Working on a farm isn’t for the faint of heart. After all, the work involved is physically taxing, although the results typically make the endeavor highly worthwhile. But if you’re ready to take on the tasks associated with working on a farm, you need the right equipment and machinery. You also need a truck that can help you tackle tough tasks with ease. Check out our list that answers the common question: What kind of trucks are used in truck farming?
The Importance of a Truck on a Farm
Before diving into the best trucks to consider, it’s helpful to understand why a truck is important on a farm. Depending on the type of farm you operate, you may need a way to transport your goods from the farm to wherever you plan to sell. For example, your truck bed might get filled with produce when you head to the weekly farmers market in your area. A truck is also useful for transporting grain and silage from the fields to your storage facilities and feed from the storage area to the animals.
Tractors often take the spotlight when talking about farm vehicles, but this type of vehicle isn’t as versatile as a truck. You can’t transport heavy loads with a tractor or move damaged equipment that’s in need of repair. If you need to pick up a load of lumber 10 miles down the road, it just doesn’t make sense to take a tractor to complete that task. A tractor has its uses, but you also need the right truck.
When the roads get wet and muddy, you need a vehicle that can slog through without getting stuck. A truck equipped with four-wheel drive is an excellent option in this situation. If you live in an area where snow is common, you’ll certainly need a four-wheel-drive model to get around. And of course, your farm truck doesn’t have to be limited to farm work. You might choose to use it as your personal vehicle, whether you’re running errands around town or towing your camper for a weekend adventure.
Best Trucks for Farm Work
It’s easy to see why farmers at all levels need trucks. Check out some of the best models for tackling tough tasks on a farm.
RAM 1500
The RAM 1500 is one of the more affordable models in the RAM lineup, but it doesn’t skimp on power or capabilities. It’s a highly rated full-size pickup truck that delivers all the utility you need to tackle farm tasks with ease. RAM offers this pickup truck in seven core trim levels, so it’s easy to pick the model with the equipment that aligns with your needs. Even the entry-level model includes a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine with a mild hybrid system that boosts power, fuel economy, and ride comfort.
If you plan to tow heavy loads with your RAM 1500, you may want to upgrade to one of the other engine options. The next option is a 5.7-liter V-8 with 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, while the third gas-powered unit is a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 rated at 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. RAM also offers a diesel-powered 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that produces 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.
This pickup truck can tow 12,000 pounds or more depending on the engine and configuration selected. It’s also equipped to carry up to 2,335 pounds of payload. The available RamBox locking storage bins that fit into the side of the cargo bed are highly functional on a farm, as they’re ideal for storing tools, equipment, and other essential items within easy reach.
RAM 2500
A heavy-duty truck is a must when a light-duty truck won’t cut it. Enter the RAM 2500, a beast of a pickup that’s available with incredible power and hauling capabilities. It comes in eight trim levels, including the newly added Rebel that’s designed for off-roading. If your farm has a lot of rough terrain, that model might be a good fit. The truck starts with a standard 6.4-liter V-8 engine with 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. For power-hungry buyers, a 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V-6 is available. It pumps out an impressive 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque.
With three different cab styles and two bed lengths, you can easily customize the truck to fit your needs. Choose from regular, crew, and mega cab, depending on whether others typically ride with you or you’re traveling solo most of the time. The longer cargo bed might be useful if you regularly transport long or bulky items.
The base trim level is highly appealing to farmers who don’t need all the bells and whistles. It has vinyl upholstery and floor coverings that are easy to clean and maintain, along with a class V receiver hitch for towing. With the Rebel, off-road-themed upgrades include all-terrain tires, a rear limited-slip differential, a locking rear axle, recovery hooks, protective skid plates, and off-road suspension tuning.
An optional Towing Technology Group package tacks on upgraded power-telescoping side mirrors that provide a better view of the trailer and a surround-view camera system with trailer reverse guidance. The maximum towing capacity of this pickup is 15,530 pounds, while the payload capacity comes in at 3,999 pounds. If you want additional safety features, RAM bundles blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision mitigation into its Safety Group package.
No matter what truck suits your fancy, you can get it at Ciocca Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Hanover, Pennsylvania. We have an extensive inventory of new and pre-owned RAM trucks. Our financial professionals can help secure financing for the purchase, while our sales team members are available to answer questions and point you to the truck that’ll best serve the needs of you and your farm. Contact us or stop by our location to get started. We look forward to helping you get the truck you need to better care for and maintain your farm.
Image via RAM