Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4

A serious tow vehicle that will work as hard as your boat.

*NOTE: Scroll down for video.

By Mike Milne

For trailer boaters, every day on the water starts at the launch ramp, so the right tow vehicle is as important as the right boat. That’s especially true for boaters whose boat, motor and trailer combos weigh over 3,000 pounds.

For that kind of work – what I’d call “serious” towing – trucks are the way to go. And the Ram 1500 is at the head of the pack. As the performance and features of the 2011 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 I tested last spring indicate, Ram’s reputation is well-deserved.

As with most trucks, the wide range of models and options can be confusing. The best approach is to decide on cab and box layout and trim in the model with the towing muscle to pull your boat, motor and trailer. Then add options that make sense to you.

The Chrysler press fleet truck we put to the test is a four-door model powered by a 390-hp, 5.7-litre (350 cid) V-8 Hemi engine. The Laramie trim adds electronic shift-on-demand transfer case for the four-wheel drive, leatherfaced seating, 20-inch wheels, as well as creature comforts ranging from power-adjustable pedals to surround-sound stereo.

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