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Ram recalling 65k trucks for rear-axle heat treating

A problem with the rear axle has promoted Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to recall a selection of Ram trucks. The campaign affects 2015-16 Ram 1500 series trucks – specifically those manufactured between June 17 and September 28, 2015. All told, that amounts to over 65,760 units across the United States. The issue stems, according to the statements below, from the rear axle shaft. Some of those trucks may have not had those axle shafts properly heat-treated, which could cause them to fracture and separate from the wheel. And that, it should go without saying, could lead to a crash. FCA states that most of the vehicles in question are in dealer hands, but while the manufacturer says it is aware of one accident to have resulted from the issue, no injuries have been reported. The owners of the affected vehicles will be notified to bring their trucks in to their local dealership to have them inspected. If necessary, the dealership with replace the rear axle assembly. This recall follows three prior (but unrelated) ones, also issued for Ram pickups, that between them affected well over a million units. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Incorrectly Heat Treated Rear Axle Shaft Report Receipt Date: OCT 15, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V661000 Component(s): POWER TRAIN Potential Number of Units Affected: 65,760 Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured June 17, 2015, to September 28, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been built with rear axles that were incorrectly heat treated. CONSEQUENCE: If the rear axle shaft was not properly heated treated, it may fracture and a wheel separation could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the axle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R59. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. ### Statement: Heat-treating October 27, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 65,760 U.S.-market trucks – most of which are in dealer hands – to inspect and replace, as required, their rear axle shafts or rear axles.

Ram may build more trucks with sports team tie-ins

After a rather successful foray with a Red Wings edition of the Ram 1500 last year - some 3,000 units sold - the truck brand is both re-upping its relationship with Detroit's hockey powerhouse and considering expansion into other sport franchises.
Ram announced last month that it would carry on its partnership with the Red Wings throughout the 2012-13 NHL season. The company will not offer a special edition version of the 2013 Ram, due in part to the strike-shortened NHL season. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Ram boss Fred Diaz called the Red Wings partnership an experiment that "worked out so incredibly well, we're looking at the possibility of doing other things with other sports."
Diaz doesn't see Ram doing deals with entire leagues, but does think that other teams and cities, with a similar "rabid fan base" could make sense for co-branding. "We'll pick our spots and our moments, " said Diaz, "and if we feel like we have a good opportunity, we'll do it."

Ram granted patent for in-bed ramp system

Most of the patent filings we report on these days are of a pretty high-tech nature: everything from "humanized" navigation systems to 11-speed transmissions. But cool innovations can be lower-tech and clever, too. At least that's our feeling after seeing some proposed plans from Ram. FCA has filed a patent for a system of built-in ramps recessed inside of a truck bed. While stowable ramps aren't new – Ford offers a similar system for the F-150 ­– the level of integration shown in these diagrams seems to be. Drawings show ramps that run on channels in the bed and tailgate, hinged at the end of the extended gate for a gentle upslope into the cargo area. What's more, the system seems changeable, with two ramps set wide or narrow, or just one centrally mounted. Just the thing for switching from motorcycle-loading season to snowmobile-loading season. A granted patent doesn't always lead to a product brought to market, of course. Issues with cost, durability, and demand all have a lot to say about what makes it from design to showroom. Still, we think the proposed RamRamp (feel free to use that, FCA) shows a ton of promise. Speak up truck owners, is a factory-installed ramp system like the one you see here something you'd pay for on your next vehicle? Get into Comments, below, and let us know. Related Video: Featured Gallery Ram in-bed ramps patent drawings News Source: USPTO via Allpar RAM Truck patent