2014 Ram 1500 Tradesman/express on 2040-cars

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How the Ram Multifunction Tailgate compares to Ford, GMC, Honda

Ram just announced its Multifunction Tailgate — a descriptive if not very creative name. It's an asymmetrical barn-door arrangement, which can both fold down like a conventional tailgate or swing open like a gate. There's a new bed step, but unlike Ford or GM, the step isn't part of the tailgate itself. Rather, it kicks out from under the bumper (as opposed to out from under the driver's side of the rear bumper in its previous incarnation). So let's just focus on the tailgate functionality. A video of the Ram Multifunction Tailgate in action is above. For one, either of the swinging tailgate sections can be opened independently. They open to a full 88 degrees. In conventional flip-down mode, the tailgate works just like a normal one, too, with a 2,000-pound rating. The bottom line is that while it gives a variety of types of access to the load area, it doesn't "do" anything else. It's a $995 option on any Ram 1500. Its closest analogue is the Honda Ridgeline, which works basically the same way, but on that truck the tailgate swings as one piece. And the Honda's load rating isn't as hefty as the Ram's tailgate: 300 pounds. As Honda says, that's sufficient to hold the weight of the part of an ATV hanging out of the bed, or something similar, but it's a lighter-duty unit (and a lighter-duty truck) than the Ram's overall. Let's also get Ford's one-trick tailgate out of the way before comparing to the more analogous, and complicated, GM MultiPro. A bit of trivia: Ford's optional Tailgate Step is actually designed and supplied by Multimatic, better known as the outfit that builds the Ford GT and produces the DSSV spool-valve shocks. This step has been available for years. It pulls out of the top edge of the tailgate when the tailgate is lowered, deploying a single step. A separate handle pulls out from beside the step and flips up, giving a handhold. While it was initially (and infamously) mocked by competitors, with load floor heights as high as they are it's better than toting around a stepstool. It's currently a $375 standalone option. Now we get to the GMC MultiPro tailgate, the most complicated and multi-functioned around. It's essentially a tailgate within a tailgate, with a fold-out stopper that deploys from the inner tailgate. This gives it several functions depending on the position of all the parts. It can still be used like a normal tailgate, dropping down at the push of a button or using the key fob.

Midsize Ram truck coming to U.S.

The midsize truck segment is officially back in full force. Today, at FCA's new five-year plan, company CEO Sergio Marchionne and Ram head Mike Manley announced that America will be getting Ram's new global midsize truck. The new model is designed for a global audience. It will not be based on the Mitsubishi Triton, we're told. FCA already sells that model in certain markets as the Ram 1200. Trucks for the North American market will likely be built in Mexico on the old Ram Heavy Duty production line. The upcoming Ram HD — set to debut at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show — will be built in the US. The timing of the new midsize Ram isn't pinpointed, but the above slide from FCA's presentation suggests we'll see it by 2022. A with all upcoming Ram models, look for some form of electrification, likely in the form of the 48-volt mild hybrid system that's set to debut later this year in the 2018 Ram 1500. Don't expect the truck to tailor too heavily to US tastes like the Toyota Tacoma or Chevy Colorado. Like the upcoming Ford Ranger, this is a global truck first and foremost. Marchionne said that Ram's focus in the US will remain mostly on full-size trucks. Still it will be sold in the U.S., just not in any expected large volumes. Related Video:

2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock adds Mojave Sand Package

Fiat Chrysler earlier this year brought back the old Warlock name from its Mopar division as a special edition for the Ram 1500 pickup truck. Now, the company is trotting out a new appearance package to go with the Classic Warlock. It’s called the Mojave Sand Package, and it adds a sport performance hood, 20-inch aluminum wheels painted black and the namesake exterior color. That pairs with the Warlock package, which is based on the Ram 1500 Classic and brings the R-A-M logo bluntly displayed on the heavy black grille, powder-coated bumpers front and rear, Warlock decals on the sides of the bed and a one-inch lift over the factory version. ItÂ’s available on the quad cab or crew cab models and comes with a choice of engines: either the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which makes 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, or the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which puts out 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. Warlock, of course, harkens to the custom version of the old Dodge pickup that was built from 1976 to 1979, having been introduced following positive public response to a truck originally designed as an auto show concept. It had chrome-plated running boards, oak sideboards and gold striping, wheels and upholstery. 2019 Ram 1500 Warlock View 14 Photos None of those features make it to the modern Warlock, unfortunately, but it does provide some value for truck lovers. The Mojave Sand Package adds to 10 color options on the Classic Warlock. All versions go on sale late in the third quarter starting at $37,040, including the $1,695 destination fee.