2018 Dodge Ram 1500
Updates for the Ram 1500 for its 2018 model year include the new premium Limited Tungsten edition, plus a suite of additional safety features and new appearance upgrades. This midsize truck is available with the choice from three cab styles, three bed lengths and a trio of powerful engines: a base V6, fuel efficient turbo diesel option, and very capable Hemi V8. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 outputs 305 horsepower and 269lb-ft of torque; while the turbo diesel will pump out 240 horsepower and an impressive 420lb-ft of torque for towing. It's also rated at 20/27 mpg with rear wheel drive and 19/27 with 4WD. The range-topping 5.7L V8 will pump out 395 horsepower and 410lb-ft of torque. All models feature an efficient Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-or all-wheel drive. When properly equipped, the 2018 Ram 1500’s max towing and hauling capacities are 1,880 and 10,640 pounds, respectively.
Maximise Interior Storage
One of the few complaints of the 2015 Ram 1500 is the lack of storage space, in fact it has the least amount of interior storage in its class. With a range of interior storage solutions however the aftermarket will ensure you can maximise every nook and cranny in your cab. A very popular option is an underseat system that makes better use of the unused space under the backseats. Some underseat systems will feature an open, lid-less design (the seats act as the lid). These are usually made of durable polyethylene. More premium models will feature an aluminium construction and a locking system - some with separate lockable compartments too. By and large however, underseat storage systems are designed to easily slide underneath the backseats, so there’s no sacrificing of seating for storage. An upgrade for Crew Cab models which are already equipped with the handy in-floor plastic storage box, is to replace it with a lockable and tamper-proof aluminium storage box instead. Small valuables and other items best kept secure will be much safer under lock-and-key. For your next tailgate or camping trip, you can also pick up a can cooler - a tube style cooler perfectly suited to keeping about six canned drinks ice cold!
Reduce or Eliminate Factory Rake
Ram 1500s roll off the lot with a factory rake, leaving the rear much higher than the front. This can help with towing and hauling applications, but if you’re looking for a more even stance, a levelling kit doesn’t get much simpler. At its most basic, a levelling kit is a set of billet aluminium spacers that will sit on top of the factory struts. With spacers, you don’t need to replace your factory struts and if you end up changing your mind, they are very easily removed. Spacers will however only really lift the truck, and so won’t affect ride quality. That’s probably not a problem for the daily-driver, but for Ram’s that will be venturing off-road, you might want to consider front levelling struts instead. These are a full front end strut and spring upgrade that will improve compression and rebound, and will increase off-road stability and performance. The stock bumper sits pretty low, so any extra height will increase front-end ground clearance, making it easier to safely navigate smaller road hazards. Alongside the style of levelling kit, the other choice to be made is the lift size itself. Two-inches will bring the front end up while also maintaining enough rake to help with towing and hauling. 2.5 or three inches will eliminate the rake altogether. That extra height will allow your Ram to fit larger tires - up to 35inches in most cases. Really aggressive mud-terrain tires may result in some initial rubbing depending on your wheel set.
