The ‘Big Three’ have always been competing for the honor of being called the king of heavy duty trucks in America. This year Ram 3500 goes well beyond Ford and G.M. with a nearly 8,000 pound towing increase from last year, now reaching a maximum of 30,000 pounds. Total gross combined vehicle rating of truck, trailer and payload is now an astounding 37,600 pounds! Of course the max towing rating is engineered on a standard cab 2wd with 4:10 gears and the most powerful 6.7L diesel to date. For the most decked out 3500 versions are still rated up to 29,000 pounds towing.
Ram brand has made some outstanding advancement in the use of robust engineering and updated technology in the new 3500. The frame has been strengthened to 50,000 pounds per square inch including a factory installed 17,000 pound class V goose neck and fifth wheel hitch. That includes a max tongue weight of 1800 pounds. The transfer case and transmission have been beefed up along with the increase of torque in the 6.7L to 850lb-ft. Larger u-joints and improved front drive shaft are all updated. Class-leading towing can only be accomplished with the all new rear suspension from Hotchkis and an advanced three link front suspension allowing the improvement of roll stiffness. The suspension combined with class-exclusive dual rear wheel stability control will only help in the safe towing of such heavy loads.
Also included is a high mount stop lamp rear facing camera. Placing the camera at cab height allows a goose-neck or fifth wheel trailer to be hitched with ease. Additionally, the camera will help the driver to keep an eye on the cargo.
Yet the most interesting technological advancement is in the cooling system. Ram engineers have developed a dual intake setup called the Ram Active Air Intake System (RAAS). It works by sensing environmental conditions while redirecting where the intake of air will come from. If the system senses snow, precipitation, or deep water fording, Ram Active will draw air from an under-hood intake. If the computer senses extreme heat or high altitude driving, the system will draw cooler air from the front. When RAAS is combined with a high efficiency fan, dual radiators, and dual transmission coolers, RAM will benefit from increased performance, reliability and durability.
For drivers wanting to stay connected, the 2013 Ram can be optioned with the next generation of Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system. All the controls are accessed with an 8.4-inch touch screen multiview monitor that is fully customizable. New powerful wireless platform will include a Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The data speeds and content have also been increased with what is called Powernet electrical system. This Uconnect is just one of many convenient options available on the 3500.
The TFLcar team will be at NAIAS in Detroit this week and will be sure to check out this towing monster. Stay tuned and watch for a ‘Mile High’ test of the 2013 Ram coming soon.
Please enjoy this TFLcar 2013 Ram 1500 vs. Ford vs. Chevy Mashup video
