By looking at a farmer or rancher’s truck, you can tell a lot about that man or women driving it. The condition of the truck and utility it possesses will speak volumes about the farmer and how he uses the truck. Farmers are typically looking for a truck that can tow and haul while ranchers want a rig that is great for mobility when dealing with livestock or hauling equipment around the ranch for operations. Both consumers desire a vehicle that functions for their needs, but also looks great when they taking their friends and family to dinner or a fun event at the Klamath County Fairground. Let’s go through some of the trucks that possess those qualities, and you decide which one you can see yourself working behind.
Ford F-150 & F-250
The Ford F-150 is America’s best selling pickup truck, and it makes sense. It has incredible results in reliability, performance, design, and value. In 2018, the Ford F-150 was named Motor Trend Truck of the Year, which is no easy feat. Why is it great for farmers and ranchers?
The F-150 possesses a payload of 3,270lbs and has a towing capability of 13,200 lbs. This truck can haul all day long and withstand the pressure. If you were to get the new 2018 F-150, you’d notice that it is 700lbs lighter than previous models without any loss in strength capacity. Tech-wise the F-150 has an 8″ LCD screen that shows useful info on fuel, towing, and distance.
‘Let’s not forget the other sought-after pickup truck among farmers the Ford F-250 SuperDuty. This vehicle is jam-packed with power and luxuries. The F-250 is the ideal heavy-duty pickup for farmers in Klamath County that haul large equipment and trailers.
When you buy an F-250 you’re getting a truck that can carry a 7,630lbs payload followed up by 21,000lbs conventional towing strength. If you decide to at the 5th-wheel your towing power increases to 27,500lbs, and with the gooseneck, it jumps up to 34,000lbs. ‘That’s a monster machine with extreme towing power. The trailer reverse guide and visibility cameras help immensely when towing complex loads. It’s more expensive but it’s worth it as this is the truck for farmers and ranchers who haul heavy loads and have the money to spend.
Sierra 1500
GMC has outdone themselves this time with the 2019 Sierra 1500. The Sierra 1500 truck was runner up to the Ford F-150 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, which is an honor in itself.
The Sierra is available with five different engines, three different transmissions, and rear- or all-wheel drive. The standard setup is a 285-hp V-6 matched with a six-speed automatic. The available 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 pairs with a six- or eight-speed automatic. The 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8 and torque-rich diesel inline-six-cylinder solely operate through a 10-speed automatic. The towing capacity of the Sierra 1500 is 9,000lbs, but what it lacks in towing strength it makes up in mobility.
Technology-wise the Sierra 1500 boasts low-speed forward automatic braking, lane assists, automatic headlamp high beam control, forward impact alert, along with front and rear park assistance. These luxuries can also be essentials to many farmers and ranchers when it comes to agriculture life. Sierra 1500 comes in a three-passenger (regular), six-passenger, or crew cab. The crew cab is great for farmers who need to transport their workers from one side of their land to the other.
Ram 1500
Incredibly varied and immensely fitted, the 2019 Ram 1500 boasts streamlined styling and unmatched ride quality. It was entirely redesigned for 2019 to better compete with the pickup-truck competitors we mentioned, such as the Ford F-150, and the GMC Sierra 1500. The revised half-ton Ram renews the big-rig design of old with smoother bodywork while growing more substantial and losing weight.
Does its engine, ride and handling measure up? Among its many trim levels, there are two cab styles—quad and crew—and V-6 or V-8 powertrains. Both gas engines are available with a 48-volt hybrid system but otherwise carry over unchanged.
The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,320lbs. Thankfully, every Ram 1500 has an impressive ride thanks to a rear suspension that uses standard coil springs or optional air springs. Models outfitted with the air suspension even have flexible ride heights that aid fuel efficiency and off-road ability. Its light steering and reliable brakes provide relaxed cruising and confident stops, too. Because of its flexibility the Ram 1500 has widespread appeal for farmers looking for a little bit of everything.
Klamath County is filled with hardworking agriculture community. Each Farmer and Rancher appreciates different luxuries to make their job just a little more easy ( sub word) out in the field. We think that Ford, GMC and RAM have accomplished that with a combination of style and function to suit the industry’s needs. Whether you are tending to your crops or taking the family out to dinner at Wubba’s Barbeque, these trucks can make any farmer or rancher confident and productive. So, when you’re in the market for a new pick-up, whether you’re looking for design or for capabilities, remember, you CAN have it all.
