Ram Truck, beginning in the 2015 model year, will use the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2807 standardized tow rating practices across all of its full-size pickup trucks. This would include the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. Previously, Ram had used the general industry standard based on engineering mathematics under ideal conditions. The SAE standard aims to be more real-world and often means tow ratings for the trucks using it are lower than the generalized standard.
This makes Ram the second full-size truck maker to take on the SAE standard and the first one to do so in all three major truck segments. Toyota has been using the SAE J2807 standard since SAE finalized it.
The SAE J2807 towing standard outlines dynamic and performance criteria as it relates to a given vehicle. Examples within the standard include a number of tests while towing: 0-60 MPH time allowance, tackling the notorious Davis Dam Grade while maintaining no less than 40 MPH for single-rear-wheel trucks and 35 MPH for dual-rear-wheel trucks, a constant radius understeer test while increasing speed and a sway maneuver using aggressive steering input. The purpose is to put all trucks through the schedule of tests in which operators will likely see in the real world. SAE standards have existed in a number of other areas including engine torque and horsepower. Ram Truck is the first to adopt the official towing standard for ½-ton, ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks.
“Ram Truck has been preparing for integration of the SAE towing standard over the past few years and adding heavier ¾- and 1-ton trucks to the criteria gives it more teeth,” said Mike Cairns, Director – Ram Truck Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “For too long, an uneven playing field existed and towing capacities went unchecked. We’re happy to be the only pickup truck manufacturer to align with the SAE J2807 towing standard across our pickup truck lineup.”
New tow ratings for Ram’s various trucks range from 7,600 pounds for the Ram 1500 V6 up to 30,000 pounds for the Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins diesel.
