RV FEATURE
PRICE
$99,950 (PLUS ON-ROAD COSTS)
RAM 1500 LARAMIE
Yes, it’s a thirsty V8 petrol-only ute (for now: a
3L turbo-diesel is due in December) but this big
US truck is a quick and capable tow hauler for
lugging a big van around as if it was not there.
The one thing everyone forgets with a 3500kg
towing capacity is that it’s not much good if the
tow vehicle is a relative featherweight. There’s no
question of that here: the 2650kg RAM is a nice,
big and solid slab of American steel and even with
more than 3000kg slung on its towball the RAM
feels rock-solid. The dimension are promising,
too, with a miles-long wheelbase and short rear
axle-to-coupling measurements.
Performance is great, too, with almost any hill
no issue for the American 291kW/556Nm V8
(coupled to an eight-speed auto). It conquers hills
at the speed limit without any problem.
The RAM 1500 Laramie rides well when towing as
well. It doesn’t move at all, even with a 3000kg-
plus van behind it.
Its fuel consumption of around 23L/100km is not
all that impressive but if you’re towing up around
3000kg, you’re unlikely to get much better
ENGINE
5.7L V8 PETROL
OUTPUT
291KW/556NM
TRANSMISSION
EIGHT-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TOWING CAPACITY
4500KG/450KG
KERB WEIGHT
2650KG
GVM GCM
3450KG 7237KG
economy out of a big diesel such as the Lexus/
Toyota 4.5L twin turbo-diesel V8.
You have the option of towing up to 4500kg, too,
if you wanted to (using a 70mm tow hitch for
between 3500kg-4500kg), although payload is
drastically reduced if you’re towing right at your
4500kg limit – 87kg for the driver and any other
passenger or item.
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