Ram boosts towing capacity on heavy-duty pickup
Reprints
Print
Respond
DETROIT -- Ram has fired the latest salvo in the ongoing pickup war between the domestic automakers, releasing what the brand claims is now best-in-class towing capacity for its 2013 heavy-duty pickups.
The 2013 Ram 3500 was rated to tow a 30,000-pound trailer, up from a maximum towing capacity of 22,750 pounds for the same vehicle and powertrain setup in 2012.
According to their respective Web sites, similarly equipped heavy-duty 3500 pickups from General Motors are rated at a towing capacity of 23,100 pounds, while Ford’s F-350 similarly equipped is rated at 22,800 pounds.
Ram said its new steel frame, improved transfer case and transmission and upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel engine are responsible for the improved towing capacity. The 6.7-liter diesel delivers 850 pounds-feet of torque.
“These new rigs deliver on the number one key attribute most critical to these customers: uncompromising capability,” Fred Diaz, head of Chrysler Group’s Ram brand, said in a statement.
Ram says the powertrain improvements have also allowed it to raise the 3500’s Gross Combined Weight Rating -- the maximum weight of the truck, payload, and trailer -- to 37,600 pounds, up from 30,010 pounds for the 2012 model. Both Ford and GM’s heavy-duty pickups, similarly equipped, are rated at 30,500 pounds gross combined weight.
