I had two popular pick-up trucks, the GMC Sierra 2500 and the Dodge Ram 1500 in back to back weeks.

I think driving these pick-ups did increase my testosterone level in the two weeks I had them. Some of my more lady-like tendencies went out the window.

For example, usually I am a very polite and carefree driver. The weeks in the trucks, I suddenly was yelling at people more and did indeed feel I had the power to actually run over some bad drivers, even though I didn’t act on it.

Also, usually, I am very cognizant of getting in and out of my car or leaning over to put my 2-year-old in her car seat and keeping the flashing from under my skirt or dress to a minimum.

While driving the big truck, I just had to concentrate on actually making the big step up into the vehicle and how high up my skirt was hiked was of little concern.

But driving a big truck, isn’t just for men hauling boats and towing cars. The two trucks I had to test drive made perfectly good vehicles for hauling around my kids, dog and lots of other stuff.

Let’s start with the Sierra:

I had the 2500 Denali model which is like a blue-collar Escalade with a truck bed.Base price for a Denali trim is about $47,000.

Inside my test vehicle’s crew cab, it was just like sitting in an SUV. You would not know you were in a pick-up truck unless you looked out the back window and saw the truck bed.

The Denali trim level is new to the Sierra this year and adds on extras like a four-bar chrome grille, chrome exterior accents, rear parking sensors, the EZ-lift tailgate, skid plates, power-adjustable pedals and brushed aluminum trim.

Such a big vehicle needs a big engine and the standard Sierra 2500 comes with a 6.0-liter gasoline V8 engine that produces 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission.

My Sierra Denali had the upgraded Duramax 6.6 -liter V8 turbo diesel. Though loud, the engine moved the big truck with seemingly little effort.

The Duramax V8 turbo diesel produces 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.

If you have to tow something, this would probably be what you’d want.

Towing capacity is up to 13,000 pounds with a standard ball hitch and 16,500 pounds with a fifth-wheel connection. Aiding towing on downhill grades, the diesel engine also features a big-rig-inspired exhaust braking system to increase control and reduce brake wear.

The Ram comes in models that can keep up with the big Sierra 2500, but I test drove a smaller model, the 1500 with the new-to-the lineup Outdoorsman Crew Cab. You can get the Outdoorsman trim on all Ram models (1500, 2500 or 3500) and basically it adds on some enhancements that ensure you’re ready for the great outdoors. Things like an upgraded front lighting system, towing package, heavy duty cooling systems, a 115-volt power outlet, and Chrysler’s RamBox system with an integrated gun/fishing pole rack.

The Ram is quipped with its somewhat famous 5.7-liter V8 HEMI engine.

The Ram is a heavy truck with nearly 5,300 lbs. in curb weight. The Outdoorsman can get off the line quickly and has no problem merging with highway traffic. However, the Outdoorman’s drivetrain is tied to a five-speed transmission, which is one less cog than most competitors.

The Ram rides more like a truck than the Sierra did. There is no masking the Outdoorsman’s body-on-frame construction.

The good thing about most pickups is there are so many trim levels for every model available and you can find a truck that fits your needs and price-tag.

The base price of a Dodge Ram 1500 with a Crew Cab is about $35,000.

Comparably, the base price of a Sierra 2500 Crew Cab with a V8 engine is about $32,000.

On the Ram with the Outdoorsman trim, you’re looking at about $38,00. My test vehicle had even more added on, like navigation and a very cool cargo management system in the truck bed, boosting the final price to $44,585.

On the Sierra, the base price for the Denali trim 2500 is $46,800. Adding on the impressive Duramax 6.6-liter turbo diesel engine takes the price up $7,200. Another $7,000 worth of luxurious options makes the bottom line for this pick-up truck a whopping $62,124.

With price tags ranging from mid 30’s to upwards of $60,000, it’s no wonder pick-up trucks remain top sellers - there’s one to please everyone.

Even females.