Why Visit the State Fair of Texas? For the Pickup Trucks, Of Course!
Scotty Reiss
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Everything is bigger in Texas, and that means the truck display too.
If you’ve ever wondered where truck heaven is, that is, all the trucks you can climb in, test out, crawl through, compare, contrast and finally, fill your vision board with, we found it. It’s at the State Fair of Texas, held through October 20th at the fairgrounds in Dallas.
We visited the State Fair just before opening day to get a look at the “auto show” which is really more of a truck show with a few autos tossed in for good measure.
Trucks can be found in the Truck Zone, an outdoor village of truck displays, with some hitched up on top of buildings, others on lifts for display, and others available for close inspection.
We toured the auto show and truck zone and shared it in this broadcast.
The fair is visited by 2 million people each year who travel from across the country to one of the most famous state fairs in the nation. While they’ll taste local delicacies like barbeque, craft beer and fried just-about-anything, ride the rides and check out the vendors, blue ribbon animals and shows, the truck and auto display at the west end of the fairground is a destination on its own.
Pickup Trucks Make News at the State Fair of Texas
All the truck brands are on display in a truck-focused zone including Ram, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan and of course, Toyota, which has its North American headquarters just up the road in Plano.
But since the State Fair is such a special event, every brand also brought news. Here’s what we saw when we toured the State Fair, and what is worth seeing when you’re there— or at a dealership if you can’t make it to the fair but are shopping for a truck.
Related: Why girls love trucks and why you should take a second look
The Ram 1500 Night Edition. ?Scotty Reiss
Ram Tops Its Awards with Special Edition 1500s
Ram was the most awarded pickup truck of 2019, including the coveted Texas Auto Writers Association Truck of the Year award. So how do you top that? By creating special editions, including the Night Edition with monochromatic paint, darkened chrome and details for a bit more of a stealth look; Ram is also adding their “mild hybrid” technology as standard to the lineup so owners can further maximize fuel efficiency while maintaining the power for towing and hauling. And for those who want better fuel economy in a diesel, Ram is adding eco diesel to several of its models, including the popular off-roader, the Rebel.
Related: Meet the Ford Ranger: A lot to love in this mid-sized pickup
Ford’s New King Ranch Editions and, Enough Power to Tow a House
Ford came to the State Fair of Texas with two new King Ranch editions: The Expedition and F150. But the brand’s super duty trucks have been beefed up to tow even more, up to 37,500 lbs, which is essentially a house-sized RV. Last, Ford introduced a new off road packaged called the Tremor, the brand’s most capable yet.
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Edition ?Scotty Reiss
Toyota Adds More Adventure to the Lineup
We all know Toyota for things like crawl control and TRD — Toyota Racing Development —which ensures the band’s off road capabilities are top notch. The brand has been rolling out TRD capability in more of its models, and now visitors at the State Fair can see the revamped 4Runner in full TRD force. The model will also be the first to carry a custom-designed Yakima roof rack that is ideal for both luggage and sports equipment; the rack gives the 4Runner a truly rugged and ready look that is seen less and less on SUVs these days.
The new Jeep Wrangler Willy’s Edition is on display at the State Fair of Texas ?Scotty Reiss
Jeep Willys Brings a Bit of History Back
In recent years Jeep has focused on heritage details that harken to the early days of the brand’s legacy. That continues with the first Willy’s model version of the Wrangler, available in a 2 door or 4 door with iconographic details. Jeep buffs will remember the Willy’s as the first true military Jeep, the one that led explorers and troops across new lands and unsettled territories. And for those buyers who truly need to go deep into the wild, Jeep also introduced a Wrangler with diesel engine that has better fuel economy and will travel more miles on a tank.
Related: The best of Jeep in a pickup truck??? Yup, this is the Gladiator
Catch a Show at the Chevrolet Main Stage, or Celebrate Texas Truck Heritage with Chevrolet and GMC Trucks
GM’s truck brands, Chevrolet and GMC, have long been staples on Texas roads, and both are on display at the fair. Attendees can see the new GMC Sierra with its expanded tow capacity of 35,000 lbs, and explore all the updates on this model and its sister trucks from Chevy, the Silverado and the Colorado.
The newly redesigned Nissan Titan. ?Scotty Reiss
A World Premiere Nissan Titan
probably the biggest news of the fair is the unveiling of the newly redesigned Nissan Titan. Graced with a new look from the front bumper to the hood line, the Titan’s look is more refined and sublime than ever, but still represents the muscle and capability that Titan fans have come to love. Show goers can also see the full truck lineup including the Nissan Frontier and the Armada.
The Auto Show
Yes, there’s an auto show too! In fact, when the heat of the Texas mid-day gets to be too much, head to the Auto Building for some soft carpet, cool air-conditioning and to look at the new Toyota, Jeep, Buick, Ford and Chevrolet models on display.
The State Fair of Texas runs from September 27th -October 20, 2019. Tickets are $16.50 for adults $12.50 for kids and admission to the auto show and truck zone are included. Attendees can also purchase ride tickets, rodeo tickets and more. Details are available on the fair’s website.
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