At the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ram unveiled their completely redesigned Heavy Duty pickups but initially omitted two crucial trim levels: the beloved Laramie Longhorn, especially popular in Texas, and the Tradesman, which is a favorite among work crews. The Laramie Longhorn was eventually showcased at the Houston Auto Show, while the Tradesman made its debut at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis on Wednesday.
The Tradesman trim combines the powerful performance and capabilities of its counterparts with a focus on value, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious and fleet buyers. For instance, the high-output Cummins diesel engine boasts an impressive 1,000 pound-feet of torque in a regular cab 3500 dually, enabling the Tradesman to tow up to 35,100 pounds.
Marketed as a more basic option, some versions of the Tradesman come with manual windows and mirrors; however, it can be upgraded to include advanced safety features such as autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Beyond its practical attributes, the Tradesman also offers optional luxury upgrades, including LED headlights and a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment system. While the infotainment system has an eye-catching design, it was deemed somewhat complicated to use by Jerry Perez during recent testing.
In addition to the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty Tradesman trucks, Ram provides this model along with other upscale trims on the 3500, 4500, and 5500 chassis cabs. A premium version was introduced earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show and promises to deliver both towing power and comfort.
Moreover, all Heavy Duty models come with various engine options, including a 6.4-liter gasoline V8, a standard-output Cummins diesel producing 850 horsepower, and the previously mentioned high-output Cummins inline-six diesel engine.
Ram’s HD Tradesman pickup trucks are expected to arrive at dealerships soon, starting at a price of $33,395 plus destination fees, while the chassis cab models will be available in the spring..
