![]() ![]() Speaking of payload, the maximum payload possible for the 20 appears to be 2,320 pounds. These are exactly the kind of changes that result in increased payload capacity for a truck camper rig. ![]() They also updated their axles to include three ratios 3.21:1, 3:55:1, and 3.92:1. Ram further light-weighted their new 1500 by using composites and aluminum in the front suspension. In fact, through the use of both high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel, Ram was able to reduce the weight of the Ram 1500’s frame by 90 pounds. The 20 features a new fully-boxed ladder frame that’s both stiffer and lighter than its predecessor. If mild-hybrids become a trend for gas trucks (which certainly makes sense), the gas versus diesel debate could get even more interesting.įurther enhancing the fuel efficiency and torque of the eTorque system is a new TorqueFlite 8-speed transmission, switch defeat-able start-stop technology, and brake energy regeneration. ![]() Wait, that sounds like two of the hallmark advantages of diesel engines. The eTorque mild-hybrid is optional for the 5.7L Hemi and adds 139 pounds-feet torque.Īs you digest the idea of a mild-hybrid truck without an alternator, consider the advantages of this technology improved fuel economy and improved torque. The 20 is also available with a 5.7L Hemi V-8. The result of the eTorque mild-hybrid is an additional 90 pound-feet of crankshaft turning torque. The 3.6-Liter V-6 Pentastar is enhanced by an eTorque mild-hybrid system that (a) replaces the alternator with a motor generator, (b) supplies 48-volt current, and (c) charges a 300-watt hour lithium-ion battery. The base engine for the 20 is the 3.6-Liter V-6 Pentastar with 305-horsepower and 269-pounds-feet-torque.Ībove: 20 with 3.6 Liter eTorque Powertrain Pretty soon we’ll all be sitting in our truck as it drives us to Yellowstone. The 20 takes us right up to the precipice of self-driving with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with break assist, lane departure warning, parking assist, and blind spot sensors. Whether this system could be useful while loading and unloading a truck camper remains to be seen.Ībove: 20, Forward Collision Warning-Plusįor anyone who is concerned about self-driving trucks, stop reading here. Ram is also offering 5-inch and 8.4 inch Uconnect systems with manual controls for climate control.Īn optional camera system provides a birds-eye surround-view of the truck. ![]() This enormous screen not only controls the radio and climate controls (see above), but also displays navigation and real-time weather. Perhaps the most visually grabbing element in Ram’s photography is the optional 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen multimedia system (see above). Again, we’ll let Ram’s photography do the talking. The rear seating area features larger bins (under the floor storage areas), an optional flat fold floor, rear seat center console, and reclining rear seats. What follows is a breakdown of these elements, and their implications for truck campers. Ram’s mild-hybrid system and transmission are new. Where last week’s 2018 Ford 1500 diesel was essentially a newly tuned Lion turbo-diesel in the 2018 Ford F-150, the 20 is truly an all-new truck. After all, a truck is only as good as its capability to properly carry a truck camper, right? We are going to tackle each of these new trucks individually and analyze their implications for the truck camper marketplace. In the midst of my flight prep, I decided to take on these announcements one at a time. The torrent of truck news from Detroit nearly had me driving our rig to BLM beyond the reaches of cell towers and civilization. It’s a big truck news moment folks right here and now. On top of all this, last week Ford announced their new diesel half-ton and Fiat Chrysler reported that it’s moving Ram HD truck production from Mexico back to the United States. And Ram has produced an all-new new half-ton. Chevrolet has debuted the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Ford has finally launched the 2019 Ford Ranger. The Detroit Auto Show kicked off this week and oh baby is there a lot of truck news. Ram’s half-ton just became a serious truck camper player. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announces a radical new 20 with new sheet metal, new interiors, more torque, more payload, more towing capacity, and a list of forward-thinking upgrades to make the competition sweat. ![]()
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