September 27, 2012
, Auburn Hills, Mich.
-
The 2013 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab truck is the pinnacle of
capability. Engineered and designed for extreme daily work, the Ram
Chassis Cabs are products of a demanding environment and direct customer
input. Ram’s halo truck line focuses on best-in-class capability and
best-in-class total cost of ownership, a leading concern among business
owners. For 2013, the new Chassis Cab trucks also receive an all-new
interior, the latest infotainment technology and exclusive upfit
solutions, giving Ram Chassis Cab a competitive advantage. The new
Chassis Cab goes further to offer a best-in-class powertrain warranty of
5 years/100,000 miles.
“The Ram Chassis Cab lineup is engineered for hard work. Our efforts to
simplify upfitting and reduce total cost of ownership have made Ram a
popular choice for industrial, commercial and even personal
applications,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO, Ram Truck Brand and
Chrysler de Mexico — Chrysler Group LLC. “We see an opportunity to grow
our share in the Chassis Cab segment and Ram is offering best-in-class
capabilities with class-exclusive features to get the job done and
attract new customers."
The new 2013 Chassis Cab best-in-class capability ratings:
- Best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
- Best-in-class towing
- Best-in-class front Gross Axle Weight rating (GAWR) on 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
- Largest fuel tank
- Best-in-class 15,000-mile oil change intervals on Cummins diesel
- Largest -in-class brakes
- Best-in-class dual 220-amp alternator system
- Exclusive back up camera for upfitter positioning
- Best-in-class powertrain warranty
Ram Chassis Cab engineers design trucks for upfits and develop unique
features to ease installation of multiple systems and bodies without
interference or difficult relocation of components, including:
- Industry standard frame lengths 60-inch, 84-inch, 108-inch and 120-inch
- No components or lines above the rear frame rails
- Through-the-frame plumbing and electrical
- Removable/ movable exhaust and frame components
- DEF refill port is conveniently located at the rear of the cab on the driver’s side to ensure easy access at pump stations
ENGINEERING
With the upfits in mind, the 2013 Ram Chassis Cab trucks
feature new frames built with high-strength 50 KSI steel, including
eight separate cross-member construction. Designing the frames for
upfits creates a competitive advantage, improves durability and reduces
warranty costs from unapproved modifications. Ram Chassis Cab trucks
have no components or lines above the rear frame rails. This feature
reduces the need for modification and relocation that is sometimes
required in competitive trucks. One piece, C-channel rear frame rails,
and through-the-frame plumbing and electrical provide a flat plane for
ease of mounting application bodies and accessories.
To handle the best-in-class towing and unsurpassed Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) capability of the new Ram Chassis Cab, new springs have
been integrated to handle heavier front load while maintaining front
ride height. The improvements also improve overall roll stiffness.
Greater roll stiffness, also known as body roll, is an important
characteristic in taller vehicles, especially trucks with heavy
payloads. An advanced five-link front suspension ensures excellent ride
and handling for a higher GVWR and for use with heavy front loads,
including snow plows. The newly designed Hotchkiss rear leaf spring
suspension not only provides a minimum of zero degrees rake angle at max
load, it also maintains objectives for ride and handling.
Steering
Along with alterations in the suspension, Ram engineers
improved the Chassis Cab steering. The drag link is repositioned over
the track bar to reduce roll oversteer and to improve tracking at
highway speeds. Also, the drag link is now attached directly to the
knuckle, offering improved efficiency for driver input. The caster and
track are increased for more wheel aligning torque, which improves
return-to-center at the steering wheel. A new ball joint alignment
feature and sealing method improves alignment and service for lower
total cost of ownership. The 2013 Ram Chassis Cab receives a new
steering damper with new valving and protective cover for added
durability. These improvements result in enhanced and precise on-center
feel despite the vehicles higher towing and payload capacities.
Body
The 2013 Ram Chassis Cab comes equipped with updated engine,
transmission and body mounts for class-leading noise, vibration and
harshness (NVH) characteristics.
Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab commercial trucks are available with
an engineering-approved, upfitter-friendly solution for customers who
require back panel removal on regular cab trucks. Because the
instructions were created and approved by Ram commercial truck
engineers, the cutaway design retains the structural integrity of the
truck.
Electrical
As the Ram Chassis Cab continues to offer more feature content,
it created the need for a technology that allows more information to be
electronically communicated within the truck. The new Powernet system
allows both high- and low-speed data networks to be equipped with as
many as 40 individual modules, all designed to improve vehicle
performance and enhance the comfort and safety of driver and passengers.
A majority of the commercial truck customers need to tie into the
electrical system and certain fleet customers require access to vehicle
information. A new best-in-class, vehicle system interface module (VSIM)
is capable of communicating between aftermarket modules and various
Chassis Cab control modules. The class exclusive module acts as a secure
gateway to the vehicles’ electrical systems and data bus architecture
to enable safe, secure plug ‘n play connectivity for up-fitter use.
New for 2013, an optional dual 220-amp alternator system on the
diesel-equipped Ram Chassis Cab provides best-in-class electrical
capability for the higher electrical loads required in select upfits
such as emergency lighting and electric clutch pumps.
Total cost of ownership and best-in-class powertrain warranty - 5 years/ 100,000 miles
Operating costs are of great consideration for owner’s who use their
trucks for work. The 2013 Ram Chassis Cab holds class-leading features
in:
- Extended maintenance cycle (15,000 mile oil change, fuel filter life)
- Brake life with advanced engine exhaust brake
- Upfit integration
The 2013 Ram Chassis Cab is backed with an best-in-class
5-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. The powertrain limited
warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a
covered powertrain component – engine, transmission and drive system.
Coverage also includes free towing to the nearest Ram Truck dealer, if
necessary. The warranty is transferable allowing customers who sell
their truck during the warranty period to pass the coverage on to the
new owner. The standard 3-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty
provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for the Ram Chassis Cab, from the
body to the electrical system.
POWERTRAIN
The new Ram trucks deliver the most diesel power in the
medium-duty commercial-truck segment – a proven and highly efficient
gasoline engine, an upgraded six-speed automatic transmission with
enhanced power take-off (PTO) capability and a host of technologies
aimed at delivering best-in-class cost of operation attributes.
The 3500 chassis cab comes standard with the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI®
V-8 gasoline engine. The engine produces 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and
generates peak torque of 400 lb.-ft. at 3,950 rpm. Mated to the 66RFE
six-speed automatic transmission, the HEMI® features enhanced fuel
efficiency and power output, thanks to the incorporation of variable
valve-timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Refinements and other
applied technologies provide the latest-generation HEMI with performance
and fuel economy improvements to rival multi-valve V-8 offerings.
Unlike the competition, Ram offers two engine variants based on the 6.7-liter Cummins for diesel supremacy in the segment.
The first version features 320 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and 650 lb.-ft.
of torque at 1,500 rpm – an increase of 15 horsepower and 40 lb.-ft.
torque over the previous offering. The engine is paired with Ram’s
segment-exclusive six-speed manual transmission, which features a
wear-compensating clutch for consistent performance and a dual-trunion
shift tower to accommodate a compact shift pattern.
A second high-output diesel delivers 325 horsepower at 2,800 rpm and
generates best-in-class torque of 750 lb.-ft. at 1,600 rpm. The engine
is paired with a new Aisin six-speed automatic transmission (AS69RC) and
marks the first time a high-output diesel is offered in Chassis Cab.
The new AS69RC transmission features more robust components and a new
controller that improves shift performance, transmission efficiency and
drivability when compared to the previous model. The new transmission is
designed for higher engine ratings and enables a left-side PTO option,
as well as allowing for a split shaft PTO configuration. Fire pumpers,
dump beds, cranes and onboard compressor/generators are typical PTO
based upfits.
For 2013, all Ram Chassis Cab diesels benefit from an all-new cooling
system. A high-efficiency fan, dual radiators, dual transmission coolers
and charge air cooler afford 25 percent more heat-rejection capacity to
align with best-in-class GCWR. Lower operating temperatures deliver
improved performance, durability and lower operating costs.
New GCWR ratings also led to the development of the industry-exclusive
Ram Active Air intake system, activated by new monitoring capabilities
added to the engine controller. When the exclusive 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 ingestion.
Emissions performance
The Cummins powerplants benefit from a larger exhaust-gas
recirculation cooler, which complements the selective catalytic
reduction (SCR) and accommodates a best-in-class oil-change interval of
15,000 miles. Oil life is increased by reducing soot production and
reducing fuel dilution of the oil.
When needed, the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is injected into the exhaust
to reduce NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) emissions coming out of the tail pipe.
Unlike the competition, the Ram Chassis Cab maintains full power when
fluid is low. The state-of-the art DEF system applied on the Ram Chassis
Cab features an electric heater in the DEF tank to ensure the fluid is
available in a liquid state regardless of climate. The result is a less
complex system for enhanced durability. Competitive designs have used a
network of glycol-circulated cooling/heating lines. The DEF refill port
is conveniently located at the rear of the cab on the driver’s side of
the vehicle, and clear of upfit zones, a configuration that ensures easy
access at fuel stations when compared to the competition.
Combined with an improvement in fuel economy, due in part to the
engines’ high-pressure common-rail fuel system, SCR provides a net
reduction in Ram Chassis Cab operating costs.
The SCR-equipped Cummins engines also operate cleaner by lowering
greenhouse-gas emissions and better managing soot production than Lean
NOx Trap (LNT) technology.
DESIGN
Exterior
Two new grille designs are available on the 2013 Ram Chassis
Cab, and the quad headlamp design has improved light spread, pattern
consistency and distance. An all-new premium headlamp is offered
featuring bi-functional halogen projectors and new LEDs for park/turn
and side markers. The LED light housings are functional hardware with
appeal and durability over incandescent bulbs.
An exclusive, new back-up camera is available and delivered with factory
wiring and multi-purpose mount for easy installation by the upfitter.
The camera provides a view of the rear with upgraded resolution with
higher definition and dynamic imaging in the available 8.4-inch radio
display or 1.7 x 3-inch display in the rear-view mirror.
Exterior door and fender badges are located in a portrait style format
providing usable real estate on the door for a commercial customer’s
logos and graphics.
For 2013, Ram Chassis Cab offers 12 different colors with an additional
18 specialty paint options, including Midnight Blue, Case Construction
Power Tan, Case IH Red, New Holland Construction Yellow, New Holland
Agriculture Blue and Robin Egg Blue.
Interior
New Ram Chassis Cab features and technologies create an
opportunity for a redesigned interior with material upgrades, improved
fit and finish, new colors, HVAC controls and new multimedia systems.
In four-door models, rear-seat occupants enjoy the same quality, fit and
finish as the driver. With points of contact a priority, new premium,
durable materials are now on all four doors.
The 2013 Ram Chassis Cab features the next generation 8.4-inch Uconnect
system. To make room for the new big screen, the center stack is
upgraded with matching materials found throughout the interior. To
complement the range of Chassis Cab models, the interior design team
created new, individualized themes with different colors and materials.
The all-new HVAC controls take lessons learned from other Chrysler Group
Uconnect applications and feature simple, improved function meeting the
highest Human Machine Interface (HMI) standards. The HVAC system
includes a redundant architecture allowing the operator to use either
the 8.4-inch touchscreen or manual controls to alter the truck’s
environment. Below the upgraded HVAC arrangement is a new switch bank
with relocated, easy-to-use controls for a number of features depending
on vehicle models and options. The top row is for functional features
and includes exhaust brake, tow/haul and ESC. The bottom row comes
standard as an auxiliary switch bank for all five spots with a PTO
option when equipped. Contiguous to the switch bank is a relocated and
prominently placed adjustable integrated trailer brake control allowing
the driver to add or reduce trailer brake function on the fly. The new
console center stack includes one 115-volt and two 12-volt outlets on
either side with an optional powered USB on the driver’s side.
All Ram Chassis Cab trucks continue to use a column shifter for the
automatic transmission. Electronic Range Select (ERS) is now located on
the face of the steering wheel, right side, allowing individual gear
selection. Diesel models offer an exclusive manual six-speed
transmission, the only manual transmission offering in the segment. On
all models, the transfer case retains full capability with a rotary
e-shift to control “4WD Auto,” “4WD Lock,” “4WD Low,” “2WD” and
“Neutral”.
New technology moves to the gauge cluster. Previously only available on
premium models, the 3.5-inch vehicle information center screen is now a
standard feature. The new thin-film transistor (TFT), 7-inch multiview
display is now available on premium models. The 7-inch screen features
fully customizable function and configurability giving the owner a
variety of systems to monitor from transmission temperature to
navigation.
Chassis Cab trucks with bucket seats offer additional storage capacity
in the center console. Six-passenger capability is available with the
40-20-40 bench seat.
Two new steering wheels are available and seating colors and feel are
upgraded with new colors, including a new premium cloth material.
The center consoles for both the bucket and 40-20-40 bench seat
configurations are all new with efficient storage in mind. The new
bucket seat console uses the extra space as additional storage. The
bench seat design includes three new cup holders built into the console
lid that features a washable rubber bellow lining allowing storage for
most cup sizes as well as other personal items. Folding back the center
console and center front seat base reveals a large storage bin that
houses an optional CD player. Both versions of the console feature two
tiers of storage and are available with a new multi-media port with USB,
SD card and auxiliary inputs in the upper tier. Additionally, a 2.5-amp
USB power port and 12-volt outlet are available to meet device-charging
needs.
UCONNECT
Building upon base radio capability, two new Uconnect systems
are offered to provide Ram customers with a range of features and
connectivity options. The Uconnect 8.4A and 8.4AN provide Ram truck
owners with a built-in wireless connection allowing vehicle occupants to
automatically connect to a variety of new services. Users can remotely
lock and unlock doors or start their vehicles from any distance via the
web or a smartphone application. The new Uconnect system includes a 911
button on the rear-view mirror for a direct connection to emergency
services. An ASSIST button also is integrated into the rear-view mirror
to summon help directly from a roadside assistance provider or connect
with Chrysler Group’s Vehicle Customer Care Center. Wi-Fi hotspot
capability enabled by Uconnect Access provides in-cabin wireless
Internet connectivity via laptop, tablet or smartphone, whether on the
move or at the worksite. Applications are updatable over the air and are
downloaded directly to the Uconnect 8.4A and 8.4AN systems, keeping
features current.
Uconnect Voice Command allows drivers to control their mobile phone,
music and navigation system while staying focused on driving. The phone
book within a compatible phone is automatically downloaded,
synchronizing as many as 1,000 phone book entries, which can then be
selected by simply saying a contact name. The feature also allows
drivers to switch radio modes, tune to AM, FM, HD and SiriusXM Radio
stations and request real-time information (such as fuel prices) from
the available SiriusXM Travel Link using natural voice commands.
Uconnect supports Bluetooth-equipped cell phones with message access
profile (MAP) advanced text-messaging. This industry-first voice
recognition uses the embedded connectivity to access cloud-based
voice-recognition and enable advanced text messaging, which converts the
spoken word into verbatim text messages. Communication is limited only
by the user’s vocabulary.
Filling the gauge cluster in front of the driver is an available 7-inch,
color, premium multiview display, featuring a new customizable function
that enables Ram customers to personalize information inside the
instrument cluster. Ram’s new information display is designed to
visually communicate information, using graphics and text, quickly and
easily. The multiview display offers drivers a wide range of
customization options, from a basic digital speed read out to specific
vehicle status information. Operation of the display is clearly
communicated to users with easy-to-understand icons and instructions.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Ram Chassis Cab trucks offer more than 45 active and passive
safety and security features, including standard front air bags and
seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags with Enhanced Accident Response
System (EARS), knee bolsters, seat-belt pretensioners, BeltAlert and
ParkView rear back-up camera system.
The 2013 Ram Chassis Cab models also include standard ESC, a segment
exclusive on Class 3/4/5 chassis cabs over 10,000 lb. GVWR. ESC hosts a
number of technologies including all-speed traction control,
trailer-sway control, Hill-start Assist and anti-lock brake system
(ABS).
The new 2013 Ram Chassis Cab now offers Keyless Enter ’n Go technology,
which allows the doors to be unlocked and the truck to be started
without having to touch the key fob. An available remote start feature
allows a driver to start their truck from up to 300 feet away. Door
controls, illuminated entry, engine immobilizer and panic alert are
standard features with the Keyless Enter ’n Go system. Auto rain-sensing
wipers and SmartBeam headlamps also are new offerings, adding to a long
list of content.
MANUFACTURING
Start of production of the 2013 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis
Cab is scheduled for the first quarter of 2013 at the Saltillo Truck
Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.