6 key things to consider when buying a RAM truck
A pickup truck is an ideal investment for those who need large towing capacity and cargo beds in their vehicles. If buying a truck, one should start by shortlisting options with all the necessary features, a good resale value, and low maintenance requirements. Luckily, RAM trucks are known for offering a range of handy features along with excellent durability and performance. Nevertheless, when choosing a RAM truck, one should consider the following things:
1. Reviews
Vehicle reviews are a key factor to consider when buying a vehicle. When buying a new RAM truck, one can find buyer reviews on third-party auto websites. If the company has introduced an upgraded model, one should check if it addresses the problems in the older models. If one is opting for a pre-owned RAM truck, then they should check the vehicle history by reviewing its repair and maintenance records and even unpaid tickets, if any. Prior research can help one avoid unwanted surprises in the future.
2. Intended use
RAM offers wide-ranging options that cater to different needs. Before selecting a truck, one should determine the intended use of the vehicle. For instance, one may want a rugged truck that will offer ample towing capacity and off-roading convenience. Alternatively, one could need a truck for day-to-day activities and hauling large loads. Additionally, one may want a comfortable truck that is also functional if they intend on using it for travel. Understanding the exact requirements helps in determining the must-have features in the truck and avoiding getting expensive upgrades for unnecessary features.
3. Comfort
RAM trucks generally come in 4 configurations: regular cabs, quad cabs, crew cabs, and mega cabs. Regular cabs are the smallest in size, equipped with two doors and space for up to 3 passengers. The rest of the options come with four doors and more room in the cabin, enough to seat 6 passengers. One needs to carefully evaluate the available configurations in their budget and check the cabin size. They should also ask themselves questions like how many occupants they plan on bringing along and how often they need to travel long distances. There might be a need for a bigger cabin if one is planning to bring kids along. Along with the truck cab size, one should also check the leg room, shoulder room, and headroom inside the cabin.
4. Fuel economy
While buying a truck, one must consider fuel efficiency to understand the long-term expenses associated with owning the vehicle. The first thing to consider here is whether the vehicle would be gas or diesel-powered. For those looking for better fuel economy, diesel is the better choice. Comparisons have shown that gas-powdered RAM trucks provided a considerably lower mileage or fewer miles per gallon as opposed to the options that run on diesel. The initial investment for diesel trucks might seem higher, but the higher mileage can make up for the additional upfront cost in the long run.
5. Towing capacity
Towing capacity is a key factor to consider when planning to buy any truck. A large towing capacity can come in handy when one uses the truck for camping, ski trips, picnics, moving houses, towing machinery, and moving stuff between two work sites. RAM trucks can help drivers seamlessly switch between work and fun without worrying much about running out of cargo space. However, the towing capacity can vary. Trucks start from as little as 6,000 lbs and go all the way to 30,000 lbs or more. If a large towing capacity is not a priority, one can consider lighter RAM trucks like the 1500, which also might be a more affordable option.
6. Bed size
As trucks can carry heavy loads, they come with spacious cargo beds for the purpose. The bed allows businesses and tradespeople to load heavy machinery and goods. They are also used for hauling camping equipment. So, the bed size is a key consideration when buying any truck. But, in addition to load-carrying needs, one should take into consideration their parking situation. With tight home or workplace parking spots, a truck with a long bed will not work. So, one should go with a truck that strikes the right balance between cargo space and ease of parking.
