2018 Ram 3500 Improves Towing and Torque Capability
Though we're still waiting for Ram to announce when its heavy-duty pickup trucks will get a redesign — the rumor mill puts that at 2019 — that doesn't mean Ram is sitting on its laurels. For model-year 2018, the Ram 3500 will get a few upgrades to its Cummins diesel engine and fifth-wheel hitch design, improving both towing and torque figures.
The turbo-diesel 6.7-liter inline-six-cylinder Cummins gets higher boost limits thanks to a variable-geometry turbo and an increase in flow rate through the fuel-delivery system that adds an additional 30 pounds-feet of torque, pushing the engine up to 930 pounds-feet of twist. This beats the turbo-diesel 6.7-liter V-8 Power Stroke found in the Ford Super Duty trucks by 5 pounds-feet and the turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 Duramax in the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 by 20 pounds-feet.
Out back, the Ram 3500 also will feature a new hitch design. Ram didn't provide specifics about those changes, but it did provide us with a new tow rating for fifth-wheel trailers: 30,000 pounds. The hitch will be available as an upfit package for the 3500 or as a stand-alone part for $1,395.
How does this stack up against the Ford F-350 and the GM HD twins? The Ford is rated to tow more, but with the caveat is that the fifth-wheel hitch is rated to a maximum of only 27,500 pounds, which puts a limit on its overall capability. The Chevrolet and GMC top out at 23,300 pounds for third place.
The 2018 Ram 3500 will be available at dealerships later in August.
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Comments
More boost, more thirst, less fuel economy, less longevity. The one-upmanship has long since become irrelevant.
Impressive performance upgrade. Now let's see if they can do something about that grille.
I have to agree with papajim, that grill is hideous.
I wish the this Ram was in the next head to head competition.
Time for FORD to play their numbers game. Magic dust
@ Ken
If you look up the history of the big three HD's competing against each other, the Ram had since been under powered yet yeilded better FE than the other two. As for longevity, have you heard about the million mile club?
"No changes were made to the 2017 Ram 3500, so it is not in this upcoming contest."
Kinda makes this contest pointless because we all want to know how the upgraded Cummins performs against the others.
Rebel TRX... When the F' is it coming out!
@montands
We think getting the 2018 models together as soon as possible is a good idea too. Unfortunately, we couldn't get one of these 2018 models a few months ago when we conducted our one-ton test. Now, that means we'll have to put this on our to-do list for 2018. We'll see if we can't get one of these asap to find out how it compares. Stay tuned.
This is exactly what Ford did with the 2010-2015 Super Duty trucks. Just keep upping the power on the same truck platform.
Mark,
I realize this bc I have been reading through all the comparison tests for years now. Problem is, catching these 2018s will mean the new Ram will be released and then you will have to wait yet again! It's a vicious cycle but includes job security for you guys In the end, customers win and lose with these upgrades. We win bc we get more powerful, more efficient power plants. We lose bc the costs will continue to rise.
@montands
If you don't like PUTC's tests, check out the crap that the other auto mags produce.
It will make you really appreciate the insights that PUTC's guys put together.
I read some of the auto magazines at my grandson's house recently and I was stunned at how mickey mouse their analysis was. It gets worse when they compare pickups and big SUVs.
I give PUTC a lot of credit for their tests.
I'm not bashing their tests. I simply stated I enjoy them and have for several years. you are correct as I due regularly check other sites to keep reality checks as many sites can be biased.
Ram should've addressed their HP instead. FLT did a dyno of all three and Ram had the most TQ. Bumping the HP up would've made the Ram a serious contender for best pulling HD truck. They also need to address how they get the power to the ground. GM will beat the Ram while having lower dyno numbers. Ram needs to rework its fuel delivery program and or rework the gear ratios in the tranny.
I'm am on my 4th Cummins 3500. The center console is so wide you have to be 12 year old boy to fit in the drivers seat. These engineers today are short little sawed off f--ks. These trucks are now made for little people, if your 6'4" you cannot fit in the dam thing!
GM will beat the Ram while having lower dyno numbers. Ram needs to rework its fuel delivery program and or rework the gear ratios in the tranny.
Posted by: dale milner | Aug 11, 2017 10:52:23 AM
Beat Ram G.M.can't even compete. lol G.M. is the light duty H.D. complete with light duty IFS.
Beat Ram G.M.can't even compete. lol G.M. is the light duty H.D. complete with light duty IFS.
Posted by: HEMI V8 | Aug 11, 2017 11:58:09 AM
Is that why Ram HD's chew up ball joints constantly? Or why brand new trucks have death wobble by 10k or 20k miles?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmftRgbyNIM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J5WSkokN1M
https://youtu.be/8geTos-lyf4?t=50s (at only 9k miles no less haha)
I'm 6'2" and fit in my ram 1500 just fine.
Kyle,
Maybe it's just that Americans are getting too fat to fit in a full size truck.
I'm a Ram guy but this upping the numbers game continues to be about stupid. As for fitting in a Ram, I'm 6 1" and 265 and fit just fine. As for our 2014 GMC, it has a much smaller seat than Ram or Ford.
I think GM, Ram and Ford all have a purpose.
I have a son who has a GM and tows a boat to the lake all summer long, I'd guess he's towing under 4,000 lbs.
I have a brother who will NOT own anything other than a Ram and never tows, just carries equipment in his bed, approx 2,000lbs and he runs each truck up to about 300k miles. Loves Ram!
I've been buying Ford's for the last 30+ years and I only tow a trailer with approx 10k lbs and a haul a camper with a scale weight of approx 4,200lbs.
None of us have ever had a major issue and the reality is that the majority of truck owners don't use their truck any different than one of us.
I've been towing the same type of gear and hauling the same type of campers for all of those 30+ years and through the mountains of Colorado along with those of the Sierra's. All of these trucks keep improving and the biggest difference I've noticed as the hp/tq numbers go up is how much easier the climb is.
That said, Ford knew that GM would beat them by a few hp and Ram by a few lbs of torque. I'd be surprised if they didn't make a move to reclaim, "Best In Class"...trucks are what save them financially.
@Kyle I always get the top trim without a console. I like to put my foot on the hump while driving to Florida on cruise control. I'm a left foot braker anyway. God gave me two feet so why not use them.
Kyle agree with you 100%.Any truck with a center console is off my shopping list.
I'm a Ram guy but this upping the numbers game continues to be about stupid. As for fitting in a Ram, I'm 6 1" and 265 and fit just fine. As for our 2014 GMC, it has a much smaller seat than Ram or Ford.
Posted by: Millhouse | Aug 11, 2017 10:26:06 PM
Stupid for you. Your not towing a huge and heavy 5th wheel.
@Brick, Ball joints are a suspension parts that wear out. Tires, brakes, shocks, ball joints, etc.. all wear items. DUH!
@Hemi V8..... I will never own another Ram HD after my last one 2014 wore out the Ball joints and axle u joints far too soon than any other truck i have owned. Once you experience death wobble you will never want to drive the truck again.
All that testing for a measly a** 30ft lbs of tq and no hp gains what do ever what is ram doing sleeping I have been ram guy for long time and just to be a few numbers above the ford and gm is a let down . but let's see what the new design will bring probably not much I was told 1100ft lbs and at least 450hp with higher number 8-9 spd trans to handle the torque guess was a lie I will stick to Ford's for now good luck ram. Trying to keep up !!
@sean G. I'll tell u a secret, you can upgrade to a better ball joint.
Stay thirsty, lol
Ford's for now good luck ram. Trying to keep up !!
Posted by: Rob f | Aug 14, 2017 1:58:29 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXmbltLogms
You do that lol
Tier 3 marine version of the cummins 6.7 develops 550HP and 1250lb/ft torque. Emissions control kills power and reduces fuel economy. Lose lose.
I just wish chevy would still put a Manuel 6spd in the HD,so I'm the coming weeks I will be buying a 6spd Cummings dodge
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