Trailerbodybuilders 4134 Ram 1500 Lone Star 0
Trailerbodybuilders 4134 Ram 1500 Lone Star 0
Trailerbodybuilders 4134 Ram 1500 Lone Star 0
Trailerbodybuilders 4134 Ram 1500 Lone Star 0
Trailerbodybuilders 4134 Ram 1500 Lone Star 0

Ram updates three models

Dec. 1, 2016
Ram unveiled new-for-2017 updates to three of its most popular models, with Lone Star, Laramie Longhorn and Limited models offering truck buyers an even wider selection

More Texans drive pickup trucks than drivers in any other state. They account for 19% of motor vehicle registrations, compared to the national average of 12%.

This translates into big sales for Ram—nearly two-and-a-half times as many pickup trucks in Texas as it does in the next highest volume state.

So Ram has unveiled new-for-2017 updates to three of its most popular models, with Lone Star, Laramie Longhorn and Limited models offering truck buyers an even wider selection of exterior appointments and content. The Ram 1500 Lone Star—the brand’s top-selling truck in Texas—will get a new Silver Edition option.

The Lone Star Silver Edition is available on Ram 1500 4x2 and 4x4 Crew Cab, and short and long box-length configurations, and a choice of either 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 or class-exclusive 3.0-liter EcoDiesel powertrains.

For 2017, Ram has added new premium features to its Limited and Longhorn models as well.

Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 Longhorn models add a new chrome grille and chrome belt moldings. The billet port grille will be available on Longhorn models late fourth quarter 2016.

Ram 1500 Longhorn models also add standard Keyless Go, SmartBeam headlights, and rain-sensing wipers for the 2017 model year.

For 2017, Ram 2500, and 3500 Heavy Duty Laramie, Longhorn and Limited trims receive the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 as standard equipment. Ram Heavy Duty Longhorns and Limiteds come with Bilstein monotube shocks as standard equipment on 4x4 models, enhancing their already best-in-class ride and handling. All Ram 2500 models are now available with a new 4x4 Off-road package that adds essential trail components, including Bilstein mono-tube performance-tuned shocks, hill-descent control, limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, tow hooks, transfer case skid plate, fender flares and a new “4x4 Off-road” graphic.

The Ram 1500 Night package is currently available on Regular Cab, Quad Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 Sport models, in both two- and four-wheel drive, long and short bed lengths and with a choice of 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines.

The 1500’s link-coil suspension can be enhanced with the addition of an optional Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension System with multiple driver-selectable ride heights and load-leveling features.

Production of the 2017 Ram Night models begins early fourth quarter 2016 at the Warren (Mich.) Truck Assembly Plant and Saltillo (Coahuila, Mexico) Truck Assembly Plant. ♦
 

__________________________


Upfitter update:

Here are some highlights from a recent NTEA webinar in which Ram technical personnel updated areas of specific interest to truck upfitters:

•  New video series addresses common customer requests. The videos include auxiliary switches and upfitter wiring, connecting LED taillamps, PTO 101, snowplow lighting, VSIM module 101, how to install and operate the rear park assist, and ambulance prep package.

Six new videos are scheduled to be ready during the fall of 2016.

•  Trailer towing—particularly the wiring—is an issue. Ram is reporting that inferior trailer connectors are widely available that often do not mate well with the seven-way trailer connector receptacles mounted on Ram trucks. The poor connection can cause trailer tow faults, bulb-out issues, and brake functionality concerns.

•  Ram has increased the tow rating of its 2017 trucks by 1,000 pounds. This year’s ratings are 31,000 pounds for the Ram 3500, 33,500 pounds for the Ram 4500, and 38,500 pounds for the Ram 5500.

•  A left-side PTO option for the 2017 Ram chassis cab 4x4. It will be offered on the Aisin automatic transmission and manual transmissions.

•  The vehicle system interface module, which formally used a proprietary CAN, is complies with SAE J1939, enabling it to communicate with standard industry J1939 devices. Possible uses include pump controllers and the ability to regulate functions such as locks and lighting.

•  A new fuel fill kit for pickup box removal applications is expected to improve fill and venting. Parts will be available in the fourth quarter of 2016, and details will be included in the body builders book.

•  For the Ram ProMaster:

•  A 78”-wide axle for the cutaway and chassis cab,

•  Electric park brake is standard with diesel models.

• An optional spare tire will be available in mid-November for ProMaster City. ♦

About the Author

Bruce Sauer | Editor

Bruce Sauer has been writing about the truck trailer, truck body and truck equipment industries since joining Trailer/Body Builders as an associate editor in 1974. During his career at Trailer/Body Builders, he has served as the magazine's managing editor and executive editor before being named editor of the magazine in 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

About the Author

Rick Weber | Associate Editor

Rick Weber has been an associate editor for Trailer/Body Builders since February 2000. A national award-winning sportswriter, he covered the Miami Dolphins for the Fort Myers News-Press following service with publications in California and Australia. He is a graduate of Penn State University.