It was a busy week for us at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) trade show in Indianapolis. This is the place where thousands of commercial and fleet truck customers come to see all the latest “toys” for their specific business needs. Hundreds of manufacturers showcase their new products engineered and designed for a variety of applications. From landscape, construction and freight companies to accident recovery and emergency responders, everything and anything that can be fitted to a truck chassis is on display.
It was at this show we announced the optional “Max Tow” upgrade package on Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Now this gives our customers a 30,000 lb. gross combine weight rating (GCWR) without breaking a sweat. With this increased rating, our Rams can work even harder in getting the job done. Speaking of ratings, now you can tow up to a maximum of 22,300 lbs. with the optional commercial-grade Aisin six-speed automatic transmission and stump pulling 4.88 rear-axle ratio.
“This is a direct benefit to our core customers in agriculture and the construction industries,” said our President Fred Diaz. “Essentially, this will help our ‘work truck’ work harder and meet our customers’ towing needs. Customers are always focused on towing more and it’s a simple matter of economics. More towing and payload means fewer loads. And fewer loads mean lower fuel bills. For commercial customers, cost of ownership is a primary consideration.”
The heart of the Ram Max Tow package is the proven Cummins 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel engine that puts out 305 horsepower and gobs of low end torque – 610 lb. ft. to be exact. First introduced in 1989, Cummins has produced over 1.7 million Turbo Diesel engines for Ram Trucks. To say it’s been a marriage made in heaven is an understatement. This partnership is defined by more than two decades of long-lasting, hard-working history.
Our engineers even went into the “brains” of the electronics and re-calibrated the transmission software to maximize the power to enhance towing and hauling conditions. They didn’t stop there; our guys made improvements to the transfer case and beefed up the chain and sprocket to make sure it can handle any harsh road conditions.
For you guys who still prefer to run unleaded, you’ll also be happy to know our 5.7-liter HEMI® powered Ram 3500 Chassis Cab trucks will get a new six-speed automatic transmission in 2012 that will increase GCWR to 20,000 lbs. (a 3,000-lb. increase) and improve fuel economy. The best-in-class HEMI puts out 383 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. torque. However, if you need more, our venerable Cummins Turbo Diesel is also an available option on the 3500.
So if hauling is your game and power is your name, our new Max Tow Ram Chassis Cabs can deliver the goods double time!
