Ram heavy-duty pickup gets higher towing rating

Ram has fired the latest salvo in the ongoing pickup war between the domestic automakers, releasing what the brand claims is now best-in-class towing capacity for its 2013 heavy-duty pickups.

The 2013 Ram 3500 is rated to tow a 30,000-pound trailer, up from a maximum towing capacity of 22,750 pounds for the same vehicle and powertrain setup in 2012.

According to their respective Web sites, similarly equipped heavy-duty 3500 pickups from General Motors are rated at a towing capacity of 23,100 pounds, while Ford's F-350 similarly equipped is rated at 22,800 pounds.

Ram said its new steel frame, improved transfer case and transmission and upgraded 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel engine are responsible for the improved towing capacity. The 6.7-liter diesel delivers 850 lb-ft of torque.

“These new rigs deliver on the number one key attribute most critical to these customers: uncompromising capability,” Fred Diaz, head of Chrysler Group's Ram brand, said in a statement.

Ram says the powertrain improvements have also allowed it to raise the 3500's Gross Combined Weight Rating--the maximum weight of the truck, payload and trailer--to 37,600 pounds, up from 30,010 pounds for the 2012 model. Both Ford and GM's heavy-duty pickups, similarly equipped, are rated at 30,500 pounds gross combined weight.

By Automotive News