Ram made several improvements to its Heavy Duty line to improve towing.
Chrysler Group used the Texas State Fair to unveil the new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty line with its all-new interior, next-generation Uconnect Access, new frames and new suspension.
“To answer the needs and wants of our customers, Ram Truck has taken a big step forward in capability while improving cost of ownership and efficiency,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico — Chrysler Group.
“The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty allows you to push and pull more than any competitor, and the truck looks great doing it with new exterior design cues and an all-new interior featuring our latest technology,” Diaz said. The truck, which will be assembled in Mexico, will go on sales early next year.
Ram improved the interior in the new HD lineup
The Ram Heavy Duty’s frame was built with high-strength 50 KSI steel, including eight separate cross-members, hydroformed main rails and fully boxed rear rails for optimal strength and mass efficiency.
Center frame rail sections are roll-formed, an efficient means for maintaining consistent strength in less complex longitudinal sections. In the rear portion of the new frame, the structure includes fully boxed rear rails and a factory-installed rear axle cross member with provisions for 5th wheel and gooseneck hitches, making it easier to pull large and heavy loads.
To handle the best-in-class towing and payload capability of the new Ram Heavy Duty, the truck also comes with a new front and rear suspension system with advanced geometry builds upon the chassis improvements and greatly improves overall roll stiffness.
In addition, the RAM Heavy Duty comes with new premium reciprocating ball steering gear, redesigned steering knuckles, ball joints and more robust steering linkages to deliver enhanced and precise on-center feel despite the vehicles higher towing and payload capacities.
A number of body improvements have been made to enhance overall noise, vibration and harshness and to align with the best-in-class capabilities of the 2013 Ram Heavy Duty.
The new truck also comes equipped with an updated engine, transmission and body mounts, including pioneering hydro-mounts at C-pillar positions for class-leading NVH characteristics despite the truck’s aptitude for higher payloads and towing.
Roughly 80 percent of Ram Heavy Duty pickups are sold with diesel engines and a new capless fuel filler on diesel applications is a space-saving initiative that enables side-by-side fuel and diesel exhaust fluid port configuration. The result is more convenient fuel and DEF re-fill at pump stations.
The Ram 3500 also features a factory-installed trailer tow connector in the truck bed, included with the optional fifth wheel or gooseneck tow prep package. New structural support is designed into the body to support the payload increase and improve durability performance. Additionally, new reinforced tie-down points with enhanced strength are designed for heavier loads.