Autoblog

Chrysler's internal documents question Ram quality as workers protest

Zach Bowman — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Chrysler, Ram

Chrysler is reportedly having a hard time ramping up production of its 2013 Ram 1500. According to The Detroit News, only 16 of the 58 trucks built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant during the model's first hour passed final inspection. While quality eventually improved over the course of the day, just over half of the units built on Thursday were approved for shipment. Even with workers ordered to stay late to fix their mistakes, some 1,078 units remained outside the facility with defects. The problem, according to workers at the plant, is morale.

According to the report, Chrysler recently changed the shift schedule at the plant and workers are unhappy with the new situation. The new plan has workers split into three shifts, each covering four 10-hour days. With the shifts staggered, some workers now have to work nights and on Saturdays. Some employees are so upset that they've taken to protesting, though the move isn't sanctioned by the United Auto Workers.

Meanwhile, Chrysler admits there were internal issues with the launch, but that the company was able to contain them. A spokesperson has said "plant quality indicators are getting progressively better."

Chrysler's internal documents question Ram quality as workers protest originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Ram 1500 tows away Motor Trend Truck of the Year laurels

George Kennedy — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Ram

Motor Trend has named their 2013 Truck of the Year, and this time, the coveted honor goes to Chrysler's 2013 Ram 1500. The Ram unseats the Ford F-150 pickup from Truck of the Year with a package that the magazine argues fulfills owners' needs for everyday usability as much as worksite utility.

MT points out that the 1500's available air suspension is a quantum leap in the light-duty pickup segment. This system can raise for more ground clearance or lower for highway driving. Chrysler has been pushing for friendly daily-driver manners for some time now - you'll recall it debuted coils in place of rear leaf springs in the 2009 Ram 1500, back when it the truck was sold under the Dodge nameplate. The new optional air setup is another step towards more comfortable everyday driving.

The Ram 1500 can also be paired with the company's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 in place of the loveless 3.7-liter unit, in the process getting some pretty surprising fuel economy figures. MT also notes that the interior update - complete with available Uconnect 8.3-inch screen and new rotary shifter - is a welcome upgrade. These attributes have conspired to yield a deserving award for Team Ram, which MT says has nailed the motivations of light-duty truck buyers - comfort and capability in one package.

2013 Ram 1500 tows away Motor Trend Truck of the Year laurels originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ram building business case for Long-Hauler concept

Chris Paukert — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Work, Diesel, Ram

Remember last year's Ram Long-Hauler Concept? It of 197.7-inch-wheelbase, mirror-filling width and a 37,500-pound Gross Vehicle Weight Rating? Fred Diaz and company want to build it.

Diaz, President and CEO of Ram, told reporters at its Auburn Hills headquarters this morning that its dealers are hot-to-trot over the idea of having a four-door MegaCab model yoked to an eight-foot bed and a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel. The 5500-chassis-based dually is aptly named, as it holds an astonishing 170 gallons of fuel, perfect for transcontinental journeys. (Fun factoid: At today's average diesel fuel price of $4.125/gal, that means a single fill-up would be over $700!)

According to Diaz, Ram wanted to roll the Long-Hauler Concept out on stage at its national dealer meeting in Las Vegas last week, but couldn't - the company managing the facility told Diaz that the 9,300-pound behemoth was too big to make it on stage. Instead, the executive put an image of the 24-foot-long truck on an overhead screen only to have dealers cheer loudly. In fact, Diaz says response to the notion of a production Long-Hauler has been "absolutely staggering." The rig received a similarly warm welcome at last spring's Mid-America Trucking Show, where it was first revealed. Between public and dealer feedback, Ram - whose heavy-duty truck sales have been on a tear lately - feels that the concept has such validity for commercial customers that might otherwise buy a Class III or IV chassis that it's working on a business case for the Long-Hauler right now.

Ram building business case for Long-Hauler concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2014 Ram HD spotted inside and out

Zach Bowman — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Work, Ram

Our spy photographers have managed to lay their lenses on the 2014 Ram HD family ahead of the truck's launch next year. From the looks of things, designers have graced the pickups with a new grille and projector headlamp arrays as well as LED taillamps. It's unclear whether the upgraded rear light arrays well be standard equipment or optional as on the 2013 Ram 1500.

More importantly, we've finally been given a glimpse of truck's interior, and the new cabin will feature a massive touchscreen interface. With a screen even larger than the 8.4-inch Uconnect piece found on so many Chrysler products, it will be interesting to see exactly what sort of functionality the new tech will bring to the table.

In addition, the 2014 Ram HD looks to leverage a revised suspension design. According to Inside Line, the front multilink array appears to have gone the way of a single trailing arm setup and the shock absorbers look to have been relocated as well. According to our photographers, Ram engineers were working particularly hard to keep the trucks locked up in enclosed trailers at night. The powertrain picture for these heavy-duty haulers remains unclear at this time.

Word has it these machines will bow at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Check out our gallery for a closer look.

2014 Ram HD spotted inside and out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Watch this Subaru lug a Ram pickup and a trailer out of the mud

George Kennedy — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru, Humor, Off-Road, Ram

Well this should make a Ram fan or two blush. A Ram four-door pulling a trailer was saved from the clutches of a muddy rut by none other than a second-generation Subaru Impreza. That's the power of all-wheel drive for ya!

It's unclear where the video was taken, but amidst many other trucks (all appear to be pulling camper trailers as well), it was the humble Subie that came to the rescue. Using your standard canvas tow strap, the Fuji Heavy hardware barely appears to struggle, though the Ram does its part, too.

We don't get much of a reaction from the driver of the compact hatchback, but we can infer: "AWD, FTW!" One can argue the merits of the Subaru's footing in contrast to that of the mighty full-size pickup, but there's no denying the video evidence below.

As Autoblog scribe Zach Bowman sagely remarked upon watching the footage, "That video is why I hate buying used cars." Touché.

Continue reading Watch this Subaru lug a Ram pickup and a trailer out of the mud

Watch this Subaru lug a Ram pickup and a trailer out of the mud originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ram celebrates Texas with special 10th anniversary Lone Star edition

Noah Joseph — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ram

Everything's bigger in Texas, and that includes the pickup truck market. The market is so big, in fact, that truck manufacturers regularly unveil new models at the Texas State Fair, and create special models just for the largest of contiguous states in the union. For Chrysler, that means the Ram 1500 Lone Star - a special edition available only in Texas that accounts for 30- to 40-percent of its 1500-series truck sales in the state, or about 80,000 units sold since its introduction ten years ago.

Now that the model has reached that decade milestone, the American truckmaker is keen to get the party started - Texas-style - with an even more special special edition. The Ram Lone Star 10th Anniversary starts out with the Ram 1500 Crew Cab with bucket seats and upholsters them in perforated Katzkin leather with special logos to match those on the dashboard, floormats and the emblems on the outside.

A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 does the pulling duty with 390 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, bolstered on the equipment list by 20-inch wheels, an auxiliary power outlet, trailer hitch and more that you can read about in the press release after the jump. The package adds a reasonable $1,500 to the base price for an all-in MSRP of $36,440, with deliveries beginning in the second quarter of the year - but only if you live in Texas.

Continue reading Ram celebrates Texas with special 10th anniversary Lone Star edition

Ram celebrates Texas with special 10th anniversary Lone Star edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

At $45,700, Laramie Limited is most expensive Ram trim yet

Scott Burgess — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Luxury, Ram

The newest trim line of the Ram family will also be its most expensive. The 2012 Ram Laramie Limited will have a starting price of $45,700 for a 1500 4x2 model, Ram officials tell Autoblog. That's well over double the $21,820 asking price of a no-frills 1500.

Of course, spending that kind of money, you'd expect the interior trim to come with some fancy name like "black burled walnut," an overpowering smell of leather every time you open the door and more shiny chrome exterior accents than a 1934 Chrysler Airflow. The Laramie Limited, introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February, does that and more, playing its role as the ultimate Ram when it arrives at dealerships in the coming months in the full-size and heavy duty offerings. The starting price for a Ram Laramie Limited 2500 HD SWB 4x2 is $47,780 (prices do not include $995 in destination charges).

In recent years, Detroit's pickup builders have continued to create more high-end pickups along with their work versions. Hey, how's a One Percenter supposed to tow his yacht? Just a few weeks ago, Ford introduced a Platinum trim of its Super Duty trucks, which will push the price of an F-450 Platinum north of $70,000. There appears to be a growing market for these vehicles as well, as the J.D. Power Information Network notes that nearly 30 percent of heavy duty truck buyers spend more than $50,000 for their vehicles. All of that money is not simply going for the diesel powertrain upgrade. No, these trucks are loaded up with all of the amenities of a luxury sedan. After all, affluent buyers want to flaunt their success a little, but it's not like you can carry a load of lumber in the trunk of a BMW 7 Series.

At $45,700, Laramie Limited is most expensive Ram trim yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ram piles on the trimmings with new Laramie Limited for Chicago

Zach Bowman — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Etc., Work, Luxury, Ram

Ram is set to introduce a new top-of-the-line pickup at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show next month. The Ram Laramie Limited treats buyers to all the niceties we've come to expect from the so-called "ultrapremium" truck segment. Leather seats with contrasting piping, piano-black trim, LED ambient lighting and unique gauges are all part of the package, as are deep berber carpet floor mats. Look for the Ram Laramie Limited to bow with navigation, remote start, a backup camera, power adjustable pedals, along with heated steering wheel and seats. Even rear passengers will stay toasty thanks to seat heaters of their very own.

Chrysler says the Ram Laramie Limited is a more understated alternative to the brash Laramie Longhorn. As such, the newest line addition comes packing somewhat more conservative exterior badges. That means the usual Hemi, Cummins and Ram hardware has been scrapped. Ram hasn't completely turned its back on bling, however. The new Laramie Limited rides on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. The vehicle will be available in 1500, 2500 HD and 3500 HD configurations when in launches in the second quarter of 2012. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ram piles on the trimmings with new Laramie Limited for Chicago

Ram piles on the trimmings with new Laramie Limited for Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ram unveils 1500 Tradesman HD, expanded Express lineup, bigger Rambox

Zach Bowman — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Dodge

Ram has announced a slew of additions to its line of pickup trucks, starting with the 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty. The vehicle combines all of the excellent value of the standard Tradesman, but throws in the joy of three-quarter-ton towing and cargo capacity as well. Ram says that the vehicle now boasts the best-in-class title for both of those categories. With a maximum trailer weight of 11,500 pounds, the Tradesman HD tops the Ford F-150 by 200 pounds and the Chevrolet Silverado by 800 pounds. Meanwhile, Ram has also rolled in a 3,100-pound payload capacity, which exceeds the F-150 by 40 pounds and the Silverado by 1,235 pounds.

Things aren't all sunshine and rainbows, though. The Tradesman HD is only available as a two-wheel drive truck with a regular cab and an eight-foot bed.

In addition, Ram has broadened the model availability in the company's 1500 Express trim. Buyers can now opt for Crew Cab and Quad Cab configurations for the first time. The 1500 Express Crew Cab starts at $28,050 while the Quad Cab lands closer to $30,010, both without destination or handling charges. Both will still come with the company's 5.7-liter V8 as standard equipment.

Finally, Ram has grown the company's Rambox system to accommodate 6-foot, 4-inch bed lengths, which means that Quad Cab buyers can also enjoy the in-bed storage system. Check out our galleries then hit the jump to read up on Ram's press releases.

Continue reading Ram unveils 1500 Tradesman HD, expanded Express lineup, bigger Rambox

Ram unveils 1500 Tradesman HD, expanded Express lineup, bigger Rambox originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PickupTrucks.com tests Ram Runner by Kore, compares with Ford SVT Raptor

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Dodge, Off-Road

Here at Autoblog, we're big fans of the Ford Raptor. So when Dodge announced that Mopar would be prepping a Ram for a head-to-head duel, we were quite excited to see the outcome of that project. Officially revealed in all its glory on March 28 of this year, the Ram Runner kit is offered in seven component sets that allow you to build your Ram up as much as you'd like.

We haven't had the chance to test out the fully equipped Ram yet, but our friend Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com lined one up and took it out to the desert.

Levine teamed up with veteran Baja racer Kent Kroeker, whose KORE suspension company built the components for Mopar and Dodge. The KORE-assembled Ram Runner features every option available in the kit, and Levine put all of them to the test. The truck was driven hard in the desert, spent a little bit of time in the air and then shuttled through Los Angeles traffic.

How did it fare? Quite well, with the minor annoyance of an ABS system in need of recalibration. Read the write-up over at PickupTrucks.com to see why.

PickupTrucks.com tests Ram Runner by Kore, compares with Ford SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lowered Ram dually is world's most awesomely inefficient can crusher

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 10 May 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Videos

Dually owner understands the value in recycling - Click above to watch video after the jump

There are many ways to crush a Coors Light can. One can go with the classic squeeze box, the ogre-brand forehead smash or perhaps you might prefer to let your foot do the stomping. The owner of an air-bag suspension-equipped Dodge Ram HD dually pickup has another option when it comes time to crush cans; flip a switch and let the quad-cab do the recycling.

Click past the jump to watch a very expensive way to earn five cents.

Continue reading Lowered Ram dually is world's most awesomely inefficient can crusher

Lowered Ram dually is world's most awesomely inefficient can crusher originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Share of trucks being sold in U.S. at 31-year low

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

Auto sales were up sharply in April, but trucks continue to make up less of the overall pie. Ward's Automotive reports that light-duty pickups accounted for only 11.8 percent of overall vehicle deliveries; the lowest total since Ward's began collecting data back in 1980. Back in 2005, when the auto industry and the economy at large was far healthier, light trucks accounted for 22.9 percent of all vehicles sold.

There are a lot of reasons truck sales are flagging as of late, not the least of which is gasoline prices that are currently at about $4 per gallon nationwide. But truck sales are also being hurt by unemployment rates and continued weakness in the housing sector.

Trucks are no longer such a large portion of over all car sales, but the utilitarian vehicles are still selling far better than they were in 2010. Truck sales are up 17.9 percent year-over-year, but that number has been outpaced by overall growth of 19.4 percent.

While trucks aren't quite as popular as they were a few years ago, we suspect that this trend may lose steam as the economy improves. After all, light trucks continue to outsell cars even with high gas prices and a poor housing market, though the advantage is down to 5,000 units so far in 2011.

Share of trucks being sold in U.S. at 31-year low originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Name Game: Ram "Adventurer" re-christened 1500 Express

Aaron Richardson — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Ram 1500 Express - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ram has re-named its affordable performance truck the Ram 1500 Express. Originally launched at the Chicago Auto Show in mid-February as the awkwardly named Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, the 1500 Express will still pack the 390-horsepower Hemi found in the 1500 Tradesman work truck.

Hemi-powered special editions from Chrysler generally command a pretty serious premium, but Dodge seems bent on attracting a younger audience with this offering. According to Chrysler, the truck will sticker at an affordable $23,830 - including destination charges. For that, you get the Hemi engine, a body-color grille, specific front and rear fascias, chrome dual exhausts and 20-inch rolling stock. The Ram 1500 Express channels its prodigious grunt through a suitably short 3.55 rear end.

Inside, there's a 40/20/40 split folding bench seat atop your choice of vinyl or carpet flooring. If the Hemi's soundtrack gets boring, there's a six-speaker iPod-compatible stereo as standard. Buyers can also choose to specify UConnect voice command technology, Bluetooth and a USB port.

Gallery: 2011 Ram 1500 Express

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Name Game: Ram "Adventurer" re-christened 1500 Express

Name Game: Ram "Adventurer" re-christened 1500 Express originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit has Ford Raptor in its sights

Chris Shunk — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Truck, Chrysler

Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has shocked and awed us with its ability to handle off-road terrain at extra-legal speeds. The folks at Ram and Mopar are looking to give the Raptor its first taste of real competition with this, the all-new Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit.

Jim Sassorossi, Director of Mopar Parts, tells Autoblog that the Ram Runner Stage II will be available for owners of 2009 to 2011 model year Ram 1500 models as soon as the Moab Easter Jeep Safari in Utah is completed, so figure on less than a month from now. The package gives owners control arms with an extra three inches of extension, Fox racing shocks with three inches of bypass to increase cooling and a best-in-class 14 inches of wheel travel. To accommodate that prodigious wheel travel, the Ram 1500's front fenders and rear bed-sides are replaced with wider pieces made of fiberglass.

The folks at Mopar feel their truck has several advantages over the Raptor, not the least of which is the fact that Ram owners can build it piece by piece. There are five upgrades in total, with the Pre-Runner Stage II lift kit taking up the bulk of the pricing at $13,270. Truck modders can then pick up a front bumper for $1,250, a rear tire carrier for $1,010, front fenders for $1,020 and rear fenders for $1,350. That adds up to $17,905, though Sassorossi estimates the entire package will set you back $19,000 on top of the cost of a Ram 1500.

We're told that all you need is any 2009-2011 Ram 1500 to build your Ram Runner, though a six-foot, four-inch bed is required if you want the rear fenders. While $19,000 for the complete package might sound like a deal, don't forget to add the substantial cost of labor. The big wheel/tire package, racing seats and roll cage are all extra, too. And despite how high that front bumper looks, Ram claims the truck is street legal in all 50 states.

To get customers excited about the new Mopar Stage II kit, Ram and Mopar also announced today that they'll be sponsoring the 2011 TORC short-course off-road racing series. The Ram Runner will become the official vehicle of TORC and serve as pace truck for all of the series' events.

Gallery: Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit

Photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit has Ford Raptor in its sights

Mopar Ram Runner Stage II kit has Ford Raptor in its sights originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch

Zach Bowman — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Ram 1500 Code Name: Adventurer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is banking on the warm reception that the Ram 1500 Tradesman received at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show this year by unveiling another low-buck model targeted at first-time vehicle buyers. For now, the pickup is cruising under the "Code Name: Adventurer" moniker, and Chrysler says that when it arrives in the second quarter of this year, it will come packing more horsepower and a lower MSRP than the competition. For $23,830 (including a $975 destination charge), buyers can look forward to sinking their teeth into the same 5.7-liter V8 found in the Tradesman. That means that there will be 390 horsepower and 407 pound-feet of torque on hand to do whatever deed needs done.

In addition, the Adventurer will be differentiated from the rest of the company's pickup flock thanks to monochromatic paint, body-colored front and rear fascias and a dual-tip exhaust. The truck comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels as the standard rollers and a 3.55 axle ratio. Buyers can also choose a 3.21 or a 3.99 ratio if they so desire. With the latter choice mated to the hearty V8 on board, we're guessing that this will be a pretty solid factory-bred street machine - at least in a straight line.

In addition, Chrysler has announced that it will accelerate the launch of the Tradesman thanks to "overwhelming response," though it isn't immediately clear how soon buyers can expect to see the work truck in their neighborhood Ram Truck showroom. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Ram 1500 Express

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch

Ram unveils 1500 Code Name: Adventurer, pulls ahead Tradesman launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman is built to work

Zach Bowman — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Work, Chrysler

2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ram Truck has just dropped a low-buck bombshell on the 2011 Chicago Auto Show with the 1500 Tradesman. The pickup comes standard with the company's 5.7-liter V8 with 390 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque mounted to a five-speed automatic transmission, and Chrysler says that the drivetrain is good for 20 mpg on the highway. Specifically set up for small businesses, contractors and fleet service, the Tradesman is also loaded with a Class IV hitch and a handy transmission cooler. That kit helps crank up the truck's tow rating to a lofty 10,450 pounds.

The best part? Prices for this sucker start at a slim $22,780 with destination. Buyers will be able to pick between 4x2 and 4x4 trim, and a long-bed option is also available. Look for the Tradesman to land on dealer lots in the second quarter of this year. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2011 Ram Truck 1500 Tradesman

Gallery: 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman

Continue reading Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman is built to work

Chicago 2011: 2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman is built to work originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chrysler recalling 76,000 Ram pickups over braking concerns

Zach Bowman — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Dodge

Dodge Ram - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is recalling 76,112 Dodge Ram trucks for a problem that may result in brake pedals that don't return as quickly as they should. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the issue is specific to 2010 and 2011 model year diesel trucks. Models made between March 2009 and October 2010 may have been built with power steering reservoir caps with "excessive vent pressure levels." Somehow, the faulty power steering cap causes the brake pedals to be slow to return.

We aren't entirely clear on how the power steering cap impacts the braking system, but NHTSA says that the danger isn't that drivers won't be able to stop their trucks - the brakes release when they should. Instead, the vehicle's brake lights will stay illuminated for too long, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Chrysler says it has received 175 reports of the issue, but it has received no reports of any accidents or injuries stemming from the defect. Chrysler will notify owners of affected trucks that it will inspect and replace the power steering reservoir cap for free as necessary. Hit the jump to see the full NHTSA campaign report.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Ram

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Chrysler recalling 76,000 Ram pickups over braking concerns

Chrysler recalling 76,000 Ram pickups over braking concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PickupTrucks.com features V6 work trucks in latest shootout

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Dodge, Ford, GMC

Work trucks are the heart and soul of the U.S. It's nice to have a big, powerful V8 engine under the hood, but the current crop of V6 mills provide both power and solid fuel economy numbers. PickTrucks.com wrangled up three 2011 V6 work trucks and decided to see which one is the new king of the hill.

Mike Levine and his team lined up the 3.7-liter Ford F-150, 4.3-liter GMC Sierra 1500 and 3.7-liter Ram 1500. All three pack V6s and automatic transmissions, with a regular cab, short-bed and rear-wheel drive setup. A 2011 Toyota Tundra was slated to be part of the test but was badly damaged during its cross-country transport.

Each truck ran through a gamut of testing to see how it would fair as a full-on light-duty work machine. We won't spoil the winner, but let's just say few others really determine just how good a truck is like Mike Levine and his crew. Check out the full story at PickupTrucks.com.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com | Image: PickupTrucks.com]

PickupTrucks.com features V6 work trucks in latest shootout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 Dodge Ram recalled over incorrectly printed labels

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Dodge

2010 Dodge Ram HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Owners of 2010 Dodge Ram and Ram HD pickups are being asked to head to their nearest dealership. The trucks are part of a recall focusing on a label printed with incorrect information. For some vehicles, the tire-pressure label lists incorrect weight or seating capacity information. If the inaccurate information on the labels is followed, it could lead to safety issues as a result of improperly loaded trucks.

New labels will be installed free of charge at your nearest Dodge dealership. The recall is scheduled to begin this month (October 2010). For more information, take a look at the press release posted after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD

Continue reading 2010 Dodge Ram recalled over incorrectly printed labels

2010 Dodge Ram recalled over incorrectly printed labels originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: The very worst kind of lift-off close call

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Safety, Videos, Dodge

Hmm, that doesn't seem centered anymore - Click above to watch video after the jump

Working with a car on a lift can be a dangerous if you don't understand what you are doing. Procedures have to be followed and safety is the name of the game. As one very lucky mechanic learned, even when something looks centered on a lift, it may not be safe.

Timing is, as we often hear, everything in life. The guy in this video should feel pretty good that the other person came in to talk to him. Otherwise he might have been the meat in a Dodge Ram/Concrete floor sandwich. Slip off the jump to see why garage lifts require that you always stay alert when a vehicle is in the air. Thanks for the tip, IHateAirplanes!

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: The very worst kind of lift-off close call

Video: The very worst kind of lift-off close call originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments