Just on a whim, stopped a few days ago and checked out the new Rams. Really nice. I'm a tad confused about the differences between the Tradesman, SLT's, Laramies, and Bighorns. Is it mostly just how much "bling" you want? The engines seem to all be the same. Is the Tradesman like a basic entry level type, like a Ford Work Truck? Can you find a bench seat in a Laramie? (grandkids)

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?

Ram selection | Good Sam Community

IdaD
Explorer
Feb 19, 2016
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.
Dave_and_Sue
Explorer
Feb 19, 2016
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

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