Drive to the Western Stock Show in Style!

by carman1970
-
March 19, 2009

Rate Guide

(1)

0 discussions

The Western Stock Show takes place in January and is a premier, annual event for Denver. Among all of the exhibitors, wranglers and cowboys, you will be hard pressed to find vehicles that can’t haul the hay and livestock. In other words, these cowpokes love ‘em trucks. Here are a few you know and a few you might not...

Dodge Ram 1500

With a loading capacity of 1,850 lbs and a tow rating of 9,100 lbs when properly equipped, the beefy yet handsome Dodge Ram 1500 is one of the top personal trucks on the market. A HEMI with 390 horsepower and 410 lbs feet of torque is matched to one of the only (optional) automatic 4X4 systems in this bracket. The 5-speed automatic is smooth and responsive to manual-style shifting. Road performance is one of the best compared to the competition and the interior IS the best. An optional bed-side storage system allows for tools and small cargo to be stored and locked along both sides/upper-lip of the bed sides. Even though the Dodge is not the largest or most powerful of its rivals, it FEELS like it is. The best part is the surprising handling thanks to the (class only) rear coil spring suspension. Prices go from about $22,000 to nearly $50,000. Remember: the boys at Chrysler are giving huge rebates right now along with the life-long warranty.

Add Comment

KIA Borrego

Whoa partner! Settle down and holster your six-shooter…

This-here is a GREAT truck for towing!

Yes, it is a mid sized SUV that’s a newcomer to the market. The KIA Borrego is a bit low with its running boards, but deep snow and mud along the ranch should be no problem. The automatic 4WD with manual 4-hi/4-lo are well suited to the Borrego. I have to say that the KIA Borrego is a super tow vehicle for its size. 7,500 lbs is a best in class tow rating. The 4.6 liter, 337 horsepower V8 I happily recommend as its smooth, refined and still a bit of a brute. Seriously, the power is quite good. Inside, you will be pleased with the well constructed interior and generous use of quality materials. All seats are comfortable and the folding 3rd row is fairly big for a mid sized SUV. Remember: this truck is NOT a crossover as it has a real truck’s frame. This helps with its high tow rating. The base model’s 3.8 liter, 250 horsepower V6 is competitive too (although a bit loud). Prices for KIA Borrego start at about $26,000 for a V6 rear-drive LX. Fully loaded, with the smooth and powerful V8 expect prices to be around $40,000 for a Borrego EX. 0 to 60 averages with the 4X4 V8 averaged about 8 seconds for me. It corners not unlike a smaller crossover SUV and rides smooth on the highway. I was able to maintain an average of 18 mpg with the V8 wile driving like a car thief. This is a great family machine that can double as a tow vehicle – AND it has a very cowboy-like name… say it with me “B.o.r.r.e.g.o”

Add Comment

Ford F150

This brutish, yet handsome Ford F150 has THE best towing in its class at 11,300 lbs of maximum towing (when properly equipped). This is a shocking amount of towing ability for the lightest of Ford’s F Series trucks. The F150 can handle 3,030 lbs of payload capacity which is best in class by a HUGE margin. The 310 horsepower (and about 320 on E-85) 5.4 liter V8 produces 365 lbs feet of torque. The Ford F150 with the 5.4 is rated at an approximate 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway – that’s not too bad. A 6-speed automatic transmission is part of the excellent power train and is one of the smoothest units I’ve sampled. The back seats offer as much space as many limousines and fold up to open up a completely flat floor. One could easily toss in a ton of feed on this floor, sweep it out later and take the family to the Golden Corral for chow. All in all, this is one of the most capable, cowboy trucks out there. For $20,000 – $49,000 (give or take) the Ford F150 offers more configurations than any other competitor.

Add Comment

Nissan Titan

The Nissan Titan is a bit of an odd duck in cowboy circles, yet no one can argue that this handsome truck is not a tough, rugged hombre that is a bargain given the excellent powertrain and fun-as-hell road performance. The 317 horsepower (which makes 385 lbs feet of torque) 5.6 liter V8 is one of the most throttle responsive V8’s on the market. Even though the design is a few years old, this is still one of the most responsive road trucks out there. The ability to tow up to 9,500 lbs or hold up to about a ton in the bed is class competitive. The interior on all models is comfortable, though not up to the Dodge’s level. Still, the seats are cozy and the optional 350-watt Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system sounds supremely good. Prices move from the mid 20Ks to the mid 40Ks. Remember: the Titan is about to be replaced so look for some big rebates through Nissan.

Add Comment

National Western Complex

4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216

The 600,000-square-foot National Western Complex is Denver's premiere convention space, offering two fully-staffed kitchens able to accomodate any size group. The complex is located just north of downtown, near Globeville Landing. Every year, the National Western Complex hosts the National Western ... more »