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2013 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty
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2014 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty
Despite the new ratings, Ram still hold the title of heaviest hauler. The Cummins powered 3500 keeps its 30,000 lb capacity.
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2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
Not only did the 1500 fair well, it even increased towing performance by 150 lb.
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2014 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty
The 2500 and HEMI powered 3500 keep previously published towing capacities.
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2014 Ram Heavy Duty
The Cummins 6.7L diesel faired well against the new standards criteria.
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2014 Ram 1500
Rams new 3.0L EcoDiesel saw an increase in capability.
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2014 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty
Words by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Ram Canada
Ram goes all-in with SAE J2807 compliance.
Last issue we applauded both GM and Ford for finally stepping up and announcing that they would join Nissan and Toyota in publishing SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) J2807 standards for their trucks when it came to towing and hauling. The J2807 standard levels the playing field when it comes time for manufacturers to determine the load ratings and towing capacities of their vehicles, not allowing them to formulate their own bloated numbers. However, while GM and Ford have confirmed J2807 compliance for their half-tons, there remained no word from Ram.
So, we picked up the phone and got in touch with Ram asking what’s the deal with their numbers. The answer we got, “there is nothing we can say at this time, but you should watch your inbox in the next couple of weeks.” Well, that email eventually arrived and the numbers are in, and not just for the 1500.
Beginning with the 2015 model year, Ram will become the first automaker to adopt the J2807 standardized tow rating practices across all three full-size pickup truck segments, including the half-ton Ram 1500, three quarter-ton Ram 2500 Heavy Duty and one-ton Ram 3500 Heavy Duty.
The question is how much does Ram have to lose now that they have changed over to the new standards. So far, Ram beats the competition in the two most sought-after titles in the pickup truck market, fuel economy and SAE towing capacity, offering the most capable and most fuel-efficient trucks available. But is the towing title now at stake?
“Ram Truck has been preparing for integration of the SAE towing standard over the past few years and adding heavier three quarter and one-ton trucks to the criteria gives it more teeth,” said Mike Cairns, Director- Ram Truck Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “For too long, an uneven playing field existed and towing capacities went unchecked. We’re happy to be the only pickup truck manufacturer to align with the SAE J2807 towing standard across our pickup truck line up.”
The SAE J2807 towing standard outlines dynamic and performance criteria as it relates to a given vehicle. Examples within the standard include a number of tests while towing: 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) time allowance, tackling the notorious Davis Dam Grade while maintaining no less than 60 kph (40 mph) for single-rear-wheel trucks and 56 km/h (35 mph) for dual-rear-wheel trucks, and a constant radius understeer test while increasing speed and a sway manoeuvre using aggressive steering input. The purpose is to put all trucks through the schedule of tests, which operators will likely see in the real world. SAE standards have existed in a number of other areas including engine torque and horsepower.
Ram Truck is the first to adopt the official towing standard for half-ton, three quarter-ton and one-ton trucks.
2015 Ram SAE J2807 towing capacities:
Ram 1500 V6 with 3.6L gasoline Pentastar – Unsurpassed 3,447 kg (7,600 lb.)
Ram 1500 V6 with 3.0L EcoDiesel – Best-in-class 4,173 kg (9,200 lb.)
Ram 1500 V8 with 5.7L gasoline HEMI – 4,831 kg (10,650 lb.)
Ram 2500 V8 with 6.4L gasoline HEMI – 7,394 kg (16,300 lb.)
Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel – Best-in-class 8,151 kg (17,970 lb.)
Ram 3500 V8 with 6.4L gasoline HEMI – 7,448 kg (16,420 lb.)
Ram 3500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel – Best-in-class 13,608 kg (30,000 lb.)
So, Ram, good on yah for getting the truth out, but we noticed something surprising when we compared these numbers with the 2014 model years. While early adopters of the J2807 standards reluctantly took a hit in terms of their towing performance, Ram has not only matched the 2500’s performance to the 2014 model, the 1500 actually increased its capabilities.
A quick rundown shows that the 1500 Pentastar went up from 3,379 kg to 3,447 kg (7,450 to 7,600 lb), an increase of 68 kg (150 lb), the 1500 EcoDiesel went up from 4,060 kg to 4,173 kg (8,950 to 9,200 lb) with an increase of 113 kg (250 lb), and the 1500 HEMI went up from 4,750 kg to 4,831 kg (10,450 to 10,650 lb) an increase of 91 kg (200 lb). The 6.4L HEMI and 6.7L Cummins powered 2500’s both keep their same capacities from this year. While, the big daddy Cummins 3500 keeps its mammoth 13,608 kg (30,000 lb) rating, however the HEMI went from 7,462 kg down to 7,448 kg (16,450 to 16,420 lb), giving up a “not worth caring about” 14 kg (30 lb).
During the time of writing, Ford were also kind enough to send us their numbers for the upcoming 2015 F-150. As it stands, a new 2.7L turbocharged EcoBoost V-6, which is rated at 325 hp and 375 lb-ft, enables an F-150 to pull 3,856 kg (8,500 lb) and haul a payload of up to 1,021 kg (2,250 lb). The 3.5L EcoBoost rated at 283 hp and 255 lb-ft, is capable of towing 3,447 kg (7,600 lb) and carry a payload of 866 kg (1,910 lb).
As for the other Heavy Duty truck builders, both GM and Ford have expressed to us that J2807 numbers for their HD’s are also soon to be published. Stay tuned, once all the numbers are in, we’ll let you know all the facts and take a look at who really does build the most capable haulers.