Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman is built to work

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Work, Chrysler

2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ram Truck has just dropped a low-buck bombshell on the 2011 Chicago Auto Show with the 1500 Tradesman. The pickup comes standard with the company’s 5.7-liter V8 with 390 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque mounted to a five-speed automatic transmission, and Chrysler says that the drivetrain is good for 20 mpg on the highway. Specifically set up for small businesses, contractors and fleet service, the Tradesman is also loaded with a Class IV hitch and a handy transmission cooler. That kit helps crank up the truck’s tow rating to a lofty 10,450 pounds.

The best part? Prices for this sucker start at a slim $22,780 with destination. Buyers will be able to pick between 4×2 and 4×4 trim, and a long-bed option is also available. Look for the Tradesman to land on dealer lots in the second quarter of this year. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Ram Truck 1500 Tradesman