A series of upgrades have been announced for the 2018 Ram 2500 and 3500, the full-size American pickups get additional convenience features and are set to offer greater refinement thanks to a locally developed suspension tune.
All 2018 Ram trucks will be equipped with the latest 8.4-inch uConnect infotainment system that offers both Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility. Interestingly, two phones can be connected to the system at one time.
Additional convenience features include rain sensing wipers, auto-dipping high-beams and load bay lights that come on automatically when the Ram is unlocked.
Thankfully, there is now greater flexibility with a five-seat option with individual front seats available in place of the old six-seat configuration.
The very clever RamBoxes, two 243-litre storage lockers, one on either side of the tray are now offered with a locking hard tonneau cover as standard.
In standard form, the Ram 2500 and 3500 comes with a six-foot-four-inch tub which is now supplemented by an optional eight-foot tub that measures a whopping 2496 mm with the tailgate closed.
Buyers can also option a factory fitted auto-levelling rear air suspension set-up that can automatically detect the load on the suspension from a trailer or payload to level the ride. The rear can also be lowered for easier trailer hook up.
The exterior can be given a more aggressive look (not sure it needed to look more aggressive) with the Sport Appearance package that adds a colour coded grille and front and rear bumpers, black tubular cab-length side steps and black 20-inch wheels.
Both 2500 and 3500 are powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins turbo diesel engine that develops 276kW of power and an enormous 1084Nm of torque which is put down through a six-speed automatic. Of course, there is a switchable four-wheel drive system with high and low range.
Chances are if this is the ute for you, towing is important. The Ram can tow 3.5 tonnes with a 50mm ball and 4.5 tonnes with a 70mm ball fitted.
Australian distributor Ateco points out the 2500 and 3500 have many commonalities, however, the purpose should dictate which one is most suitable. The 2500 is designed for owners who will “use the towing capabilities on an occasional basis and will be running the vehicle less often fully laden.” Hence, the rear coil springs.
The Ram 3500 is designed for owners who tow and carry heavy payloads regularly. Depending on the specification, driving licence type and towing equipment, the 3500 can pull 6.9 tonnes with a gross combined mass of up to 11,479 kg. Supersized!
2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 pricing (excluding on-road costs):
2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub - $139,950
2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub with five seats - $140,950
2500 Laramie eight-foot tub - $140,950
2500 Laramie Sport Appearance Pack - $146,550
2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub with RamBoxes - $144,350
2500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub with RamBoxes and five seats - $145,350
2500 Laramie Sport Appearance Pack with RamBoxes - $150,950
3500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub, car driving license rating - $144,350
3500 Laramie eight-foot tub, car driving license rating - $145,350
3500 Laramie six-foot four-inch tub, light rigid truck driving license rating - $146,950
3500 Laramie eight-foot tub, light rigid truck driving license rating - $147,950
Options 2500 3500
Metallic paint - $950 N/A
Pearl paint - $950 N/A
Wheel to Wheel side steps - $1500 N/A
Trifold Tonneau cover for non-RamBox versions - $1795 $1795
Auto level rear air suspension - $4000 N/A
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