Ram has done a good job of teasing out just about every possible trim level for its 2019 Ram 1500 lineup during the last few months, except for the entry-level work truck called the Tradesman. Some old-school pickup truck enthusiasts believe if you want to find out how well a particular truck performs, look no further than what a manufacturer makes for the commercial and fleet markets.
Appropriately, Ram revealed the 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman at the 2018 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis to an audience of small businessmen, construction managers, commercial fleet buyers and automotive journalists.
The Tradesman will be offered in both Quad- and crew-cab configurations with a choice between the 5-foot 7-inch bed (crew cab only) or the 6-foot 4-inch bed (either cab) and a choice of engines: the standard 3.6-liter V-6 with the mild-hybrid eTorque system or optional 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 or Hemi V-8 with eTorque.
"Ram launched the original Tradesman model in 2011, and our work truck customers have enjoyed Ram's benchmark durability ever since," Mike Manley, head of Ram, said in a statement. "Ram has the highest owner loyalty of any half-ton truck and the Ram 1500 Tradesman model will continue to deliver confidence for hard-working people who rely on it every day."
The new Tradesman will also offer Ram's best half-ton towing capabilities — a 12,750-pound maximum tow rating and a 2,300-pound payload capacity — when properly equipped.
Standard features for the Tradesman will include the Uconnect 5.0 system with a 5-inch screen and hands-free calling, a one-year subscription for satellite radio, three USB ports and the choice of a 40/20/40-split cloth or vinyl bench. Interior colors will include Black/Diesel Gray with either vinyl or carpeted floors. Other standard features include a 160-amp alternator, 3.21:1 gears, a 730-amp battery, a black grille and black steel bumpers, a cargo bed lamp, front and rear frequency response damping shock absorbers, a rear camera, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, halogen headlights, a locking tailgate, power locks and windows, and remote keyless entry.
Optional equipment will include 3.92:1 gears, a limited-slip differential or rear locking differential, an Off-Road Package with a small suspension lift, a 180-amp alternator, folding trailer mirrors, rubber floormats, chrome side steps, a spray-in bedliner and a trailer brake controller. The starting price for the Tradesman Quad Cab 4×2 will be $33,340 (for other 2019 Ram 1500 prices, click ). A 2018 Tradesman Quad Cab 4×2 (without the 2019 upgrades and the mild-hybrid eTorque) will cost about $1,000 less.
Ram also announced a new telematics connectivity platform designed for fleet and business owners to keep track of vehicle and driver data. Ram Telematics can help improve productivity, vehicle use and fuel economy while also keeping track of maintenance issues. It can even predict when certain parts may need replacing. A one-year service contract starts at $800 and is covered by a factory three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty. Ram said it will offer a 4G Ram Telematics module later this year that dealers can install for model-year 2015 and newer Rams.
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