2019 Ram 1500 March Awards Roundup

Since it debuted last year, the 2019 Ram 1500 has been scooping up awards like crazy. The capable truck won two more during the month of March, Truck of the Year from the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association and the Gold Hitch Award from Fast Lane Truck.

Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association Truck of the Year

The Denver Auto Show started off a bang as the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) announced the 2019 Ram 1500 a the Truck of the Year.

The RMAP’s vehicle nominating committee narrowed it down to three trucks and took into account things like vehicle features, value, fuel economy and performance to determine the winner. This was the 13th year for the RMAP’s Vehicle of the Year Awards and to be eligible, a vehicle must be all-new or significantly updated for the 2019 model year.

“This year, competition for the Truck of the Year with the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press was very intense and exciting with three very worthy trucks making the final vote,” RMAP President Craig Conover said. “After a vote from all the members of RMAP, it was a clear choice for the new Ram 1500 to be awarded Truck of the Year in the Denver Region.”

Fast Lane Truck Gold Hitch Award

On the same day, the 2019 Ram 1500 was announced the RMAP Truck of the Year, it was also given the Gold Hitch Award from The Fast Lane Truck (TFLtruck) for the light-duty pickup segment.

TFLtruck is a publication that is extremely popular for online video reviews and news of trucks. Their “TFL Ike Gauntlet” extreme towing test is a staple as it challenges the maximum towing capability of a truck. This test was performed to determine the winner of the Gold Hitch Award and other features were rated as well. Trucks from the 2019 model year and those from previous models years that weren’t significantly changed were eligible for the award.

Judges noted that the 2019 Ram 1500’s new technology, ride and handling quality, exclusive air suspension and interior features pushed it over the edge to win.

“The 2019 Ram 1500 and it’s 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 eTorque system came out on top when compared to the competition on TFLtruck’s ‘Ike Gauntlet’ — world’s toughest towing test,” TFLtruck Managing Editor Andre Smirnov said. “All trucks pulled 9,100 pounds, and while the data we collected during our real-world testing demonstrated how close the competition really is, the new Ram 1500 stood out with available air suspension and technology features that made hooking up a trailer easier and the trailering experience more relaxed.”