In the world of pick-up trucks, sometimes bigger is truly better and our new Ram “Long-Hauler” concept drives that point home. With more range, comfort and the mighty High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel powerhouse pumping out 800 lb.-ft. of torque, the Long-Hauler gets the job done. For anyone that tows long distances with large trailers filled with their prized thoroughbred horses, race cars, classic automobiles, off-shore racing boats, camping trailers or any other massive loads, the Long-Hauler is your dream vehicle.
When our designers began conceptualizing what the Long-Hauler should be, they looked at our Ram 5500 Heavy Duty for the foundation. They then converted it to a Mega Cab passenger compartment for increased space. This additional room will have your family or crew member stretching their legs, thanking you profusely during those cross-country trips. The additional mid-ship fuel tank along with an optional bed-mounted auxiliary tank increases the Long-Hauler fuel capacity to 170 gallons for extreme range. Those time-robbing interstate pit stops will now be less frequent so you better stock up on supplies from the start.
The Long-Hauler is based on a 197-inch wheelbase Ram 5500 Chassis Cab truck, and is equipped with the legendary Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, a tough six-speed Aisin AS68RC automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive transfer case and 4.88 Dana 110 axle with dual rear wheels. The net effect is a Class 5 pickup truck with a 37,500-lb. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
Don’t think for one minute that the Long-Hauler has a commercial truck ride that’ll give your back and kidneys a workout — engineers incorporated a full Kelderman Air Suspension on the front and rear. This self-leveling suspension provides great ride quality even on the roughest terrain and makes entry and exit easy as can be with a lowered kneel mode.
The interior was also designed to make those long journeys even more comfortable with 2+2 leather seating with a specific, high comfort driver seat. The rear passengers will feel like they’re in a family room with power-adjustable footrests and a rear center console that includes a refrigerator, cup holders and tray tables. The Long-Hauler is wired for 115V and 12V outlets front and rear and is even Wi-Fi enabled. Your passengers can surf the web or chat on Facebook along the way. If you just want to zone out in the back seat, a DVD player with overhead screen will keep you entertained for miles and can even fold the rear seats flat for additional storage or to take a nap.
On the outside, the Long-Hauler concept is painted in our distinct brilliant black and accented by white gold metallic lower two-tone including body side moldings. For our rancher, we added a bull bar that extends the entire width of the truck. To make sure you have full use of the bed, the spare tire is located under the box. For those times you are hooking up a trailer solo, a separate back-up camera provides a full view of the bed. Even the seasoned over-the-road truckers would be impressed on how quick and easy it is. Speaking of hook-ups, the custom hitch-access tailgate makes hooking up a fifth wheel trailer much easier, thus eliminating the need to open or remove it during hook-ups.
While only a concept, you’ll be able to see the Ram Long-Hauler across the country during the next eight months. We will be at numerous events looking to you for input and to see how you like it. If your travels take to you to these locations, make sure to come over to the Ram display to get up and close and personal with the Long-Hauler. You’ll be impressed!
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The tentative show schedule for the Ram Long-Hauler is:
Kentucky Derby
Louisville, Ky.
5/05 – 5/07
Turbo Diesel Register Rally
Columbus, Ind.
6/10 – 6/11
Rodeo Circuit
July/August
Farm Progress Show
Decatur, Ill.
8/31 – 9/02
Husker Harvest
Grand Island, Neb.
9/13 – 9/15
NTEA New Product Conference
Dearborn, Mich.
9/19 – 9/19
Sunbelt Expo
Moultrie, Ga.
10/18 – 10/20
National R.V. Show
Louisville, Ky.
11/29 — 12/1
