Around Luck, a truck is not a luxury. Boats go in at Butternut Lake and come out in the fall, firewood and feed need hauling, and county roads can turn slick in a hurry. The Ram 1500 is the model we put in front of most truck shoppers, and it makes up a big share of our new stock, so you will have real choices in cab style and trim.

Start with the load, not the truck. Weigh the boat and trailer together, add the gear you carry, and compare that total with the ratings for the exact truck on the lot, since ratings vary by engine, axle ratio and cab. We are glad to run the numbers with you.

Need more muscle for a fifth wheel, a gooseneck or heavy equipment? Look at the Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty. Used trucks are a smart route when the budget is tight: pre-owned Ram stock skews toward the 1500 on the used Ram page, while the used trucks page also shows Silverado, F-150 and Sierra trade-ins.

Gravel roads are part of life near Luck, and so are trailheads. The Gandy Dancer State Trail runs through the village on its way between Saint Croix Falls and Danbury, which makes cargo space and a roof rack more useful than any spec sheet. The Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Gladiator bring real four-wheel-drive hardware and open-air driving, and the Gladiator adds a bed for bikes, coolers and tools.

If most of your miles are highway miles between Luck, Cumberland and Rice Lake, the Grand Cherokee is the better match. It is also among our deepest new Jeep stocks, and the stretched Grand Cherokee L brings a third row. Compact buyers can compare the Compass and the Cherokee, and families who tow can look at the Grand Wagoneer.

A Wrangler is happiest off pavement and rides differently on the highway than a Grand Cherokee, so drive both. Four-wheel drive gets you moving on ice but does little to stop you, so plan on winter tires. On a budget, compare used Jeep listings, which have included the Wrangler, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee and Compass.

Dodge for towing families and power seekers

Families that tow like the Dodge Durango because it seats up to seven and pulls a trailer without feeling like a truck. The Dodge Charger suits drivers who want muscle car character, and you can choose a two-door or a four-door. Check used Dodge trades too.

Chrysler for practical families

Minivans win on practicality. The Chrysler Pacifica offers three rows of seating and generous cargo room, and the Pacifica Hybrid adds plug-in capability for short trips if you can charge at home. The Chrysler Voyager is the value pick.

• ✓Match the vehicle to the heaviest job. Tow weight, passengers and daily miles come first.
• ✓Choose features for winter. Four-wheel drive, a factory tow package, heated seats and remote start tend to pay off here.
• ✓Look past the sticker price. Fuel, insurance, tires and maintenance all belong in the budget.
• ✓Settle your trade first. Knowing the number keeps the deal simple.
• ✓Test drive on your roads. Hills, highway and gravel tell you more than a lot loop.

Curious about the touchscreen? See our Uconnect page.

Apply for financing

Send the secure finance application to find out where you stand. Approval, rates and terms come down to the lender's review of your credit.

Get a trade estimate

The trade-in tool gives you a starting number. We finalize it after looking at the vehicle in person.

Weigh loan against lease

Read our buying vs. leasing guide and visit the finance center. Leasing can fit drivers who keep to a mileage limit. Buying fits those who put on many miles or keep a vehicle for years.

Pick it up

Visit the dealership, finish the paperwork and drive home. Calling ahead with a stock number saves time.

Our service center has certified technicians. Book a visit online for an oil change, tires, a battery test or repairs, and check service coupons and service specials first.

Cold starts are hard on batteries, and road salt is hard on metal. Before winter, test the battery, check tire tread, replace tired wipers and rinse the underbody after salty drives. Our blog covers winter wiper blades, check engine lights and oil change intervals, and our page on synthetic oil explains the options.

For parts, visit the Mopar parts center or order parts online. Weighing OEM against aftermarket? Read our comparison.

Luck is about 40 miles from the store, so book ahead and make it one trip.