Today at the Chicago Auto Show, Dodge further enhanced its commercial vehicle presence with the introduction of a "new crew" of commercial-grade work trucks: the new 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs.

Led by an all-new crew cab, the new 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs are built on a proven frame and chassis and engineered for maximum uptime, optimum performance and enhanced commercial capability.

The Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs compete within the Class 3-5 segments with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 to 19,500 lbs. and are targeted at small-business tradesmen, fleet customers and traditional chassis cab users.

"New Crew" of Chassis Cabs
Offering more room, comfort and storage capability, the new 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs feature an all-new crew cab. Crew cabs currently account for approximately 20 percent of the Class 3-5 market.

Inheriting a game-changing design from its light-duty counterpart, the all-new Dodge Ram Crew Cab offers more interior space and convenience. The new Crew Cab adds six inches of legroom compared to the Quad cab it replaces. Easy entry and exit is assured with full-access rear doors that open 85 degrees.

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The Ultimate Chassis Cab
The 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs feature numerous class-leading attributes including best-in-class fuel economy (Ram 4500/5500), largest standard fuel tank (52 gallons), largest front brake rotors (390 mm) and calipers (66 mm) on the 4500/5500, and a standard diesel exhaust brake.

"Loaded with premium power, enhanced capability and a truck-load of class-leading attributes, our new crew of 2010 Ram Chassis Cabs continue to build momentum for Dodge in the commercial vehicle market," said Scott Kunselman, Vice President – Jeep®/Truck Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "Delivering maximum uptime, our new 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs set the new commercial standard."

Offered in regular cab, crew cab, single-rear-wheel (3500 only) and dual-rear-wheel models, four cab-axle lengths (60, 84, 108 and 120 inches) are available for 4500/5500 models and two cab-axle lengths (60 and 84 inches) are offered for the 3500 model. Three trim levels are offered: ST, SLT and Laramie.

The 2010 Ram 3500 models feature two axles with three axle ratios (3.42, 3.73 and 4.10) and 17-inch wheels while Ram 4500/5500 models have one axle with three axle ratios (4.10, 4.44 and 4.88) and 19.5-inch wheels. All Dodge Ram Chassis Cab models are "Job-rated," meaning they are designed, engineered, tested and built to meet rigid standards of commercial truck buyers.

Improved standard features include a six-speed manual transmission, increased GVWR (from 12,500 up to 13,000 lbs. on 3500 diesel model), Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) integrated into the instrument cluster, four upfitter switches, increased alternator size on diesel (180 amps), automatic headlamps, an upgraded HEMI engine, and second-row headrests and rear heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts.

Optional features include electronic gear select for improved towing performance, best-in-class GCWR of 26,000 lbs on Ram 3500, heated and ventilated seats, heated second-row seats, heated steering wheel, one-touch up/down front windows, signal mirrors with puddle lamps, power inverter, upper and lower glove-box doors, driver and passenger power lumbar, automatic dual-temperature controls, integrated trailer brake controller, navigation system with traffic-alert feature, soft upper instrument panel, and memory system for seats, radio, mirrors and pedals (3500). In addition, Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab customers may order polished 19.5-inch aluminum wheels.

Upfit-Friendly Design
Dodge's "new crew" of trucks are built on a road-tested, proven commercial-grade frame and suspension system with best-in-class frame steel strength (50,000-psi). Maintaining its common architecture for commercial applications, the one-piece C-channel rear-frame rail's riveted crossmembers provide more durability than traditional welds or bolts. In addition, rivets allow for easy removal and/or replacement of components during upfits and modifications.

Maximum upfit-friendliness is achieved with industry-standard 34-inch frame rail spacing and flat, clean frame rails on a proven one-piece C-channel rear-frame rail boasting 50,000-psi steel strength (best-in-class for 3500 model). All chassis components are below the frame surface allowing easy adaptability and versatility for virtually any upfit application.

With industry-standard cab-axle and upfitter specifications, the one-piece C-channel frame, sheer plate or u-bolt access along the length of the frame, and shear plate mounting locations identified along the frame contribute to the Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs' upfitter friendliness.

Further improving upfitter-friendliness, new 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs now feature four all-new upfitter switches integrated on the instrument panel.

Each of these four upfitter switches are linked to an auxiliary Power Distribution Center (PDC) located under the hood which includes one fused 20-amp battery feed and one fused relay-controlled 20-amp ignition.

In addition to these feeds, the PDC supports four new customizable switches. Two switches are ignition-fed and the remaining two are either battery or ignition. Switch outputs are found under the hood in a connector for further ease of upfit. A seven-circuit trailer harness and a special upfitter jumper cable – a wiring harness for ancillary power needs -- are both standard.

Also, incorporated into the design is an upfitter-friendly rear ground stud which is rated to handle a high-current maximum of 50 amps. Electrical connections are user-friendly thanks to one fused battery feed and one fused ignition feed routed into the cab and to the rear of the chassis. Upfitter wire circuits and electrical schematics are identified in the Body Builder Guide.

With built-in PTO capability, all models feature a heavy-duty cooling system in order to meet additional heat loads that are often generated from PTO upfits and/or extreme hauling.
A special capped auxiliary fuel line on the fuel tank makes upfitting even easier, facilitating the use of auxiliary equipment running on fuel.

The fuel filler is routed through the frame and an optional 22-gallon mid-ship fuel tank frees up more space behind the rear axle for special upfit applications. Fuel and brake lines are routed together on the frame's driver side to make better use of space along the frame, which also provides clearance for rear exhaust routing.

Both standard and optional fuel tanks feature a through-the-frame fuel filler (external on the mid-ship tank) allowing virtually any upfit without the need for additional modification. In addition, the vehicle's new urea system is smartly placed in unused space, out of the way and under the cab for added upfitter convenience.

Legendary Powertrains: Cummins Turbo Diesel or HEMI® V-8
The legendary, proven 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel is the benchmark for reliability and performance. The engine, optional on Ram 3500 models and standard on 4500 and 5500 models, generates 305 horsepower (227 kW) at 2,900 rpm and 610 lb.-ft. (827 N•m)of torque at 1,600 rpm.

Inherently reliable with fewer moving parts than competitive V-8 diesel engines, the Cummins engine delivers best-in-class fuel economy (4500 and 5500 models) and ensures commercial capability, durability and low cost of ownership.

With the Cummins 6.7-liter diesel, an optional 3.42 axle ratio is available on the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab for improved fuel economy. Customers with serious trailer tow needs will enjoy the Ram 3500's new optional 26,000 lb GCWR – on the 6.7L diesel manual trucks with a 4.10 axle ratio.

The 6.7-liter Cummins features a factory-installed segment-exclusive exhaust brake. The Cummins design works with the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and offers multiple benefits including reduced brake wear and longer brake life which may lengthen service intervals, and enhanced safety benefits including increased braking effectiveness and greater control of the vehicle.

Engineered to meet commercial demands while providing superior trailer towing, acceleration and throttle response, the 6.7-liter engine is cleaner with a reduction in particulates and nitrogen oxide (NOx) that comply with both the 50-state heavy-duty emission standards and 2010 diesel emissions compliance thanks to an all-new diesel exhaust fluid injection system with urea injection Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) technology.

With more than 1.5 million Dodge Rams powered by Cummins, diesel-equipped chassis cabs are in full compliance with stringent new emission at idle laws, with the distinction that Dodge is the only manufacturer to offer a 50-state emissions package and exterior label allowing drivers to idle without time restrictions in California and other Air Resource Board (ARB) states. This is a no-cost option.

In addition, new 2010 Dodge Ram transmissions include Electronic Range (gear) Select, which enables the driver to manually limit the highest available transmission gear, allowing manual upshifts and downshifts based on road speed and engine speed. A tow/haul mode switch enhances tow capability while towing.