New Dodge Ram for big towing jobs

North America's 2013 Truck of the Year is now available in Australia.

The Dodge Laramie 2500 has achieved ADR certification and is being sold in right-hand drive form by Queensland conversion specialist Performax International.

Buyers placing their orders with Performax in August can expect to receive delivery of their new Dodge in December or January. Performax is not revealing prices for the Ram, saying simply that the final price will vary according to individual specification, but we wouldn’t expect much change from $120,000.

In standard form the Ram 2500 can tow 4.5 tonnes, but models fitted with dual rear wheels are rated at up to 13.6 tonnes and are approved for fifth-wheel trailers. ??A 6.7-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel supplied by Cummins produces 287kW and 1152Nm. The engine drives through a six-speed automatic to the vehicle's four-wheel drive system, which offers on-the-fly shifting to low-range.

Built on a stronger chassis and featuring the improved suspension, the latest Ram is claimed to offer better ride comfort and cornering. Four-wheel discs provide enhanced braking, courtesy of an exhaust brake and a towing mode for the transmission, which delivers engine braking on hills.

Standard features for the five-seat crew cab model include MP3-compatible Alpine audio, trip computer, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, leather seats with electric adjustment in the front, and restyled dashboard featuring touch screen, reverse parking sensors, reversing camera and tyre pressure monitor. ??In the rear the Ram is appointed with cowboy-style saddle bags in lieu of conventional seat-back map pockets, and a cool box for drinks is located below the floor.

According to Performax International General Manager Glenn Soper, the new Ram “has been extremely popular in the United States since it was released earlier this year” and offers “unmatched towing capability for those with big trailers.”

The Ram is sold with a four-year/120,000km warranty, including roadside assist for the duration. ??

Converting around 300 vehicles a year, Performax International offers a range of American sports trucks, including the Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra.