2019 Ram HD Chassis Cab Work Trucks Mean Business

Following the reveal of the new 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks, Ram has lifted the veil off its most work-oriented trucks: the Chassis Cab line.

Debuting at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab brings a class-leading 35,220 pounds (15,975 kg) of towing, a payload of 12,510 pounds (5,674 kg), and Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GVW) of 43,000 pounds (19,504 kg).

The 2019 Ram Chassis Cab is available in 3500, 4500, and 5500 configurations, representing Class 3, 4, and 5 GVW ratings respectively. In addition, Ram offers a unique, 10k GVW Class 2 Chassis Cab.

Lighter, stronger 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six turbo diesel engine

The improved capability is made possible by a revised Cummins 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder turbo diesel that delivers 360 hp and 800 lb-ft (1,083 Nm) of torque — and Ram says that’s the highest available torque in Class 4 and 5.

Changes to the Cummins engine include a cylinder block made from compacted graphite iron, which is said to increase strength and dampen vibrations. Furthermore, it contributes to a weight drop of 60 lbs (27 kg) over the previous-generation engine. The updated turbo diesel also features new exhaust valves and springs, as well as a new oil pump and water pump with lightweight-aluminum housing.

The diesel is optional, with the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab trucks equipped as standard with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft (581 Nm) of torque (370 horsepower on 4500 and 5500 models).

The segment’s first eight-speed automatic transmission as standard

In the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab, the engine uses Fuel Saver Technology cylinder deactivation to increase fuel economy. The standard transmission is the TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic – the first eight-speed auto in the segment. When paired with the optional Aisin AS66RC six-speed automatic transmission with Power Take-Off (PTO), Fuel Saver Technology works under light load while in stationary PTO mode to reduce fuel consumption.

In the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab, the six-speed auto transmission is standard. The Cummins-equipped 2019 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab models feature the Aisin AS69RC electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with optional PTO capability.

Styling-wise, the 2019 Chassis Cab lineup shares the cab with the new 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD pickups. They get four different grille styles, three head lamp variations, and an aluminum hood.

Tech-savvy, better-quality interior sourced from the Ram 1500

Inside, the work trucks get the cool interior from the 2019 Ram 1500, with highlights including the available 12-inch Uconnect 4C NAV reconfigurable touchscreen display, better-quality materials, and new technology. The 2019 Ram Chassis Cab is the only truck in the segment to offer Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and AEB with trailer brakes on all trim levels.

Ram Chassis Cab trucks come in four frame lengths measured in inches from the cab to the rear axle (CA): CA 60, CA 84, CA 108 and CA 120. They are also available in four grades: Tradesman, SLT, Laramie, and the new Limited.

Built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico, the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab will arrive in dealerships in the second quarter of this year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.