All Hail the Haul Master. Ram 3500 HD to see 30,000lb towing capacity in 2013 model.

[daddy]

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/2013-ram-heavy-duty-seeks-to-obliterate-rivals-with-claimed-30-0/

Ram to Build Most Capable Trucks Ever

• Ram 3500 Heavy Duty's maximum trailer weight of 30,000 pounds far surpasses closest competitor's 23,100-pound max
• 850 lb.-ft. Cummins Turbo Diesel is tops for torque
• 37,600-pound Gross Combined Weight Rating leads all heavy-duty pickups
• Ram 2500 leads all ¾-ton pickups
• Ram Chassis Cab trucks also deliver best-in-class towing


In the quest to build the most capable trucks available, Ram officially released class-leading towing and weight ratings for its 2013 line of Ram Heavy Duty pickups and Chassis Cab trucks.

The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup will claim a 30,000-pound trailer capacity thanks to a new class-exclusive 50,000 pounds-per-square-inch, high-strength steel frame, improved transfer case, higher-load transmission, an upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with a best-in-class 850 lb.-ft. of torque and other significant driveline upgrades.

Ram's closest competitor is limited to a 23,100-pound maximum trailer.

"Ram Heavy Duty pickups deliver the attributes most important to H.D. pickup customers," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO -- Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC. "Towing capability, reliability and engine performance are ranked first through third, respectively. The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks deliver all those things, as well as a low total cost of ownership. These are the most capable trucks we've ever built."

The Ram 3500's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) -- which is defined by the maximum combined weight of the truck, payload and trailer -- has been raised to 37,600 pounds, which again far surpasses the closest competitor's 30,500-pound GCWR.

Ram has increased the capability in its other truck models as well.

For 2013, the Ram 2500 will also benefit from increased towing and GCWR. At 18,350 and 25,000, Ram 2500's towing and GCW ratings are also best among ¾-ton pickups.

Ram Chassis Cab trucks also deliver maximum capability with best-in-class towing and GCWR figures 29,600 pounds and 37,500 pounds, respectively (5500 model).

Ram Heavy Duty adds a number of new features for 2013, including a factory-integrated fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch mount, a 17,000-pound Class V hitch with 1,800 pounds of tongue weight, class-exclusive electronic stability control (ESC) for dual-rear-wheels and a new Center High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) –positioned camera, the first of its kind in the heavy-duty pickup category, to provide a full view of the bed for easier hook-up of fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers as well as monitoring cargo.

For 2013, all Ram Heavy Duty diesels benefit from an all-new cooling system. A high-efficiency fan, dual radiators, dual transmission coolers and low-slung charge air cooler afford 25 percent more heat-rejection capacity. Lower operating temperatures deliver improved performance, durability and lower operating costs. Cummins Turbo Diesel-equipped Ram trucks also provide best-in-class 15,000-mile oil change intervals.

Ram is also introducing an industry-exclusive Ram Active Air intake system. When the intake system senses extreme heat, it draws cooler air from the front of the vehicle – a function that also engages at high altitudes for superior throttle response in low oxygen environments. When conditions are wet from snow, ice or water-fording, the system pulls air from an under-hood inlet, clear from snow packing and water.

Also among the upgrades for 2013, Ram Heavy Duty front drive shafts and U-joints are sized larger to align with the truck's new Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).

To handle the best-in-class towing capability of the new Ram Heavy Duty, a new front and rear suspension system with advanced geometry builds upon the chassis improvements and greatly improves overall roll stiffness. An advanced three-link front suspension on the Ram 3500 is necessary for the vehicle's higher GVWR and for use with heavy front loads, including snow plows. Additionally, a newly designed Hotchkiss leaf spring rear suspension on the Ram 3500 offers improved ride and handling while delivering higher towing and payload capability.

 

[CJ Hungus]

Good grief!

 

[Nick The Great]

Damn

 

[daddy]

Good grief!

BUT, can it pull a gasser Chevy around a parking lot while also hauling a douche bag in the driver's seat? That's the real question.

 

[CJ Hungus]

Good grief!

BUT, can it pull a gasser Chevy around a parking lot while also hauling a douche bag in the driver's seat? That's the real question.

I guess we're gonna have to go to Alaska to find out.




I kid, I kid.

 

[Alljackedup408]

SICKKKK.

That is just nasty. Put a tuner on it and baam. 1000lbs -ft of torque... jeeeez

 

[NMRam]

At what point do the manufacturers realize that there are other safety factors to consider in the "tow wars"?

Just because they can build a vehicle that you can physically hook a 30k lb trailer up to and it will pull it without bending/breaking something, that doesn't make it safe! When the load being hauled is 5-6 times the weight of the tow vehicle, physics come into play regarding steering and stopping, not just gaining forward momentum. At some point, folks need to realize that they need to properly match their tow vehicle to their load. If you are pulling 30k, you need a medium to heavy duty TRUCK......not a pickup.

 

[The_Chupacabra]

At what point do the manufacturers realize that there are other safety factors to consider in the "tow wars"?

Just because they can build a vehicle that you can physically hook a 30k lb trailer up to and it will pull it without bending/breaking something, that doesn't make it safe! When the load being hauled is 5-6 times the weight of the tow vehicle, physics come into play regarding steering and stopping, not just gaining forward momentum. At some point, folks need to realize that they need to properly match their tow vehicle to their load. If you are pulling 30k, you need a medium to heavy duty TRUCK......not a pickup.

I agree with your argument but what do you think happens with a semi tractor only being 14k and pulling a total weight of up to 90k....

 

[NMRam]

At what point do the manufacturers realize that there are other safety factors to consider in the "tow wars"?

Just because they can build a vehicle that you can physically hook a 30k lb trailer up to and it will pull it without bending/breaking something, that doesn't make it safe! When the load being hauled is 5-6 times the weight of the tow vehicle, physics come into play regarding steering and stopping, not just gaining forward momentum. At some point, folks need to realize that they need to properly match their tow vehicle to their load. If you are pulling 30k, you need a medium to heavy duty TRUCK......not a pickup.

I agree with your argument but what do you think happens with a semi tractor only being 14k and pulling a total weight of up to 90k....

The semi tractor has multiple axles and a long wheelbase to distribute the load over, along with air brakes and other features which help it handle stopping and maneuvering. In addition, the drivers require special training and licenses (can't be too tough though, I've had one), which, in theory, teach them the special driving skills to handle the heavy loads. I think giving too many idiots access to a vehicle which tells them they CAN tow 30k whether or not they should just puts everyone else on the road at risk.

 

[The_Chupacabra]

At what point do the manufacturers realize that there are other safety factors to consider in the "tow wars"?

Just because they can build a vehicle that you can physically hook a 30k lb trailer up to and it will pull it without bending/breaking something, that doesn't make it safe! When the load being hauled is 5-6 times the weight of the tow vehicle, physics come into play regarding steering and stopping, not just gaining forward momentum. At some point, folks need to realize that they need to properly match their tow vehicle to their load. If you are pulling 30k, you need a medium to heavy duty TRUCK......not a pickup.

I agree with your argument but what do you think happens with a semi tractor only being 14k and pulling a total weight of up to 90k....

The semi tractor has multiple axles and a long wheelbase to distribute the load over, along with air brakes and other features which help it handle stopping and maneuvering. In addition, the drivers require special training and licenses (can't be too tough though, I've had one), which, in theory, teach them the special driving skills to handle the heavy loads. I think giving too many idiots access to a vehicle which tells them they CAN tow 30k whether or not they should just puts everyone else on the road at risk.

That is a better argument. I very much agree with that. I also have a CDL and the first thing you said just threw me for a loop but I forgot about the tandem axles and air brakes and all that.