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Ram has finally launched the 2019 Ram 1500 configurator, albeit without pricing. And unsurprisingly for a full-size pickup, there are many, many ways to spec out a new 1500. As such, several of us on the Autoblog editorial team took some time to build a truck just the way we would want it. The resulting vehicles range from basic to brash. Click on to see how we’d order our Rams, and be sure to check out the Ram configurator yourself to build one of your own. And if you want to learn more about the Ram and how it compares to other full-size trucks, be sure to check out our comparison tools.
Ram
I don’t need many luxury features in a pickup, but I do want some capability — Tradesman trim it is, then. Sticking with the 5.7-liter V8 is a no-brainer; this is a big truck, and that extra power helps when towing. That being said, were an EcoDiesel available at launch, I’d choose that for extra economy and torque. E-lockers are really handy in slick Pacific Northwest mud and slush (or slushy mud — the worst). I’d have liked to stick with vinyl seat covering for easy wipe-down ability, but choosing the Off-Road Group nixes that — at least the upgraded suspension, skid plates, and better tires are worth it. I grabbed the Tradesman Group for the factory bedliner, and the Trailer Tow Group for the trailer brake controller. Lastly, the 33 gallon fuel tank for extra range between stops with a load.
Ram
Full-size pickups are the king of the road, so why not build a throne? I’m going with the Limited. On looks alone, the Limited grille is the best looking. I love the more intricate design compared to the thick lines offered on the other models. Plus, I’ll take that 12-inch infotainment screen option. Not only is that screen huge, but the updated Uconnect system is way more responsive, plus you can split the screen to share the two most important things you’ll need when driving: Navigation and tunes. I’ll take the 5.7-liter V8 with eTorque mild-hybrid system because fuel economy is also king; gas prices rose 7 cents already this year! I’ll be driving this thing in Detroit, and we all know what the weather is like in the D, so you know I’m getting the optional engine block heater and the off-road package. My truck is going to be able tackle towing in any weather conditions and look good doing it. Speaking of looking good, I’m going with the Patriot Blue Pearl-Coat, and I’m grabbing the body color bumper group so the pants match the jacket. The king of all kingly features is safety, so I’ll opt in for the advance safety package. Last but not least, I’m taking the dual-pane panoramic sunroof. I’m 6’4″ and adding extra natural light above me makes me feel less claustrophobic.
Ram
I’ve been enamored with this truck ever since I saw it at a super-secret backgrounder in December, particularly the Ram Rebel. The outgoing Ram was my favorite truck in the segment, and this new model looks to improve upon it in every way. I upgraded to the Hemi with the eTorque mild-hybrid system. The engine also comes with the 33-gallon fuel tank, an indicator of the V8’s thirst for gasoline. I added the Rebel Level 2 equipment package, which includes goodies such as a 115V outlet in the bed, automatic climate control, heated seats, keyless entry with remote start and a bunch of other little options. I also added the nine-speaker Alpine sound system. When it comes to looks, I couldn’t pass up the two-tone red and black paint scheme. It looks mean with the Rebel’s grille and black 18-inch tires. Lastly, I checked the box for the factory spray-in bed liner.
Ram
I’ve always liked the idea of having a kind of hot-rod pickup truck, something partly spurred by the fact a work truck is about the cheapest way to get V8 grunt. As such, I went about building just such a vehicle. It’s the bare-bones Tradesman model that comes standard with vinyl bench seats. I kept it as a two-wheel-drive model for lighter weight and lower cost. I went with the longer crew cab, since I find its proportions to be a bit more pleasant than the quad cab. I also don’t need such a long bed. Though I would prefer an even lighter and better looking regular cab and short bed, which aren’t currently available on the 2019 model. The 5.7-liter V8 was a must, but I went with the non-electrified one for less complexity and less cost. The shortest 3.92:1 rear axle ratio was another non-negotiable, since it should provide the best acceleration. I chose the limited-slip differential over the locker since I figured that would be more useful on pavement and perhaps more robust for hard launches than the electronic locking rear end.
From there, I skipped virtually every other option. I stuck with the vinyl bench seat since it should be comfortable for my dog to sit on, and easy to clean off. And I kept the basic stereo and steel wheels because I’m sure I would upgrade those with aftermarket parts down the road. Really the only options I added were the bed liner and bed cover. The liner is mandatory equipment in my book to keep the bed in good shape, and the cover I wanted because I don’t want to shovel snow out of my bed.
Ram
Do I need a luxurious pickup truck? No, I do not. I don’t need a truck at all, if I’m being honest, but I do like the idea of killing several birds with one stone, so to speak. So I went sporty and luxurious with my Ram, opting for the Laramie trim level, then blacked it out with the appropriately named Black Appearance Package, which includes dark-tone 22-inch wheels. I added power running boards to make it easier to get inside while wearing a suit and tie (hey, it happens), and left the rest of the exterior alone. Inside I kept the black theme going with a leather interior, added the super cool 12-inch vertically oriented LCD screen, and a sunroof.
If I’m going to drive a truck, I’m going to use it to do truck-y things. So this one is a 4×4. I took the 6’4” box, but to keep the wheelbase manageable, went with the shorter quad cab body style. That’ll be easier to park downtown, and it’s still plenty of room for occasional rear-seat use. I added the electronic locking rear end with a 3.92 ratio, which, combined with the 5.7-liter Hemi and its rush of eTorque power, ought to make for a very quick pickup. Air suspension keeps it comfortable and capable, and the towing package means it can pull anything I’d ever think to tow. Finally, a 33-gallon fuel tank spreads out the fillups.
Yeah, it’ll be a bit pricey, but it’s sporty enough to be fun, capable enough to be useful, and attractive enough that people will take notice. A perfect American pickup truck, then.
Ram
I’d take a Rebel with the Pentastar V6 and air suspension. The Rebel looks great, isn’t covered in chrome and has the capabilities I need. I don’t tow a lot, and prefer the fuel economy of the V6, anyway. I chose the trick air suspension for the comfortable ride and selectable ride heights. The quad cab is ideal to put a car seat in back. The running boards make ingress and egress easier on my aging knees. As I drive in deep snow and, occasionally, sand, the four-wheel-drive and big all-terrain tires are a plus. I also opted for the Level 2 equipment group with heated seats and steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, park assist, and keyless entry and ignition. Finally, I got monotone paint in the closest thing to blue I could find for the Rebel.
Ram
This is a truck, and I want it for truck stuff. But a few modest bells and whistles would be nice, so I went just one little step up from a Tradesman to configure a Big Horn. I tried not to go crazy even though we have no idea what anything here costs. I did splurge on the eTorque V8 mild hybrid, as that’s the marquee feature of the 2019 Ram. I rigged it for towing, got the smaller (quad) cab with the bigger (6’4″) box, some shiny wheels, the Sport Appearance package, a handful of niceties in the Big Horn Level 1 equipment group, and … shoot, that’s more than I wanted to spend. You probably know that feeling. The potential to spend a lot more is there, though. As for colors, maybe they look better in person, but the choices in the configurator seem dull, with Blue Streak and Flame Red the only ones that really catch the eye.
Ram