Ram debuted its 2017 2500 4x4 Off-road at the Chicago Auto Show. The brand is looking to make inroads with off-roaders.

With truck sales booming and competition intensifying, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is looking for a way to shore up its position with truck enthusiasts of all kinds who either enjoy or need to take their trucks off road.

“Truck customers require a wide range of off-road capability options and Ram trucks are designed and engineered for the full spectrum,” said Bob Hegbloom, head of the Ram Truck Brand. “We want to be the leader in off-road,” he added during a press conference during previews for the upcoming Chicago Auto Show.

“Anyone who spends most days on the outskirts of a job site or the weekend on the shore of a favorite fishing hole will benefit from the standard features on our new Ram 2500 4×4 Off-road Package,” he said.

Ram Truck capitalizes on a core piece of the ¾-ton segment with new Ram 2500 4×4 Off-road Package, which includes a list of upgrades, which are designed for all kinds of activity. Hegbloom said pickup trucks can spend a disproportionate amount of time in the dirt, mud and snow when compared to other vehicles in the automotive industry.

In fact, up to 35% of pickup owners operate their vehicle in off-road environments for work and/or play. The new Off-road Component Package provides the functional enhancements to deliver owner confidence off the beaten path, he added.

Hegbloom said the 4×4 Off-road Package rounds out the brand’s enthusiast lineup and reinforces its claim to being the “Off-road Truck Leader” as it joins the Ram Rebel and Power Wagon, both of which are designed and equipped with off-road use in mind, to amplify the company’s commitment to off-road enthusiasts, who enjoy going where others don’t.

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The list of equipment available in the package include front tow hooks the add versatility and allow the Ram 2500 to become a solid anchor point. Larger fender flares in Black or body-color help prevent whatever slings off the tires from covering the side of the truck with debris.

To handle the rough roads, Bilstein monotube shock absorbers soak up the bumps at all four corners and distribute excessive heat that can be generated when driving rough sections for extended periods of time. The performance shocks are tuned specifically for the weight of the truck and take advantage of the exclusive five-link coil rear suspension system, adding further control to the axle.

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The improved suspension is coupled with all-terrain tires. The Ram 2500 4×4 Off-road Package also includes Firestone LT 275/70R 18E OWL on/off-road tires for added traction.

Tall grass and mud holes hide unforeseen impediments. These obstacles generally reveal themselves during breakover maneuvers. To prevent underbody strike damage, the Ram 2500 4×4 Off-road Package includes a transfer case skid plate to address the lowest midpoint of the truck.

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The new package also includes standard Hill-decent Control, borrowed from the Power Wagon. Hill-descent Control allows drivers to control speed down steep, rugged grades with the buttons on the column shifter – without the need for throttle or brake pedals.