(continued from above)
Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups incorporate some of the design cues from
the Ram 1500. However, the Ram Heavy Duty pickup's larger grille incorporates a
taller hood that includes louvers on each side. Access to the front winch (on
Power Wagon models) and tow hooks lead to a unique front-bumper design. The new
dual-rear-wheel fenders (3500 dually only) are integrated into the box stamping
and offer a smooth aerodynamic appearance.
The 2012 Ram Heavy Duty will be available in eight distinct trim levels - ST,
SLT, Outdoorsman, Lone Star, Big Horn, Power Wagon, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn
in the third quarter of 2011.
The backbone of the 2012 Ram Heavy Duty pickup is a hydro-formed, fully boxed
frame with advanced torsional rigidity and stiffness. A coil-spring suspension
setup is used in the front of the vehicle, while the multi-leaf spring design is
maintained in the rear for heavy-duty capability. Front and rear shocks and
springs are tuned for optimum ride quality and capability.
Suspension upgrades and larger front-axle U-joints, combined with increased
front gross axle weight rating (GAWR), result in increased front-weight carrying
capability-a must for larger snowplows.
Towing capability is a strong suit of the new 2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups,
with a standard exhaust brake (diesel-equipped models). This feature reduces
brake fade, prolongs brake life and provides confidence and safety when hauling
heavy loads on downhill grades. Large front (360 mm) and rear (358 mm) brakes
with integrated Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) increase brake life and braking
stability.
For 2012, SLT, Outdoorsman, Power Wagon and Laramie and Laramie Longhorn models
feature a standard integrated trailer brake control to provide better driver
control in towing situations. Trailer brake control information is conveniently
displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), which is standard
on all models.
In addition, Ram HDs feature Electronic Range Select, which enables the driver
to manually limit the highest available transmission gear, allowing manual
upshifts and downshifts based on road speed and engine speed. A tow/haul mode
switch enhances tow capability while towing.
Other tow-friendly features include trailer-tow mirrors with integrated turn
signals, memory function and puddle lamps. The 7-inch x 11-inch trailer-tow
mirrors offer impressive visibility with larger convex glass surfaces. Mirrors
flip up and out in a vertical configuration for greater visibility around wide
trailers. Trailer-tow mirrors are standard on Ram 3500 models. As an added
convenience, a Class IV receiver is standard on all Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty
pickups.
Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn Mega Cab: Review (2/2)
