It's official: The Ram Tradesman is a huge success, and Ram Truck is expanding the number of models to include more powertrain options and cab configurations.
"From the moment we launched it, the Ram 1500 Tradesman was a hit," said Fred Diaz, Ram's president and CEO. "Our new four-door Ram Tradesman models offer the pickup segment's best combination of room for six hard-working adults, V-8 capability and value."
The Tradesman is a value-priced package designed to meet the hard-working needs of commercial fleets as well as small businesses. Ram has been successful at expanding the model lineup for the Ram 1500 Express, so it makes sense to follow the same strategy with the Tradesman.
In addition to adding crew-cab and Quad Cab models, the 2012 Tradesman will now come standard with the smaller 4.7-liter V-8 (the Hemi remains an option), offering 310 horsepower and 330 pounds-feet of torque. Ram says this will make the entry-level Tradesman the strongest tow vehicle and cargo hauler of any work truck option on the market.
Of course, pickups that come standard with a stronger engine don’t have a "work truck" package, and those that do offer a work truck model include a more economical (and less powerful) base V-6 engine to keep costs low for fleet buyers.
Still, in an effort to make the smaller V-8 option more attractive to truck buyers, Ram is basically throwing in a free RamBox option (a $1,295 value) for 4.7-liter V-8 Tradesman buyers. Our guess is that will make the aging little V-8 an attractive option for many.
All Tradesman models get styled, full-face steel wheels; a fully warrantied, factory-equipped spray-in bedliner; and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Prices for the Tradesman Quad Cab start at $27,330, including a $995 destination charge. The Tradesman crew cab starts at $29,810. Ram 1500 Tradesman regular cab prices have been lowered for 2012 to $22,370 (with the 4.7-liter engine).
Additionally, the Ram 1500 Tradesman HD offers the most towing capacity (11,500 pounds) and most payload (3,125 pounds) of any light-duty truck (though we should note that according to the government’s category definitions, the 1500 Tradesman HD technically is not a 1500). It is only offered in long-bed, regular cab 4×2 configuration with an MSRP of $29,600, including destination.
Tradesman Quad and crew-cab models are currently shipping to Ram dealers, and all Ram engines, transmissions and axles are covered by a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
