The battle between big three US truckmakers is always on, in every possible segment. The things are especially heated in the half-ton class. Ford is dominating there, but GM and Ram are not too far away with their offer. You can even remember calling the TRX a Raptor-killer.
Trucks still survive thanks to their working abilities. The most important part is towing capacity. Well, with so many options, the difference can be huge from engine to engine. The Dodge Ram 1500 offers 4 different powertrains. Then, there are cab/bed configurations, 2WD/4WD systems, and other optional packages that can maximize the towing capacity and hauling ability.
If you aim for the best result, a 5.7-liter model is a leader. The company still keeps a turbodiesel setup, although Ford dropped an oil burner, and GM trucks are much better hauler. Even the base V6 is not a bad option with 7,700 pounds. A supercharged V8 is not there to work, but to show off.
Entry Level V6 – 7,730 Pounds
Under the hood of the base Tradesman truck is a 3.6-liter Pentastar unit. This V6 is a reliable powertrain and the company is using in many big rigs. It can deliver 305 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque for towing capacity of 7,730 pounds. This is not a bad result for the entry-level configuration. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to rear wheels.
Upgrade to V8
The company also has a few good V8 engines. But, for the half-ton truck, the upgrade choice is a 5.7-liter mill. You can get 395 hp and 410 lb-ft from this one. Engineers increased power and torque thanks to the eTorque system. Previously, the pickup was available with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft. Speaking of towing capacity, properly equipped, the Dodge Ram 1500 can do 12,750 pounds. The same transmission is there, as well as 2WD/4WD choice.
Dodge Ram 1500 Diesel Towing Capacity
An oil burner is no longer a ‘new’ engine. As a matter of fact, it can be removed from the production soon. While everyone was expecting the Ford F-150 Powerstroke to lead the way, Ram surprised truckers with the EcoDiesel mill, as potent as the competition’s units. General Motors is a step ahead, with a towing capacity of 12,000 pounds on their Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. The Dodge Ram 1500 diesel can haul 9,600 pounds thanks to 260 hp and 480 lb-ft. Ford already dropped the diesel engine and the truckmaker now focuses on electric Lightning model.
Ram TRX – High-Performance Truck with 702 hp
The mightiest configuration among Dodge Ram 1500 trucks comes for the TRX version. The company threw a glove into Ford’s face with the pickup using Hellcat engine. Of course, the Blue Oval company responded with Raptor R that delivers 700 hp. Anyway, all this power doesn’t serve towing capacity. The Ram TRX can do only 8,100 pounds. Raptor R is slightly better, but still not on the same level as diesel and V8 engines.
Conclusion
When you pick a half-ton truck, there will hardly be mistakes. Details can decide and personal preferences, since performances and towing capacities are pretty similar. FCA is a growing force in the truck industry and we can already compare Dodge Ram 1500 to Chevy Silverado. Yes, General Motors is selling more vehicles, since the company split the lineup. Ford is still untouchable, even without a diesel engine.