by L Baures | Sep 14, 2018 | Automotive News
Harvest Edition
You may remember this time last year we covered the RAM Truck Harvest Edition when it first came out. What is it exactly? The Harvest Edition truck comes in 4 special colors; Case Red, New Holland Blue, Bright White, and Brilliant Black. The red and blue colors are designed specifically to match tractors and farm equipment made by Case IH and New Holland Agriculture (owned by the same Agnelli family that owns Fiat Chrysler Automobiles).
2018 RAM 3500 DRW Harvest Edition in Case Red launched Sept 2017, Photo: FCA
RAM Trucks Harvest Edition Chassis Cab added to the lineup
2018 RAM Harvest Edition Chassis Cab now available, Photo:FCA
A year later, RAM Trucks launch the Harvest Edition in a chassis cab variant. The truck will be available in single rear wheel and dual rear wheel 3500 configurations. It is also available in the bigger 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab duallys with 60″ and 80″ cab-to-axle lengths. Configurations also include the choice of a Regular Cab or Crew cab. Powertrains remain the same with the options of the 6.4L Hemi® gas engine or 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel.
Harvest Edition Chassis Cab standard features;
- Transfer case skid plate
- Large front tow hooks
- Fog lamps
- Side steps (different from the black tubular side steps on the non Cab and Chassis Harvest Edition trucks)
- Rear back-up camera
- Chrome grille
- Chrome door handles and mirrors
- 18″ polished aluminum wheels (3500)
- 19.5″ polished aluminum wheels (4500 and 5500)
A Harvest package adds body-color (or Bright Silver) wheel flares and upper fascia.
Interior technology features
An 8.4″ color touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is an available option along with 4G Wi-Fi capability. This upgrade also allows access to Sirius Weather (which is super cool by the way, you can view color forecast maps and watch the weather radar) a great tool for farmers/ranchers.
RAM Harvest Editions trucks are available at Ram Certified Agriculture Dealerships. There are also affiliate reward programs available for customers of Case IH, New Holland, FFA members, Farmers in America farm owners and Dairy Farmers of America members.
RAM Harvest Edition Chassis Cab, Photo: FCA
Benefits for farmers
Ram Certified Ag Dealers offer a farm-specific package that includes discounts, vouchers, and subscriptions with other farming industry companies.
Prices
Ram Harvest Edition Chassis Cab 3500 MSRP* starts at $43,990, Ram 4500 MSRP* starts at $48,140, Ram 5500 MSRP* starts at $49,240. *MSRP does not include $1,695 destination charge.
3 New RAM Truck Editions; Rebel 12, Rodeo Edition and Mojave Power Wagon
How to: Find Your Trucks Towing Capacity by VIN
by L Baures | Sep 13, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Resale Value is an important factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle. Especially when it comes to pickup trucks.
Truck prices are going up and the more you spend, the more you could potentially lose at trade-in time. (Putting a large chunk of cash down can help reduce the loss to some extent). Some pickup trucks do retain more value than others though.
In general, most vehicles will depreciate by about 15-20% per year according to CARFAX.
When it comes time to trade, and you want to get the most money back from your trade, here’s a list of trucks with the best resale value for 2018. In general, diesel pickup trucks hold their value more than the equivalently specced gas version. These numbers are all based on assuming the vehicles is kept in good condition and driven average miles for the year.
Some other factors not taken into consideration that could affect a trucks resale value would be whether it’s 2WD or 4WD. In southern States, a 4×4 adds no extra value.
In the Rocky Mountain region, 2WD pickups would not be the most desirable and thus could affect resale value.
According to caranddriver, picking your equipment choices from the factory could also affect the trucks resale value. “Resale value is typically strongest on mid-level trims…” says Anil Goyal, senior vice president of automotive valuations and analytics at Black Book.
Here are the results as of Sep/Oct 2018. Data provided by KBB.com
Which Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks have the Best Resale Value?
1. GMC Sierra HD
GMC Sierra Denali 2500HD, Photo: GMC
By a short lead in 1st place is the 2018 GMC Sierra HD. KBB.com says the Sierra should retain 57.4% of its value after 60 months. The Sierra is built on the same platform as the Chevy Silverado with added luxury and unique styling. Trim levels are; Sierra, SLE, SLT and top of the line Denali. New features for 2018 include 3 new colors, tire fill alert, standard rear vision camera and a 7″ radio screen for the base model. The Denali gets a new grille design. There is also an All-Terrain X HD package for the off-road lovers. According to the GMC towing chart, max conventional towing for a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 dually 4×4 long box crew cab diesel with a 3.73 rear axle is 20,000 lbs. Gooseneck is 22,700 lbs.
2. Chevrolet Silverado HD
2018 Silverado 3500 HD Silver Ice Metallic LT Crew Cab, Photo: Chevrolet
A very close 2nd on the list is the heavy-duty Silverado from Chevy. According to KBB.com the Silverado is expected to retain 57.3% of its value in 60 months. This includes both the 3/4 ton and 1-ton pickup trucks. Trim levels are WT (work truck), LT, LTZ, and the fully loaded trim is the High Country. All trims are available in the 2500HD and 3500HD with or without dual rear wheels. Engine choices include the 360hp Vortec 6.0 L gas engine and the 445hp 6.6 L Duramax turbo diesel. Max conventional towing capacity for a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Duramax Dually 4×4 Crew Cab Long Box is 20,000lbs.
3. RAM HD
RAM 3500, Photo: FCA
In 3rd place comes the RAM heavy duty trucks. This includes 2500’s and 3500’s. 2018 heavy duty RAMs are expected to retain 54.9% of their value after 60 months. Popular engine choices include the 6.4L HEMI gas engine and the 6.7L Cummins Diesel. There are 7 trim levels to choose from; Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, Power Wagon (off-road), the ultra-luxurious Limited. The only manufacturer left that offers a manual transmission in a heavy-duty pickup. Auto level rear air suspension is also an available option from the factory on RAMs, as well as RamBox in bed storage. According to the RAM Trucks towing guide, a RAM 3500 Tradesman 4×4 diesel crew cab max towing is 30,320 lbs.
4. Ford F-Series Super Duty
Ford F-350, Photo: Ford
Coming in at number 4 is the Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks (F-250, F-350 etc). Super Duty’s are expected to retain around 52.8 % of their value after 60 months. With 5 trim levels available; XL, XLT, LARIAT, King Ranch and Platinum, trucks can vary between a base work truck to a $100k mansion on wheels with massaging seats. 2018 models get an upgraded 6.7L Power Stroke® turbo diesel engine that boasts 450hp and 935 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 6.2L V8 gas engine and 6.8L V10 (F-350/F-450/F-550 Chassis Cab). Max conventional towing capacity on a 2018 Ford F-350 4×4 crew cab diesel drw (GCWR 40,000 lbs), with a 4.10 rear axle is 21,000 lbs. Gooseneck is 31,300 lbs according to the Ford towing guide.
5. Nissan Titan XD
2018 Nissan Titan XD, Photo: Nissan
In fifth place comes the Nissan Titan XD, a heavy-half pickup truck introduced into the United States in 2016. Nissan also offers gas and diesel engine options. A 5.6L V8 gas and a 5.0L V8 Cummins turbo diesel. Maximum towing capacity on the Titan XD diesel 4×4 is 12,150 lbs (when properly equipped). For 2018, a new Midnight Edition Package to add bring styling to the truck. Offered in Single cab, King cab, and Crew cab. Trim levels include; S, SV, Pro 4X, SL and Platinum Reserve. Nissan also offer a ‘rear seat delete’ option on the King cab for extra loading space. Nissan Titan XD’s are expected to retain 40.3% of their value after 60 months.
Check out best light duty trucks resale values.
You may also be interested in the Top 10 Vehicles that have the Best Resale Value which also includes some trucks.
2019 Top 10 Vehicles With the Best Resale Value Trucks and SUVs
by L Baures | Sep 10, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Sam Ideen
What is your job title?
Where were you born and raised?
“I was Born in Worland, WY, but raised in Casper and have lived here about 25 years total. Moved around a lot for short periods of time when I was little, but Casper always remained home”.
How long have you worked in the Auto Industry?
“Going on 5 years, almost all with
Fremont. Was selling at Black Hills Toyota in Rapid City for a bit before moving back to Casper a few years ago”.
How would you describe your day job to a child?
“I sell fast cars, dream cars, all cars!”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“Seeing customers happy and helping my coworkers succeed. However, nothing gets my adrenaline going like a surprise trade pulling up to the dealership. (something uncommon or rare that I’ll appraise)”
Biggest achievement?
“I am most proud of my son, Theodore (Teddy) Giovanni Ideen and he was born this year. A lot of people don’t actually know I beat cancer at age 19 as well, Hodgkins Lymphoma… so that’s definitely up there on the list I suppose”.
Growing up as a child, what did you want your career to be?
“I really bounced back and forth when I was young. I did want to be a comedian pretty much since I was able to talk so that’s probably the winner. When I got older I hoped basketball would go further than college but it didn’t”.
When you aren’t working, what are you doing?
“Lots of family time and of course raising my infant son fills a lot of that. I’m just like everyone else binge-watching Netflix and some other shows… I watch Shark Tank and Impractical Jokers pretty much every day, too many others to name”.
What kind of music do you like?
“Basically everything except country and pop music. I just can’t do it”.
What is your favorite food?
“BBQ, no question. It is the one food I absolutely could not live without! (specifically brisket and ribs)”
What is your favorite Color?
“Green”.
Favorite movie line?
“Now that we know who you are, I know who I am.”
Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson) Unbreakable
Given the chance, who would you like to be for a day?
“If we are picking anyone alive, it would have to be Warren Buffet. There is an endless ocean of knowledge that man carries with him from an investor’s standpoint”.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
“When I was 18 I decided to drop out of Casper College and quit the basketball team, moving to Spearfish SD for about a year and a half. I had no real plan, no job at first, and was just doing some soul searching. That was likely because it was so crazy to me, I had no real structure and was learning who I really was at the time”.
What was your first car?
If money was no object, what vehicle would you own?
The biggest, baddest Maserati I could find!
by L Baures | Sep 7, 2018 | Automotive News
Chevrolet already offers an off-road midsize pickup, the ZR2, and now they are taking it further. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is an AEV conversion off-road truck. AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) are experts in the off-road world. We were lucky to get hang out with them during an overland adventure in Wyoming.
Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison
The extreme off-roader is expected to arrive in January 2019 and will be covered under warranty from Chevrolet. The midsize pickup truck will be available with the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine. There will be an option of an extended cab or crew cab.
Sandor Piszar, director of Marketing for Chevrolet Truck says, “More and more enthusiasts are discovering that Colorado is ideal for off-roading, especially overland travel”.
AEV Conversion parts
American Expedition vehicles have designed the following parts for the Colorado Bison;
- 5 Boron steel skid plates to protect the fuel tank, oil pan, front, and rear locking differentials and the transfer case. These are to protect the components in off-road situations such over rocks and rough terrain.
- Stamped steel front an rear bumpers to protect the truck from hard obstacles.
- Integrated recovery points on the rear bumper as well as integrated fog lamps and space for a winch in the front bumper.
- AEV Bison logo on the tailgate.
- Embroidered AEV logo on the front headrests and floor liners.
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The Colorado ZR2 Bison offers customers an even more extreme turn-key off-road truck ready to tackle your next adventure.
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Colorado ZR2 Bison features an “AEV Bison” logo on the tailgate. Photo: Chevrolet
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Colorado ZR2 Bison features five hot-stamped Boron steel skid plates that protect key undercarriage elements. Photo: Chevrolet
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AEV-designed stamped steel rear bumpers house integrated recovery points and chassis-mounted tubular corner protection. Photo: Chevrolet
Chevrolet features
- Class-exclusive front and rear locking differentials (as opposed to just a rear locking diff).
- Multimatic DSSV™ dampers.
- A “CHEVROLET” lettered grille.
- Cast-iron control arms.
- Autotrac transfer case.
- Bison specific 17 x 8″ aluminum wheels.
- Fender flares.
- Widened track (by 3.5″ compared to standard Colorado).
- Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires.
- 3.42 Rear axle.
- Bison decals.
- Suspension lift (2″ more than Colorado ZR1).
- Available snorkel.
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AEV-designed stamped steel front bumpers feature fog lights and winch provisions. PHoto: Chevrolet
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This new Colorado variant features “Bison” decals on the bed. Photo: Chevrolet
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An exclusive, flow-through “CHEVROLET” lettered grille replaces the traditional bow-tie on Bison’s front end. Photo: Chevrolet
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Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison , Photo: Chevrolet
Have you seen the Suburban Luke Bryan designed for Huntin’ and Fishin’?
Read about All-Terrain Tires for Trucks here.
How do you think this truck will do off-road? Let us know in the comments below.
by L Baures | Sep 7, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Are you looking for a car or SUV that is protected by a bumper to bumper warranty? Do you live in the Rocky Mountain Region or somewhere it snows a lot? Maybe you just like driving in the mountains or like the added safety benefits of having an AWD or 4×4. In that case, you might be looking for new SUVs Under $25000 with AWD or 4×4 capabilities. Here’s a list of some of the new vehicles that meet that criteria for 2018/19
(more…)
by L Baures | Sep 4, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros, Vehicle Reviews
Station Wagon’s
There aren’t a whole lot of choices out there for stations wagon’s in the U.S. With sales in SUV’s skyrocketing, it seems wagons have been somewhat pushed to the side. This is changing with the arrival of a few more wagons hitting the market this year. One of the few manufacturers that continued to make wagons has the clue in their name… that’s right it’s Volkswagen. Since the late 90s Volkswagen has had the Jetta Wagon and since 2009 the Golf Sportwagon. (more…)
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