With 2013 Rams open for dealer ordering, including the eight-speed Hemi combination, customers or dealers can now specify the new five-inch RA2 UConnect stereo on any Ram pickup or chassis cab, and can get the air suspension on Ram 1500 Sport, Laramie, and Longhorn; it is not on the extremely popular ST/Express.
The Hemi has so far been the most popular engine for the Ram 1500 pickup trucks; it is the only Ram engine with a choice of transmissions, the traditional 65RFE six-speed or the new “Torqueflite 8.”
The high-mileage Ram HFE model, based on the SLT standard-cab short-box, is, according to our source, available for ordering without restriction. The Big Horn / Lone Star group continues, and is available on the V6-powered SLT. Buyers can also get a Stop-Start system and V6 with 4x4 models.
2013 Ram 2500 buyers can specify the Electronic Monitoring Module and instrument-panel switch bank. Chassis cab buyers are still restricted in what they can order, with just three options temporarily unavailable: left-hand power-takeoff, dual alternators (440 amps), and “alike key,” where a fleet can use the same key for multiple trucks.
While ordering is open, actual production will not begin for some time on the new 2013 heavy duty and chassis cabs; production reputedly starts in late February 2013 for these models, with full production in March and beyond, according to Allpar sources. Dealers can order a limited number of Ram 3500s, but are restricted in the number they can get for now.