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Ram Chassis Cab is Here and Brings With it Class-Leading Numbers

February 8, 2019 by admin

2019 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab Limited.
2019 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab Limited.

Ram pickup trucks are tearing up the market, thanks in part to an all-new model that’s “bringing it” to the segment. That model is none other than the Ram 1500, which is the brand’s standard full-size truck.

But the 1500 is also joined by a pair of heavy-duty models, the 2500 and 3500. These two vehicles help Ram claim the highest performance, payload and towing numbers in the business.

Ahead of the Chicago Auto Show this week, we began to hear rumblings of something new from Ram. One rumor was quickly confirmed — an available 60/40 split tailgate, giving Ram a viable option to GMC’s “trick” gate.

All-New Ram Chassis Cab

Fortunately, Ram isn’t stopping there. Fiat Chrysler’s truck brand announced that it is releasing all-new chassis cab models. These updated trucks (3500, 4500, and 5500) come with a Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine with an output of 360 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can also select a 6.4-liter gasoline V8 engine. Both engines work with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Yes, these diesel performance numbers are lower than what the standard Ram 3500 delivers, but that’s okay — the real proof of what the new chassis cab does is in another set of numbers.

And those numbers put Ram Commercial at the top of the segment as this pickup truck has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 43,000 pounds. Moreover, the new Ram supplies 35,200 pounds of towing and a payload capacity of 12,510 pounds. Thus, Ram can claim top numbers ahead of its competitors: Ford and Chevrolet/GMC.

2019 Ram Chassis Cab

Upfit and Outfit

At the press conference announcing the new models, a Ram spokesman noted the new trucks may be outfitted to serve in a variety of ways. As such, Ram displayed models that included a bucket truck, a crew cab with a horse trailer, and other work vehicles. The spokesman also suggested the chassis cab could be converted into an ambulance and that’s something we don’t usually see from Ram.

The new chassis cab is stronger and lighter than before thanks to the truck maker utilizing 97-percent high-strength steel frames. Thus, torsional rigidity is up, while weight is down — by approximately 120 pounds.

Tech and Style Highlights

Ram equips the chassis cab with UConnect 4C with a 12-inch display. The package includes the latest audio entertainment with SiriusXM with 360L. Other updates include a “reimagined” center console with a functional workspace featuring more than a dozen different storage layouts. It also has a wider docking area for optional wireless charging and has three USB ports (with two more in the rear).

A pair of available 115-volt three-prong plugs is designed to handle up to 400 watts for charging electronic devices or power tools. Moreover, folding up the rear bench seat reveals an additional contained storage space with under-seat compartments.

Four different grille styles accompany the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab, with not a crosshairs look to be found. The new bumper has larger openings, which supply greater airflow to the turbo intercooler. Ram also integrated proximity sensors to make them less obvious. You’ll find three headlamp variations, including an adaptive front lighting system. Finally, a new shark antenna handles radio, Wi-Fi, navigation and SiriusXM 360L.

Ram Commercial Truck

The Hit Parade

Ram continues to chalk up big gains and that’s a reflection of an automaker anticipating customer needs. Despite all the superlatives gushed at the news conference (e.g., massive, big, best-in-class, powerful) Ram appears to put up with those claims. That’s another salvo fired across the bow of both Ford and GM.


Photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Filed Under: Auto Shows, New Models Tagged With: Chicago Auto Show, GVWR, PAYLOAD, PICKUP TRUCKS, RAM, Ram chassis cab, TOWING, turbo-diesel, V8 engine

5 Tools To Help Safer Driving In Winter Weather

February 7, 2019 by admin

The early months of the year (in the northern hemisphere), are notorious for bringing the worst of what mother nature has to offer. Driving in such conditions unprepared can be dangerous! So, we’ve compiled a list of five useful items and some tips to help keep yourself and others safer on the road.

A Snow Shovel

Source: Pixabay

Whether you’re clearing snow from your driveway or the roof of your car, a snow shovel is likely to be your tool of choice. It’s the kind of item that will sit untouched in the trunk of your vehicle 360 days of the year, but when you do need to use it, it come in handy.  

Prices range from $10-50 depending on the size and quality of the shovel you buy. Alternatively, you can pick one up a second-hand one for as little as a couple of bucks.

Top tip: Always clear your car vehicle roof of any snow before driving. If you don’t do so, you can be fined for endangering other road users and will be liable in the event of an accident.

Antifreeze & Engine Coolant

Source: Flickr

The last thing you want during a cold snap is for the water in your engine’s cooling system to freeze. Such an event can cause damage to components, such as the radiator. They cost a small fortune to fix.

Thankfully, there’s a solution at hand: engine coolant. This magical liquid, which can be purchased at any gas station for around five bucks, can lower the freezing point of water to around -37°C.  Add it to your radiator reservoir after your engine has had time to cool down. (First check to see if it needs to be mixed with water).

Top tip: Tap water can contain suspended particles or minerals that are harmful to engine components. Therefore, it’s best to mix your coolant with water that has been distilled.  

Ice Scraper

Source: Pixabay

There’s nothing worse than being late for work and having to wait for your car’s central heating system to defrost your windscreen.  

One solution to speeding up this process comes in the form of an ice scraper. They can cost as little as a couple of bucks from convenience stores. They help you to clear your screen in a matter of minutes.

Top tip: Don’t use an old CD case or any other D.I.Y contraption to help clear your windscreen of ice. These can break and cause harm to you or damage your car.

New Wiper Blades

Source: Gumtree

Snow, hail, rain, you name it, winter brings it. There’s nothing worse than driving in these difficult conditions than with worn out wipers, that leave behind a smeared mess.

New wiper blade pairs or rubbers can be picked up from a local automotive center or online for $10-20. Some auto centers will even fit these onto your vehicle for a small fee.  

Top tip: Using your wipers to clear ice from your windscreen will damage the rubbers. Make sure your screen is thoroughly defrosted before attempting to do so.

All-Season Tyres

Source: Pixabay

The popularity of all-season tires is increasing thanks to their improving performance in both warm and cold conditions. They can improve your car’s grip in icy conditions, making it easier to pull away and to avoid heart-stopping skids.

Winter weather tires, are still the better option if you live in a part of the world where snowfall is a common occurrence throughout the colder months.

Top tip: Can’t afford to invest in a set of winter tires? Try out snow socks instead. They are easy to fit and carry around, making them perfect for climates where a covering of snow is a rare occurrence.

Other useful items to keep with you:

  • A torch
  • Warm clothing
  • A portable power bank to charge your cell phone
  • Food and drink

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: ANTIFREEZE, engine coolant, ice scraper, snow shovel, tires, tyres, wiper blades

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