2019 Ram Chassis Cabs More Comfortable, Capable
Ram Commercial Truck unveiled its 2019-model Chassis Cab vehicles including a Limited version with all amenities from its heavy duty pickups series. All trim levels have improved information displays, updated interiors and higher payload and towing capabilities.
The next-generation Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 HD are joined by a new 2500 HD cab-chassis, the latter with a 10,000-pound GVW rating. Frames are made of up to 97 percent high-strength steel and C-channel rails are designed with clean top surfaces for easy body mounting. Additionally, pre-drilled holes are designed throughout the structure to route upfit lines or mount hardware related to the upfit.
Towing capacity of the heaviest Ram Chassis Cab is 35,220 pounds, gross combined weight is 43,000 pounds, and payload capacity is up to 12,510 pounds, officials said at a briefing during the National Truck Equipment Association’s Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.
The standard engine in the 2019 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab is the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with up to 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ram 3500 Chassis Cab now employs Fuel Saver Technology cylinder deactivation to increase fuel economy. When the engine is paired with the optional Aisin AS66RC six-speed automatic transmission with power take-off, Fuel Saver Technology functions under light load while in stationary PTO mode to reduce fuel consumption.
In the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab, the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, paired with the Aisin AS66RC electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission with optional PTO capability, delivers 370 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. In all Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab applications, the Hemi engine uses interactive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off, which stops fuel flow to the cylinders when decelerating, to improve fuel economy.
A significantly revised Cummins 6.7-liter inline-six turbo diesel is optional on the 2019 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab. Paired with the Aisin AS69RC electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with optional PTO capability, the Cummins engine delivers 360 horsepower and the highest available torque in Class 4 and 5 at 800 lb.-ft.
Changes to the Cummins engine include a cylinder block made from compacted graphite iron. Using compacted graphite iron produces a block that is stronger and better able to dampen vibrations. A new cast-iron cylinder head builds on the new block with changes that include new exhaust valves and springs, and new rocker arms driven by a hollow camshaft, contributing to the weight savings. The Cummins also gets a new oil pump and a water pump with a lightweight aluminum housing. Overall, the new Cummins Turbo Diesel weighs 60 pounds less than the previous-generation engine.
An array of active and passive safety systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and AEB with trailer brakes available on all trim levels. A ParkSense Park Assist system provides visual and audible indications and a 270-degree camera system with trailer reverse-guidance. Also available is a cargo-view camera allowing owners to monitor the upfit and/or payload in the rear of the truck. A tire pressure monitoring system can watch up to six tires on the truck plus up to 12 trailer tires.
Four trim levels are offered on the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab: Tradesman, SLT, Laramie and the new Limited. New features and premium materials grace the interiors. A new instrument panel combines a strong, structurally interlocking appearance covered in a variety of forms, pushing the central controls up and toward the driver within the cabin, improving overall reachability of system controls.
As a centerpiece, the 2019 Chassis Cab offers the Uconnect 4C NAV on a 12-inch fully reconfigurable touchscreen with tailormade graphics for various Ram models. The touchscreen can display one application, or can be divided in half, operating two different applications at once.
2019 Ram Chassis Cab models are built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.
2019 Ram 2500 through 5500 Chassis Cab models come in four trim levels, including a new Limited series. Higher payload and tow ratings, stronger frames, upgraded interiors and standard safety systems are among features.
