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Bob Barr's Truck Talk
Ram Chassis Cab Named Medium Duty Truck of the Year
Work Truck magazine has named the Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2011 Medium Duty Truck of the Year.
The 2011 Medium-Duty Truck of the Year provides truck fleets with:
- Max Tow – a towing package available on both regular and crew cab models and in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.
- Maximun upfit-friendliness with an industry-standard 34-inch frame rail spacing and flat, clean frame rails on a one-piece C-channel rear-frame rail with 50,000-psi steel strength..
- Programmable features, including speed limiters and shut-down timers.
Max Tow
Ram Chassis Cab trucks are specifically designed for towing. The new Ram 4500/5500 Chassis Cab GCWR upgrade is part of an optional "Max Tow" package, available on both regular and crew cab models and in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. The Ram Max Tow package includes a new transfer case gear set as well as chain and sprocket upgrades, recalibrated transmission software, and an enhanced collection of thermal management devices.
Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks come equipped with the commercial-grade 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine that produces 305 hp at 2,900 rpm and 610 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm.
Max Tow is available on Ram Chassis Cab trucks equipped with the optional commercial-grade Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission and 4.88 rear-axle ratio. A 4.44 axle is standard on 4500 models and not available with the Max Tow package. A class-exclusive 6-speed manual transmission is standard on Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab models.
The 30,000-lb. GCWR gives the Ram Chassis Cab a 4,000-lb. increase in trailer-towing capabilities, up to a maximum of 22,300 lbs. on a Ram 4500 or 5500 Chassis Cab equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission on Class 4 Chassis Cab trucks.
Providing Upfit Friendliness
Maximum upfit-friendliness is achieved with industry-standard 34-inch frame rail spacing and flat, clean frame rails on a one-piece C-channel rear-frame rail with a best-in-class 50,000-psi steel strength, according to Ram Truck. All chassis components are below the frame surface, allowing easy adaptability and versatility for upfit applications.
Further improving upfitter-friendliness, 2011 Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs feature four all-new upfitter switches integrated on the instrument panel. Each switch is linked to an auxiliary power distribution center (PDC) located under the hood, which includes one fused 20-amp battery feed and one fused relay-controlled 20-amp ignition. In addition to these feeds, the PDC supports four new customizable switches. Two switches are ignition-fed, and the remaining two are either battery- or ignition-fed. Switch outputs are found under the hood in a connector for further ease of upfit. A seven-circuit trailer harness and a special upfitter jumper cable - a wiring harness for ancillary power needs - are both standard.
Upfitter wire circuits and electrical schematics are identified in the manufacturer's Body Builder Guide. With built-in tandem PTO capability, all models feature a heavy-duty cooling system in order to meet additional heat loads that are often generated from PTO upfits and/or extreme hauling.
A special capped auxiliary fuel line on the fuel tank facilitates the use of auxiliary equipment running on fuel. The fuel filler is routed through the frame, and an optional 22-gallon mid-ship fuel tank frees up more space behind the rear axle for special upfit applications. Fuel and brake lines are routed together on the frame's driver side to make better use of space along the frame, which also provides clearance for rear exhaust routing.
Ram Chassis Cab also employs a Cummins commercial-grade DEF system that is placed out of the way of upfit zones, saving time and money in the upfit process.
Programmable Features
For 2012, the Ram Chassis Cab has a customer-selectable maximum speed. Ram Chassis Cabs can be ordered from the factory - or programmed by a Ram Truck dealer at no charge - with 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75 mph speed limits. According to the manufacturer, Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks have a best-in-class standard 87 mph top speed, an important feature for fire, ambulance, and other safety and rescue roles. A five-minute shutdown timer is also available.
The 2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 medium-duty Chassis Cab commercial trucks will be available with an optional 30,000-lb. GCWR, an increase from 26,000 lbs.
The 2012 Ram Chassis Cab with Max Tow will reach dealerships in the third quarter of 2011. Max Tow pricing will be announced closer to launch.
May 10, 2011
GM Annnounces CNG Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Vans - 8/31/10
General Motors announce the fully integrated and dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) option, available this fall for Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans, will be priced at $15,910 MSRP.
The all-inclusive CNG option for commercial customers includes a dedicated CNG system, a natural gas-capable Vortec 6.0L V8 engine, and heavy duty trailering equipment. Chevrolet and GMC are the only full-line vehicle brands to offer a “check-the-box” CNG option for vans.
“Customers tell us coordinating the upfit for their CNG vehicles takes away valuable time that would be better used running their business,” said Joyce Mattman, director of Commercial Product and Specialty Vehicles. “Our CNG vans come with a fully integrated CNG fuel system, a comprehensive warranty, emissions compliance and strong dealer support, all for one price.”
Pricing for the all-inclusive CNG option includes a dedicated CNG system ($14,590), a natural gas-capable Vortec 6.0L V8 engine ($1,295), as well as HD trailering equipment ($265). A $240 credit for deleting the spare tire brings the package price to $15,910. So the total cost of either a 2011 Chevrolet Express or 2011 GMC Savana Cargo model, which starts at $25,980 would be $41,890 with the CNG option.
Powered by a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine, the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans come equipped with hardened exhaust valves, and intake and exhaust valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with gaseous fuel systems.
The vans will meet all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission certification requirements, and will be fully compliant with applicable motor vehicle safety standards. Each CNG Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana van also will be covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
2011 Ford F-150 Powertrain Availability - 8/11/10
3.7L FFV V6 | 5.0L FFV V8 | 3.5L EcoBoost | 6.2L V8 |
| 6-Speed Transmission | 6-Speed Transmission | 6-Speed Transmission | 6-Speed Transmission |
| 300 HP (Estimated) | 360 HP | TBD HP | 411 HP |
| 275 lb.-ft. torque (estimated) | 380 lb.-ft. torque | TBD lb.-ft. torque | 434 lb.-ft. torque |
| Best in Class Fuel Economy | Best in Class Fuel Economy | Best in Class Fuel Economy that is up to 20% better than 5.4L | Limited Availability |
| Up to 6,100 lbs. towing | Up to 9,800 lbs. towing | Up to 11,300 lbs. towing | Up to 11,300 lbs. towing |
| | | | |
| Series Availability: | Series Availability: | Series Availability: | Series Availability: |
| XL | XL | XL | Lariat (Max Trailer Tow) |
| STX | STX | XLT | Platinum (Max Trailer Tow) |
| XLT (4x2) | XLT | FX | Harley-Davidson (Std.) |
| | FX | Lariat | Raptor (Std.) |
| | Lariat | King Ranch | |
| King Ranch | Platinum | |
| | Platinum | | |
Available Q4 2010 | Available Q4 2010 | Available Q1 2011 | Available Q4 2010 |
2011 Ford E-Series No Charge Power Group - 6/23/10
Ford is pleased to announce the continuation of the No-Charge Power Group (90F+62P) for the 2011 model-year E-Series. For the 2011 model year Fleet Customers with a valid FIN code will get more equipment at no additional cost!
No-Charge Power Group (90F+62P) Includes:
| Power Group (90F) | $ 670 |
| - Power Windows w/ driver's side one-touch down | |
| - Power Door Locks (includes rear cargo door switch) | |
| - Power Aerotype Mirrors (54Q)* | |
| - Remote Keyless Entry with Panic Alarm and two transmitters | |
62P Package Discount $(670)
*Note! Rear Door Glass is required, for an additional charge, with Power Aero Mirrors (54Q).
Add one of the following option codes: 173, 178, 179, or 17W),
Customers may upgrade to optional Telescopic Trailer Tow Mirrors (54E) for an additional value! Rear door glass is not required with 54E.
| Power Group (90F) | $ 740 |
| - Power Windows w/ driver's side one-touch down | |
| - Power Door Locks (includes back door switch) | |
| - Power Trailer Tow Mirrors (54E) | |
| - Remote Keyless Entry with Panic Alarm and two Transmitters | |
62P Package Discount $(740)
Eligible Models: All Commercial Cargo Vans- body types E1E, E2E, E3E, S1E, S2E and S3E.
Eligible Array Packages: 740A, 750A, 760A
Program Guidelines:
Requires any valid Commercial, Government, or Rental FIN Code
Requires the Original Order to include the 90F and 62P option codes. Cannot be added to units out of dealer stock.
No-Charge Power Group (90F+62P) is compatible with the Ford Truck Commercial Connection Upfit Program #33032.
In-Eligibile Criteria: No-Charge Power Group (90F+62P) is:
Not available with Premium Van Group (18M).
Not compatible with No-Charge Commercial Cargo Van Value Package (86C).
Not compatible with any of the factory-ordered No-Charge Interior Systems (Option Codes 96G, 96B, or 96Q) for CPA Customers.
8/31/10 | |
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