- Offered in 3500, 4500 and 5500 versions
- Driver assists offered for first time
- GVR boosted to 43,000 pounds
- 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and diesel power
- Priced from $34,750 plus $1,695 destination fee.
The reengineered and restyled 2019 Ram Chassis Cab is the most powerful, capable and luxurious chassis cab ever produced by FiatChrysler. The Chassis Cab debuted at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Sales begin in the spring.
The development of the 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab models follows the playbook created for the 2019 Ram heavy-duty pickups introduced last month at the Detroit auto show.
“We will have 34 new features for our chassis cabs, 18 class exclusive features including 12 safety and security features. That is a lot to bring into this segment,” said Dave Sowers, who heads the Ram commercial brand. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and cameras that provide a 270-degree view around the truck are among the new safety features.
A touch of luxury
In addition, “we will introduce the Ram Limited, which brings in all the good things you heard about in our heavy-duty pickup interior, the leather, the real wood trim and the 12-inch touch screen,” he added.
The major story of the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab is the interior and what’s under the sheet metal. The revised exterior design is essentially limited to a big, in-your-face grille that is 30 percent larger than the 2018 model, along with new headlamps, hood and front bumper. Active shutters are located behind the grille to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2019
More capability
Of course, the talk is all about power and capability when shoppers compare chassis cab models. These trucks will be upfitted, becoming ambulances, service trucks, car haulers, luxury buses for bachelorette parties, or even the ultimate hauler, pulling grandpa’s and grandma’s $150,000 live-in trailer. The Ram’s frame has been re-engineered, resulting in a higher level of torsional rigidity and a reduction in weight to handle a wide range of applications. FiatChrysler also boosted the gross combined vehicle weight rating for a properly equipped Chassis Cab to 43,000 pounds.
“That is up from 35,500 pounds last year, that’s a 21 percent increase,” Sowers said. “That is essentially the increase of a full truck that we have added to our gross combined weight rating.”
Also: Check out the rest of the new models that debuted at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show
Hemi power
As for power the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 has been extensively revamped to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. Two versions will be offered. The majority of buyers are expected to pick the Hemi that packs 410 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, 429-lb ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The second Hemi V8 will produce 370 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, 429-lb ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, and will be connected to six-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, it would not be a Ram without a Cummins diesel. The optional 6.7-liter turbocharged, inline six-cylinder engine is all new, lighter, more fuel efficient and more powerful than the 2018 offering, the automaker said. The V8 produces 360 horsepower at 2,800 rpm, 800 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm and is linked to a six-speed automatic. Last year’s engine offered 325 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque.
The 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab models will be available in 2-wheel or 4-wheel-drive configurations. The Chassis Cab lineup will have a starting price of $34,750 plus $1,695 destination.
