FEATURE – RAM 2500 Laramie Code Black

While the RAM 2500 and 3500 are made for carrying and towing BIG loads, JUST BIKES recently spent some time in a RAM 2500 and found that this tough truck can be just as versatile for smaller hauling. 
For those not familiar with them, RAM trucks are US-made large pickups; and were previously known as Dodge Rams before the model name became a brand name in its own right in 2009.
RAM landed here – officially – at the end of 2015, via American Special Vehicles - a joint venture between Walkinshaw Automotive Group and Ateco Automotive, who undertake the right-hand drive conversion and other ADR and compliance requirements. 

Two to Choose
From the broader RAM range available in the US, two variants are offered locally: the RAM 2500; and the RAM 3500. From the outside, there’s not much to split the two; they’re both larger than any other dual cab currently available, with unmistakably bold and very “American” styling. That, for many, is a big part of their appeal, but under the skin is where the RAMs differ from other dual cab utes available here.
The RAM 2500 has a payload capacity of 913kg and a rated maximum towing capacity (braked trailer) of a whopping 6,942kg. To put that into perspective, it’s almost double the maximum towing capacity of the likes of the HiLux, Ranger, Colorado, BT-50, etc. Conveniently, the 2500’s GVM of 4,490kg means it can be driven on a car licence, so the lack of a light truck licence won’t be a deal breaker for potential buyers.
Step up to the RAM 3500 and you will need a light truck licence, as the GVM is 5,309kg. A leaf spring back end, instead of the 2500’s coil springs, means the 3500 can carry a huge 1,713kg, but towing capacity is reduced to 6,171kg. 
Both those maximum tow ratings require a pintle mount, though, rather than a conventional towball. Use a 50m tow ball and towing capacity is cut to 3,500kg. Upgrade to a 70mm tow ball and that increases to 4,500kg.
Both the 2500 and 3500 are powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins turbo diesel, outputting 276kW and a huge 1084Nm. This is matched to a heavy-duty 6-speed auto transmission and part-time 4WD system with low range and a mechanical LSD. 
For most people, the RAM’s huge load-lugging capacity and outstanding level of torque is more than they’ll ever need, but it also opens up a number of possibilities. 
The first application I can think of is for earthmoving contractors and those in the field of plant hire to use the RAM as their work vehicle, as it can easily pull a trailered small dozer, front end loader, excavator, etc., while still being plush and comfortable enough for weekend fun away from the job site. 
As well as being ideal for towing large horse floats and boats, there’s also potential, I believe, for the RAM to replace the traditional LandCruiser or other large SUV for the grey nomad market. Of course, with the RAM doing the towing, the size of the caravan you’re pulling can increase exponentially, bringing a new level of space, comfort and opulence to the around-Australia trip.
And, being a 4x4, you can detach the caravan and go for a bit of off-road exploring when the mood strikes – something you can’t do in a large motorhome.
I wouldn’t be surprised if RAMs also start appearing at large cattle stations, mining operations and the like, as the “best ute” for transporting big wigs and special guests. 
That large payload capacity would allow a lot more options when it comes to customised service bodies, too.    
The more I think about it, the more potential applications there are. During our brief time in a RAM truck, our achievements were far more humble, but no less enjoyable. 

Two and Four
We decided to see how practical the RAM was for hauling a dirt bike and all its related gear. Obviously, a RAM would have no trouble carrying a 112kg Yamaha YZ450F motocross bike, but how practical would it be in this role?
Myself and a mate decided to find out when we got hold of a RAM ‘Code Black,’ which is a specially kitted-out version of the 2500 Laramie. The truck we had on test looks the business and was one of the first in this series to be created by AVS. 
Identified by blackout treatment for the grille, bumpers, off-road wheelarch flares and badging, the RAM 2500 Code Black also gets 8-lug 20-inch wheels finished in black and shod with all terrain tyres as standard.
One thing to be aware of from the start with the RAM is that the higher ride height means you can’t attach most trailer types without an adaptor. In our case, it wasn’t a problem (we weren’t lugging a trailer), but will need to be adressed if regular towing is planned.
Despite the additional ride height, running the YZ450F up a ramp into the RAM’s tray area was a cinch, with the bike only needing to be slightly angled to fit in the large (1,939mm L x 1,687mm W) load bed. 
With integral tie-down points, strapping down the YZ wasn’t a problem, while neat touches included an opening centre section for the rear window and a light for the load bed. There’d be plenty of instances I can think of where the latter addition would come in handy.
Even if we’d had two bikes on board, there would still be plenty of space in the tray for fuel, wheels and other spares, as well as tools and riding gear. There’s more storage room inside the cabin, too.

The Big Interior
Speaking of the inside, in my opinion, it’s another area where RAM trucks blow the competition away. There’s HEAPS of space both front and rear, as well as a level of appointments that surprise. The seats – leather trimmed in both rows – are comfortable, with room for six. The front row 40/20/40 seats are power adjustable, with heating and cooling functions, while the driver’s seat adds a memory function. The base of the rear bench is a 60/40 split that folds up to allow more storage space when you don’t have the whole crew on board.  
To give the RAM its six-seat capacity, gear shifting is done with a column-mounted lever. Column-shift is now a rarity (name me another current model passenger car or light commercial that uses it – I couldn’t think of one!), so it took a little bit of getting used to. Another quirk, but a welcome one, were the adjustable pedals that compensate for the lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel.
Power windows, a sunroof and multiple charge/power points (USB, 12v, 220v) are all standard, with other impressive features including the split-level climate-control air con, which is actually useful in a cabin this size, rather than the novelty it is in smaller vehicles. Myself, my mate and his kids had fun working through the various settings, as well as counting how many storage cubbyholes the RAM has throughout the cabin.

At the Track  
On the road to Park 4 MX in Campbellfield (outer suburban Melbourne), we had ample time to assess the RAM’s on-road manners, with the journey consisting of a long highway stretch, as well as b-roads and tighter suburban streets. Despite its size and weight, the RAM accelerated strongly and handled well, to the point where you forget how big the vehicle is. 
A reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors take most of the stress out of parking, but that being said, you do need to be realistic about where you position this vehicle: at a tick over 2 metres wide and 6 metres long, there are places a RAM just won’t fit!    
When we pulled up at the track, the RAM 2500 Code Black drew a LOT of attention. Hardly surprising, really, as it’s unlike anything else in circulation at the moment, and certainly unlike anything else that was in the carpark that day. 
Former MX racer, Cheyne Boyd, who owns and runs Park 4 MX, spent a lot of time looking over the truck and was pretty impressed – we reckon he’ll be a RAM customer! 
As a “base” for the day’s riding, the RAM 2500 Code Black really offered all we could need, thanks to the abundant load capacity and storage space. When the weather turned nasty (as it invariably does during Melbourne winters), the RAM’s interior proved to be a great sanctuary from the wet and the cold – far more spacious and comfortable than the wagons, vans or smaller dual cabs that are usually used by families or privateer teams for hauling to and from the MX track. 
On the way back from a day’s riding, we tested the RAM’s off-road credentials at a mate’s construction site. While it’s not an off-roader first and foremost, the RAM 2500 Code Black did prove to be capable in the loose soil, sticky clay and mud holes that we traversed. As long as you keep the part-time 4WD system engaged, the oodles of torque from that Cummins diesel should pull you out of any predicament.
That said, if regular off-roading is going to be part of your RAM ownership experience, fit a set of appropriate tyres. The all-terrain rubber fitted to our test vehicle was good, but would struggle in very heavy mud or other extreme terrain.

Big Decision
So, is the RAM a suitable machine for a motocross family? Given our time in the 2500 Code Black, the answer is a resounding yes, despite the starting price of $139,500 (plus ORCs) for the standard RAM 2500 Laramie.
There’s no denying that $130K+ is a big outlay for a vehicle, but if your work and play needs require this level of capacity, space and comfort, there’s really nothing that can compare to a RAM truck.

RAM 2500 Code Black – basic specs

ENGINE: 6.7-litre Cummins turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder
MAX POWER: 276kW @ 2800rpm
MAX TORQUE: 1084Nm @ 1600rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic
DRIVE: part-time 4WD w/low range
CONSUMPTION – COMBINED CYCLE: N/A

FRONT SUSPENSION:  3-link w/track and stabiliser bars
REAR SUSPENSION: 5-link w/track and stabiliser bars
STEERING: Rack & pinion w/power assist

WHEELS: 20-inch 8-lug alloy Fr/Rr
TYRES: Nitto ‘Terra Grappler’ 285/60R 20 All Terrain
SPARE: Full size
BRAKES: 360mm disc Fr / 358mm disc Rr w/diesel exhaust brake

SEATING CAPACITY: 6
FRONT SEAT HEAD/LEG ROOM: 1041mm / 1041mm
REAR SEAT HEAD/LEG ROOM: 1014mm / 1023mm

LxWxH: 6027mm x 2009mm x 1974mm
WHEELBASE: 3797mm
TURNING CIRCLE: 13.38m
TRACK: 1735mm Fr / 1732mm Rr
GROUND CLEARANCE: 218mm
APPROACH/DEPARTURE/BREAKOVER ANGLE: 21.8/22.3/18.2 degrees
TRAY LxWxH: 1939mm x 1687mm x 511mm (1295mm between arches)
KERB WEIGHT: 3577mm
PAYLOAD CAPACITY: 913kg
TOWING CAPACITY: 6942kg (w/pintle mount)
GVM: 4490kg
GCM: 11479kg (w/pintle mount)
*5th wheel/gooseneck is an aftermarket accessory

SAFETY RATING: N/A
PRICE: $POA ($139,500 + ORCs for standard RAM 2500)
WARRANTY: 3year/100,00km w/roadside assistance

<a href="ramtrucks.com.au">ramtrucks.com.au</a>

Words & Photos: Steve Hunter