For every pencil pusher and paper shuffler sitting in a cubicle is a sweat-producing, muscle-flexing worker with plenty of equipment to tote around to their various projects. These blue-collar workers have places to go and Dodge->ke28 has created a new entry-level model to make the commute that much easier. The new Dodge Ram->ke220 Tradesman is an affordable option with a starting price of $22,780 with sales beginning in the second quarter of 2011.

Available in either regular cab short-bed (6 ft., 4 in.) and long-bed (8 ft.) models, the Tradesman comes with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 powertrains, a bright chrome grille, 17" painted wheels, and numerous interior and exterior updates.

"The Ram Tradesman is named for -- and aimed at -- the heart of our business," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler->ke21 Group LLC. "This is a hard-working truck for hard-working people. Durability, reliability and value for the money are the top three considerations for our customers. Their truck is the most important tool they own and one they’ll use every day. The Ram Tradesman is a truck they can depend on."

Hit the jump to read more about the Dodge Ram Tradesman.

2011 Dodge Ram Tradesman

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Dodge Ram Tradesman
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 390
  • Torque: 407
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The Tradesman package takes the base Ram model and adds a bright chrome grille, a cargo bed lamp, front and rear heavy-duty shock absorbers, front and rear stabilizer bars, halogen headlamps, a locking tailgate, rear wheel well liners, rack and pinion steering, a rear dome lamp, and a sentry key theft-deterrent system. The exterior look is finished by a new set of 17" painted steel wheels, exclusively available for this model.

The interior will get air conditioning, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, media center with CD and MP3 player, six speakers, audio jack for mobile devices, automatic headlamps, behind the seat storage, driver and passenger assist handles, instrument panel with tachometer, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass, and variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Customers will have the opportunity to choose from lots of exterior colors, including bright silver metallic, bright white, brilliant black crystal pearl, deep cherry red crystal pearl, deep water blue pearl, flame red, hunter green pearl, mineral gray metallic, rugged brown pearl, and white gold metallic paint.

Engine

The Ram Tradesman will be offered in either regular cab short-bed (6 ft., 4 in.) and long-bed (8 ft.) models, with a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 powertrains. Under the hood there is a standard HEMI V8 engine that delivers 390 hp and 407 ft.-lb. torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and delivers a fuel consumption of 20 mpg highway.

Prices

The new Dodge Ram Tradesman will go on sale in the second quarter of 2011 with a starting price of $22,780.

Competition

The standard Dodge Ram takes on models like the Ford F-150, the GMC Sierra Denali HD, and the Nissan Titan.

The F-150 is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 411 HP and 434 lb-ft of torque and. Its fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg in the 4x2 version and 16 mpg in the 4x4 version. Pricing starts from $23,390. When compared to the Tradesman, the F150 falls short on price, fuel economy, and looks, leaving the Tradesman as man's new best friend.

The GMC Sierra Denali HD is powered by a 6.2L Variable Valve Timing V8 that delivers a total of 403 HP at 3,000 rpm and 417 lb.-ft. of torque. Priced from $20,850 with a fuel economy of 22mpg, the GMC 1500 out performs the Tradesman in every single category.

The Nissan Titan is powered by a 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 engine rated at 317 HP and 385 lb-ft torque mated to standard 5-speed automatic transmission. The Titan is a little bit more expensive than the Tradesman with a $26,820 price tag, but it only delivers 18 mpg on the highway.