EquipmentWorld.com | March 2015
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able for the rolling office.
One of the only nits I could find
to pick with the Tradesman is the
stock 17-inch tires. They are fine
if the truck is going to be used
strictly as a parts getter. But their
narrow width and street tread
don't afford much in the way of
off-pavement driving or navigating
slicker road surfaces.
That can become an issue with
the diesel; there's so much low-end
torque it's easy to find the rear tires
protesting as they grab for traction
if one gets a little sporty in their
driving. I'd also upgrade if I were
going to be doing a lot of towing or
hauling loads.
Ram's base-model 1500 Trades-
man is a true work truck. But it's
also fun to drive with the EcoDiesel,
be it empty, the bed loaded, or with
a trailer in-tow. The best part? You
don't make many fuel stops.
Ram's optional Uconnect
system adds the features most
useful to those who drive and
work from their truck with phone,
sound and other controls on steering
wheel. Tradesman's steering is light,
giving the truck a very nimble feel.
Basic Specifications
Model: 2015 Ram 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab 2WD
Base Price: $25,195
Price As Tested: $32,020
Major options: EcoDiesel ($4,000); 8 spd automatic ($500); Uconnect ($660)
Engine: 240hp 3.0L V-6 EcoDiesel
Transmission: 8 spd TorqueFlite automatic
Axle Ratio: 3.55:1
Fuel Economy (EPA): 20 city/23 combined/28 hwy
Fuel Economy observed: 22 city/29.2 hwy/17 towing
Maximum Towing
Capacity (hitch ball):
5,000 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capac-
ity (Weight-ditrubuting):
8,240 lbs.
