For those who thought the capability battle among full-size HD trucks was waning, Ram has proclaimed "game on." We knew as soon as Ram announced a maximum torque output of 850 lb-ft for the latest version of the Cummins 6.7-liter diesel, it wouldn't let that epic amount of twist go to waste, and now we know how it will be used.
Ram has just announced the maximum fifth-wheel towing capacity for the 2013 Ram 3500 at a staggering 30,000 lb. That's 6900 lb higher than the next-closest rated Silverado/Sierra 3500 dually 4WD. Even Ford's mighty F-450 Super Duty comes in with "only" a 24,700-lb capacity.
The 2013 Ram 3500's towing capacity even comes within a few hundred pounds of the next closest competitor's Gross Combined Vehicle Weight rating of 30,500. The GCWR of the 2013 Ram 3500 is 37,600 lb.
The Ram Chassis Cab models also get a major bump in capacity as well, with a maximum towing rating of 29,600 lb for the Ram 5500 and a GCWR of 37,500 lb.
These impressive capacities were facilitated by a new, 50,000-psi high-strength steel frame, a new cooling system, and upgraded transmission and transfer case. Further facilitating heavy-duty hauling, the 2013 Ram 3500 also has a roof-mounted rearview camera to help drivers hitch up a fifth-wheel in the bed, or to monitor cargo.