Eight tonne towing for new RAM 2500

RAM Trucks Australia has launched the hulking DT-series RAM 2500 full-size pick-up, which brings a fresh exterior design, cabin overhaul and new technology and safety features with an even more muscular turbo-diesel engine that can tow up to eight tonnes.

Arriving more than two-and-a-half years after its debut at the 2019 Detroit motor show, and almost four months after the new DT-series RAM 1500 arrived Down Under, the 2022 RAM 2500 is again offered only in a single Laramie model grade and now starts from $157,950 plus on-road costs.

That’s $18,000 more than the previous 2500 offered through RAM Trucks Australia, which has factory backing and uses the Walkinshaw Group in Melbourne to convert the pick-ups to right-hand drive .

Buyers who opt for the RamBox storage system integrated into the tray will need to spend a further $4950.

The new DT RAM 2500 is positioned marginally higher than the GMSV Chevrolet Silverado HD that arrives in November priced from $144,990 plus ORCs.

The GMSV Silverado is also converted to RHD at the same Walkinshaw Group facility.

RAM Trucks Australia has confirmed that the even heavier-duty DT-series RAM 3500 will launch in the fourth quarter of 2021, with pricing still to be confirmed. It was previously set at $144,350, so an equivalent $18K uplift would send it to $162,350 plus ORCs.

The DT overhaul aligns the 2500 with the 1500 (from $114,950) on both visual and technological fronts.

Central to the RAM 2500’s appeal is an upgraded version of the familiar Cummins-sourced 6.7-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that continues to produce 276kW but now pumps out 1152Nm of torque – up from 1084Nm and fully available from 1700rpm.

Drive is apportioned via an updated six-speed automatic transmission, mated to a BorgWarner electronic transfer case and new front and rear axles offering greater durability.

The powerhouse engine enables maximum braked towing capacity of 4500kg when using a 70mm conventional tow ball hitch plus a payload of 835kg (or 754kg with the RamBox). Taking in the 3660kg kerb weight (3724kg with RamBox), the RAM 2500 offers a gross vehicle mass of 4495kg.

Towing capability extends to 8000kg when using an auxiliary gooseneck tow hitch and air brakes.

They’re sizeable figures even for a vehicle that’s more than six metres long and 2.6m wide. The RAM 2500’s tray, meanwhile, measures 193cm from the back of the crew cab to the tailgate.

At this point we’d reference key specs from the equivalent Chevrolet Silverado HD, however GMSV is yet to confirm full local details. The Chevy will, however, have an upper hand in the power stakes thanks to its 332kW/1234Nm 6.6-litre V8 turbo-diesel.

The 2022 RAM 2500 is said to be 64kg lighter than the outgoing model thanks in part to lighter components including an aluminium bonnet.

Five-link coil-sprung rear suspension and frequency response damping shock absorbers are said to provide a smoother, more controlled unladen ride, while a new braking system purportedly offers shorter braking distances.

Standard equipment for the RAM 2500 includes 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, six seats adorned in partial leather trim, power-adjustable, heated and cooled front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entry/start and dual-zone climate control.

A 360-degree camera with trailer reverse guidance and a secondary cargo-view camera are also standard fitment.

Inside, RAM says it has employed a richer mix of materials and technology, the latter comprising a 12-inch touch-screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker Alpine stereo and a 7.0-inch colour digital instrument cluster.

An active noise cancellation system is said to reduce ambient cabin sounds by 10dB – “making it the quietest RAM heavy duty ever”, according to the manufacturer.

On the safety front, the RAM 2500 boasts adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with active braking, trailer sway control and lane departure warning. An optional $1950 ‘Driver Assistance Level 1 Package’ adds blind spot monitoring with rear cross path and trailer detection.

Premium metallic/pearlescent paint is the other major option at $950.

The RAM 2500 is backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty through RAM Trucks Australia.

How much does the 2022 RAM 2500 cost?
Laramie Crew Cab – $157,950
Laramie Crew Cab with RamBox – $162,90

*Prices exclude on-road costs