Ram Truck aims a new value-priced trim package at one of the pickup truck category's biggest customer bases -- construction trades. Aptly named the Tradesman, the package will be available in the second quarter of 2011 on all of the company's pickup truck sizes.
"Our Ram truck owners will tell you that when it comes to tools required to get the job done, their truck is one of the most important they have," says Ed Broadbear, vice president - marketing, Chrysler Canada Inc. "Every component of this Ram Tradesman was carefully developed with the end user's hard-working needs in mind."
For example, the Tradesman starts with the Ram 1500 ST trim package and adds useful features such as a standard 5.7-liter HEMI engine with five-speed automatic transmission, which balances power with fuel efficiency. HEMI-equipped trucks are rated at 390 hp, 407 lb.-ft. of torque and 28-mpg highway (4x2). They also include heavy-duty engine cooling and a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler.
A Class IV trailer hitch offers lighted, above-bumper four- and seven-pin trailer wire connectors. Properly equipped models can tow 10,450 lbs.
The Tradesman is available in regular cab short-bed (6 ft. 4 in.) and long-bed (8 ft.) models, with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4. Durable 17-in. full-face painted steel wheels are exclusive to the package. Other standard features includes a 160-amp alternator, 3.55 rear axle ratio, 700-amp maintenance-free battery, bright chrome grille, block heater, cargo bed lamp, front and rear heavy-duty shock absorbers, front and rear stabilizer bars, locking tailgate, rear wheel well liners, rack and pinion steering, rear dome lamp, sentry key theft-deterrent system and more.
The interior includes vinyl or cloth 40/20/40 split bench seats and carpeted or vinyl flooring. Standard features include air conditioning, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, media center with CD and MP3 player, six speakers, audio jack for mobile devices, automatic headlamps, behind the seat storage, driver and passenger assist handles, instrument panel with tachometer, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass and variable intermittent windshield wipers.
Safety features include advanced multistage front air bags, supplemental side airbags and side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, front height-adjust shoulder belts and tire pressure monitoring system.
