We sat down with David Mccumber, Sales Manager at Allways Atascosa CDJR with 25 years of automotive experience, to discuss what truck buyers can expect when looking for a reliable pickup. In this exclusive interview, David shares expert insights on the latest Ram inventory, performance specifications, and how to navigate the financing process to find the perfect truck for your lifestyle.

Q: David, what can buyers expect when they walk through the doors of Allways Atascosa CDJR for the first time?

A: When folks visit us here, they are going to experience genuine South Texas hospitality that respects their time and budget. We pride ourselves on a relaxed, pressure-free environment where our team is focused on helping you find a vehicle that fits your daily work and family needs. If you are driving in from the surrounding ranch lands, you can easily find our showroom at 110128 Interstate Hwy, 37 N, Pleasanton, TX 78064, which is a straightforward drive for anyone in the region. You can also give us a quick call to set up a dedicated consultation before you arrive.

Our goal is to make the entire process transparent, whether you are browsing our selection of new Jeep SUVs or looking for a rugged commercial truck. We want our guests to feel valued, which is why we encourage everyone to learn about our unique customer benefits that keep local drivers coming back to us year after year. When you are ready to take the next step, our team is prepared to help you submit a secure credit application or sit down with you to explore personalized auto financing options tailored to your budget.

Q: When a customer is searching for a reliable truck, what models do you typically keep in stock on the lot?

A: We make sure to maintain a diverse selection of pickups designed for both heavy-duty workdays and family weekend adventures. Our lot is consistently stocked with the versatile 2026 Ram 1500, which serves as an outstanding light-duty option for everyday driving and moderate hauling. For those who need substantial capability for commercial jobs or agricultural work, we carry the heavy-duty 2026 Ram 2500 and 2026 Ram 3500 models. You can easily browse our current new Ram inventory online to see the various cabin configurations and bed lengths we have available right now.

We also understand that many buyers are looking for excellent pre-owned value, which is why we keep a robust selection of older models on hand. Shoppers can explore our high-quality pre-owned Ram inventory to find dependable trucks that have been thoroughly inspected. For added peace of mind, we highly recommend that customers look through our CARFAX one-owner vehicles, which represent some of the most well-maintained trucks coming through our trade-in lane.

Q: There has been a lot of discussion about powertrain changes recently. Can you clarify if there is still a V8 engine option available in the 2026 Ram 1500?

A: Yes, there is some very exciting news for traditional truck enthusiasts because the famous 5.7-liter HEMI V8 makes a return for the 2026 Ram 1500 model year. After a brief hiatus, this legendary engine is back with eTorque mild-hybrid assistance, generating 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque of pulling power. It is available as an option on popular trims like the Tradesman, Express, Warlock, and Big Horn, and it is even offered as a no-cost option on the premium Limited and Longhorn trim levels. For drivers hauling trailers up the limestone outcrops and rolling hills of Boerne, having this kind of proven V8 muscle under the hood provides incredible confidence on steep grades.

Of course, Ram also offers the incredibly advanced 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine, which comes in a 420-horsepower standard output or a massive 540-horsepower high-output version. If you want to learn more about our commitment to finding you the perfect powertrain, you can read more about our dealership philosophy and our focus on customer satisfaction. If you are a local business owner looking to upgrade your fleet with these capable engines, we encourage you to explore our commercial vehicle program to see how we support commercial operations. When you are ready to upgrade, our team can help you appraise your current vehicle to maximize your buying power.

Q: For buyers who need to haul heavy equipment or stock trailers, what are the actual towing and payload limits for the heavy-duty lineup?

A: When you step up to our heavy-duty trucks, the capabilities are designed to handle the most demanding jobs without breaking a sweat. The 2026 Ram 2500 delivers an exceptional maximum towing capacity of up to 19,990 pounds when properly equipped, making it a favorite for regional transport and medium-duty agricultural hauling. If you need the absolute pinnacle of towing power, the 2026 Ram 3500 equipped with the High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine can tow an astonishing 37,090 pounds. These trucks are engineered with high-strength steel frames and advanced suspension systems to ensure that your heaviest loads remain stable and controlled.

We know that local business owners need specific configurations for their work sites, which is why we recommend viewing our commercial truck inventory to find the exact chassis cab or heavy-duty setup you need. To help plan your purchase, you can use our online tools to estimate your monthly payments based on your budget. Since these work trucks face harsh conditions on the job site, we also advise buyers to explore our appearance protection plans to keep their investment looking sharp and protected from the elements.

Q: How do the base engine options on these trucks compare to what else is out there on the market?

A: The standard engine on the 2026 Ram 1500 is the highly reliable 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque, which delivers a stout 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. When you compare this to a competitor like the Ford F-150 and its base 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 making 325 horsepower, the Ram focuses heavily on smooth, linear power delivery and long-term durability. The eTorque system uses a belt-drive motor-generator unit to provide seamless start-stop operation and a brief injection of torque during initial acceleration. This setup is paired with a highly refined TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission that keeps the engine in its optimal power band.

“Our customers appreciate that the base V6 isn’t just an entry-level motor; it’s a proven, durable workhorse that handles daily hauling while keeping operating costs low.”

For buyers who want to compare different model years or look for alternative powertrains, we invite you to browse our complete pre-owned inventory. Getting started on your purchase is simple, and you can apply to prequalify online to see what options are available to you before you even set foot on our lot.

Q: With so many trims available, from the Tradesman to the Tungsten, how should a buyer think about how trim level impacts the overall price?

A: The beauty of the Ram lineup is that it spans from a no-nonsense work truck to a luxury vehicle that rivals high-end sedans. The entry-level Tradesman and the new Express trim levels are designed to keep costs low, focusing on utility, durable vinyl or cloth seating, and essential towing features. As you move up to mid-range trims like the Big Horn and the leather-appointed Laramie, you gain premium comfort features like heated seats and larger touchscreens. At the top of the range, the Limited and the ultra-luxurious Tungsten trims feature premium leather, real wood accents, and advanced driver-assist systems, which naturally command a higher price point.

We always encourage shoppers to sit down with our sales professionals to find the exact balance of features and budget. You can meet our dedicated sales team online to find an advisor who understands your specific vehicle needs. Additionally, we want to help you protect the value of your truck over time, so we recommend checking our current service and protection options to see how you can learn more about ownership costs.

Q: What is the best way for a buyer to transition from doing research online to actually driving home in a new Ram truck?

A: We have designed our entire buying process to be as seamless and stress-free as possible by blending digital convenience with personal, face-to-face service. You can start your journey right from your living room by exploring our current manufacturer information to find active savings on your favorite models. We also update our own current new vehicle offers regularly to ensure our local customers get the current pricing on our inventory.

Once you have found a truck that catches your eye, we invite you to visit our Pleasanton showroom for a personalized walk-around and test drive. If you prefer to speak with an advisor before making the trip, you can reach us directly at (830) 281-2244 to discuss financing options, trade-in values, or custom orders. We are here to make your next truck purchase straightforward, transparent, and completely tailored to your lifestyle.

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