For some people driving in the city, a combination of speed and performance is all you need. So, a car like the Dodge Charger might be appropriate. But a lot of people need a vehicle not just to get to work, but to do some work. When your vehicle is not just a method of transportation but a work partner as well, a RAM pickup truck is often the better choice.
But how do you know which RAM pickup truck is the right one for you? As always, you narrow down your search to a vehicle that offers what you need. So while you’re doing some research, consider these important factors.
Financial Commitment
Even though you’re not buying a RAM for luxury needs, you have to be prepared to invest in luxury-level prices potentially. A brand-new Dodge RAM pickup truck is a heavy-duty vehicle and will typically cost more than an entry-level car intended just for city driving. Even a city hauling vehicle like the RAM ProMaster City SLT is going to cost more than a typical two-door hatchback, for example.
The price is justified by its far more powerful engine, off-roading capability if you need to get to remote areas without paved roads, and of course, carrying capacity. The more you need to tow, and the more you use your RAM pickup truck for work purposes, the more you’ll appreciate investing in that higher level of durability and performance.
Know Your Cargo
This is going to be the biggest factor in determining what size of RAM pickup truck is best suited for your needs. If you’re hauling a lot of tools, goods, or other materials, you may be more inclined towards something like the RAM 1500 Big Horn.
On the other hand, if your needs for a truck are primarily recreational, and you want some good off-roading capability to get your ATVs where you want to drive it, then maybe you’ll want to look at the RAM 1500 Sport, which is more about the driving performance than being a workhorse.
Putting It Through Its Paces
Another important consideration is just how much abuse do you plan to put this vehicle through. If you’re confined to the city and only hauling materials for smaller jobs, a light-duty truck is sufficient. If you do a lot of work both in and out of the city, a medium-duty pickup truck is probably more suitable.
On the other hand, if you do a lot of off-roading, work in remote areas, and need to haul a lot, a heavy-duty vehicle, such as the RAM 2500 pickup truck is probably what you want to invest in. Not all vehicles need a turbo-diesel engine, but if you need to tow nearly 16 tons worth of cargo, a properly configured RAM 2500 is your perfect companion on and off the road.
The Engine Matters
All of the performance features that a RAM pickup truck provides depend on the engine inside. With trucks, you have several choices for what kind of engine you want, and these options differ based on the model and the size of the model you’re looking at. This is where things can get tricky.
More powerful engines will, of course, bump up the cost of a truck. If you’re buying a truck for work purposes, you’ll want to balance the power you need with the cost efficiency. If you end up spending more on fuel than you’re comfortable with, you may want to consider hybrid engines that cut fuel consumption down by switching over to electricity from time to time.
Size Counts Too
The other factor that will determine your final selection is the size of the truck. You’ll be looking at how many passengers you need to transport in the cab, as well just how much you’ll be hauling in the bed. Both of these factors change depending on the model. One thing you don’t have to worry about with RAM pickup trucks is the quality of the cabin. All of them feel spacious and come with premium features.
However, for the bed, you’ll be looking primarily at what you want to haul. Smaller beds are suitable for recreational purposes like carrying ATVs. But if you’re carrying lumber or other construction materials, you’ll likely want the bigger beds of mid-size trucks like the RAM 1500 or even larger models.
Be realistic about your priorities, and you’ll find the truck that’s right for the jobs you do at Cooksville Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram.