2019 Ram 2500 Megacab Laramie Longhorn 4X4

As the HD Truck wars heat up between Ford, GM, and Ram, we see the best and most capable HD each can provide. As buyers demand more out of their HD Trucks, the entire HD model had transformed. Gone are the rough riding work trucks with a spartan interior and replacing them are top of the line luxury appointed interiors as you might see in a luxury sedan. Some say they are even better. 

“Gone are the old-school work trucks from the ’70s and ‘80s,” says Ram Brand Manager Mike Kovar. Kovar continues: “Modern truck buyers demand more from Ram, and we have delivered an award-winning interior, the latest safety and towing technology, and unmatched capability with our new Cummins Diesel that produces 1000 lb-ft of torque and can tow 35,100 pounds. The modern HD truck owner could be towing $500k worth of trailer and horses or a $200k travel trailer, and they deserve the class leading capability that our New Ram HD delivers.”

For 2019, Ram has made some big changes to their HD lineup starting with a new, lighter and more powerful 6.7 liter Cummins I-6 Turbo Diesel engine that delivers a hereto unheard of 1000 lb-ft of torque. They didn’t stop there. Ram had taken the award-winning interior from their Ram 1500 and adapted it to the Ram HD. This includes the 1500’s 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system and more. My test vehicle had the optional 750-watt, 17-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. 

For those that use their Ram HD for towing, there is a new 360-degree surround-view camera with trailer reverse guidance view that provides a single display-screen view of both sides of a trailer to assist drivers in maneuvering towing setups. There is also a new auxiliary exterior camera improves visibility with custom positioning in and behind trailers. 

They have added several safety features for 2019 also. These include more than 100 safety and security features, including active safety systems in all models: adaptive cruise control, backup sensors, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and AEB with trailer brakes. If you have ever had a trailer tire blowout, you will appreciate Ram’s advanced trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system that can accommodate up to six pickup tires and 12 trailer tires with up to four trailer profiles. 

The 2019 Ram HD’s interior is loaded with premium materials. My test Laramie Longhorn was as beautiful and luxurious as any luxury car on the market today. The Ram’s interior is quiet also. Aided by active noise cancellation, anti-vibration devices, and acoustic glass, this is the quietest HD truck cabin I have been in.  

The Ram HD is offered in three cab configurations; Single Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab. Offered with either a 6.4’ or 8’ bed, either 2WD or 4WD, Single Rear Wheel, or Dual Rear Wheels, you can get the exact Ram for your needs. Ram HD’s are offered in seven trim levels: Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Power Wagon, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited. 

My test truck was the cavernous Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn Mega Cab 4X4 with 258 liters of storage and reclining heated rear seats. The front seats are both heated and cooled. Speaking of storage, the Ram HD has over 40 different places for storage, including a huge center console that can also act as a hanging file holder. When you spend as much time in a truck as many HD truck owners, you appreciate a quiet, comfortable cabin to work in. Many buyers consider a truck  their mobile office and want all the interior storage they can get, and they are willing to pay for it. 

The new Ram HD drives better than it’s predecessor and while it will never match the ride of the Ram 1500, the ride is amazingly good for an HD truck. Road and engine noise is minimal, even when towing. The brakes and steering are very good, even when carrying a load or towing. Gone are the days when driving an HD truck was a chore. 

Driving the Ram HD is liberating to many of its owners. While they may never use their Ram HD to it’s full capabilities, they know it is one of the most, if not the most capable HD truck on the market today. Ram has listened to its owners and produced an HD truck that buyers should be happy with for years to come. – Mike Herzing