2019 Ram Heavy Duty Trucks for Women Who Trailer
Erica Mueller
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Some Women are in it for the Long Haul!
We’ll be the first to admit, we don’t all tow trailers and haul big loads on a daily basis. But, for those of you who do, the truck you drive needs to not only do the job but be comfortable and pretty too, right? We recently had the chance to check out the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty trucks, (both the 2500 and 3500 in gas and diesel versions) in the mountains of southern Nevada. We hauled some hefty payloads in the bed and towed big trailers. When it came time to pull a horse trailer, we knew: this is the truck for the serious horsewoman.
You love your horses, and trailering them to and from trail rides, shows, and races demands a heavy duty trailer, which means you need a strong reliable truck.
Related: You’ve Got Horses. You’ve Got Boats. You’ve got RVs. You Need a Heavy Duty Truck.
The blue sections show areas of weight reduction and the green areas signify changes made for comfort, all thanks to high-strength steel. Photo by Erica Mueller
2019 Ram Heavy Duty Trucks – The Lighter, Stronger Trucks that Pull More
Thanks to an overall weight reduction of 143lb, 98.5% high-strength steel frame, and the new 8-speed automatic transmission, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty Trucks can now haul and tow more than ever before. The 2019 Ram 2500 boasts 410 horsepower can pull up to 19,780 lb and handle a payload of 4,050lb when equipped with a diesel engine.
For even more strength, you can outfit the 2019 Ram 3500 with a Cummins diesel engine for a best-in-class 1,000 lb-ft of torque, a 35,200 lb towing capacity and the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty trucks really impressed us. Not only are they the strongest trucks on the market, with the 3500 diesel version’s 35,000lb towing capacity, but they’re works of art too. The available RV matching white and brown paints look fantastic next to a horse trailer, and thanks to Ram’s new trailer reverse guidance view and trailer hitch view with zoom it’s easier than ever to pull up to and connect your trailer without the need for two or three friends to guide you back.
Related: Don’t need a Heavy Duty Truck? Check out the 2019 Ram 1500 Pickup.
A whole line of 2019 Ram 2500 Powerwagons making their way up the mountains of southern Nevada. Photo by Erica Mueller
Safety-First is a Constant Theme
In addition to the high percentage of high strength steel found in the truck’s frame, several of its body elements have also been upgraded. A new braking system makes for shorter stopping distance, and tire pressure monitoring helps to keep you safe on the road. And of course, you get adaptive cruise (even while trailering!), forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and trailer brakes too.
Just look at that split-screen view! This is the largest infotainment system you’ll find on a truck. Photo by Erica Mueller
The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty Trucks Have All The Tech
The 12″ infotainment screens you’ve seen in the 2019 Ram 1500 trucks are now an option for the 2500 and 3500 trucks. This means you can have a split-screen view that allows you to manage your climate controls and your music, or turn up your seat heater without losing the map view.
Than’s to Ram’s unique partnership with SiriusXM and its integration with the Unconnect4C system, you get access to on-demand content and the ability to replay your favorite songs, listen to old podcast episodes and talk shows and more. You can get content in these trucks that no other vehicle’s system provides. You can also choose a Harman Kardon sound system to add a little luxury to your listening experience.
Wireless charging for your equipped devices can be found in the giant center console, alongside up to five USB ports, including type-C ports for rapid charging – another first for the truck industry.
The 2019 Ram 2500 Powerwagon is the most luxurious off-road pickup! Photo by Erica Mueller
Storage Options Galore
We have never seen a pickup with as much built-in storage as the Ram trucks offer. In addition to their unique Ram Boxes built into the bed-sides and under the rear seats, you’ll find a 12-way configurable console, plus extra storage behind the seats in the Mega Cab configuration.
The 2019 Ram Trucks appearance packages… a tool for every job. Photo by Erica Mueller
Your Truck, The Way You Want It
The new Heavy Duty Ram trucks are available in all six trim levels; Tradesman, Bighorn, Powerwagon, Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited. This means you can get the power you need, with the appearance that fits your lifestyle. We love a middle-of-the-road package that’s both comfortable but feels rugged enough to go anywhere. The Powerwagon fits the bill and comes with some extra features like a unique suspension kit and factory-installed lift, locking rear and front differentials and disconnecting sway bar for added flexibility on rough terrain, a winch for pulling your friends out of the mud and a 360-degree camera to help you see where you’re going and navigate obstacles when you’re off-roading.
Related: What Are the Best Cars and Trucks? Meet the Cars.com Best Of 2019 Award Winners
What’s Like to Drive a Ram Heavy Duty Truck
Growing up, I often pulled a small 2-horse trailer and I clearly remember a lot of jerking and feedback from the trailer and having to spend a lot of time and effort making sure my turns, stops, and starts were smooth and calculated. These Ram trucks handled even the largest loads so well I once forgot I was pulling a trailer and didn’t turn quite wide enough to avoid a curb. Of course, the truck just kept going and pulled the huge live-in horse trailer right over the curb ending with a little “thump” and the tires rejoined the pavement. #embarrassing
Really tho, the ride is just so smooth, and the trucks never feel or sound like they’re working hard. Even going downhill with a heavy load behind you is smooth, thanks to the new transmission. You feel totally pampered with the luxurious interiors and comfortable seats and it’s easy to imagine taking your horses on a road trip!
The extra wide hips on this 2019 Ram 3500 Dually don’t even sag when she’s hauling a load.
Get Ready to Drive a Ram Heavy Duty Truck
We are really excited to see all these incredible advancements in technology being added to the work truck segment. Just because you’re working hard, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice safety, technology, or comfort.
The Ram heavy-duty trucks will be hitting dealerships this spring. Pricing and projected fuel economy numbers have not yet been announced.
Disclosure: I was Ram’s guest for this test drive; travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own.
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