2018 Ram for farmers
Texans buy a lot of trucks and most major truck manufacturers have that market covered – witness the plethora of "Texas-only" and "Texas-inspired" pickups sold in the Lone Star State.
But, surprisingly, a market that has been overlooked is America's farm families – surely an even larger percentage of pickup buyers than even Texas.
FCA's Ram brand, however, is about to correct that oversight with what it describes as "the industry’s first agricultural market-specific truck." Conveniently enough, two of subsidiaries of CNH Industrial N.V.(which shares a common ancestry with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.) are well-known farm equipment manufacturers here in the US – Case IH with its signature red finish, as well as New Holland and its historical blue color.
"The Ram Harvest Edition marks the first time that Ram dealers will be able to stock trucks that exactly match the colors of two of the most popular lines of farm equipment in the nation," said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep & Ram Brands – FCA Global. "Farmers have been asking for these colors, and Ram is proud to be the first in the industry to be able to offer them. The Ram Harvest Edition truck will allow farm families to get their work done while proudly showing their agricultural brand loyalty."
2018 Ram Harvest Edition models
Finished in either Case IH Red or New Holland Blue, 2018 Ram Harvest Edition models will be available in Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 models in four-door Quad, Crew and Mega Cab configurations, as well as with all box lengths. All powertrains will also be offered. Depending on the model, this includes a 305 horsepower 3.6-liter V6, 240 horsepower 3.0-liter diesel V6, 395 horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, 410 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, and a 385 horsepower 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel.
Ram 1500 models will feature more aggressive on/off-road tires, as well as an additional one inch of ride height. Exterior enhancements include black tubular side steps, a spray-in bedliner, fold-out bumper step, mud flaps, skid plates, bright highlights, chrome cross-hair grille, bright front and rear bumpers, chrome mirrors, chrome door handles, and tow hooks on 4x4 models are also standard. 1500 models get 17-inch chrome wheels with V8 models getting chrome-tipped dual exhausts. Meanwhile, Heavy Duty models feature a cargo-view camera as well as 18-inch polished aluminum wheels wrapped with more aggressive on/off-road rubber.
In addition to rubber floor mats and heated seats, interior additions include an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, 4G wi-fi, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
2018 Ram Harvest Edition availability
In addition to Case Red and New Holland Blue (with body-color - or Bright Silver - wheel flares and upper fascia on1500 models), Harvest Edition Ram trucks will be available in more traditional white and black finishes, while monotone and two-tone with silver color schemes are also available.
Ram 1500 Harvest Edition manufacturer suggested retail prices start at $41,305, with Ram Heavy Duty models starting at $47,630 (both prices include a $1,395 destination charge).
Unveiled earlier this week at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Ram Harvest Edition trucks will reach dealer showrooms in the third quarter of 2017.
