Chrysler says the new trailing rates for its Ram 3500 and 2500 heavy-duty pickups are the industry’s best.
For the ’13 model year, the Ram 3500’s towing rate increases to 30,000 lbs. (13,607 kg) and the 2500 climbs to 18,350 lbs. (8,323 kg).
Chrysler introduces a 50,000 psi (3,448 bar), high-strength steel frame to the 3500, as well as an improved transfer case, higher-load transmission and a revised version of the 6.7L turbo diesel engine supplied by Cummins. The 3500 also is available with a 5.7L Hemi gasoline engine for the first time.
The 3500’s gross combined weight rating increases to 37,600 lbs. (17,055 kg), while the 2500 jumps to 37,500 lbs. (17,009 kg).
“These new rigs deliver on the No.1 key attribute most critical to these customers: uncompromising capability,” Ram President and CEO Fred Diaz says in a statement.
“Towing capability, reliability and engine performance are ranked first through third, respectively, with HD customers. The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks unequivocally deliver all those things, as well as a very low total cost of ownership.”
Chrysler also reveals the towing rate for its Ram Chassis Cabs is 29,600 lbs. (13,426 kg), while the gross combined weight rating is 37,500 lbs. (17,009 kg).
Upgraded versions of all Ram heavy-duty trucks were shown to journalists last year as the auto maker announced a new subdivision, Ram Commercial, for business customers, but towing rates were not announced at the time.
Chrysler also introduces a number of new or revised technologies for its heavy-duty lineup, including:
- Ram Active Air Induction, an automatic air-intake system that opens an electric valve at high temperatures. The air-intake valves are moved to the front fenders to prevent snow, dirt and other debris from entering the cabin.
- Factory-integrated fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch mount.
- 17,000-lb. (7,711-kg) Class V hitch with 1,800 lbs. (817 kg) of tongue weight.
- Electronic stability control for dual rear-wheels.
- New Center High-Mounted Stop Light-positioned camera that the auto maker says is a first for heavy-duty trucks.
- New front and rear suspension systems, which Chrysler says improves overall roll stiffness.
- Newly designed Hotchkiss leaf-spring rear suspension that the auto maker says improves ride and handling but doesn’t sacrifice towing and payload capability.
- Diesel exhaust fluids that reduce the amount of pollutants released into the environment, as well as selective catalytic converters for some powertrains.
Suggested retail pricing for the 2500 and 3500 begins at $29,220 and $29,905, respectively. The upgraded trucks make their official debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.
