New 2019 Ram Chassis Cab Models Arrive for Real Heavy Lifting (Debut)

February 7, 2019

Hot of the heels of its new heavy duty pickup trucks launching, Ram is now rolling out the hard working chassis cab versions.

The new 2019 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab models have arrived, bringing new capability, technology and most importantly luxury to the segment.

Powering the trucks will be either the 6.4-liter gas-driven HEMI V8 or the larger 6.7-liter Cummins diesel, but the output of each engine isn’t exactly the same as the standard Ram HDs.

In the 3500 chassis cab, the 6.4-liter HEMI makes 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, just like in the standard consumer-focused HD. But in the larger 4500 and 5500, the engine makes 370 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. Both of these configurations use cylinder deactivation to help save fuel while the engine also uses a new deceleration fuel-shut off mode that stops gas getting to the cylinders when the truck is slowing down, helping to save fuel.

Also helping to save fuel is a weight reduction of up to 120 pounds compared to the old models, thanks mainly to an aluminum hood and lighter engine.

The standard transmission for the gas engine is the TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic, though it can only be had in the 3500. In both 4500 and 5500 trucks, customers will get the six-speed Aisin AS66RC, which comes with the PTO and is available as an option on the 3500.

Opting for the big 6.7-liter Cummins diesel will net you 360 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque, sent through an Aisin AS69RC six-speed automatic which can also be fit with an optional PTO on either the left or right side of the truck.

Towing

Maximum towing capacity for these trucks is listed at 35,220 lbs, while payload can be up to 12,510 pounds when configured correctly. To hit that max towing number, you’ll need a regular cab Ram 5500 dual-rear wheel with a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel, 4.89 rear end gears and just two-wheel drive. To get to the maximum payload number, the truck must be regular cab fit with dual-rear wheels, a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 4.89 rear gears and a six-speed automatic.

For the full towing charts on the Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cab models, click here.

The Ram chassis cab models follow industry standards for upfitters to make their lives easier, which means 34-inches between the frame rails and a C-channel design with a flat mounting surface and no component interface above the rails. Pre-drilled holes to accommodate lines or mounted hardware are also included. Two different dual alternator setups are available, either the 440-amp setup with the 6.7-liter diesel or a 380-amp setup with the 6.4-liter HEMI V8.

A new Vehicle System Interface Module has also been added, giving upfitters the chance to monitor over 70 different truck inputs and outputs including things like lighting, door position and throttle position.

Technology and luxury

These models can now be fit with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (AEB) and AEB with trailer brakes available on all trim levels. Parking sensors and a 270-degree camera system will help to guide these beastly trucks.

Four trim levels are available with these trucks: Tradesman, SLT, Laramie and the all-new Limited, bringing luxury to the chassis cab world. That means that the Ram’s new 12-inch touchscreen can now be had on these chassis cab models, along with a 750-watt Harman Kardon Audio System with 17 speakers and 8-inch subwoofer. The driver gets either a 3.5-inch or 7-inch electronic display in front of them.

A new bank of switches offers five auxiliary controls, while five USB ports are available in the center console alone, while two 115-volt three-prong plugs are available with up to 400 watts.