RAM 2500 and 3500 upgraded for 2018

Australian importer for RAM, Ateco, has announced that the latest-model RAM 2500 and 3500 feature revised suspension settings for 2018 that have been developed in Australia for Australian conditions. These provide a smoother, more comfortable ride quality, we’re told, without impacting on the towing ability of the RAM 2500 and 3500 of up to 6.9 tonnes.

For 2018, all RAM trucks come with the latest uConnect 4 system that brings a new 8.4-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility and USB flip connection, which allows two phones to be plugged into the system simultaneously and, at the touch of the screen, the system will switch between the two phones without them being plugged in and out.

New standard convenience features include rain sensing wipers and headlights that dip automatically for approaching vehicles. The load bay lights may now be set to come on automatically when the RAM is unlocked.

As a fully factory approved import that is built in North America specifically for the Australian market, the RAM 2500 and 3500 may be ordered with factory fitted optional equipment.

RamBoxes, the unique cargo management system that includes two 243 litre lockers, one on either side of the tray and easily accessible even with the tub is fully loaded, and racking system for the tub, now comes with a full, secure tonneau cover as standard.

The standard RAM 2500 and 3500 comes with a six-foot four-inch tub and this is now supplemented by an optional eight-foot tub which includes a boost in fuel tank size to 132 litres. With eight-foot tub interior tub length rises from 1938 mm to 2496 mm with tailgate closed, while minimum width remains 1295 mm between the wheel arches.

Also available for the RAM 2500 as a factory fitted option is auto-leveling rear air suspension with the eight foot tub which automatically detects load on the suspension from a trailer or payload. The air pressure increases until the vehicle reaches normal ride height, levelling the truck and improving the loaded ride. In addition, the rear may be lowered by an inch to assist with hitching up trailers.

Cummins power
Powered by a 6.7 litre Cummins Turbo Diesel engine that boasts 276kW and a hefty 1084Nm, both the RAM 2500 and 3500 offer a blend of load carrying and towing ability with a high level of comfort. The Cummins is mated to a six-speed gearbox with switchable four-wheel drive with high and low range.

With a tongue and 50mm ball they can tow 3.5 tonnes; fit a 70mm ball to the tongue and this increases to 4.5 tonnes and add a pintle and the maximum towing capacity is 6.9 tonnes. The payload is 913kg in the 2500 and, depending on specification, up to 1713kg in the RAM 3500.

Depending on specification, the RAM 3500 can have a gross combined mass of up to 11,479kg.

But the RAM 2500 and 3500’s towing ability is not just about weights and payloads, they come standard with a full exhaust brake system with manual and auto settings that provides smooth, progressive speed reduction and reduces wear and tear on brakes; a slider control for electric trailer brakes is also built into the dashboard.

The RAM 2500 and 3500’s chassis electronics and gearbox may be switched, via dashboard button, into a special tow/haul mode that, as the name suggests provides the ideal setup for towing while the gearbox has a pre-select button that enables gears to be preselected for optimal deceleration through engine braking.

High-spec interior
The RAM 2500 and 3500 may be built for sustained hard work in difficult conditions but climb into the cab and it’s a world of comfort and luxury. This is clear from every angle, be it the rear bench with its back rest, unlike many utes, at angle that is comfortable for long journeys, has storage lockers, a centre arm rest with cup holders, air vents and reading lights.

Meanwhile in the front, the seats are both heated and cool-air ventilated; the steering wheel is heated; the pedals move electrically, along with the seats, windows and sunroof. There is a huge centre locker with yet more cup holders which folds up to reveal another seat.

RAM says that while the 2500 and 3500 share many things in design, engineering and performance, there are a few differences that define the purposes to which their owners plan to put them. In simple terms, the 2500 is designed for owners who will use the towing capabilities on an occasional basis and will be running the vehicle less often fully laden.

For this reason, it has coil springs at the rear. The RAM 3500 is designed for owners for whom towing and carry major payloads for the majority of the time will be their main use of the 3500 and it is fitted with a Hotchkiss leaf spring rear suspension to meet these demands. To maximise this ability, the RAM 3500 is available in two versions, one rated for a car driving licence and a second version rated for light rigid driving licence which allows a higher payload as well as the 6.9 tonne towing capability.

RAM 1500 on its way
Meanwhile as we reported back in March, the RAM 1500 is on its way and will be launched later this month with dealer stock following soon after. The 1500 will be powered by the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine and have a towing capacity of 4500kg.

We will bring you full details of the 1500 as well as pricing following the launch.

All the RAM vehicles sold here through Ateco are remanufactured in Melbourne and carry a three-year 100,000km warranty with three years roadside assist.

Pricing:
RAM 2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub: $139,950
RAM 2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub with five seats: $140,950
RAM 2500 Laramie eight-foot tub: $140,950
RAM 2500 Laramie Sport Appearance Pack: $146,550
RAM 2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub with RamBoxes: $144,350
RAM 2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub with RamBoxes and five seats: $145,350
RAM 2500 Laramie Sport Appearance Pack with RamBoxes: $150,950
RAM 3500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub, car driving licence rating: $144,350
RAM 3500 Laramie eight-foot tub, car driving licence rating: $145,350
RAM 3500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub, light rigid truck driving licence rating: $146,950
RAM 3500 Laramie eight-foot tub, light rigid truck driving licence rating: $147,950