14 Dodge Ram 4x4 Extended Cab Pickup Truck on 2040-cars

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Ram fiddles with 1500 Classic options sheet for 2022

Mopar Insiders took a peek at early order guides for the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic, spotting tweaks to the options list that feel like responses to customer requests. The basic run-of-show doesn't change, next year's Classic coming in Tradesman, Express, SLT, and Warlock. For some reason the SLT has disappeared from the automaker's online configurator at the time of writing, but this could be a temporary pause due to any number of unusual situations in the auto industry happening now. Two years ago, though, the Classic offered nine trims, so rationalization isn't new for the line. Next year will also bring Regular Cabs with the 6'4" or 8' beds, Quad Cabs with the 6'4" bed, and Crew Cabs with the 5'7" or 6'4" bed. The first thing that's new is the step up to Uconnect 5 for the Electronics Group, on the same 8.4-inch touchscreen found across Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler products. MI says the guide also shows Uconnect 4C NAV as a standalone option. At the moment, that's a $795 extra that can only be had on the Warlock, and requires the $795 Electronics Group. MI didn't specify if the other three trims would get the option and if standalone truly means standalone. The only change we spot is no mention of an HD radio, which could be a matter of this being an early order guide, or a victim of the chip shortage, or something else. What's left out of the order guide for now is one convenience item, and one work item we figure Tradesman Classic buyers will miss. The first is the power sunroof, the $1,095 option nowhere to be seen, the second is the Ram Box storage system, the $1,295 also gone AWOL. What's been added are a couple of packages for getting more out of the truck when it's time to hit the dirt. The 2021 Tradesman offers a $745 Off-Road Package for some configurations that bundles tow hooks, a front suspension skid plate, anti-spin rear differential, extra-heavy-duty rear shocks, 265-section all-terrain tires, and either a 3.92 or 3.55 final drive. Next year, according to the guide, the package picks up a couple items offered in the current-gen Ram's Off-Road Package, adding a skid plate for the transfer case, a higher ride height — but we don't know by how much, a full-sized spare tire, and it specifies Yokohama tires. The package costs $840 for the current Ram right now, so the Classic price could go up considering the extra gear. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Winnebago Trend, Travato are first ProMaster-based RVs

While Ford has been the dominant supplier of chassis, engines and platforms for the recreational vehicle industry in modern times, its market share has been eroded by the increased availability of new commercial vehicles on the market. In the days of Daimler-Chrysler, the Sprinter was Chrysler's alternative to the Ford E-Series as a basis for Class B and C motor homes. But then Daimler split and the Sprinter went back to being a Mercedes product in the US, though it still continued currying favor in the RV world by offering diesel power with a smaller footprint. With the marriage of Chrysler and Fiat, though, the Pentastar brand once again has a foreign-sourced commercial van alternative - the Ram ProMaster - and Winnebago is the first RV manufacture to make it into a motor home.
Actually, Winnebago has unveiled a pair of ProMaster-based RVs: the Trend and Travato. The Trend is a Class C motor home, which generally means it's based on the chassis cab version of a van and features a bed over the cab and larger body for living space behind the B-pillars. Available in a tidy 24-foot length, the Trend can be had with two floor plans, both of which include large sleeping areas, a bathroom, kitchen and a dinette. The Trend also has some unique touches, including seats in the cab that swivel around to face the rear and three-point seat belts for the dinette.
The second ProMaster-based Winnie is the Travato, a Class B motor home, which is basically the full van model with as many amenities for living crammed into its quarters as will fit. The Travato measures in at just under 21 feet in length, but packs the full RV experience into the ProMaster's tall body, including a double bed, full bath, kitchen and dinette. The rear bed can even flip up and out of the way, allowing stowage of larger things likes bikes through the van's rear double doors.

EarthCruiser adds a bigger camper option to its heavy duty pickup line

EarthCruiser is a camper and expedition vehicle company based out of Oregon that we've previously covered for its huge commercial truck-based machines. But they offer more than that, from drop-in campers for smaller pickups to heavy duty pickup conversions. The company's latest product is one of the latter, offering a larger camping area than the current EXD model. This new camper conversion is called the Terranova. The big differentiator between it and the EXD is the camper section, which extends over the truck cab on the Terranova. This means that bed space can be moved to above the truck cab, instead of having to use a convertible dinette. So less reconfiguring, and generally more usable space. One other major difference is that the EXD is only available for the Ram 3500 and Ford F-350. The Terranova is being designed for both of those trucks as well as the Chevy Silverado 3500. The EarthCruiser Terranova is otherwise very similar to other EarthCruiser models. The camper section is made of fiberglass and plastic, and the pop-up roof is insulated with foam. The curtains are triple-layered. The company says it can house four people. It comes with a freshwater tank and pump to help supply the kitchen sink, drinking water tap, bathroom sink and indoor and outdoor showers. There's also a cassette toilet. The kitchen features an induction stove top and small refrigerator and freezer. A fan system is standard, and air conditioning is optional. Power comes from a 400-aH lithium-ion battery. The Terranova isn't yet available. EarthCruiser is finishing up design and engineering, and it plans to have finished examples early next year. The company is taking reservations now, though. Pricing hasn't been announced, but an EXD runs between $220,000 and $265,000, and we would expect the Terranova to cost even more. Related Video: Featured Gallery EarthCruiser Terranova Expedition Camper renderings Chevrolet Ford RAM Truck Off-Road Vehicles Special and Limited Editions RVs/Campers