What to Look for in a Truck

The trick to finding the perfect truck for you

Wondering what to look for in a truck? Today there are many choices for trucks on the market, so what should you look for when choosing the best truck? There are a number of factors to consider, depending on your needs. Things you should consider are seating, towing capabilities, and extras such as backup cameras and the step that hoists you into the truck itself.

Many truck models can check off these boxes, but those that truly excel at of all of the above are the RAM series of trucks.

Available models of RAM trucks include:

• All-New 2019 RAM 1500
• RAM 1500
• RAM 2500
• RAM 3500
• RAM Chassis Cab

Choosing the best truck should take into account:

1. How the back seats function
2. Utility tow package
3. Hitch backup camera
4. Step to get into the bed

How the back seats function

Choosing the best truck means back seats that offer flexibility.

On RAM trucks, you can easily flip up the seats to make room for storage. The back seats can slope at an 8-degree angle, with slide-out adjustments that can adjust the seatback’s angle. Crew-cab seats can also slide back and forward several inches.

Even more room for storage

All RAMs now offer more interior space. Four extra inches have been added, mostly for rear passenger legroom. So, the back seats are comfortable and versatile!

 Utility tow package
Make a list of what you’ll tow with the truck. Figure out how much the trailer and cargo weigh. Then you’ll know if you need a heavy-duty truck or if a light-duty truck suits your needs. Since we tend to underestimate things, once you have an estimate of how much weight you need to pull, add 10 percent to the total. That’s the truck you should get.

You’ll need enough power to haul your cargo, but if you purchase a bigger truck, consider how much more it will cost at the pump.

A typical compact pickup truck tows 3,000 to 7,000 pounds. Most full-sized 1500-class trucks tow 5,000 to 10,000 pounds. Some heavy-duty trucks can even tow up to 31,000 pounds!

Types of RAM trucks & max payload, max towing (in pounds):

• 2018 RAM 1500 Big Horn, 6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT (1,880; 7,670)
• 2018 RAM 1500 Big Horn, 0-Liter V6 EcoDiesel (1,450; 8,090)
• 2018 RAM 1500 Big Horn, 7-Liter V8 HEMI MDS VVT (1,880; 7,670)
• 2018 RAM 1500 Lone Star, 6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT (1,880; 7,670)
• 2018 RAM 1500 Lone Star, 0-Liter V6 EcoDiesel (1,600; 8,090)
• 2018 RAM 1500 Lone Star,7-Liter V8 HEMI MDS VVT (1,660; 10,520)
• 2018 RAM 1500 Harvest,6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT (1,880; 7,670)
• 2018 RAM 1500 Harvest,0-Liter V6 EcoDiesel (1,600; 8,090)
• 2018 RAM 1500 Harvest,7-Liter V8 HEMI MDS VVT (1,760; 10,470)

See more truck payload and towing specifications at https://www.ramtrucks.com/towing-guide.html.

Other factors to consider when you know you’ll be towing cargo:

• Engine size
• Drive train
• Frame length
• Cab and bed style
• Installed towing packages

Hitch backup camera

Choosing the best truck should also mean factoring in safety.

The Wireless Hitch Camera helps you to safely haul your trailer, boat, jet ski, etc., from point A to point B.

The hitch camera uses a magnetic base that attaches to the back of your vehicle. The camera uses a 9-volt battery and plugs into your cigarette lighter.

The small camera wirelessly provides an uninterrupted connection for distances up to 70 feet. The 3.5-inch monitor offers a clear view of the ball and surrounding area. The RVS-83112 includes a full-year warranty.

Wireless Hitch Camera highlights:

• Wireless Connection (Guaranteed connection up to 70 ft.)
• Magnetic Camera Mount (Mounts anywhere with no hardware needed!)
• 3.5″ Color Screen LCD Monitor
• Six Infra-Red Lights (30 ft. of night vision)
• Completely Waterproof Camera with an IP68 Rating

Product perks: 

• Allows you to easily hitch up your trailer without a spotter
• Installation time only takes 5 minutes!
• System usually outlives the vehicles they are mounted on

Product dimensions: 

• Camera: 4″ (H) x 3″ (L) x 1.50″ (D)
• Monitor: 3″ (H) x 3.50″ (L) x 1″ (D)

Plus, there is a 10% discount on the Wireless Hitch Camera for active duty military and veterans.

Step to get into the bed

Choosing the best truck means choosing ease of access!

Bedsteps save you time entering and exiting your vehicle. And they’re easy on your knees and back. Use your hand or foot to flip down a sturdy, non-slip retractable bumper step so you can step into your truck faster, easier, and more safely. This is especially important when you’re moving cargo.

The Bedstep supports up to 300 pounds. The frame mounts under the rear bumper so it works with an open tailgate or when towing. The Bedstep is made in the USA and includes a 3 year/35,000-mile warranty.

 Put it to the test

Though currently in testing, you’ll be able to find Consumer Reports results here when the testing of the 2019 RAM series has concluded:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/new/pickup-trucks/ratings.

 Contact us

Choosing the best truck is a process – and we can help you through it! Stop in at Thelen Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram to test drive a RAM truck (or another truck that fits your needs) today!

Links:

 https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/10-steps-to-buying-a-pickup-truck.html

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pickup-trucks/buying-guide/index.htm

https://www.ramtrucks.com/

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/new/pickup-trucks/ratings

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2018/01/interior-technology-brings-2019-ram-1500-up-to-speed.html

https://www.rearviewsafety.com/backup-camera/pickup-truck-backup-camera-systems/dodge-ram-1500-backup-camera-system.html

https://www.rearviewsafety.com/backup-camera/pickup-truck-backup-camera-systems/dodge-ram-1500-backup-camera-system/wireless-hitch-camera-backup-system-rvs-83112.html

https://www.ramtrucks.com/towing-guide.html

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