AUBURN HILLS, MI – Chrysler’s Ram brand introduced a new concept truck, the Ram “Long Hauler,” which is based on a Class 5 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, that’s designed for towing heavy trailers, long-distance driving, and for use at a work site, for example by small-businesses.

Ram designers started with a Class 5 Ram 5500 Crew Cab and converted to a Mega Cab passenger compartment, added an 8-foot box and upped the range between refueling stops with a mid-ship fuel tank. Combined with a second frame-mounted tank and a third, optional, bed-mounted auxiliary tank, total fuel capacity is 170 gallons.

Performance

The powertrain for the concept truck includes an inline six-cylinder 6.7L High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine rated at 800 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ram’s diesel engine is mated to a six-speed, Aisin AS68RC automatic transmission with four-wheel-drive transfer case coupled to a 4.88 Dana 110 axle with dual rear wheels.

Exterior

With a 197.4-inch wheelbase and 37,500 Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), the concept Long-Hauler from Ram has an overall length of 24 feet, a height of 79.1 inches, and estimated curb weight is 9,300 lbs.

The Ram “Long Hauler” concept features Kelderman Air Suspension front and rear and 19.5-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels, for a comfortable ride. The suspension package also is self-leveling with kneel feature.

Up front, a bull bar extends the entire width of the vehicle. For full use of the bed, the spare tire is located under the box. To help make trailer line-up easier on the fifth wheel, a separate back-up camera provides a full view of the bed. A custom hitch-access tailgate allows easy hook-ups without the need to open or remove the entire tailgate.

Interior

Chrysler said designers dampened interior noisewith an upgraded NVH package. The Long-Hauler includes 2+2 leather seating. Rear passenger seats have power-adjustable footrests and a rear center console that includes a refrigerator, cup holders, and tray tables.

In-cabin power includes 115V and 12V outlets front and rear. With the interior Wi-Fi enabled, passengers can work on laptop computers connected to the Internet during long drives.

Additional cabin features also include a laptop storage area and a safe for valuables. Interior items designed to allow driver monitoring of vehicle performance will include a tire pressure monitoring system, rear axle temperature gauge, and exhaust gas temperature and boost gauges. Convenience features also include an inductive charger and DVD player with overhead screen for rear seat passengers.

The rear seats and console also fold flat for additional storage or as a berth for resting.

Chrysler said although the Ram Long-Hauler is currently a concept, the company will show the vehicle across the country during the next eight months to help gauge public opinion on the appeal of a vehicle that provides an upgrade from a 1-ton truck without moving up to a full Class 6 truck.

The company said the tentative show schedule for the Ram Long-Hauler is as follows:

Kentucky Derby
Louisville, Ky.
5/05 – 5/07

Turbo Diesel Register Rally
Columbus, Ind.
6/10 – 6/11

Rodeo Circuit

July/August

Farm Progress Show
Decatur, Ill.
8/31 – 9/02

Husker Harvest
Grand Island, Neb.
9/13 – 9/15

NTEA New Product Conference
Dearborn, Mich.
9/19 – 9/19

Sunbelt Expo
Moultrie, Ga.
10/18 – 10/20

National R.V. Show
Louisville, Ky.
11/29 -- 12/1