Do Base Trucks and Hard Work Mix? 2020 Ram 1500 Tradesman In-Depth Review

[@bigric5100]

First and foremost, I absolutely love to see a family working together. Having your mom do the off road demonstration was the best part of this video. You have a beautiful family. Second best is that you are reviewing a base model truck. I would rather watch a video of a tradesman than a TRX. Third, I thank you for finally taking the Ram off road. I felt cheated when you didn't take the bighorn off road. Last but not least, when your dad talks, I listen. He knows what he is talking about. He doesn't get into any superficial mumbo jumbo about anything. Very much reminds me of my grandfather. Keep up the good work.

[@TruckKing]

High praise indeed - I guess I learned a thing or two in the past 30 years writing about trucks. Dad

[@lxmedia3911]

Finally! A review of the base model. Almost all on KZbin are the highest trim that only a few buys.

[@arm-nl3vp]

This channel is going to blow up soon. Very quality content, keep it up!

[@TruckKing]

Hope so! Thanks.

[@travelinman482]

@@TruckKing Just as long as you guys don’t complain like some of those TFL guys; Tommy and Roman. You’ll do fine. Those nimrods are not true truck guys.

[@travelinman482]

@@TruckKing Also... In what world is this Crew Cab 4x4 pickup, a budget truck? A single cab, 2WD Tradesman truck is a budget vehicle. As an alternate, I’d take a Extended Cab, 2WD Tradesman over any Crew Cab when a regular cab truck is not available.

[@bradbaraniuk4085]

great review with your dad as usuall nice to see mom involved to.

[@TruckKing]

Mom's a true trucker! Always ready to lend a hand.

[@miqueiaz]

Dude, you put your mom to test the truck's 4x4 capability! Pretty awesome! I really, really like the channel's vibe. Real people testing real trucks. This is what we want. Is it nice see some high end trucks? It is, but how many people can afford these ridiculous expensive trucks? Not many... If you guys be able to bring more of these real trucks on real and ordinary situations being drive by real people... this channel will have a boost!

[@denvernn]

I will say it again, this channel is gonna grow. Its real, honest and offers the audience real world insights and perspective. Another well done review.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Stephen, I am old enough to remember when ALL trucks were base/work trucks because they were only bought by farmers or tradesmen. In those days luxury trucks were the ones with automatic transmissions rather than 3 on the Tree. Just like station wagons of the time, those trucks could all carry a 4X8 sheet of plywood in their 8 foot bed. Lastly, I hope your mother gets one third of the revenues from this video!

[@craneoDeFuego077]

Yup, now 90% of truck owners just have them as toys, or fancy trucks to go get groceries in. I have a 2015 RAM tradesman with a long bed and it's a great little work truck.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@craneoDeFuego077Thanks for reading my comment from 3 years ago. Sadly, things have only gotten worse. The fact we even have the expression 'work truck' shows how crazy things are today. We have come to the point where we actually need to distinguish a pickup that is made for work from the majority which are just an indulgence. 🤨

[@sylvain-paulcote5470]

Thanks for another great video. This is getting quite a family affair! Your dad is there all the time, your brother made an appearance and today your mom! All the better!

[@stevetrbofox1549]

I have a 2020 1500 Tradesman crew cab V8 5.7 4x4. Tow package and Tow Mirrors.22in wheels With other options. Absolutely love the truck... tows a loaded 18 ft car trailer like a dream...

[@cpt.crunch9978]

Just got a 2021 tradesman last week and i love it. Excellent truck for it's price.

[@SketchyXC]

Not bad, definitely missing the 8ft bed for my use. Love to see you get your hands on the Ford and Chevy equivalent

[@RoyPearsonVue1313]

For someone who has never bought a vehicle from a dealership, I do appreciate how you and your dad broke down the msrp. Aside from that, great content as always! Keep up the great videos 👍🏼

[@TruckKing]

Thanks. MSRP is hard to deal with as a journalist - we have to quote it - yet, we (and you) know that is not what the truck will sell for.

[@mminniear984]

Aside from the small infotainment screen, this trucks interior is better looking then a better optioned Chevy. I personally am a Chevy guy. But I look at this truck and a Ford as far quality of materials inside and I can not get myself to pay the price for new Chevy. If I were to buy a new truck now, it would probably be this truck.

[@dwynepen7626]

I used to be Chevy , Ford simply disgusts me . Ram it's going to be 😮

[@ohioguy4326]

Great review of a lower trim. Not all of us cheap scapes buy base trucks to use as a work truck we buy them because they have everything we need in personal use truck.

[@MrBillsfishin]

Seems like a decent truck for the money but I would just want the 5.7.

[@cbskwkdnslwhanznamdm2849]

This is the truck for me. Plenty of power, 25 mpg. Simple engine that will last. What’s not to like? If you aren’t towing 8,000 lbs up mountains...

[@paulhunter9613]

Well it seems to tow 5000 lbs on gravel roads zipping along at 50 mph. The real test is to take it on the hiway at a real speed of 65 mph and headwinds. And some overpasses also

[@leroyroutt4791]

I'm not a fan of F.C.A. but I have to say that this truck is exactly what Stephen said... everything that you need and nothing that you don't. I also agree wholeheartedly with all the other comments about this channel, just honest thoughts about the vehicles everyday capabilities and behaviors. Yes I also believe that this channel is going to grow! All the best to you and your family.

[@TruckKing]

Thanks, nice of you to say - best of the season to your family too.

[@eamonob84]

Just bought one of the last ‘24 Tradesmans. Very close to that truck in the video but it has a few differences (crew cab, 5’7” bed, 8” screen). Absolutely love the truck. No need for a higher trim.

[@danspellman7010]

Nobody does Truck reviews better. Period.

[@commoncents456]

What a great job. I'm looking for a truck right now and many have recommended the tradesman with options. I agree "A" Nice to see a truck work, and not just going around the block in the city. I will be looking into the 3.6 since I dont trailer often. Thank you. A big shout out to FCA for providing this truck to TK. KEEP IT UP these guys provided a real time review, with a family touch

[@VARITHMS]

Great review. Here in Texas these base model trucks go in sale at the end of the year. You can get these for $25-28k some of the bottom trims come with the 5.7 and no chrome

[@TruckKing]

Yeah, where ever you are in the country - watch for the sales, prices can change significantly.

[@michaelmulvey743]

Trailer hook area is also for storing the receiver

[@dwynepen7626]

You guys are realy Ontario cool 😎, love the Rams . Keep up the awesome reviews .

[@ervinzefi8662]

Great work . I really like this channel. I own a 2019 Ram 1500 big horn V6 and I can attest everything they’re saying . Great daily driver and hauler when needed . They are right . I paid 37k US out of the door for my Ram 1500 crew cab 4x4 level 2.

[@bigric5100]

I own a bighorn v6 also and they hit the nail on the head. 99% of the time I use my truck to tote me and my family around town in comfort but it is a capable hauler when needed. I towed a small trailer for a camping trip recently and I had no issues at all.

[@woodsmonkey2265]

All trucks used to have a bench seat and column shifter, I bought a work truck to get those things because I bought a truck to use as a truck. Getting in a truck with a center console just doesn't feel like a truck to me.

[@johnbenson4744]

I have a base 2500, spent less than most 1/2 tons but have what I need. 4.10s, skid plates, 3300+lb payload, dependable 6.0

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! I JUST LOVE WORK TRUCKS!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!

[@TruckKing]

No problem 👍

[@Mixwell1983]

My question is the reliability of the e torque and does that make the truck use a seperate battery? If not then another battery is another consumable for the vehicle.

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Great review but mileage is measured with the metric system and squat is measured in inches. The original hybrid system?

[@tylermitchell4407]

Great Review Guys! When my 07 Dodge Ram Hemi 300 xxxkms on it is done. I’m looking at replacing it with a New Ram 1500 North Edition has all the comfort features for Canadian winters

[@forthefunofit5487]

Excellent Job no BS just the facts. Nice looking truck for a work truck and the performance was way beyond the trucks of decades ago especially for a V6 . I like it.

[@TruckKing]

Thanks 👍

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

Good liking and just the right amount of truck at least for me. Thanks for the review.

[@davidhillbrand2302]

SXT must be a Canadian model package? It isn't listed on the US web site.

[@AnsrMax]

The base trim is called sxt.

[@TruckKing]

Yep, SXT is another Ram package that only comes north of the border, like the 1500 Sport. You can recreate the package pretty easily in the US with Level 1 options and the Chrome Appearance package on a Tradesman.

[@lolotus4borderless]

King crew always got the best review

[@arminderrattu5333]

Great review boys ..👌🏽👌🏽 Happy Thanksgiving to the family 🦃👍🏽

[@TruckKing]

Same to you!

[@arminderrattu5333]

@@TruckKing thank you

[@isferfun3909]

Wow, I never know the Tradesman SXT come w 4x4 standard?! Please do bring in comparison of this truck with low level Silverado, F150, Titan and Tundra. I'm sure lots of people can't afford 50k work truck but sub 40k may still be acceptable. Thanks for making this video. 👏👍

[@IKhanNot]

An NA V6 wouldn't be my first choice for a pickup but I can say the Pentastar motor is far better than the 4.3 liter V6 found in the base GM work trucks.

[@culinarycaravan]

You had me at LED bed lights

[@kevinblock2307]

Way to get mom involved 😀 great review

[@james2042]

Backup cameras are required on new vehicles as of 2019 in America, so every new car needs to have a screen and a camera

[@Baebon6259]

and that is why car price is jacked up. Thanks big govt.

[@james2042]

@@Baebon6259 and the Mitsubishi mirage is 13,000 new, with a backup camera and infotainment screen. Dont give me that shit. People just say prices are inflated because they don't wanna deal with the reality that they won't look at base models. In Europe, base models are what sell. In America, mid spec models are what sell

[@vr4787]

Well 2017 actually

[@paulhunter9613]

And a federal mandate that all vehicles have to have a tire pressure monitor system, apparently people are too stupid to look at their tires occasionally. More money against

[@james2042]

@@paulhunter9613 TPMS is a safety thing too, it is very possible that while you're driving your tire gets punctured by something very small and over the course of 45 minutes slowly leaks and it starts dinging when it drops like 6psi so you know while youre driving you have a leak. Doesn't matter as much on runflats

[@danielnation9123]

Great vid! I seen on the build sheet and it hasthe 355 tow gears for the 3.6 every time you mention tow package you should say including 355 gears. Thanks!

[@TruckKing]

Good tip!

[@thecheekof]

You guys need to get the hemi on here.. all we have seen is the V6!

[@mrsteve4313]

When I was a kid we never had just a work truck, the kids(me) just hopped in the bed of the truck for the weekend! Lol

[@getlosttoday4045]

Cough Honda cough 😂 nice one Stephen!

[@les.hein1970]

Another great review. Thanks for putting that together. You made reference to the rear seats in a quad cab for kids, but how about an adult? Curious to know your opinions on the rear seats and the layout.

[@TruckKing]

Depends on the adult - Regular adult - OK. Me Adult - not so much.

[@kleebod]

Great video! Thanks for making my decision making process a bit easier.

[@TruckKing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mthakar9640]

Very good review. Complete integrity.

[@TruckKing]

Thanks!

[@gangaadhikari6389]

Nice truck and power full work truck.

[@michaelneuhaus4432]

My first two rams were tradesmen my third is a express love them all

[@stevenrogers2457]

Lots of great info. Thanks for the conversion to US for us non-Canadians

[@cesargallo7424]

nice you guys changed to a table format when comparing acceleration, you should do the same for the other comparisons

[@TruckKing]

Thanks! We will! The original format was not great (as many viewers pointed out) so we're working out the kinks and trying to present the information in a clear and precise way.

[@calebd7371]

I just got the Bighorn version of this truck for 34k in the US... nothing fancy but it’s a 2021 and it’s mine... plus it was cheap lol

[@tallll70]

I like how GM puts automatic lights in base fleet trucks with manual windows, that i miss in F150s, don't now if Ram has them

[@rightlanehog3151]

My 2005 Pontiac Vibe has them. It is CRAZY that they are not mandatory yet.

[@DodgeMan360]

"No ones paying that full pop" fast forward to 2022..... Lucky to get MSRP pricing now.

[@Nof60twindriver]

Love your guys reviews! I'm just curious . I have a 2003 F150 and looking to upgrade soon. How is the reliability of the Ram rotary gear selector? Like the Rams but am curious about this. Thanks.

[@TruckKing]

you can search the net for that - but we have never heard of a problem with the dial.

[@AkioWasRight]

There's no user advantage to the new loops, it's probably just cheaper and easier to manufacturer, since they're basically just taking square stock and punching holes in it.

[@thought1212]

good review guys. maybe try older trucks too as a topic not always covered. cheers.

[@mminniear984]

Mama bear made them ruts look easy!

[@timstover414]

the thing they need to add to all these trucks is a 115v outlet that actually supplies a decent amount of power. For some reason they only supply 400w~3.5A typically, which is enough to run a laptop or charge batteries. Give me a 20A outlet so I can run a saw or a medium sized compressor for a nail gun.

[@ernestmorin8721]

I’d like to see you test this tradesman in a very cold winter area. And how it can stand the cold weather As I’d like to purchase one I still like the 5.7..

[@joemattes8389]

Great video guys.

[@dadwithtwins1585]

Awesome review

[@jasonmassey461]

I got a 19 Big Horn off road package black paint blacked out edition 8.4 screen with console for 39k in Memphis TN brand new back in June 2019

[@TruckKing]

That was a good time to buy a truck - now they can't keep them on the lots.

[@getnautical9579]

I have a 32’ tt weight 7400 dry with tongue weight of 833. Looking at mew trucks and a 1500 ram I looked at has a 1600 payload and toes 11300. With the length of the tt would you say half ton with those Specs would work or go 3/4. Problem with 3/4 which I don’t mind getting is in ny have to get commercial plates so can’t go on any parkways when not towing.

[@phunk875]

I got myself into a 2013 Ram 1500 Tradesman, despite all the engine and wear and tear problems I've had with the truck.. I still want a Ram. I'll be looking into trading my truck in for a newer style Tradesman Ram 1500.. I thought about it, why have all the fancy equipment if all I need is my bluetooth and towing capacity. My intentions was to make my 2013 Ram 1500 into a work truck, though engine problems came around.. I ended up getting the bad apple. So, instead of looking into another high mileage pickup truck, i'm going to get a low mileage pickup truck with a newer body style but same trim.

[@tilorch]

May have to do a Titan & Titan XD review to complete your 1/2 ton truck comparison before the Titans disappear from Canada.

[@duraflexllc4860]

Love your videos can you please do 2020 GMC 3500 SLE 6.6 diesel

[@bluemuppet6]

I miss the days when a base truck was 17 to 18k. I was a kid in the 90's, but I remember when my dad bought a 95 base Ford F150 xl for 17 something, with tax it came up to 18 something.

[@TruckKing]

Of course that was 25 - 30 years ago. Base trucks are still available - just ask.

[@bluemuppet6]

@@TruckKing oh I know, I'm just remembering when prices were lower lol. I think a fully loaded truck back then was like 20 something. although now a days certain base model trucks put some older top trims to shame, cause these modern base model trucks come with alot of things you could only dream of getting on a truck back then. and some didn't even come with a air conditioner lol.

[@jyoung188]

Love the tradesman trim, if this had the 5.7 it would be the perfect 1/2 ton for me. I would never buy a truck with

[@aroundthegroundlandscaping7107]

Great review love ram trucks!

[@davegardner9481]

good video ,,, but ontario DOES have hills ,, head up north of sault ste marie and we'll test your truck for you,,

[@TruckKing]

You're right - that stretch from Wawa toward Tbay - beautiful. We just don't get up there enough.

[@lionelcortez3115]

Honestly I thought this video would be bad...was actuelly very informative and educational. Was thinking man tradesmen of dumb, but think it’s for me now

[@9663mu]

Like the new leaderboard stats. How about showing the half tons together and smaller trucks together. Easier to read.

[@robertyoung8289]

Hey. This is Roman from TFL. You and your new channel sucks! Lol

[@robertyoung8289]

It's a Ram. Of course your "walking" away. You have to get home somehow!

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Great review as usual and a cameo by Mom👍 I really like the Ram 1500, just don't need a full size, want one but don't need 😁 In Ontario I am surprised that model didn't have the heated convenience package. Cheers

[@TruckKing]

I was surprised too! And like you said, you can get heated seats/wheel, our truck just didn't have that option. Definitely strange for an Ontario truck.

[@cbskwkdnslwhanznamdm2849]

Is it reliable?

[@bradalbrecht8084]

Love it.. thanks . Brad from Vernon B.C. Canada

[@davidpettis3182]

Do a Toyota Tundra sr

[@TruckKing]

We have and we will again.

[@R.Nelson]

Good morning 🌻 Truck King!!..wish they'd come back with 3 on tree... wouldn't that be cool King Dad?....hello Mom

[@waynelutteroty5332]

Looking to buy. Bought a 03 1500 ram 4.7 still have it 158000 miles nothing major touch wood quad cab 4x4

[@101etime]

40k as in Canadian Dollars?

[@mikefoehr235]

2 months ago i got my Tundra TRD OFF ROAD and towing with a V8 is WAY better than a V6. My Taco worked hard towing our 5000 pound Hybrid. It is also much better on fuel as well. V6 is OK mostly but not for towing any larger RVs.

[@james2042]

Edit: according to the configurator for the US, you get a better deal on a better equipped truck if you go for the bighorn over the tradesman. The tradesman is only like 2000 dollars cheaper to begin with and has more stuff tied into packages rather than base included, so by the time they are equally equipped (with some extras on the bighorn) your tradesman cost more. That's just downright scamming the fleet customers. If its a true work truck I'd take a 2500 reg cab tradesmen with a 6.4 hemi, if its a "working man's truck" I'd get a 1500 bighorn with a few creature comforts like the 8.4 uconnect (for Android auto), dampened tailgate and a center console. Side note I think the 1500 tradesman has an optional cold weather package with heated front seats and wheel that just wasn't on this, but if its not then its another reason to step up to the big horn.

[@yorkchris10]

Sometimes dad would be up to his old 2wd antics in the snow and mom would just tell him to put it in 4wd.

[@tomstarcevich1147]

Awesome truck I got the ram classic tradesman quad cab 4x4 v6 with lots of extras for 40 k 😀great truck

[@TruckKing]

Nice 👍

[@GNR325]

Thanks for reviewing a truck that I would buy (with a 5.7) and commenting on approx. realistic purchase price.

[@mannymotta2174]

So how much out the door American Stephen??

[@joesos5179]

Only complaint but not a deal breaker is I lost gear shift on the column you will get use to it if your listening fca don’t get rid of the entry level tradesman express package great for entry level buyers and older buyers who want their truck to be a still be a truck

[@ratonL]

Are V8 Regular Cab Tradesmans a thing? 🤔

[@TruckKing]

It's available. Look back in our video's I did a review on one about three years ago.

[@joesos5179]

I have 6 foot bed prefer to use a bed extender with tail gate down to carry plywood that provides a small truck so misses can drive love my ram on third one all went to 100,000 no problem brakes can go to 100,000 if you drive right need to put tires on that’s it use the bed almost everyday make sure you buy the rear wheel liner package no rust on outside wheel arches

[@Eightball2516]

I have a 2015 tradesman with the hemi I love it but I have the crew cab

[@EverydayJ1786]

Ram asks way too much for the 1500 tradesman .. when I was shopping for a truck I could not find a dealer offering a 1500 tradesman, crew cab 4x4 shortbox for less that 48k Canadian ... While all other makes are priced around 40k for a similar equipped truck .. these trucks are over hyped . Initial quality maybe impressive but seriously these trucks are disposable after 5 yrs and lack true long-term reliability ... Im glad I chose a Tundra crewmax 4x4 SR5. It's better equipped than the tradesman surprisingly , Proven solid drivetrain guaranteed to last 500,000 miles , 5.7L and 6 speed Aisin trans. Interior has better fit and finish as well . Tight no squeeks or rattles ... Got it for 39k all in . People will bash the tundra for its mpg and lack of tech. I get 17 mpg all day long . So in reality it's all in how you drive . The tundra sr5 comes standard with a 8" touch screen head unit .. tradesman comes with a basic small junky radio . Tundra has standard heated seats , full center console, auto HighBeam lights, electric adjustable headlights, full roll down rear window just to name a few. Best of all no Hemi tick to have to worry about 😁. Love it !.

[@99unclebob]

nothing wrong with a Hemi we have lots in our fleet with over 250k on them and do all our regular maintenance , sure Toyota is fine you paid 39 plus taxes and it is a good truck, you just prefer Toyota

[@paulhunter9613]

And here comes the tundra fanbois trying to tell everyone how great their truck is and that all other trucks are junk. It’s just perceived reliability, tundras are no different than a Honda Ridgeline

[@EverydayJ1786]

@@paulhunter9613 last time I checked Ridgeline was never considered a half ton or had a V8 engine . Great job at showing your IQ 👍

[@kerryrwac]

Truck King, it's a family affair.

[@TruckKing]

Blame me. Dad

[@samin90]

You can get the last gen Ram brand new for even cheaper. My crew cab with a Hemi and the 8.4" screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay was 42k Canadian

[@TruckKing]

Yeah, we'd love to review a Ram "Classic" - we have asked for one.

[@pernell4351]

Need get the diesel one test

[@terrencejones9817]

I agree that 56k is not what it would sell for. But you are dreaming if you think it would be 16k off. 10-12 maybe. High truck trucks you can see 14-18k off. That Trailer brake controller is an option though. Not standard in RAM. BTW all the GM Truck start with a 7- 8" screen.

[@anthonysourdiff1835]

Not bad for a base truck but the one upgrade I would have to do is go to the hemi

[@angelm.614]

First time I’ve ever seen towing mirrors on a v6 truck lol

[@cbskwkdnslwhanznamdm2849]

Electric tailgate won’t open with the battery dead? That’s such a deal breaker for me. All my tools and jumper cables etc would be in the bed under a bed cover. What’s the point of electric tailgate?

[@onetime359]

Guys come on the dealership doesn't have 20% in mark up. All new vehicles have a 7% mark up so against a 47k truck you can negotiate around $2800.

[@joesos5179]

A ram without the Hemi is like a duck out of water gets Terrific mileage and power is more than you will need on when it cuts out 4cylinders with eco you can expect 18 miles to the gal with seasonal variations once the motor home guys catch on this will be the new standard for motor homes using cruise control on highway gives mileage numbers a boost

[@damiangutierrez9103]

Great truck ☺.