2019 Ram 2500 Tradesman Review: The Ultimate Heavy-Duty Workhorse
Key Takeaways:
- Professional-grade capability at a reasonable price point
- Massive 8-foot bed handles oversized loads with ease
- Rugged simplicity with modern drivetrain technology
- Improved ride quality over previous heavy-duty trucks
- Surprising fuel efficiency for its class
Built for Work: The Ram 2500 Tradesman's Purposeful Design
The 2019 Ram 2500 Tradesman represents a rare breed in today's truck market - a no-nonsense work vehicle that prioritizes capability over luxury. With its regular cab configuration, steel wheels, and expansive 8-foot bed, this heavy-duty pickup makes no apologies for its utilitarian nature. Yet beneath its rugged exterior lies modern engineering that delivers impressive performance and surprising refinement.
When Only a Real Truck Will Do
Many modern truck buyers never approach the limits of their vehicles' capabilities, but the Ram 2500 Tradesman exists for those who regularly push the boundaries. Whether hauling construction materials, towing heavy equipment, or transporting oversized loads, this truck handles tasks that would overwhelm smaller pickups.
A recent real-world test demonstrated this capability perfectly. When dismantling a 20-year-old playset, the Ram's massive bed (measuring 98.3 inches with the tailgate closed) accommodated the main structure in a single trip. The swing beam, extending several feet beyond the open tailgate, required a second trip - a load that would be impossible in any mid-size truck.
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Pricing and Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $33,395 |
| As-Tested Price | $37,680 (including destination) |
| Engine | 6.4L HEMI V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft torque) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Bed Length | 8 feet (98.3 inches) |
| Max Payload | 3,160 lbs |
| Max Towing | 15,680 lbs (with proper equipment) |
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Interior: Function Over Frills
The Tradesman's cabin reflects its work-ready character. Rubber floor mats replace carpet, hand-crank windows eliminate power motor failures, and the basic AM/FM radio with 5-inch display keeps things simple. Yet Ram includes thoughtful modern touches:
- Backup camera integrated into the small display - essential for hitching trailers solo
- Multiple USB ports (both A and C types) plus aux input for modern device connectivity
- Keyless push-button start - a surprising luxury in this basic trim
- Automatic headlights that add convenience without complexity
Bench Seat Quirks
The three-across bench seat offers traditional truck functionality but with some ergonomic compromises. The center position serves double duty as a fold-down armrest, resulting in an awkward seating position that's higher and more upright than the outboard seats. Notably, it lacks a head restraint - a safety concern in rear-end collisions.
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Performance That Works Hard Without Working You
Beneath its simple exterior, the 2019 Ram 2500 boasts sophisticated engineering that transforms the heavy-duty truck experience:
Advanced Chassis Design
- High-strength steel frame (98.5%) with hydroformed rails
- Wide front spacing for improved roll stiffness
- Fully boxed rear section for maximum rigidity
Refined Suspension System
Gone are the punishing leaf springs of old. The 2019 model features:
- Frequency-response damping shock absorbers
- Progressive coil springs for a more controlled ride
- Noticeably reduced bounce compared to previous heavy-duty trucks
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Power and Efficiency: The 6.4L HEMI V8
The 410-horsepower, 6.4-liter HEMI V8 delivers legendary power (429 lb-ft torque) with modern efficiency features:
Real-World Fuel Economy:
- 15.6 mpg combined in mixed driving
- 11 mpg during heavy load hauling
- 32-gallon tank minimizes refueling stops
Advanced technologies like cylinder deactivation (seamlessly switching between 4 and 8 cylinders) and the TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission help mitigate the expected thirst of such a powerful engine. The transmission's shifts are nearly imperceptible, contributing to a refined driving experience.
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The Ultimate Hauling Machine
The Ram 2500's bed is where this truck truly shines for working professionals and serious DIYers:
Bed Features and Options
- Spray-in bedliner ($565 option) protects against heavy use
- Multiple tie-down cleats for securing loads
- Tri-fold tonneau cover ($695) offers convenient partial or full coverage
- Gooseneck/fifth-wheel prep ($445) with bed pass-through
- Dual trailer wiring (in-bed 7-pin and standard 4/7-pin combo)
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Who Needs a Ram 2500 Tradesman?
While contractors will appreciate its professional-grade capabilities, the Tradesman appeals to multiple buyer types:
- Serious haulers who regularly transport oversized items
- Boat and RV owners needing substantial towing capacity
- DIY enthusiasts tackling major home projects
- Budget-conscious buyers who want capability without luxury frills
At approximately $38,000 as tested, the Ram 2500 Tradesman delivers professional-grade capability at a price that makes sense for non-professional users who simply need a real truck's functionality. Its combination of modern drivetrain technology with old-school simplicity creates a compelling package for those who value substance over style.
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Final Verdict
The 2019 Ram 2500 Tradesman proves that you don't need luxury features to get a capable, refined heavy-duty truck. Its thoughtful combination of rugged simplicity with modern engineering creates a workhorse that's equally at home on job sites or in homeowner driveways. For those who regularly push the limits of what a pickup can do, the Tradesman offers professional-grade capability without professional-grade complexity.
