...yesterday and I liked it!
This particular model, with the off-road package and a 6'4" bed, drove really well on the street and freeway frontage roads. While I didn't try any burnouts, steep climbs or heavy trailers with it, I was surprised at its manners. I've read comments here about it being a little rough on ride quality, but I didn't think it much worse than my Reb with the factory air suspension. One other thing that impressed was how quiet it was...both inside and out. You'd never know what motor was in the engine bay at idle; certainly at startup, but not hardly at idle. Bottom line: two thumbs up!
So will I trade the Reb for it? I'd like to, but I have to convince the wife. The interior isn't as comfortable as my rig, but that's because it's a Tradesman, duh! About the only similarities are the overall cab dimensions and the rubber mats! I like the idea of a front-row third passenger seat vs. the big console, but I really could go either way. The color is nice...I call it McBlue (a ref most Texas RFs will get--hey, Mc!), better known as True Blue Pearl. It's really dark in the shade; so much so my salesman thought it was Granite Crystal Metallic from a distance. The larger bed is sweet, but I'll hate to lose my RamBoxes because those things rock! Finally, I daresay my fuel mileage will be better, too (loaded or towing, anyway). Finally, the price is nice as the Tradesman is aging inventory and dealers hate it.
I'm sure to most of y'all, this info is nothing new, but I figured I'd put my thoughts in writing in case others are considering trading up and out of a 1500.
TXCOMT
