The Most Powerful Pickup: 2018 Ram 3500 HD Record Breaking Torque

The 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 Heavy Duty will be the most talked about truck on the market in 2018. This truck brings the highest torque rating ever for a pickup truck – 930 lb-ft to be exact. Not to mention, 30,000 pounds of fifth-wheel towing capacity with the newly engineered hitch design.

The Ram 3500 upgrades open the doors for heavy trailer manufacturers and deliver higher capabilities previously only available on Class 4 and 5 trucks. The first 2018 Ram Heavy Duty pickup trucks will begin to roll off the production line this week.

As a truck customer myself, owning two Ram pickup trucks, a torque number that high is unheard of from a factory engine and transmission and pushes me to want another new truck.

Ram Continues To Set The Bar

Ram worked closely with Cummins and it shows. The 2018 HD has plenty of improvements include higher boost limits through a VGT (variable geometry turbo) and flow rate increases through the fuel delivery system enabling the truck to produce an additional 30 lb-ft of torque. This improvement allows the Cummins engine to jump back a top the pack with 930 total lb-ft of torque.

The 2018 Ram 3500 HD brings the Cummins brand back to the top of the list for factory peak torque numbers. With 930 lb-ft of torque, the crown is returned to the Cummins faithful.

Now having capabilities to tow more with more torque. Ram trucks, yet again, is back on top. “Ram maintains capability leadership by delivering the highest-ever torque rating for a pickup truck and heaviest fifth-wheel trailer towing capacity,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep & Ram Brand, FCA Global. “We understand the attributes most important to our customers within the heavy-duty segment; they demand hard-working, long-lasting capability.”

With the scrutiny on the diesel market, it is great to see that a manufacturer is still able to out numbers like this. For us performance minded enthusiasts, think about the ability to have over 1,000 lb-ft of torque with just a few bolt-ons or a proper tune.

New Fifth Wheel Hitch Design

The 30,000-pound fifth-wheel towing uprating is made possible by an in-house hitch design from Ram Engineering. The upgraded capability allows the Ram 3500 to haul the heaviest travel trailers in the industry. The Ram 3500 Heavy Duty maximum gooseneck and conventional hitch maximum trailer weight ratings for 2018, are 31,210 and 20,000 pounds, respectively.

Pictures are fine, but we want to see what this hitch can really do. Having the ability to tow a heavier trailer will resonate well with diesel enthusiasts who truly use their truck. The hitch is available for purchase (PN 82215769) at $1,395 or as an option from the factory.

The 2018 Ram Heavy Duty pickup trucks will be available in dealerships in August. We cannot wait to see these 2018’s hit the streets. As expected, these trucks look great and perform better. What do you think of the 2018 model? Tell us in the comments below!

About the author

Artie Maupin

Artie Maupin is from Southeast Missouri and has an extreme passion for anything diesel. He loves drag racing of all kinds, as well as sled pulling competitions.
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