The truck wars proceed right here within the Motor Metropolis as new efficiency specs had been not too long ago introduced for the 2021 Ram HD. As of this writing, the Ram 3500 with a Cummins 6.7-liter Excessive Output Turbo Diesel has probably the most torque of any HD truck available on the market at 1,075 lb-ft. Ram’s new torque quantity sneaks previous Ford’s PowerStroke (1,050 lb-ft. of torque) and handily surpasses the present Duramax (910 lb-ft. of torque).
After all, torque numbers solely inform a part of the story. There may be much more that determines how effectively a truck will deal with heavy payloads and trailers. Excessive torque numbers make headlines (therefore this text) however bear in mind to think about your truck as an entire rig and never depend on only one set of numbers. Apart from that, we nonetheless have at hand it to Ram.
“Ram regains functionality management by delivering the best ever torque score for a diesel pickup truck and heaviest gooseneck towing capability,” mentioned Mike Koval Jr., Head of Ram Model. “We perceive the attributes which are most essential to our clients inside the heavy-duty phase; they demand hardworking, long-lasting functionality.”
Distinction Between Excessive Output & Customary Output Cummins Engines
Ram and Cummins elevated enhance from the variable geometry turbocharger and upped the gas supply system’s move charge. The adjustments for 2021 account for a further 75 lb-ft. of torque versus a 2020 mannequin. It’s value noting the torque determine of 1,075 lb-ft. applies to the Excessive Output model of the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel, which is barely obtainable for the Ram 3500 HD. In case you go for a Ram 2500, the truck will include the usual output Cummins engine with 850 lb-ft. of torque.
One other key distinction is the place the height torque hits within the rpm band. The usual output Cummins supplies peak torque at 1,700 rpm, whereas the Excessive Output model will accomplish that at 1,356 rpm. Excessive Output engines profit from a heavy-duty Aisin six-speed computerized with a 3.75 first gear, whereas the usual Cummins makes use of an FCA-built six-speed auto field (68RFE) with a 3.23 first gear.
Horsepower will differ as effectively, though solely barely. The usual Cummins delivers 370 ponies whereas the Excessive Output model pushes out 400 horsepower.
Each engines characteristic a compacted graphite iron block, pushrod-operated overhead valves, and a high-pressure frequent rail gas injection system by way of inner, mechanical building. Oil capability (12 quarts) and coolant capability (23.8 quarts) is unchanged between the 2 engines.
2021 Ram HD: Important Foundations
Equally obligatory is the muse of the 2021 Ram HD. That Excessive Output Cummins, although spectacular, wants a stable spine on which to reside. The 2021 Ram HD depends on a ladder-style body with absolutely boxed rails and a novel structural crossmember particularly for fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing.
Ram can do the mandatory fifth-wheel and gooseneck {hardware} installments on the manufacturing facility. This contains the fifth-wheel pucks, gooseneck bolt plates, gooseneck middle castings, 4/7-pin connector (bumper), and one other seven-pin connector within the mattress.
Upgrades throughout the chassis, together with the elevated torque output, permit the 2021 Ram 3500 with the Excessive Output Cummins to have a max fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing capability of 37,100 lbs. Typical towing will increase to 23,000 lbs.
One Ultimate Level of Clarification
Just like the torque determine, these excessive towing numbers are solely a part of the story for the 2021 Ram HD. We positively wish to give Ram correct credit score, however remember these excessive towing figures are an train in advertising. If you see a excessive towing quantity like this, it’s reserved just for choose fashions (often common cabs in a 4×2 configuration). Usually talking, the extra you add to the truck (like going as much as a crew cab or having a 4×4), the extra your towing capability will lower.
Vans that seem like those within the gallery under are those which are able to hitting the “headline” towing numbers. Everytime you see excessive towing numbers, like those on this article, whatever the automaker, bear in mind the phrase “when correctly geared up” will at all times apply.
Ram isn’t the one one which does this. GM and Ford do it too. Simply do your analysis before you purchase and have a good suggestion of what your trailer will weigh when full. And it doesn’t matter what these automakers say, by no means push your truck to these limits. Towing in a straight line is one factor, however braking and steering, particularly within the mountains, are one other.
That digression apart, a digital rearview mirror will assist when maneuvering the 2021 Ram HD. The digital rearview mirror shows video in real-time from a rear-facing digital camera (it will possibly revert to a conventional mirror if a driver desires). The digital rearview mirror is out there on all 2021 Ram HD vans and supplies an expanded view across the again finish.
Count on the 2021 Ram HD at dealerships later in December.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Affiliation and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of administrators for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Basis, is a previous president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photographs: FCA US LLC.
