on Crew Cab short beds and a 1535 inch wheelbase on Crew Cab long beds both four inches longer than their predecessors The Quad Cab long bed has a wheelbase of 1405 inches Compared to the prior generation model the 2019 Ram 1500 cab is stronger with 54 high strength steel Standard interior features include Uconnect 50 with five inch screen and hands free calling a 12 volt auxiliary power outlet three USB ports and one auxiliary port Fleets can choose vinyl or cloth 40 20 40 split bench seats with six passenger seating The second row includes slide reclining seats to eight degrees with a flat load floor with integrated RamBins and tie down rings There is expandable under seat storage Despite the longer wheelbases the Ram has a tight turning radius at just 462 feet curb to curb an improvement over the previous model which is appreciated at constrained job sites All 2019 Ram 1500 models have impressive stopping power With 18 more brake pad area the 2019 Ram 1500 features the largest front brake rotors in the segment at 149 inches It also offers a new electric parking brake WT PHOTO MIKE ANTICH 2019 RAM 1500 TRADESMAN BUILT FOR VOCATIONAL USERS The all new 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman model is designed for vocational fleet applications such as those found in the construction landscaping HVAC and plumbing industries It is available in two cab styles and two bed lengths BY MIKE ANTICH fleets varied configurations from which to select the model best suited for their fleet application The Ram 1500 Tradesman is available in two cab styles and two bed lengths Quad Cab with 6 ft 4 in bed Crew Cab short bed 5 ft 7 in or Crew Cab with optional 6 ft 4 in bed It has three powertrain selections the standard 36L Pentastar V 6 with eTorque mild hybrid system the optional 57L HEMI V 8 or optional 57L HEMI V 8 eTorque The mild hybrid eTorque achieves a 10 improvement in fuel economy adding up to 90 lb ft of launch torque to the 36L Pentastar V 8 and up to 130 lb ft of launch torque to the 57L HEMI V 8 Using high strength steels composites and aluminum the 2019 Ram 1500 reduced its weight by nearly 120 pounds from the chassis 100 pounds from frame alone and nearly 225 pounds overall when compared to the prior generation The new frame is 98 high strength steel The frame improves torsional stiffness which increases stability and handling precision while decreasing noise vibration and harshness NVH Although the prior generation Ram 1500 hood and select chassis components were aluminum the Ram 1500 achieved notable weight reductions by increasing the use of aluminum such as the tailgate engine mounts and steer The 2019 Ram 1500 offers up to 2300 pounds of payload in a four door Quad Cab configuration which is a 22 increase compared to its predecessor