The 2021 Ram Heavy Duty features an updated towing capacity of 37,100 pounds with a gooseneck hitch and 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque. Working closely with Cummins, the diesel engine improvements for 2021 include higher limits for boost from a variable geometry turbocharger and flow rate increases in the fuel delivery system, according to Ram. This enables the 6.7L I-6 to produce an additional 75 lb.-ft. of torque. This improvement ranks the Cummins engine ahead of the competition with 1,075 total lb.-ft. of torque.

“Ram regains capability leadership by delivering the highest ever torque rating for a diesel pickup truck and heaviest gooseneck towing capacity,” said Mike Koval Jr., Head of Ram Brand. “We understand the attributes that are most important to our customers within the heavy-duty segment; they demand hardworking, long-lasting capability.”

The rear portion of Ram Heavy Duty’s frame includes fully boxed rails and the rear-axle structural crossmember, with provisions for a fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch, has been upgraded for 2021 to accommodate the increased towing capacity. The optional fifth-wheel and gooseneck hardware is fully integrated into the production box floor and includes fifth-wheel pucks, gooseneck bolt plates, and gooseneck center castings.

Additionally, the standard 4/7-pin trailer connector at the bumper and an additional 7-pin connector are integrated into the rear of the bed to easily wire a trailer (included in fifth-wheel/gooseneck option).The 37,100-pound tow uprating is made possible by an in-house hitch design from Ram Engineering.

Also new for 2021, the Ram Heavy Duty features a digital rearview mirror that displays video in real time from a rear-facing camera and can be turned off to revert back to a traditional reflective mirror. The digital rearview mirror is available on all Heavy Duty models.

Ram Heavy Duty features Uconnect 4C NAV with a 12-inch reconfigurable touchscreen. The split screen allows two different applications to be viewed for desired configuration, such as Apple CarPlay and HVAC controls, or one application, such as navigation across the entire 12-inch touchscreen.

An available covered external power source (400W 115-volt, three-prong) is located at the left rear corner of the bed. This plug features a water resistant lid and includes a 400W inverter.

Ram 3500 Heavy Duty maximum gooseneck and conventional hitch maximum trailer weight ratings for 2021 are 37,100 pounds and 23,000 pounds, respectively.

2021 Ram Heavy Duty pickup trucks will be available in dealerships in December 2020.