The new 2019 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cab has upgraded its commercial work truck segment with higher capabilities, advanced technology, and comfort.
The Ram Chassis Cab has a standard 6.4-litre HEMI V-8 engine that generates up to 410 horsepower (hp) and 429 lb ft of torque, using fuel-saving technology to improve fuel economy. The 3500 Chassis Cab is the first to offer an eight-speed transmission using TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic with this engine. When the engine is paired with an Aisin AS66RC six-speed automatic transmission with Power Take-Off (PTO) capability, the 4500 and 55000 Chassis Cab delivers 370 hp and 429 lb ft of torque.
On the other hand, a Cummins 6.7 litre inline-six turbo diesel is available for 3500, 4500, 5500 Chassis Cab, which–when paired with an Aisin AS69RC six-speed automatic transmission–delivers 360 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque with PTO capability in the left and right side in 4×2 configurations.
“Ram Chassis Cab operators work their trucks at maximum capability in the harshest drive cycles every day. By offering 15,975 kg (35,220 lb) of towing capacity, 5,674 kg (12,510 lb) of payload and a Gross Combined Weight Rating of 19,504 kg (43,000 lb), our 2019 Ram Chassis Cabs take segment leadership in areas most important to customers and upfitters alike,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand, FCA. “With the Chassis Cab Limited, we’ve also created something the segment has never seen, surrounding owners in premium materials and technology with the highest quality interiors, active safety systems, and of course, our award-winning Uconnect technology.”
The Ram Chassis Cab 3500, 4500, and 5500 represent Class 3, 4 and 5 Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) ratings. Additionally, Ram offers a 4,491 kg (9,990 lb) Class 2 Chassis Cab.
Engineering
All the 2019 frames are built with 97% high-strength steel, which offers up to zero-component interface above rear rails for easy upfits and high levels of torsional rigidity. An aluminum hood contributes to an overall weight reduction by up to 54 kg (120 lb).
A class-leading Vehicle System Interface Module (VSIM) is capable of communicating between aftermarket modules and factory control modules on more than 70 inputs and outputs, such as lighting controls, and door, throttle, and transmission positions.
Safety and security
Only the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab offers active and passive systems that assist drivers and passengers, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) that can also come with trailer brakes on all trim levels.
Two other features include the new trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that monitors up to six tires and 12 trailer tires, and the class-exclusive ParkSense Front and Rear Assist system, which provides visual and audible indications and a larger field of vision using a 270-degree camera system with trailer reverse-guidance view.
The camera system includes a cargo-view camera that allows owners to monitor the upfit and payload in the rear of the truck and aids hookups with fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitches.
Design
The interior has been redesigned for comfort, which now incorporates a new 12-inch reconfigurable touchscreen display featuring tailor-made graphics and split-screen capability that allows the owner to operate two different applications at once.
The 12-inch display also highlights next-level audio entertainment Sirius XM with 360 L and Sirius XM Travel Link that conveys real-time local weather forecasts, fuel prices, and live weather maps. This technology contributes to a more efficient drive, while the revamped interior allows the driver to enjoy a smooth, comfortable driving experience.
The truck will be available in the second quarter of 2019 and pricing will be announced at a later date.
