Ram selection

Bling is the thing.More bucks and less carry weight the more you get on the truck.BUT it sure is nice having the bling thing. Goes great with glamping.LOL

I think the bench is only available in the Tradesman or SLT. What I found last spring was that most Tradesman trucks on lots were optioned with all the base SLT features, so they aren't really stripper trucks - keyless, auto headlights, power windows/locks, chrome grill, bluetooth, USB ports and etc. A stripped down Tradesman is probably equivalent to an XL Super Duty, but the more common well optioned versions are basically equivalent to an SLT Ram or XLT Super Duty.

There is no difference in engines or anything functional based on the trim level. It's just a matter of how many features you want.

Thanks guys. They sure make some nice looking trucks. I like the way the split seats look, but with grandkids it would just be impractical.

The biggest step from a Tradesman is the 8.4 Uconnect vs. 5.0 Uconnect system. That's basically the size of the screen on the dash (inches) and 8.4 has more apps and stuff. Middle of the road is SLT and Outdoorsman. Laramie is the upper end. I have an Outdoorsman with a bench seat. I've heard rumors that you can find bench seats in the upper ends ones but they are very hard to find.

Like others said, the Tradesman is the bottom of the line truck, but you can order it with options and have it almost be an SLT if you want. I have a Tradesman with a few options, but I don't need all the fancy stuff. Only regrets that I have with my Tradesman are I have the cheapest radio (I can change it out aftermarket, but it would have been nice to have a slightly upgraded factory radio with steering wheel controls, etc.) and the manual seats don't offer lumbar support (I just have a rolled up towel behind my lower back for longer rides, works the same!)

Other than that, its a pretty basic truck by 2015 standards. I have keyless entry, AC, cruise control, Cummins(!!!), chrome bumpers, power windows and mirrors... what else do I need?

I did not see any "Outdoorsman." Was not aware of that model, in fact. Thanks. I'll do some research.

While I'm at it, I may as well ask, are all of you guys happy with your choice of going with the Ram?

salem wrote:
I did not see any "Outdoorsman." Was not aware of that model, in fact. Thanks. I'll do some research.

While I'm at it, I may as well ask, are all of you guys happy with your choice of going with the Ram?

YES!! I Was a Chevy truck guy from 1975-2010, then tried out and bought my first Dodge Ram truck in 2010, and just ordered a 16' Ram:B

I think most of us are happy with them, but most owners seem real happy with any of the current heavy duty trucks - they're all really good and capable vehicles and are much more comfortable than trucks from just a few years ago.

The single biggest reason I got a Ram is I wanted the Cummins. There were some other factors in consideration of course, but if you really dig down that was the nut of it. Basically after a ton of reading and research I concluded it was likely to have the best long term reliability in terms of the engine and emissions setup. It's a simpler engine with fewer moving parts and it has a much more reliable injection pump.

From a capability and performance standpoint, you can't go wrong with any of the current big diesels.

I enjoy mine, mostly because of the Cummins. Like others said, its the only one still available with the older fuel injection pump. The reputation of Cummins was a HUGE factor for me. One other thing was the requirement to remove the entire cab off the Ford if you need engine work on the diesel. That is just one more cost to have to eat.

I moved over from a Tundra. I LOVED that Tundra. I would still have it if my camper and family were light enough for it. That being said, I am very pleased with my Ram.


Like IdaD said though, I think that any of the Big 3 will offer a very high quality truck at this point. Any of the engines and transmissions are great, refined, high power, reasonably fuel efficient combinations. You rally can't go wrong right now with any truck. Find the one that you like the best and your wallet likes the best and don't look back!

I thought you could still get the 40/20/40 split seat (that has the fold down armrest) in the Laramie?