Set to begin rolling off the Ram Truck Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Mexico during the second quarter of this year, 2019 Ram Chassis Cab models were designed not only to meet fleet needs for durability and efficiency but also to bring advanced technology and enhanced driver comfort to those operations.
The 2019 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs represent a new generation of work truck, notes Reid Bigland, head of Ram Brand for FCA. “These vehicles are the most durable and capable cab and chassis trucks Ram has ever engineered,” he says. “We’ve addressed the most important issues for customers who operate trucks at their maximum capability in harsh duty cycles every day, along with offering higher levels of safety and comfort.”
Ram also considered the needs of upfitters in the design of its 2019 chassis cab models. Available in four lengths and widths that follow industry guidelines with 34-in. spacing, the vehicles’ rear frame sections feature a C-channel design with a flat mounting surface to eliminate component interference above the rails and make body and equipment installation easier.
Additionally, pre-drilled holes throughout the frame are provided for routing lines or mounting hardware and a Vehicle System Interface Module (VSIM) with more than 70 inputs and outputs is available for connections between aftermarket and factory control modules. Ram also offers dual alternator systems on the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab, including dual 220-amp and combined 220- and 160-amp set ups.
The heaviest 2019 Ram chassis cab models have a GCWR of 43,000 lbs. and provide 12,510 lbs. of payload and 35,220 lbs. of towing capacity. Light-weighting efforts include an aluminum hood, which contributes to an overall weight reduction of 120 lbs.
The standard engine in the 2019 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab is the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 rated up to 410 HP and 429 lb./ft. of torque. In the Ram 4500 and 5500, the V-8 delivers 370 HP. A 360-HP Cummins 6.7-liter turbo diesel is optional. Standard automatic transmissions include the TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed in the Ram 3500 and there is an Aisin AS66RC six-speed for 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs, which is also offered as an option on 3500 models.
Safety was key factor in the design of 2019 Ram Chassis Cab trucks, which are equipped with adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and AEB with trailer brakes. The vehicles also feature four-wheel disc brakes and the manufacturer’s ParkSense Park Assist system that provides visual and audible indications and has a 270° camera with trailer reverse-guidance. There is also a cargo-view camera allowing owners to monitor the rear of the truck. The system also aids in hooking up fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches.
For driver comfort, the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab lineup uses tuned powertrain mounts and C-pillar body hydromounts to reduce NVH and improve ride quality. Within the mounts, the fluid viscosity and rubber have been tuned to GVW and payload capabilities to enhance isolation regardless of load or towing capacity.
Four trim levels are offered on the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab. A new instrument panel features central controls placed up and toward the driver for easier reach, and an ergonomic switch bank offers push buttons with up to five auxiliary switches. The vehicle’s new HVAC system features 30% more airflow at lower noise levels and has larger front defroster vents and in-duct electric heating elements on diesel models to speed cabin warm up.
The 2019 Ram Chassis Cab is fitted with a 12-in. reconfigurable touch screen that can be customized with configurable driver information cluster displays. The vehicles also have a center console with more than 12 storage combinations and a docking area with optional wireless charging, which can hold a small tablet or smartphone. There are also five USB ports in the console and two 115-volt outlets with up to 400 watts for charging electronic devices or power tools.
