The Many Awards of the Ram 1500

You’ve heard us talking recently about the back-to-back Motor Trend Truck of the Year titles that the Ram 1500 has won and the Victory Lap we took to celebrate. Motor Trend recognizes that Ram continues to live up to high standards of truck performance and innovation year-after-year. Those calipers look good in the bed of the truck and in the trophy case.

It’s not a lonely trophy though, because the 2014 Ram 1500 has won more awards than just that. Here are a couple of them.

2014 Truck of Texas

A decisive victory, the 2014 Ram 1500 drove away from the Texas Truck Rodeo with its second consecutive Truck of Texas award. One deciding factor in this award was the power of the EcoDiesel engine. Innovation like this light-duty diesel engine is introducing a new generation of speed and power that doesn’t need to sacrifice efficiency.

2014 Ram 1500

2014 Autobytel Pickup Truck of the Year

Autobytel named the Ram 1500 their Truck of the Year in 2014 for many of the same reasons. Having also won the same award in 2013 (yep, another back-to-back win for the Ram 1500), Autobytel couldn’t overlook the innovation that came in the form of the EcoDiesel. The fuel efficiency that this brings to the segment, as well as the unique eight-speed automatic transmission, helped the Ram 1500 bring this one home.

There you have it: three back-to-back awards for the Ram 1500. That’s a reason to be proud and a reason to give the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel a good hard look. Want more? Take a look at all the awards the Ram 1500 has won.

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Ram Trucks Celebrate 140th Running of the Kentucky Derby

Each year, Churchill Downs hosts the fastest two minutes in sports. Thoroughbred racehorses from all over the world come to compete on the Kentucky dirt for a chance to take home the most coveted rose garland in the world. Ram Trucks were proud to be the official trucks of the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby.

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Ram Trucks embrace both sides of the Derby. We have trucks that would fit in perfectly in Millionaire’s Row. With plush leather, wood and chrome covering every surface, our Laramie Longhorn is often compared to a super-capable luxury car. On the other end of the spectrum, we have our Ram Tradesman and Heavy Duty lineup that are no strangers to hauling horse trailers, feed and gear at the farm and on the backside at the Derby.

Our deep and storied heritage also makes us the perfect truck for an event steeped in history. From our roots as a military vehicle to making history by achieving 28 miles per gallon in our Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, we can relate to having a heritage of excellence to live up to.

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This year was no exception as we brought our brand of GUTS and GLORY to Louisville for the Derby. To give our fans a look behind the scenes of exactly what it takes to prepare a thoroughbred racehorse for its biggest race, we partnered with Starlight Racing to get inside the barn and training stable for an up-close look at the entire process.

We also got to learn about the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). TAA is an organization that ensures that thoroughbred racehorses are properly cared for after they’ve retired from racing. They retrain horses so that they can live a full and happy life after they are finished racing. TAA is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the care of these incredible equine athletes.

Learn more about TAA and be sure to check out all our videos featuring our friends at Starlight Racing.

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Take to the Coast in a Ram Truck

Ram Trucks are known for taking you places. This summer, put your truck to the test and see where it will get you. If you’re a beach person, you won’t be disappointed.

Whether you’re in the desert or on the coast, Ram Trucks are proven sand beasts. Don’t fight for real estate on a crowded beach. Grab your family or your fishing pole, throw your Ram 1500 into 4×4 and go for a cruise down the shore. Here are some of the best beaches to take your truck to this summer.

2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

Daytona Beach, FL

Among the most fabled drive-on beaches in the world, Daytona Beach has a deep-rooted history with the automobile. While it may be one of the busier beaches to drive on, a cruise through the sand or a beachfront parking spot will help you feel like part of the action. There are lots of great events to share in, too, like Bike Week.

Outer Banks, NC

One of the most beautiful sea shores on the East Coast, the Outer Banks are a popular getaway spot for people from all over. They’ve also got plenty of beach area to take your Ram Truck out on, and you can make a fun day out of off-roading on this coastline. When you’re not on the beach, visit some of the lighthouses on the islands, the Wright Brothers National Memorial or the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge.

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Maybe the most public of drive-on beaches, Padre Island National Seashore boasts that its beaches double as a state highway. Over 60 miles of beach are open to four-wheel-drive vehicles, so your Ram truck can dominate the space. Load up with all your gear for fishing, camping and beach lounging and set your truck free on the sand. There are a handful of campgrounds on the stretch, and Corpus Christi is just a short drive away.

Make sure you check with the beaches when planning a trip and follow their specific guidelines as different states have different rules. Most of all, get ready for intense 4×4 action.

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Ram Trucks’ Rich History With the Power Wagon

Ram has been making trucks for a long time. That’s why we’re able to bring you some of the best trucks on the market. Recently, we’ve added another beloved truck to the 2014 lineup: the 2014 Ram Power Wagon.

The Power Wagon has deep history in the Ram family. From 1945 until 1980 the Power Wagon was an integral truck in American life. Reintroduced in 2005, the Power Wagon name lives up to its ancestry.

HS945_003DG__midIn 1945, the first Power Wagon was sent to the lines as a Weapons Carrier in World War II. The soldiers liked it so much that when they came home to the United States, they wanted a personal truck just like it. So, in 1946, Dodge released the first commercially available 4×4 truck for civilian use. Called the WDX, this Power Wagon paved the way for heavy duty 4x4s in the general market.

HS957_001DG__midAbout a decade later, in 1957, a new line of Power Wagons was introduced to the roads. The W100, W200, W300, W400 and W500 were more conventional-looking trucks. There were multiple engine options, including a V-8.

HS977_001DG__midThe body changed one more time in 1972, and the new Power Wagon was unrivaled in performance in the industry. When equipped with “Dana 60” 8-lug axles, the Power Wagon became known as the “King of Durability.” These iconic trucks rode strong until 1980.

But that wasn’t the last of the Power Wagon. In 2005, the name was brought back as a powerhouse that lived up to its reputation. Now in 2014, the Ram Power Wagon is the best truck you’ll find in off-road aptitude. The 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 is both legendary and innovative, with 410 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and torque peaking at 429 lb.-ft. This best-in-class powertrain compliments the unique Ram suspension systems in front and back, so you ride smoother with more control.

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Not So Roughing it: Camping with Your Ram Truck

We’re deep into spring now and everyone is certainly hoping the Polar Vortex stays away for the rest of the year. It’s time to get your Ram Truck ready for the warmth, and prepare to spend your time in the wild. Without a doubt, Ram Trucks make fantastic camping vehicles.

2013 Ram 1500If you’re more the rugged type, you’ll want to be roughing it in a tent or sprawled out under the stars. All that gear – sleeping bags, camp stoves, foodstuffs and firewood – will fit neatly into the bed of your Ram 1500. Take advantage of the convenient Ram Boxes to make sure things stay dry, throw in some fishing poles, and you’re ready for the ultimate weekend away. Your Ram Truck will also help you find the perfect campsite. Take it off the beaten path and find an untouched spot of turf. Besides you and your friends, the only life you’ll encounter will be the wild type.

Don’t worry; Ram Trucks also cater to the more sophisticated camper. Grab your Ram Heavy Duty and hitch up your trusty camping trailer. The Ram 3500 offers max towing of over 30,000 pounds, so you’ll be able to haul your home-away-from-home anywhere you desire. This is a great option for an extended camping trip, or if you want to travel and see Americas best treasures. Don’t let anyone tell you that luxury camping isn’t really camping at all. You can do it in a Ram Truck.

Do you have any outdoor activities or camping trips planned for the warm weather? Tell us where you’re going in the comments below.

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