Ram officially released towing and weight ratings for its 2013 line of Ram Heavy Duty pickups and Chassis Cab trucks.


The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup will claim a 30,000-pound trailer capacity due to a new class-exclusive 50,000 pounds-per-square-inch, high-strength steel frame, improved transfer case, higher-load transmission, an upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with 850 pounds-feet of torque and other significant driveline upgrades.

The Ram 3500's Gross Combined Weight Rating which is defined by the maximum combined weight of the truck, payload and trailer has been raised to 37,600 pounds.

Ram has increased the capability in its other truck models as well.

For 2013, the Ram 2500 will also benefit from increased towing and GCWR.

Ram Chassis Cab trucks also deliver maximum capability with towing and GCWR figures 29,600 pounds and 37,500 pounds, respectively (5500 model).

Ram Heavy Duty adds a number of new features for 2013, including a factory-integrated fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch mount, a 17,000-pound Class V hitch with 1,800 pounds of tongue weight, electronic stability control for dual-rear-wheels and a new Center High-Mounted Stop Light-positioned camera, the first of its kind in the heavy-duty pickup category, to provide a full view of the bed for easier hook-up of fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers as well as monitoring cargo.

For 2013, all Ram Heavy Duty diesels benefit from an all-new cooling system. A high-efficiency fan, dual radiators, dual transmission coolers and low-slung charge air cooler afford 25% more heat-rejection capacity. Lower operating temperatures deliver improved performance, durability and lower operating costs.

Cummins Turbo Diesel-equipped Ram trucks also provide 15,000-mile oil change intervals.

Ram is also introducing an industry-exclusive Ram Active Air intake system. When the intake system senses extreme heat, it draws cooler air from the front of the vehicle a function that also engages at high altitudes for superior throttle response in low oxygen environments. When conditions are wet from snow, ice or water-fording, the system pulls air from an under-hood inlet, clear from snow packing and water.

Also among the upgrades for 2013, Ram Heavy Duty front drive shafts and U-joints are sized larger to align with the truck's new GVWR and Gross Combination Weight Rating.?To handle the towing capability of the new Ram Heavy Duty, a new front and rear suspension system with advanced geometry builds upon the chassis improvements and greatly improves overall roll stiffness.

An advanced three-link front suspension on the Ram 3500 is necessary for the vehicle's higher GVWR and for use with heavy front loads, including snow plows.

Additionally, a newly designed Hotchkiss leaf spring rear suspension on the Ram 3500 offers improved ride and handling while delivering higher towing and payload capability.