Get the right truck for the right job.
Summer is just around the corner, and if you're like me, you've got some Mt. Elbert-sized ambitions. That means getting way out there into the backcountry – with all of the dirt bikes, ATVs, and the airstream – and hitting a few different lakes. The only problem is, all of these adventures are going to need a pickup truck, preferably a new RAM, but what size should I get? What size should you get? To give you an idea, here's what you can do with each size pickup:
1. ATVs, UTVs, and/or Dirt Bikes
If you live in Colorado, it's worthwhile to invest in a few ATVs or a Polaris Rzr, but you'll need to tow them around. Now, this trailer has a GVWR of 5,440 pounds, which means you can easily tow this with any RAM 1500 (max towing 7,600 pounds).
2. Yamaha 242 Limited S E-Series
If your idea of a good time is a day buzzing around the lake in your boat, you'll need a vehicle that can tow at least 6,000 pounds or more (3,860 pounds for the boat, 1,500 pounds for the trailer, and roughly 640 pounds for fuel and gear). It's also helpful to have 4-wheel-drive when loading and unloading the boat. A RAM 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi would be a great option.
3. 2019 Keystone Outback 328RL
They look heavy, but many bumper-pull travel trailers are engineered to be light. According to Transwest, this Keystone Outback weighs 8,718 pounds, and that's the perfect job for a RAM 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi V8 (max towing 12,750 pounds).
4. 2019 Crossroads Cameo
Looking for more space? Well, if you go with a 5-wheel like this trailer, you'll need a RAM 2500 diesel (max towing 17,980 pounds), because this hoss weighs in at 13,168 pounds dry – let alone with water and gear. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have a little extra power for towing uphill.
5. 2018 Logan Coach Stock Combo
Sometimes you just have to be your own western hero and bring your horses up to the mountains for a few days. If that's the case, this Logan Coach Stock Combo is the ultimate rig, but at a dry weight of 15,020 pounds, you'll need the ultimate tow vehicle – a Ram 3500 (max towing 31,210 pounds).
Which, by the way, can also tow this John Deere 410L Backhoe ...
As always consult your owners manual and be sure to use the correct equipment (e.g. hitches, etc.) for the job.
What are your thoughts? Let us know how far you've pushed your truck in the comments below!
