We obviously had the automatic six-speed transmission in Tow Haul mode, which provides a modified up-shift and down-shift schedule. Also on the tow team was the integrated trailer brake
control; with its accelerometer and processor, it can sense how hard you want, and need, to brake, and makes sure the trailer braking is in sync.
From a dead start, the truck accelerates slowly and like, well like it was towing a large tractor. But once underway, it pulled smoothly and maintained highway speeds with seemingly little effort.
Chrysler went out of its way during this event, to make sure we understood that towing ratings are not standardized; every manufacturer uses its own methodology. When it comes to towing, Chrysler felt its trucks are the measure of anyone in the industry, regardless of what competitors publish as maximum tow ratings.
A hill during our test loop, afforded the opportunity to try out the new, standard air-braking system on the diesel engine.
Descending that hill at about 55 mph (88 km/h), I took my foot off the gas (diesel?). You could feel the engine braking right away. I was instructed to depress the brake pedal only enough to put the brake lights on. That sent the transmission downshifting in tow haul mode, to further take advantage of exhaust braking. Net result: 24,000 lbs of truck and trailer slowed from 55 to 19 mph (88 to 30 km/h) without any “regular” braking.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a heavy duty truck this year, you’ve timed it perfectly. All three manufacturers have new product or soon will. No doubt all of them will get the job done, and then some.
Dodge has been making steady inroads in the light truck market, and the new 2500/3500 pickups will surely make encroachments in the HD market.
Truck owners are fiercely loyal. They are not apt to shift allegiances. But this is definitely the year you should consider all your options, including the very fine Dodge Ram.
photo:Mike Goetz
control; with its accelerometer and processor, it can sense how hard you want, and need, to brake, and makes sure the trailer braking is in sync.
From a dead start, the truck accelerates slowly and like, well like it was towing a large tractor. But once underway, it pulled smoothly and maintained highway speeds with seemingly little effort.
Chrysler went out of its way during this event, to make sure we understood that towing ratings are not standardized; every manufacturer uses its own methodology. When it comes to towing, Chrysler felt its trucks are the measure of anyone in the industry, regardless of what competitors publish as maximum tow ratings.
A hill during our test loop, afforded the opportunity to try out the new, standard air-braking system on the diesel engine.
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| The all-new Dodge Ram 1500 were introduced in 2009, and their big brothers were simply next in line to get some engineering love. |
Descending that hill at about 55 mph (88 km/h), I took my foot off the gas (diesel?). You could feel the engine braking right away. I was instructed to depress the brake pedal only enough to put the brake lights on. That sent the transmission downshifting in tow haul mode, to further take advantage of exhaust braking. Net result: 24,000 lbs of truck and trailer slowed from 55 to 19 mph (88 to 30 km/h) without any “regular” braking.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a heavy duty truck this year, you’ve timed it perfectly. All three manufacturers have new product or soon will. No doubt all of them will get the job done, and then some.
Dodge has been making steady inroads in the light truck market, and the new 2500/3500 pickups will surely make encroachments in the HD market.
Truck owners are fiercely loyal. They are not apt to shift allegiances. But this is definitely the year you should consider all your options, including the very fine Dodge Ram.
photo:Mike Goetz
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