
Unlike nearly all other utes it doesn’t need modifications or upgrades to handle the typical Aussie task. Like all US-origin utes the RAMs aren’t cheap, but as our testing revealed, the 2500 is ready for Australian-style hard work out of the box. New is an Alpine 10-Speaker premium audio system, including sub-woofer.Īll RAM Trucks Australia emerge from a local rebuild process that incorporates more than 400 locally-sourced new parts in the transformation from left- to right-hand drive. Multiple safety and security systems include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with active braking, trailer sway control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross path and trailer detection. Those weights are matched by the fitment of appropriate light truck tyres: 275/70R18s with 125/123 and 10-PR load rating. However, the 3500 can pre re-rated to 4495kg GVM if required. The RAM 2500 has a GVM of 4495kg – passenger-car licence level – and the 3500 is rated at 5350kg – light-truck licence. Both RAMs have the same trailer-towing ratings: 3500kg with a 50mm towball 4500kg with a 70mm ball and up to 8000kg with an air-braked gooseneck trailer. The coil-sprung RAM 2500 without RamBoxes has a modest payload of 835kg, while the leaf-rear 3500 has a truck-like 1724kg payload. (European trailers have over-ride mechanical or hydraulic braking.) Also, US utes are designed around trailers with electric brakes that are commonly used in the USA and Australia. Unlike non-US-brand utes the RAM range has been purpose-designed for towing.

It has a rear axle capacity of 3300kg, which is the total GVM – fully loaded front and rear axles – of most utes!Ī new braking system has upgraded callipers, booster and master cylinder that are said to result in shorter stopping distances and braking to match the higher trailer capability. The 3500 has the same front end, but with leaf rear springs. The valves of the FRD shocks automatically adjust for the rate of vertical wheel travel, allowing the 2500 to have firm suspension for handling and supple ride on rough terrain.

The coils have progressive rates, to better respond to varying cargo loads. The 2500 includes Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks on all four coil-sprung corners.
