Ram has lifted the veil off its most work-oriented trucks:
the Chassis Cab line. Debuting at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab brings a
class-leading 15,975 kg of towing, a payload of 5,674 kg, and Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GVW) of 19,504
kg.
The 2019 Ram Chassis Cab is available in 3500, 4500,
and 5500 configurations, representing Class 3, 4, and 5 GVW ratings
respectively. In addition, Ram offers a unique, 10k GVW Class 2 Chassis Cab. The improved capability is made possible
by a revised Cummins 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder turbo diesel that delivers
360 hp and 1,083 Nm of torque — and Ram says that’s the highest
available torque in Class 4 and 5.
Changes to the Cummins engine include a cylinder
block made from compacted graphite iron, which is said to increase strength and
dampen vibrations. Furthermore, it contributes to a weight drop of 27
kg over the previous-generation engine. The updated turbo diesel also features
new exhaust valves and springs, as well as a new oil pump and water pump with
lightweight-aluminum housing.
The diesel is optional, with the 2019 Ram Chassis
Cab trucks equipped as standard with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 410
horsepower and 581 Nm of torque (370 horsepower on 4500 and 5500
models).
In the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, the engine uses Fuel
Saver Technology cylinder deactivation to increase fuel economy. The standard
transmission is the TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic – the first
eight-speed auto in the segment. When paired with the optional Aisin AS66RC
six-speed automatic transmission with Power Take-Off (PTO), Fuel Saver Technology
works under light load while in stationary PTO mode to reduce fuel consumption.
In the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab, the six-speed
auto transmission is standard. The Cummins-equipped 2019 Ram 3500/4500/5500
Chassis Cab models feature the Aisin AS69RC electronically controlled six-speed
automatic transmission with optional PTO capability. Styling-wise, the 2019 Chassis
Cab lineup shares the cab with the new 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD pickups. They
get four different grille styles, three head lamp variations, and an aluminum
hood.
Inside, the work trucks get the cool interior from
the 2019 Ram 1500, with highlights including the available 12-inch Uconnect 4C
NAV reconfigurable touchscreen display, better-quality materials, and new
technology. The 2019 Ram Chassis Cab is the only truck in the segment to offer
Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB) and AEB with trailer brakes on all trim levels.
Ram Chassis Cab trucks come in four frame lengths
measured in inches from the cab to the rear axle (CA): CA 60, CA 84, CA 108 and
CA 120. They are also available in four grades: Tradesman, SLT, Laramie, and
the new Limited. Built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico, the
2019 Ram Chassis Cab will arrive in dealerships in the second quarter of this
year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
