Ram 2500 Off-Road Pack targets Ford's FX4, Chevy's Z71
Thu, Feb 11 2016
Making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, a new 4x4 Off-Road Package will be offered on the 2500 model regardless of engine, bed length, or trim level. The only restriction is cab size – you'll need to order the Crew or Mega Cab in order to get the new option pack.
Despite being a new package, Ram's formula is more or less the same as that used by the FX4 and Z71. Mechanical changes are limited to new Bilstein monotube shocks (Ford turns to Rancho, while the shock absorbers on Chevy's Z71 are unbranded) and a standard limited-slip differential (also offered on the Big Horn and Lone Star trims). Firestone supplies the LT tires, which look to strike a balance between off-road ability and on-road comfort, while there's the normal array of underbody protection. And like Ford and Chevy, Ram has fit a prominent decal on the rear fender.
Pricing isn't finalized yet, but Ram specifically calls the 4x4 Off-Road Pack "a value-priced option." That'd make a lot of sense, considering how Ford and Chevy have priced similar equipment packs. Neither the FX4 nor the Z71 pack are high-priced options, with the former ringing up at $295 on the F-250 and the latter maxing out at $620, depending on which Silverado HD you chose.
Look for the Ram 2500 4x4 Off-Road Pack to hit dealers during the third quarter of 2016.
Related Video:
Ram Truck Brand Announces New Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Off-road Package
New Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package designed for customers who need essential off-road upgrades combined with 3/4 -ton pushing, pulling and hauling capabilities
Part of "America's Off-road Truck Leader" lineup
Features stability control upgrades, all-terrain tires and rugged exterior appearance
New package includes limited-slip differential, underbody protection and Bilstein shocks
Available "RamBox Holster" rack accessory for RamBox-equipped trucks
February 11, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Ram Truck capitalizes on a core piece of the 3/4 -ton segment with new Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package, which includes a list of must-have upgrades for the occasional off-roader.
Designed for all manner of activity, it's no secret pickup trucks spend a disproportionate amount of time in the dirt, mud and snow when compared to other vehicles in the automotive industry. Up to 35 percent of pickup owners operate their vehicle in off-road environments for work and/or play. The new Off-road Component Package provides the functional enhancements to deliver owner confidence off the beaten path.
"Truck customers require a wide range of off-road capability options and Ram trucks are designed and engineered for the full spectrum," said Bob Hegbloom, Head of Ram Truck Brand, FCA - North America. "Anyone who spends most days on the outskirts of a job site or the weekend on the shore of a favorite fishing hole will benefit from the standard features on our new Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package."
The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package is a value-priced option with a long list of content that customers have requested.
Joining the Ram Rebel and Power Wagon, the 4x4 Off-road Package rounds out the brand's enthusiast lineup and reinforces its claim to being the "Off-road Truck Leader."
Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package
A pickup truck has a lot of unforeseen duties. Large front tow hooks add an untold amount of versatility and allow the Ram 2500 to become a solid anchor point or rescue rig. Larger fender flares in Black or body-color help prevent whatever slings off the tires from covering the side of the truck with debris.
To handle the rough roads, Bilstein monotube shock absorbers soak up the bumps at all four corners and distribute excessive heat that can be generated when driving rough sections for extended periods of time. The performance shocks are tuned specifically for the weight of the truck and take advantage of the exclusive five-link coil rear suspension system, adding further control to the axle.
The improved suspension is coupled with all-terrain tires. The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package includes Firestone LT 275/70R 18E OWL on/off-road tires for added traction. Some models wear Firestone LT 285/60R 20E OWL on/off-road tires. The tires clean themselves better than on-road tires by allowing whatever finds itself in the tread to break free under rotation, keeping the tread clear to grip again.
Many trails, tall grass and mud holes hide unforeseen impediments. These obstacles generally reveal themselves during breakover maneuvers. To prevent underbody strike damage, the Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package includes a transfer case skid plate to address the lowest mid-point of the truck.
The new offering also includes standard Hill-decent Control, borrowed from the Power Wagon. Hill-descent Control allows drivers to control speed down steep, rugged grades with the buttons on the column shifter – without the need for throttle or brake pedals.
For added traction, the 4x4 Off-road Package comes standard with a rear anti-spin differential, which turns both rear wheels in tandem when increased torque is applied. The design automatically unlocks the differential for normal on-road driving, allowing the wheels to spin independently for improved drivability.
Finishing off the truck is a large "4X4 OFF ROAD" decal placed on the rear corner of the bed on both sides of the truck.
The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package is available in Crew Cab and Mega Cab, gas and diesel powertrains and short- and long-wheelbase models. It is available on all Ram trim levels, including Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited.
The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package will be available in the third quarter of 2016.
About Ram Truck Brand
Since its launch as a stand-alone division in 2009, the Ram Truck Brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry.
Creating a distinct identity for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable. Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day in and day out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.
In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.
Moving into the 2016 model year, Ram continues to beat the competition in the most sought-after titles, fuel economy, payload and towing capacity:
Best-in-class fuel economy with exclusive EcoDiesel – 29 mpg with Ram 1500
Best-in-class towing capability – 31,210 pounds with Ram 3500
Best-in-class payload – 7,390 pounds with Ram 3500
Best-in-class torque – 900 lb.-ft. with Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel
Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.
New Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package designed for customers who need essential off-road upgrades combined with 3/4 -ton pushing, pulling and hauling capabilities
Part of "America's Off-road Truck Leader" lineup
Features stability control upgrades, all-terrain tires and rugged exterior appearance
New package includes limited-slip differential, underbody protection and Bilstein shocks
Available "RamBox Holster" rack accessory for RamBox-equipped trucks
February 11, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Ram Truck capitalizes on a core piece of the 3/4 -ton segment with new Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package, which includes a list of must-have upgrades for the occasional off-roader.
Designed for all manner of activity, it's no secret pickup trucks spend a disproportionate amount of time in the dirt, mud and snow when compared to other vehicles in the automotive industry. Up to 35 percent of pickup owners operate their vehicle in off-road environments for work and/or play. The new Off-road Component Package provides the functional enhancements to deliver owner confidence off the beaten path.
"Truck customers require a wide range of off-road capability options and Ram trucks are designed and engineered for the full spectrum," said Bob Hegbloom, Head of Ram Truck Brand, FCA - North America. "Anyone who spends most days on the outskirts of a job site or the weekend on the shore of a favorite fishing hole will benefit from the standard features on our new Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package."
The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package is a value-priced option with a long list of content that customers have requested.
Joining the Ram Rebel and Power Wagon, the 4x4 Off-road Package rounds out the brand's enthusiast lineup and reinforces its claim to being the "Off-road Truck Leader."
Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package
A pickup truck has a lot of unforeseen duties. Large front tow hooks add an untold amount of versatility and allow the Ram 2500 to become a solid anchor point or rescue rig. Larger fender flares in Black or body-color help prevent whatever slings off the tires from covering the side of the truck with debris.
To handle the rough roads, Bilstein monotube shock absorbers soak up the bumps at all four corners and distribute excessive heat that can be generated when driving rough sections for extended periods of time. The performance shocks are tuned specifically for the weight of the truck and take advantage of the exclusive five-link coil rear suspension system, adding further control to the axle.
The improved suspension is coupled with all-terrain tires. The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package includes Firestone LT 275/70R 18E OWL on/off-road tires for added traction. Some models wear Firestone LT 285/60R 20E OWL on/off-road tires. The tires clean themselves better than on-road tires by allowing whatever finds itself in the tread to break free under rotation, keeping the tread clear to grip again.
Many trails, tall grass and mud holes hide unforeseen impediments. These obstacles generally reveal themselves during breakover maneuvers. To prevent underbody strike damage, the Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package includes a transfer case skid plate to address the lowest mid-point of the truck.
The new offering also includes standard Hill-decent Control, borrowed from the Power Wagon. Hill-descent Control allows drivers to control speed down steep, rugged grades with the buttons on the column shifter – without the need for throttle or brake pedals.
For added traction, the 4x4 Off-road Package comes standard with a rear anti-spin differential, which turns both rear wheels in tandem when increased torque is applied. The design automatically unlocks the differential for normal on-road driving, allowing the wheels to spin independently for improved drivability.
Finishing off the truck is a large "4X4 OFF ROAD" decal placed on the rear corner of the bed on both sides of the truck.
The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package is available in Crew Cab and Mega Cab, gas and diesel powertrains and short- and long-wheelbase models. It is available on all Ram trim levels, including Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited.
The Ram 2500 4x4 Off-road Package will be available in the third quarter of 2016.
About Ram Truck Brand
Since its launch as a stand-alone division in 2009, the Ram Truck Brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry.
Creating a distinct identity for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable. Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day in and day out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.
In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.
Moving into the 2016 model year, Ram continues to beat the competition in the most sought-after titles, fuel economy, payload and towing capacity:
Best-in-class fuel economy with exclusive EcoDiesel – 29 mpg with Ram 1500
Best-in-class towing capability – 31,210 pounds with Ram 3500
Best-in-class payload – 7,390 pounds with Ram 3500
Best-in-class torque – 900 lb.-ft. with Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel
Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.
By Brandon Turkus
See also: 2017 Ram Power Wagon update adds menacing new look, Say goodbye to the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200, FCA goes all-in on Jeep and Ram brands on cheap gas bet.