At the NTEA Work Truck Show last week, Ram Commercial announced that its 2016 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks will offer the most power take-off (PTO) options. Both 4x4 and 4x2 Ram Chassis Cab trucks with 6.4L HEMI gasoline or 6.7L Cummins diesel engines now feature PTO capability on the right and left sides.
In addition, Ram Chassis Cab trucks offer a best-in-class 60-hp variant of PTO output, according to the company. Reaching 60 hp "is no problem for the 6.7L Cummins, and Ram also holds the title with our 6.4L HEMI V8 gas engine while using four-cylinder mode." Fuel saver technology in the 6.4L HEMI creates greater efficiencies while on a job site with the ability to run a compressor and generator simultaneously off the PTO.
"Ram Commercial has gained ground through innovation and by listening to owners," said Dave Sowers, head of Ram Commercial. "By offering exclusive features and through constant improvement, we continue our role as most-upfitter-friendly and Ram's record sales are proof we’re making customers happy."
Ram says its Chassis Cab truck line focuses on delivering best-in-class capability and best-in-class total cost of ownership. "The data speaks for itself, with best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 37,500 lbs., best-in-class towing capability of 29,600 lbs. and best-in-class frame strength provided by 50,000-psi steel," the company stated in a release.
All configurations of Chassis Cab can be ordered with a dual fuel tank capacity of 74-gallons — the highest fuel storage and drive range in the trucks' segments, according to Ram. More fuel means more run time and improved total cost of ownership, giving models more than 1,000 miles of operation.
Park assist
Current model year Ram Chassis Cab trucks can be ordered with an optional ParkSense Package, which now includes a new front park-assist system. According to Ram, this exclusive feature further enhances safe operation and complements the current back-up camera offering. The feature improves total cost of ownership and reduces potential damage by audibly notifying the driver of on-coming contact.
For 2016, Ram Chassis Cab trucks also offer a new, lower-cost radio option available with Bluetooth connectivity.
Heavier class
The company says the Ram Commercial Truck brand will continue to expand its presence in the vocation truck segment by enhancing the capabilities of Ram's Tradesman series of trucks from half-ton to Class 5. Ram is also establishing a network of 950 commercially-focused dealers, expanding commercial and vocational marketing efforts and leveraging Fiat Professional to bring commercial vans to North America.
The 2016 Chassis Cab best-in-class capability ratings, according to Ram, include:
• Best-in-class gross combined weight rating (GCWR);
• Best-in-class towing (4500 and 5500);
• Best-in-class front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on 4500 and 5500;
• Best-in-class rear frame steel strength of 50,000 psi; and
• Best-in-class crew cab "curb to curb" turning diameter for 3500, 4500 and 5500.
Features include a number of industry exclusives:
• Vehicle system interface module (VSIM) is capable of communicating between aftermarket modules and various Chassis Cab control modules;
• Electronic stability control (ESC) on all models;
• Best-in-class, dual fuel tank capacity of 74 gal. (52-gal. tank plus 22-gal. tank);
• Best-in-class 15,000-mile oil change intervals on Cummins diesel;
• Largest-in-class brakes;
• Best-in-class dual alternator systems up to 440 amps;
• Exclusive fit-to-use backup camera and front/rear parking sensors; and
• Best-in-class powertrain warranty – five years/100,000 mi. on diesel engines and 5 year/60,000 mi. on gas engines.
Ram Chassis Cab engineers design trucks for upfits and develop unique features intended to ease installation of multiple systems and bodies without interference or requiring relocation of components, including:
• Industry standard frame lengths of 60, 84, 108 and 120 in.;
• No components or lines above the rear frame rails;
• Through-the-frame plumbing and electrical; and
• Diesel exhaust fluid tank (DEF) refill port is located for convenience at the rear of the cab on the driver's side.
