Ram trucks are true workhorses but 2016 Ram Heavy Duty takes their well-known "It can do it all" philosophy to another level. It retains the highest level of capability with a towing rating of 31,210 pounds, torque of 900 lb.-ft. with Cummins 6.7-liter diesel powerhouse and payload of 7,390 pounds. The best in class.
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Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks' innovative features include a five-link coil suspension with optional air suspension on Ram 2500 and a supplemental air bag suspension option on Ram 3500. The 2016 model year brings a new Ram Laramie Limited design. Featuring premium materials, such as all-black, full-leather seating, real wood interior components and unique badges, Limited is a "black-tie" luxury alternative to the popular southwestern-themed Laramie Longhorn edition pickup.
The Limited’s all-new grille is the most prominent change of the exterior. As the leading point of the new Limited, its new billet port grille breaks from the long tradition of crosshair styling with bold "RAM" lettering. A new front park assist system, mounted in the bumper, gives audible warning of nearby objects.
Subtle stitching accents in the Limited, pinstriping, unique materials and patterns are found throughout the interior. These details were created for the customer who appreciates them. A new console bin houses a cellular phone and tablet holder, which can be concealed with a new tambour wood sliding door. The real wood door is made from Black Argento, the chosen timber for the Limited interior. The collective silver pinstripe theme runs through the wood and a satin chrome handle rolls the door with ease.
New for Ram Truck, and debuting on the Limited, is an all-black headliner and pillars combination. Finally, passengers will enjoy solid black premium Berber carpet inserts, which can easily be removed from the floor mats to reveal double-duty slush mats.
Heavy-duty trucks generally have suspension equipped for constant, heavy payloads. This can result in a harsher ride when unloaded. The Ram 2500 offers a choice between two segment-exclusive rear suspensions: a five-link coil system or air suspension system. The five-link coil design provides better articulation over obstacles than a leaf spring system, and the robust coil springs are more than up to the task of handling the loads required of the Heavy Duty Ram 2500 – up to a segment-best 17,980 pounds for towing.
Equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty CNG pickup is designed for fleet and retail customers and offers cost and emissions benefits, using an abundant, domestically sourced fuel while reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 delivers best-in-class horsepower and best-in-class torque among heavy-duty pickups with gasoline engines. Tthe largest displacement V-8 in its class provides a worthy gas-power option to the segment’s overall standard-bearer – the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel. ■
An upper level high pressure system is expected to continue aiding well above average and potentially dangerous temperatures throughout the West into the first full weekend of September.
