FMCSA to hold two public safety discussions

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced it will hold two more discussion forums on “the future of commercial vehicle safety” during August.

The agency said the meeting on Aug. 15 in Collegeville, PA, will include Daphne Jefferson, acting deputy administrator, and chief counsel Randi Hutchinson. Collegeville is located about 30 miles from Philadelphia.

FMCSA also said another event will take place Aug. 17 in Denver, though it has not yet released further details on who will appear.

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Preventing irregular treadwear

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Green Fleet of the Month: Fueling sustainability

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Eyes wide open on safety

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Drivers can rest easy… finally

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Ram Boosts 3500’s Tow Rating with Fifth-Wheel Option

Photo of 2018 Ram 3500 courtesy of FCA.

Ram has increased the towing capability of its 3500 Heavy Duty pickup for the 2018 model year by offering a fifth-wheel option that would boost the maximum trailer weight rating to 30,000 pounds, Fiat Chrysler has announced.

With the updated capability, the 2018 Ram 3500 would rival towing capabilities offered by Class 4 and 5 medium-duty trucks.

The increase has been enabled by a more powerful 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel and a reconfigured design of the truck. Ram will offer the fifth-wheel as an upgrade through its Mopar Parts division (Part#: 82215769) or an upfit package. The part will retail for $1,395.

The boost adds more than 600 pounds of additional towing capability to a truck that offered 23,770 pounds of maximum trailer weight in 2017 with a traditional towing setup. The 2018 truck can tow 20,000 pounds with a traditional setup.

For 2018, Ram upgraded the truck's inline-six cylinder Cummins engine by increasing torque by 30 lb.-ft. to 930 lb.-ft. The higher torque was achieved through a variable geometry turbo and flow rate increases through the fuel delivery system, according to Ram.

"We understand the attributes most important to our customers within the heavy-duty segment; they demand hard-working, long-lasting capability," said Mike Manley, head of Jeep and Ram Brand.

The 2018 Ram 3500 will arrive at dealer lots this month.

Related: Ram Raises Capacities for 2017 Chassis Cab Trucks

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

Ram Boosts 3500’s Tow Rating with Fifth-Wheel Option

Photo of 2018 Ram 3500 courtesy of FCA.

Ram has increased the towing capability of its 3500 Heavy Duty pickup for the 2018 model year by offering a fifth-wheel option that would boost the maximum trailer weight rating to 30,000 pounds, Fiat Chrysler has announced.

With the updated capability, the 2018 Ram 3500 would rival towing capabilities offered by Class 4 and 5 medium-duty trucks.

The increase has been enabled by a more powerful 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel and a reconfigured design of the truck. Ram will offer the fifth-wheel as an upgrade through its Mopar Parts division (Part#: 82215769) or an upfit package. The part will retail for $1,395.

The boost adds more than 600 pounds of additional towing capability to a truck that offered 23,770 pounds of maximum trailer weight in 2017 with a traditional towing setup. The 2018 truck can tow 20,000 pounds with a traditional setup.

For 2018, Ram upgraded the truck's inline-six cylinder Cummins engine by increasing torque by 30 lb.-ft. to 930 lb.-ft. The higher torque was achieved through a variable geometry turbo and flow rate increases through the fuel delivery system, according to Ram.

"We understand the attributes most important to our customers within the heavy-duty segment; they demand hard-working, long-lasting capability," said Mike Manley, head of Jeep and Ram Brand.

The 2018 Ram 3500 will arrive at dealer lots this month.

Related: Ram Raises Capacities for 2017 Chassis Cab Trucks

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter