2019 Ram Tradesman vs Limited: Here's What $22K Gets You! 

This is definitely a real world review. Head turning, fidgeting with the 12" touchscreen, eyes on everything other than the road.

I paid $35,000 for my 2019 Ram Big Horn/ Long Horn with the Sports Package, same center console as the Limited, 8" and 1/4" screen, towing package and 5.7L Hemi. The manufacturers suggested price was $41,000.

as some one who works "at an oilfield" leather is something you want it's easier to clean and maintain than cloth, cloth holds on to dirt way more than leather and also tends to rip more than leather.

we cant see the interior with the camera settings

$44k and base truck shouldn’t be in the same sentence.

3 regular guys reviewing what is interesting to other regular guys. That’s why we like you guys so much! Keep it up 👍

The 8.4" UConnect still serves most of us the best. It's big enough for most of us and still leaves all the nice dedicated HVAC controls in addition to the toggle switches at the very bottom. It's not an expensive option by itself, and that's the one thing I'd need that that Tradesman doesn't have. I wouldn't buy a Ram or another other truck over $40K that has a base screen (even Ford with a bit larger base screen). The leg room is wonderful with Crew Cab, but it's just an expensive option. Those of you that are wondering how this truck is that expensive -- that's like a $3K option up from Quad Cab, which is $4-5K up from regular cab. The base price (true base, not like this Tradesman) is going up on 1/2-ton trucks quickly because $30-$35K the market demand isn't very high for them, and standard features and technology is constantly going up. The standard trans on all Big 3 base trucks is at least a 6-speed auto... years ago, it was a manual trans which tend to run almost $2K cheaper or those crappy 4-speed autos. The number of possible build combinations is going back up as well (it was going down for awhile after the 2008 Recession), which increases manufacturing costs. As nice as it seems for Ford to offer 6 different engines, that extra cost is passed on to EVERY customer but it's just that -- an extra cost to be able to source that many different parts, run that many different assembly lines, and put that many different engines in just F150 alone. I know it's actually a pretty quick engine, but I don't think that two turbo V6's makes sense (besides an up-tuned one for Raptor), so the 2.7L V6 should get dropped for a ~2.6L I4 turbo, similar to what GM has done. This would be practical to use on Ranger and all the CUVs and SUVs at least up to Explorer. Heck, it might sound crazy now, but I wouldn't put it past Ford to follow suit to what Volvo did with their new 2.0L I4 and make a turbocharged-supercharged engine.

I watched this last year when I had a 2018 Tundra Sr5 with cloth interior and no upgrades really. I said I would never spend that money on a luxury truck... less than a year later I have a limited Ram 2020 and I could only be happier if I had the higher axel ratio for towing a boat I want that's close to the max on my configuration.... The ram interior has to be experienced in person to be appreciated! It blew me away and felt worth the price. Plus the security features are incredible! In a little over 1k miles I've had 2 times where the truck slammed on brakes just before me in close situations. It's comforting driving my family knowing we have those features in case I make a mistake or get distracted by the kids. It's funny how fast things change and I'm looking forward to seeing what trucks do 5 and 10 years from now!

Andre you slipped in the that's what she said then came back with 3 inches surrounded by rubber. I literally lost it. LMFAO!!!!. ok.....buy the tradesman for me and not lease the limited because I wouldn't use it to its potential.

You guys are funny. You each have a slightly different perspective as to how the review should go. I hope you continue to be friends and continue to let each of your personalities, however different from one another, shine. *Please compare Hemi e-torque against 'without' e-torque.

Roman nailed it on truck discounting. If you shop around, do the research, join an online forum, you can save thousands. I just bought a new JL Rubicon Wrangler and saved $7k+ off MSRP. Online forums are your friends.

When using voice commands, don't just push and release the button on the steering wheel. You need to hold it down until you hear a beep, and then say commands. It works every time in my Laramie.

$44k for a tradesman! My dealership quoted me a Trademan 4x4 Crew cab for $32k.

Guys, buy a light for the camera or something. Couldn't see the nice interior you were talking about.

We just gonna ignore the "Andre, I think you need to switch to decaf" "Yeah, you're a little excited, bud." Lmao that shit had me rolling. They're right though, wtf is Andre on? 😂

I thought you were reviewing a new RAM that cost $22k. should've known better.

Price after rebates on my 2019 tradesman with SXT appearance group, hemi, 4x4, quad cab in canada was $35,310 before taxes. So, MSRP might say one thing, but since when does ANYONE pay sticker price? The tradesmans are a great value (with rebates of course!) In my opinion. That price also included freight, admin etc etc etc....only thing that price didnt include was our govt taxes.

You can get a 2019 Tradesman Crew Cab with 4x4, 5.7L Hemi, 3.92 rear end ,keyless entry, and power windows and locks for $42K and some change. Throw a trade in or some money down and you are financing under $40K. Still expensive but no different than all the other manufacturers. In August 2018 I ordered a 2018 Ram 2500 Tradesman, Crew Cab, 4X4, with the manual old school 4x4 shift lever, Long Bed, 6.4L Hemi, 4.10 rear end, and upgraded to the Blue tooth radio and it was under $43K

There is not 22K worth of Differences. The tradesman cost about $13,000.00 -16,000.00 to build and the Limited between $17,000.00 - $20,000.00 to build. The grille in the Tradesman is Plastic and the Grille in the limited is Plastic with chrome, which probably cost Ram about 10 to 15 dollars more to have produced. Think about all this from a manufacturing standpoint. All the components are mass produce which allow all the Automakers out there to buy their parts cheaper. All of these trucks are built on a production line producing more than 100 to 150 trucks a day. Both truck are overprice. Both trucks should be able to be bought for 25-32% off MSRP and ram will still make money off of both of these truck. This applies to Ford, GM etc. If people would just walk away from all of these trucks for about 30-60 days the executives for all these manufacturers would price these truck where they should be. GM executives are on target to make 51 million this year with Ford executives right behind them. SEE -- automotivenews.com or google. If these vehicle are not overprice why are all the manufacturing putting rebates upwards of $8000.00 AND OR zero percent up to 72 months to get them off the lots. One way to get these prices down in my opinion would be to stop with the rebate TV ads and put the money saved on reducing the MSRP. Selling more trucks keeps people working. I was just recently made an END OF THE MONTH offer for 2019 limited at $15,000.00 off. So far I have driven the 2019 Chevy LTZ and the 2019 Ram limited, and I have to say the Ram has the best looking interior and the quality is there. For once the Ram interior doesn't look cheap.

17:15 “I prefer the rubber anyway”.........”That’s what she said” 😂

The camera man needs to turn up exposure

funny one thing i like about trucks ( at least my 2017 Tradesman ) is the ability to start it without sitting in the seat to press the brake. it's a base model and fine for work. one of my buds owns a Limited for home and the Tradesman for work. he loves both.

i've seen tradesmans in the lower 20's. you can get a ram 2500 cummins fir 44k at the lowest package

camera guy needs to "light" focus sheesh

I have a 2015 Ram 1500 Bighorn and its been a good truck. I did have the driver's side exhaust manifold replaced under warranty due to the head bolt issues the Hemi has, but it's been a solid truck. I tow a travel trailer, and I do to it one logging roads to get to some nice campsites. About all I'd want is better gas mileage, but it's a truck. I am interested to see how the Etorque does in the real world. If it holds up, or the Ecodiesel returns I might get a new Bighorn, otherwise I'm going to drive the wheels off this one.

Instead of just saying “snarfs,” try “saying “snarfs sandwich shop.” I bet you it’ll make a difference

I have a 2017 XLT super crew with 45,000 miles on the 2.7. IT WILL FLY and gets 21 mpg around town, if I don’t put my foot in it. I’m religious about oil changes. It has been completely trouble free> I love every day I spend in my truck and it works every day on Construction sites. I’m also a huge fan of TFL truck. Keep ‘em comin

Keep doing these kind of reviews!!!! Also, I look forward to a long term test on Dodge/Ram products. I want to see if FCA/RAM has turned the corner in the reliability department.

Omg I love the limit with the painted bumper!!

I have yet to buy a truck because I am astounded by all the extras you can tack on. Some of the extras are actually necessary for one reason or another. To think you have to pay extra for things like wheel liners, tow hitch or limited-slip differential (whatever they call it). Then they do funny things like offering Big Horn models more pricey than Laramies.

My 2000 Silverado Work Truck is regular cab, 8'bed, RWD with auto, air, tow package and 4.8L V8 with 265 h.p. and 275 foot pounds of torque. Crank windows, manual locks, rubber floor. Solid, basic truck for work, still running great at 19 years of age with very little extra cost or parts beyond routine stuff. I paid $17,000 for it new. Prices today for a few gewgaws added to overblown tech I don't trust for longevity is just NUTS.

I know nothing about air ride but it looked like it was set on off road mode. Wonder if it was set lower. If the Hula girl test would be smoother?

The Dodge Dart was one of Chrysler’s first cars to have the active areo, at highway speeds the grill is closed off using special flaps behind the grill however it doesn’t use a small chin under the car instead it just closes the grill and uses the air going bellow the vehicle to cool off the engine, this allows for better fuel efficacy at highway speeds

Never been much of a Dodge fan but I have to hand it to them with the styling and interior of this truck. Very well done.

I’m a RAM guy but 66k for a 1500 is way too much. I would like to see a rebel vs a big horn review or even do a long term big horn review as well as that model has a lot of the everyday stuff you need. Nav, heated seats, 5.7, blind spot, sound system, bed lighting, LED’s and incentives. Rebel or Big Horn should be the focus.

You can get a 1500 SXT Tradesman with a 5.7L V8, You can also get an 8' bed with the Tradesman that you can't with a limited. Don't let dodge dealers talk you into high end crew cabs you will probably never use.

I do like the buddy reviews. I think a long term rebel would be a great idea. I am disappointed in how expensive these trucks have become in such a short period of time. We got a 2004 Dodge 2500 Quad Cab 8' 4x4 Laramie Cummins for 27k new off the lot. Don't think we will be able to afford a new truck ever again. Long term plan is to keep it forever and get a new engine/trans should it ever fail.

Smartphones and infotainment system are not the same and probably never will be. I think we need to accept this and lower our expectations. And the Tradesman trim didn't have nav, so why would it have navigation voice commands? It literally gave instruction on what you could request based off of what the system was equipped with.

I'm going to keep calling BS on $44k base trucks as long as manufacturers keep pricing base trucks at $44k. Base trucks should be just that, basic. Good safe tires auto, ac, pw, pl with remote and gov mandated safety equipment and be under $25 for 2wd reg cab.

I just bought a 2019 4x4 v8 Tradesman Crew Cab tow Package and Level 1 equipment group ..... for 43k very happy with this truck only thing I want to install is a the 12 inch u connect

I would go bighorn, 5.7 non etorque, 8.4" and get the tow package with mirrors and add some gray katzkin.

If we're counting the 3.5HO EcoBoost as the 6th engine in the lineup, then GM also has 6 engine options if you include the 5.3MDS vs the 5.3AFMS; 4.3, 2.7, 5.3MDS, 5.3AFMS, 6.2AFMS, and the upcoming 3.0 Babymax.

I paid $34k for a quad cab 4X4 2018 1500 Harvest Edition that's pretty well equipped and it only had an msrp of a little over $44k and I got the freaking V8! No way in hell I'd pay more than $30k for a Tradesman...

36 for my Big Horn well equipped black friday deal from 48 can’t go wrong with that deal best truck i ever head from 98 ram dually 5.9 02 ram 1500 4.7 than nissan titan 5.6 and ram today

Ram definitely has the best interior but I just still worry about FCA reliability. Rams rust faster than any other truck and they tend to use cheaper parts underneath all that fancy skin.

I test drove the Ram Limited at the 2019 Cleveland Auto show, and I kept thinking it has too many bells and whistles and I could never ever justify the cost to own it! I would like to drive the Tradesmen someday when I am in the market for a new truck.

17:50...Nathan:’I prefer the rubber anyway’. 😂

the Hemi in my 2014 blew up at 100K miles..Dealer wanted $8000 to replace it, agreed to pay half. obviously a major design flaw

Long term Rebel,yes!!!

The camera guy is fine, these TRUCKS they look good in any light

You guys should take these up Gold Mine Hill to compare the engines and rear-locker offroad!

Lol. I know this is a old video, and maybe it’s changed, but I just drove three new 2021 1500’s and I can assure you the ride is not even close when you drive the airbag model, vs the coil spring model. Air ride is way smoother. The coils still ride very good, but it is not the same ride.

When I looked at the Tradesman truck, I told the salesman that the screen was too small and wanted to know if I could get the 8" screen for the Tradesman. He told me that you can only get the current small screen in the Tradesman and if I wanted the 8" screen, I would have to go with the Big Horn trim package. I don't know if this salesman was correct or not??

Anyone else get nervous when Andre takes his eyes off the road too much?

That new Ram truck is absolutely amazing!!! Love it. Way better than the other trucks and wait until the HD comes out with the Cummins with Aisin transmission OMG nothing comes close! Well done Ram engineering

Also I got an slt one step up from tradesman. I skipped power seats and got adjustable pedals and saved 1900.00 dollars for one example.

1. On the limited does it have the sunroof shade like on standard sized sunroofs? If so that would've made it a little quieter inside the cab. 2. Why dont guys ever talk about the speaker quality (standard vs Harmon Kardon or standard vs Bose.. GM standard speakers have ALWAYS sucked compared to other brands standard sound systems!) 3. What about the ease of simple routine maintenance like replacing headlights & taillights & how bright they are? (My 2012 Ram 1500 maybe or may not be the easiest design to replace headlights & taillights...idk... but I know that I can replace them in 45 mins tops) I know that sometimes that consumers will love or hate brands because of how easy or hard it is to do simple routine maintenance. 4. One thing that I know you dont ge on lower base models with Ram (I dont know where it starts since 2012 is that there is no little engine light on the underside of the hood (which vehicles use to have) & lockable glove box (Which should be standard across the board & all brands IMO! Why would they skimp on those necessary simple features brings a whole new meaning to the saying, "With all the tech auto manufacturers put in their vehicles, it just goes to show that they do NOT want you to work on them, just bring them to the dealer for simple stuff!"🤨😡) Thank you for all your hard work & I know that your time is limited to what can discuss & review.

I clicked thinking it was a $22, 000 truck.... boy was I hit like a sack of potatoes

Can you guys do this kind of review for the Titan you currently have?

Ram definitely makes the most luxurious trucks. I just wish they had of upped the engine outputs on all models. They've been rocking the same ole engines since when I had a 2009 Ram Laramie. 450hp for the hemi is a must when they sell hellcats, red-eyes and demons. 🤷🏾‍♂️

Legend has it. The guys, are still driving around Colorado. Looking for Snarfs. 🙊🙈🙉

44 THOUSAND DOLLARS??? In 2014 you could get an almost completely specced GMC Sierra SLT for about 50. What in the world is up with truck pricing recently.

Loved this review guys! Very informative for potential buyers.....AND it really shows the real value and capability of the Pentastar V6. Looking forward to the Ikes performances too. That being said, I’d always choose the 5.7 hemi, simply for the power and performance. #ramfam

Caught the "that's what she said". Well done, Andre.

Really enjoy the free wheeling epressions but the darkness of your camera ... not good

I like it unfiltered and raw, now help this veteran out and let me have one of these trucks. My used beaten down 2011 f150 is hurting especially in the Mpg category.

I just came to say “22k for a 2019 any brand truck? What is this 1989?” 😂

I paid $33,000 for a 4x4 2500 tradesman with a few options and this is the same price for everybody. BUT I ORDERED THE TRUCK WITH ONLY THE OPTIONS I WANTED. $44,000 for a tradesman base truck is the result of buying a truck off of the lot that the dealership equips. SO SAD....

IF I were a fan of FCA I would buy the Tradesman model for the same reasons as Nathan had. Plus the Tradesman with cloth upholstery , I always find that cloth is more comfortable. Good video, again, Thanks for this.

The Laramie has everything I want but it seems some incentives went away. Having to change my Christmas shopping plans now. I would have gotten a bighorn because I prefer fabric for comfort. Unfortunately RAM isn't offering reclining rear seat in the bighorn

I got the Laramie with the 5.7 but no sunroof....I love it.

Dude GM interior is old and ugly. Yeah this is overall nicest. Fords 2nd.

Ram's website lists V-6 4x4 MPG @ 21MPG Combined, which is 2 higher than Hemi. Interesting to see if it translates to real-world....

l buy the laramie cuz maybe in the future l will put to work .

Great buddy video, just please fix the camera lighting. Ram has really made one of the best interiors for pretty much any vehicle out there not just pickups. I have yet to buy a pickup and I am looking to purchase my first, for me its a choice between the big 3 (Ram, Chevy, and Ford). Most people scream Toyota for reliability but for me safety is more important, and luxury doesn't hurt, Toyota hasn't updated in 10+ years. No one ever mentions safety in any of the reviews. I hope to see some crash test ratings on the 2019 Chevy and Ram soon since they didn't do the best in 2018. Ram has been notoriously poor in IIHS ratings and that is my top concern. Ford has the highest safety rating and that may be the deciding factor.

So I think the best trims is big horn and Laramie and for the Offroad is rebel

Am I the only one that was here to see a 22k new 1500 ? Lol

They did the UConnect systems a dis-service. They just didn't know to use them. Saying "take me to swarfs" Isn't going to work in any infotainment system unless that is built in to their programming. So TFL you're never going to find your way to Swarfs until you learn the command sequence.

I also tried it, DEFINITIVELY the air suspension is harder, and cannot be adjusted.

I have a tradesman and I wish I would have spent the money on at least a truck that would tow more than 4500 pounds. It limited me on a travel trailer size.

Odd thing is FCA is giving $5500 rebate on basic trim like BigHorn/LoneStar but ONLY $1500 on expensive trim like Rebel, Laramie LongHorn and Limited. I don't get it, isn't more expensive trim level suppose to have larger profit margin???

Why would I buy a 44k base truck when I can get a 2500 tradesman with the powerwagon option for $47k?!? When my 1 ton went I for service they gave me a white 1500 4x4 with the 8 spd and the 5.7. I looked at the sticker in the glove box and it wasn't even 44k, but it was over 40k! Why even buy a 1/2 ton truck for that price?!?

Every time somebody talks about Towing but nobody talks about the payload capacity for a camper, why is that?

A trademan is what your boss will get you a limited with your boss would drive

I paid 60,000 for a fully loaded limited.. just turned 300 miles... just amazing.. no regrets

Here is a test suggestion. On the Tradesman, put a cup with liquid and ice in the center console and tells us if there is a significant vibration. The 2018 model is horrible.

Glad to see Nathan and Roman back together!!!!

All the Snarf’s are back in Boulder!!! But, awesome video about the Ram trucks guys!!! I’m really happy with my 2018 Ram 1500!!!

Buy the Tradesman, and a trailer, and a nice Side-x-Side...and still save money over the 'Crack-Pipe' Limited.

Lost me on base truck with a V6 at 44K.... Cheaper to completely rebuild my 2006 RAM MegaCab

These videos are great, you have the best jobs! Base model all the way. Anything over 60,000 bucks is absurd.

I love the buddy reviews! Also, I agree with some, the interior was a bit difficult to see due to poor lighting.

*You can not get the 8.4in touchscreen or fog lights in the Tradesman Ram 1500. You have to go up to Big Horn/ Lone Star. 19 Ram 1500 Tradesman 5.7L V8 Quad Cab 6'4" box 4x4 $42,845(How I would equip it) www.ramtrucks.com/build.ram_1500_dt.2019#/summary/zipcode/18104/vehicle/CUT201920/ccode/CUT201920DT6L41A/llp/2TA/options/EZH,DFR,TCP,WBD,V9,MWH,NFF,XFH,CLF,XHC,DSH,Z6D,DMH,A61,UAA,AWL,AHC,X9,PPX,25A,APA E-torque is +$1,500 Crew Cab is +$3,000 Air Suspension +$1,700 Big Horn/Lone Star +$2,800 same equipment Crew Cab is +$2,000 for Big Horn/Lone Star *You can also not get the 8.4in touchscreen or Fog Lights in the Tradesman Ram 2500. You have to go up to SLT. 18 Ram 2500 Tradesman 6.4L V8 Crew Cab 8' box 4x4 $44,735(How I would equip it) www.ramtrucks.com/build.ram_2500.2018#/summary/zipcode/18104/vehicle/CUT201814/ccode/CUT201814DJ7L92A/llp/2TA/options/ESA,DFP,TWD,WDA,V9,BAJ,CLF,XHC,GPG,DMF,RA2,DSA,AJY,Z7F,X8,PBU,22A,APA Offroad Package is +$500 but requires Chrome which is $900 SLT is + $2,500 same equipment Cummins is + $9,300 Fog Lights is +$200 8.4 Touchscreen is +750 Air Suspension is $1,700

I would be very interested in TFL getting a long term Rebel, I would definately give a thumbs up for that.

I have been much happier getting the truck I want instead of what I can show off to impress other people.

I have found that the tradesman trucks which is generally a less desired trim level and they are often left on the dealers lot for longer , thus being eligible for massive year end discounts getting you an even better deal. Tradesman is the best value hands down .

Andre is all hyped up on caffeine!

Why are you guys trying to use Navigation on the base truck radio that doesn’t have it? 🤦‍♂️

I love the big rig look on the old one and I like the new ones too

Very funny entertaining segment. Dont switch to decaf Andre. Best value is the big horn