Do the upper trim levels really add to the towing or drving experience?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

HDGoose

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Mar 17, 2016
Posts
516
Reaction score
478
Ram Year
2020
Engine
L6 Diesel HO
I was looking at the upper trim levels, and bought a Tradesman again. Even the Tradesman has several different trims from the factory. I saw nothing in the Laramie or Limited that interested me except for braggin rights. And the payloads were too low. 800-1200 pounds less than my Tradesman.

I can do alot of travel for the $10,000 not spent on the Laramie or Limited trims. I can afford the upper trims, so that's not the issue. Even my new truck was more than my first house. And this possibly is my last truck.

I was kinda excited about the Android Auto, until I started to use it. Like many computer programs, it is just not as seamless or without annoying issues. I was hoping to be able to replace my RV GPS with a RV routing app. But found limitations as to what Android Auto will allow to be used. Which is why I was not interested in the GPS in the truck. Apparently they do not know what a 2500 or 3500 truck can pull and that some roads are to be avoided when doing so. Stand alone GPS units are just so much better than any in dash unit, and the phone apps can be slightly better with more current information.

What do the upper trims add to your experience once the newness wears off?
 

Elkman

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2018
Posts
672
Reaction score
328
Location
Monterey
Ram Year
2019
Engine
V6
Better headlight with the Laramie and rear park assist and blind spot detection. Front heated seats are also a very nice to have item. I use the blind spot detection with my SUV and it is very helpful when backing out of a parking space as far too many people drive much too fast in these places.

Rear park assist helps with my truck as I can back up further safely than without this feature. I have tight quarters around my house and inches count.
 

star_deceiver

Senior Member
Joined
May 18, 2019
Posts
559
Reaction score
948
Location
Airdrie, Alberta
Ram Year
2021
Engine
3.6 Pentastar
Things I didn’t want: Chrome, carpet, cloth seats, giant breakable screens, tech I won’t use, running boards, bed liners. See also, things I don’t want to pay for.

Would I like heated and ventilated leather seats? Sure... but not for the extra $10K and all the other fluff and all those things that beep and ding.

If you like features, gizmos, and filler, Ram has the truck for you. And they will make sure you drive away happy with years and years of payments.
 

392DevilDog

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 25, 2019
Posts
1,939
Reaction score
2,893
Location
Glasgow, Pennsylvania
Ram Year
2015
Engine
392 Hemi
For 2020 the HeavyDuty Tradesman can get the towing technology group and the 8.4 inch screen.

For whatever reason you do not get the rear in floor storage or the mini console up front on the center hump.

And I wish the 60/40 rear seat could be had. Other than that the Tradesman is the trim for me.
 

Sandevino

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2020
Posts
1,146
Reaction score
1,506
Location
North Texas
Ram Year
2023
Engine
HEMI 5.7 eTorque
The engines, transmission, transfer case and axles are the same across trim levels whether you go gas or diesel.

There used to be a HUGE difference between the base and top level trims, but not any more.

Also keep in mind the higher trim levels depreciate much faster than the Tradesman.
 

Travelin Ram

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2020
Posts
1,840
Reaction score
2,982
Location
Somewhere in NA. Probably. We travel a lot.
Ram Year
2022
Engine
6.4
It’s not significant to me. The gadgetry is OK, and there are some functions I find enjoyable, but certainly not necessary. My Ram prior to this one was a Tradesman diesel with a manual transmission. We crisscrossed the country with it numerous times, so far it was the best long distance cruiser I have owned.
 

NH RAM

Senior Member
Military
Joined
May 14, 2020
Posts
416
Reaction score
402
Location
New Hampshire
Ram Year
2019 Tradesman 2500 Snow Chief
Engine
6.4
I got a Tradesman with the rear park assist and a few other options that I wanted such as dual alternators and snow chief. The biggest gripes I have so far:

1. The seats need lumbar support- I don't care that they're not power adjustable, I just really miss the power lumbar support from my 2016 Big Horn. I'm actively looking for seats to swap because I haven't found an aftermarket lumbar support that's comfortable. For short trips, it's fine, but when the camper is hooked up and we're driving for hours / days in a row, it gets quite uncomfortable. Full disclosure- I had back surgery a year ago and things still aren't quite right, so it might just be me.

2. The 60/40 rear seat with fold-flat floors was nice to have, especially to give my dog and daughter clearly delineated areas. I made a platform for the dog, but still.

3. No steering wheel mounted audio controls and no kit available yet, unless I missed it. It's a minor thing, but when you're on the road for 10-12 hours towing, it is nice to have the buttons on the steering wheel rather than reaching around. Granted, it's nothing major, it's just a consequence of downgrading from a Big Horn to a Tradesman. There wasn't a Big Horn to be had in the area without a mega cab, which I would have loved, but that added about $8,000 total over the Tradesman, which I couldn't stomach, not to mention trying to parl and plow with a truck that is even longer.

Overall, I think the Tradesman has come a long way in terms of appearance, it feels nicer than my 2014 1500 Express was. I do wish that an Express type option was available on the HD Tradesman to put some aluminum wheels on and get rid of some of the chrome. Nobody needs this much chrome, do they?

I don't feel the need for the lane departure alerts, adaptive cruise control, or any of the other similar options. Not to mention, aside from the initial cost, it would cost me a couple hundred dollars more per year to register a higher optioned truck. Effing taxes and registration fees :(
 

Firetruck41

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Jul 4, 2019
Posts
383
Reaction score
400
Location
Washington State
Ram Year
2010
Engine
2500 Mega Cab Hemi 5.7
Sounds like you have convinced yourself you don't need the bells and whistles of a higher trim, that's all that really matters. I chose to save about 30 to 60 grand and bought a 10 year old higher trim model. I like the comfort as the truck is mainly for family road trips and towing the travel trailer... So all that really matters is what you want out of it, and making sure you are happy!
 
Last edited:

rule18

Admin
Staff member
Administrator
Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2013
Posts
7,129
Reaction score
8,051
Location
NY
Ram Year
2017 Rebel
I was looking at the upper trim levels, and bought a Tradesman again. Even the Tradesman has several different trims from the factory. I saw nothing in the Laramie or Limited that interested me except for braggin rights. And the payloads were too low. 800-1200 pounds less than my Tradesman.

I can do alot of travel for the $10,000 not spent on the Laramie or Limited trims. I can afford the upper trims, so that's not the issue. Even my new truck was more than my first house. And this possibly is my last truck.

I was kinda excited about the Android Auto, until I started to use it. Like many computer programs, it is just not as seamless or without annoying issues. I was hoping to be able to replace my RV GPS with a RV routing app. But found limitations as to what Android Auto will allow to be used. Which is why I was not interested in the GPS in the truck. Apparently they do not know what a 2500 or 3500 truck can pull and that some roads are to be avoided when doing so. Stand alone GPS units are just so much better than any in dash unit, and the phone apps can be slightly better with more current information.

What do the upper trims add to your experience once the newness wears off?
Your original question is 100% subjective and the only one that can answer it is you. People that buy things for "bragging rights", well, you know what they say about that... Lol

For some, leather seats are a must have. For some, the lumbar support and power seats are a must have. Which engine? How high to lift or lower? That list of goodies (or not) goes on and on. For other people, none of it matters. Going one step further, if somebody wants all the bells and whistles because they feel it'll be more comfortable for their long trips (or whatever), I believe that it's their business and their money.

My .02 cents, and nobody cares... LOL
 
Last edited:

habu987

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2018
Posts
10
Reaction score
5
Location
The TARDIS
Ram Year
N/A
Engine
N/A
For me, yep.

I can't speak to the towing experience, as I've done very little towing in the 2 years I've had my loaded '19, but the Longhorn trim is absolutely 100% worth it as far as I'm concerned. I've got the black/saddle interior and think it's hands down the best looking interior in any truck on the market, and I like the tech. Prior to the pandemic, I spent a lot of time in the drivers seat and all the creature comforts have made it a great place to be. Road trips with the family are also excellent and we use just about every inch of available space inside the cab and in the bed when we do our trips to see the grandparents over the holidays. I'll be stepping up to a 2500 in a year or two and will almost certainly go for another Longhorn. The cost difference between a loaded Longhorn and a stripper Tradesman makes no difference to me.

The standout features for me: Android Auto, the sound system, the black/saddle appearance, the headlights, the cameras, the ventilated/heated seats, and the ACC.
 
OP
OP
HDGoose

HDGoose

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Mar 17, 2016
Posts
516
Reaction score
478
Ram Year
2020
Engine
L6 Diesel HO
For me, yep.

I can't speak to the towing experience, as I've done very little towing in the 2 years I've had my loaded '19, but the Longhorn trim is absolutely 100% worth it as far as I'm concerned. I've got the black/saddle interior and think it's hands down the best looking interior in any truck on the market, and I like the tech. Prior to the pandemic, I spent a lot of time in the drivers seat and all the creature comforts have made it a great place to be. Road trips with the family are also excellent and we use just about every inch of available space inside the cab and in the bed when we do our trips to see the grandparents over the holidays. I'll be stepping up to a 2500 in a year or two and will almost certainly go for another Longhorn. The cost difference between a loaded Longhorn and a stripper Tradesman makes no difference to me.

The standout features for me: Android Auto, the sound system, the black/saddle appearance, the headlights, the cameras, the ventilated/heated seats, and the ACC.

If you are going to buy a 2500 for towing, beware that the payloads are 400-600 different between the trim levels. For the 3500 it was more than that. I was very surprised.
 

BWL

Embrace the skeptisism
Joined
Oct 14, 2017
Posts
8,525
Reaction score
8,461
Location
BC Canada
Ram Year
2017
Engine
hemi 5.7
As far as towing experience the only big thing is the higher trims have more comfortable front seats for long drives. Apart from that it's just gadgetry, which is in some cases less user friendly and lipstick.
 
OP
OP
HDGoose

HDGoose

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Mar 17, 2016
Posts
516
Reaction score
478
Ram Year
2020
Engine
L6 Diesel HO
I guess at times I regret not fitting into the upper trims as most have the sunroof or panoramic glass. At 6'7", I need all the headroom I can get.
 

unxpctd

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2017
Posts
775
Reaction score
511
Location
Minnesota
Ram Year
2021 PW 75A
Engine
6.4 Hemi
I personally like some of the bells and whistles. My next Ram (a HD version) will have the 12 inch screen. It's all personal preference and what you're willing to pay for.

There is a decked out, blacked out, Limited 3500 Cummins at my local dealer....and I drive by it drooling ever so often. But.....$77,000? No.

I'll most likely end up in a Laramie....for about 10K less. I'm waiting for 2022+ when they put an HD 8 speed ZF or 9 speed Allison paired with the Cummins.
 
OP
OP
HDGoose

HDGoose

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Mar 17, 2016
Posts
516
Reaction score
478
Ram Year
2020
Engine
L6 Diesel HO
I personally like some of the bells and whistles. My next Ram (a HD version) will have the 12 inch screen. It's all personal preference and what you're willing to pay for.

There is a decked out, blacked out, Limited 3500 Cummins at my local dealer....and I drive by it drooling ever so often. But.....$77,000? No.

I'll most likely end up in a Laramie....for about 10K less. I'm waiting for 2022+ when they put an HD 8 speed ZF or 9 speed Allison paired with the Cummins.


That could cause me to trade in my 2020 for an Allison. But my Aisin is nice. Do have to drive it slightly different than my 2013 2500 diesel. It doesn't like abrupt changes.
 

TWILLIAMS9

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2014
Posts
707
Reaction score
448
Ram Year
2014
Engine
6.4
Buying a certain trim is literally all preference. My father for instance likes base models because he says it’s just more things that can go wrong. I, on the other hand, like the creature comforts of my Laramie. My reasoning is because I didn’t want to have buyers remorse down the road wishing I would have got something nicer. Too each their own. Buy what you prefer.
 

btsbarton

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2020
Posts
7
Reaction score
1
Location
CO
Ram Year
2019
Engine
Hemi 6.4
Things I didn’t want:..., bed liners. See also, things I don’t want to pay for...


Can explain this for me? Unless you’re planning on getting a topper with a bedrug or a slide in camper , this makes no sense to me. A spray-in liner makes the bed FAR less slippery when wet(safer) and protects the bed from getting all the paint scratched off(read : rust) and dents.
 

TWILLIAMS9

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2014
Posts
707
Reaction score
448
Ram Year
2014
Engine
6.4
Can explain this for me? Unless you’re planning on getting a topper with a bedrug or a slide in camper , this makes no sense to me. A spray-in liner makes the bed FAR less slippery when wet(safer) and protects the bed from getting all the paint scratched off(read : rust) and dents.

IMO the ram factory bed liner is trash. I much prefer Line-X. My 17 had the ram Bedliner and it was faded before a year. This time I did not get the ram bedliner and instead payed for the line-x premium and it’s hands down way better. Overall it didn’t cost much more than if I got the ram bedliner.
 

star_deceiver

Senior Member
Joined
May 18, 2019
Posts
559
Reaction score
948
Location
Airdrie, Alberta
Ram Year
2021
Engine
3.6 Pentastar
Can explain this for me? Unless you’re planning on getting a topper with a bedrug or a slide in camper , this makes no sense to me. A spray-in liner makes the bed FAR less slippery when wet(safer) and protects the bed from getting all the paint scratched off(read : rust) and dents.

I much prefer being able to slide things around, especially the really heavy things. There are several spots that have had the paint rubbed clean off, no rust. My 2 trucks before this one; no liners, much wear, scrapes, no rust.

Dirt, rocks, mud, snow, ice are all easily removed. It’s a truck box and gets used as such.

If you’re that worried about rust, keep those wheel wells and cab corners spotless... and the tailgate... they all rust from the inside out.

AA8B94A5-3E36-49E5-A1A4-4A55E64C4DB0.jpeg
 
Top