RAM launches at $140K

Grey nomads with big fifth-wheel vans rejoice!

The RAM trucks right-hand drive conversion deal is now up and running, with a two-model line-up announced and pricing that starts close to $140,000.

A joint venture between Ateco Automotive and Walkinshaw Automotive Group called American Special Vehicles (ASV), the deal will see WAG (an affiliate company of HSV) performing the right-hand drive conversion on a purpose-built assembly line at its Clayton site in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

The two models confirmed for Australia are the 2500 and 3500 top-spec Laramie dual cabs, the former priced at $139,500. The 3500 climbs to $146,500.

They will come with a three year/100,000km warranty and full spares and parts back-up. The initial Australian sales network comprises 20 dealers and ASV is forecasting 500 sales in 2016. Sales start in New Zealand in the second quarter of 2016.

The JV partners are claiming the conversion as a massive boost in quality compared to existing operators in this area. It says the RAMs converted at Clayton achieve “factory levels” of fit, finish and engineering.

The ASV RAMs are imported as fully built up left-hand drives from the Saltillo factory in Mexico and converted here with full volume import approval. That means they will be fully compliant with Australian Design Rules and ASV will be the sole importer of RAM models covered by that approval.

And although not required for that approval, ASV will crash test a RAM next week to ADR69 guidelines.

The two models, which officially began production in Melbourne today, will only be offered in the dual cab top-spec Laramie specification initially. Both powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engines producing 276kW and a staggering 1084Nm.

Grey nomads, rural and regional property owners, plus the mining industry, are regarded as the prime targets for the RAMs.

Both 2500 and 3500 offer massive carrying and towing capacity. Depending on the type of towing arrangement utilised, a braked towing capacity of up to 6989kg is gazetted for the RAM 2500 and an impressive 6170kg for the RAM 3500. Payload is 913kg for the RAM 2500 and 1713kg for the RAM 3500.

The major technical difference between the two RAMs is their rear suspension design; the 2500 runs a five-link coil spring arrangement, while the 3500 employs a Hotchkiss rear leaf spring.

The two vehicles share the same three-link front suspension, hydroformed ladder frame chassis, Chrysler Corp 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission and Borg Warner transfer case for the high and low-range four-wheel drive system.

The most significant investments in the conversion process included the creation of a bespoke right-hand drive steering box that meant the steering wheel and rack could be swapped without making any changes to engine, transmission or driveline positioning.

Another huge part of the engineering program was the creation of a bespoke dashboard by Melbourne based supplier Socobell, which also supplies the dashboard for the Australian-made Toyota Camry and Aurion.

“Our goal was to produce a right hand drive RAM truck that meets the engineering standards, quality and refinement of the left-hand drive product,” said ASV joint chief operation officer John DiBerardino, a veteran WAG engineer.

“We have spent tens of thousands of man-hours and millions of dollars to make sure we get this right. I believe that the RAM trucks engineered by American Special Vehicles have set a new benchmark - they are spot on,” DiBerardino said.

RAM safety features include multi-stage front airbags, front and rear seat curtain airbags, electronic stability control, rear park assist and rear view camera, an eye-level brake light with cargo camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system and remote keyless entry.

Standard equipment includes leather trimmed seats which are heated and ventilated in the front (with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and six-way adjustment for the front passenger), a heated leather-bound steering wheel with integrated audio controls, dual zone climate control, tinted power windows, 20cm touch-screen display and 17cm multi-view cluster.

The nine-speaker sound system fitted includes a subwoofer installation, ports for mobile devices, a media hub and hands-free Bluetooth.

“There is a significant opportunity to fill the pent up demand for an OEM quality vehicle of this type,” said ASV joint COO Peter McGeown.

“Not just the quality of the vehicle either; though that is significant. We will offer a nationwide dealer network with sales, parts and service support commensurate with a brand of this standing.

“We want people to be confident when buying a RAM truck, assured they are getting value for their money and certain that we will be there to support their vehicle when necessary.”