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2012 Ram Trucks

What you'll see when you shop for a 2012 Ram 1500 pickup truck

From , former About.com Guide

2012 Ram Express Crew Cab Truck

2012 Ram Express Crew Cab Truck

© Ram
The 2012 Ram 1500 truck represents the continuing evolution of the Ram that was introduced in 2009. You'll see a few changes, additions and updates for 2012, but the truck's platform remains unchanged. That's not a bad thing, because Ram pickups have a distinctive look and a number of innovative features.

Let's take a look at some of Ram's configuration options.

2012 Ram Tradesman HD

Tradesman 1500 HD is the workhorse of the Ram truck lineup, and designed primarily for someone who uses a truck to haul tools, construction materials, or whatever's needed at a job site. It can tow 11,500 pounds, has a 3,100 pound payload rating and a total combined gross weight rating of 17,500 pounds -- very impressive for a half ton pickup truck.

The Tradesman Ram isn't about frills. You'll find vinyl on the floor and covering the 40/20/40 split bench seat (the seat's center section fold downs to form an armrest_.

The Tradesman's standard standard radio is an AM/FM unit with a single disc CD slot and MP3/WMA connectivity. A tilt steering wheel, two-speed intermittent wipers and manually control heat/AC complete the interior package.

Outside, the Tradesman has a sprayed-in bedliner, bedrail caps, painted bumpers, class IV receiver type trailer hitch, four and seven pin trailer wiring connectors, black grille surround and fascia, automatic headlights, manual mirrors and a lift-assist tailgate.

2012 Laramie Limited Ram

The Laramie Limited Ram truck provides luxury all the way. Seats are covered in engraved leather with contrasting piping, and more leather covers the truck's double-stacked center console, door panels, steering wheel and shift knob. Black burled walnut appears on the dash and door panels, and chrome trim adds to the truck's elegant appearance. Inside door handles and door map pockets receive LED lighting, and foot wells are softly illuminated.

Laramie's instruments (with liquid graphite needles) were designed to resemble a fine-crafted watch.

Other perks include a navigation radio, back up camera, adjustable pedals, remote start, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

Other 2012 Ram Trucks

The 2012 Ram 1500 is available in additional trim levels, from a basic version to more feature-rich trucks: ST, SLT, Express, Outdoorsman, Sport, Sport R/T, Lone Star, Big Horn, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn -- you should be able to find what you need.

Ram Truck Cab Styles

The 2012 Ram 1500 is available as a standard cab, crew cab and quad cab (Truck Cab Styles will help you preview cab configurations from several manufacturers.

  • The standard cab truck has front seating only, with room for storage behind the seat. It's available with either a 6'4" short bed or an 8' long bed.

  • The crew cab Ram has two rear in-floor storage compartments with removable liners, plus a storage compartment under the rear seat. Rear seat legroom is 34.7 inches. The crew cab Ram is fitted with a 5'7" bed.

  • Quad Cab Ram trucks have 40.3 inches of rear legroom and storage under the rear seat. Quad cab beds are 6'4" long.

Ram Truck Engines

Three engine choices are available for the 2012 Ram 1500:

  • 3.7 liter V6 (215 horsepower and 235 pound feet of torque)
  • 4.7 liter V8 (310 horsepower and 330 pound feet of torque)
  • 5.7 liter HEMI V8 (390 horsepower and 407 pound feet of torque)

Ram Truck Transmission Choices

The 3.7 liter V8 comes with a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. The two V8's carry a 6 speed automatic.

Most Ram trucks are available in either 2WD or 4WD (which comes in the form of either a part-time transfer case or an optional on-demand transfer case).

Towing Capabilities

Ram trucks with a V6 engine can tow 3,750 pounds, and other configurations range upwards from there, topping out at 10,450 pounds for trucks equipped with the 5.7 liter HEMI.

RamBox

The RamBox system, a storage compartment built into the bedside, is now available on all bed lengths. The box has a lockable lid, lighting and a drain. Use the box to secure tools, hunting or fishing gear, or to cool down up to 140 twelve-ounce cans of your favorite beverage.

Ram Safety Features

The 2012 Ram 1500 is equipped with front and rear side curtain air bags, driver and passenger front air bags, seat belt pre-tensioners and front seat side air bags. Anti-lock brakes and stability control are standard on all Ram trucks.

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