How good is the new Off-Road package on the 2017 Ram 2500 HD truck? We took it on the off-road course at Ram’s Chelsea Proving Grounds to get a first driving impression of the new suspension system and the package overall.
This package is available on the 2500 HD 4×4 trucks in Crew and Mega cab configurations. Here is the complete list of off-road goodies on the HD Off-Road package, according to Ram.
- Hill-descent Control
- Tow hooks
- Transfer case skid plate
- Bilstein shocks
- Limited-slip Differential
- On-/Off-road tires (18-inch or optional 20-inch)
- Wheel flares
- Off-Road decal
The truck we tested was a Mega Cab 4×4 with the 6.4L HEMI V8. The Ram HD Mega Cab is not ideal for difficult off-roading due to its long wheelbase and less-than-stellar breakover angle. However, the truck went around the muddy and rocky course without getting into trouble. I did part of the course in 4×4 low-range, but then decided that this easy-to-medium difficulty trail did not require it, so I went into 4×4 high.
Having done the same course in the 2017 Ram 1500 Rebel, we were able to tell that that HD truck was riding over obstacles a little rougher than the air suspension of the Rebel. This is understandable for a heavy duty truck which has higher payload and towing capacities. The rides over rough pavement was better than most HD trucks, but my first impression was that it was not a smooth as a Ram Power Wagon on the same stretch of pavement.
Pricing for the 2017 HD Off-Road package is not yet available. We will update the story with the price as soon as it’s published.
Get the whole experience in the video below.
