2021 RAM 3500 Is Switching to Allison Transmission

The heavy-duty segment is still fresh for Dodge Ram trucks. Nevertheless, each year the company will add something new to keep pace with the competition. The 2021 RAM 3500 is the largest model the FCA is offering. The truckmaker is also planning to explore new markets, such as Series 4 and 5 trucks.

Ram HD, including both 2500 and 3500 models, debuted in 2019. This season, we saw upgrades to the initial models, and these were not modest. Still, the upcoming 2021 YM is not bringing anything special. FCA didn’t plan that, so the COVID-19 outburst had nothing to spoil. More problems are caused in the SUV segment, where Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer were ready for the introduction.

The 2021 RAM 3500 will be one of the most capable working machines in the US with 35,000 of towing capacity. You will need a special configuration that includes Cummins turbodiesel I6 engine, dual-rear-wheel setup, and a towing package. But, it is worthy. If you don’t need so much hauling potential, then a petrol unit will come with lighter outputs.

2021 RAM 3500 dually truck

New Allison Transmission For 2021 RAM 3500 Diesel?

The heart of the 2021 RAM 3500 is a Cummins turbodiesel inline-six unit. The truck will offer the best performance with this powerplant under the hood. A 6.7-liter displacement is ready to create 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. If you think this is impressive, the Dodge Ram 3500 comes with the special tuning, which will enhance outputs to 400 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of twist. Converted to the towing capacity, that is more than 35,000 pounds.

Nevertheless, Series 3 trucks by Ford and GM can do better. So, we expect improvements for the new season. On the other hand, the competition won’t sit tight and watch RAM overtaking the number one position in towing. Compared to the Cummins drivetrain, both Duramax for Silverado 3500 HD and Powerstroke for Super Duty F-350 models are with eight cylinders.

To get the best from the 2021 RAM 3500, buyers will need a few other upgrades besides a turbodiesel engine. The first one is a dual-rear wheel system. A rear axle needs reinforcement to tow 35,000 pounds. Plus, towing packages with 5th wheel/gooseneck features are also required so the 2021 RAM 3500 Dually can maximize towing potential.

Cummins plant is mated to the AISIN six-speed auto gearbox. Some consider this one a better transmission than the Alisson, which comes in a pair with the Duramax unit. But, the recent rumors are mentioning the possibility of 2021 Dodge Ram 3500 switching to the Alisson. It is still a speculation, but the new 10-speed Alisson gearbox is very promising. If AISIN does not deliver upgrades, its six-pace case will be history.

2021 RAM 3500 alisson transmission

Petrol Configuration

With the gasoline configuration, there are no surprises. FCA relies on its 6.4-liter HEMI V8 unit. For the heavy-duty truck, it is tuned for 410 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. For some SUVs, its output could go up to 500 hp in 2021. Still, the Ram 3500 will get enough juice to tow 16,500 pounds. The truck is not going to use all eight cylinders when not working hard, and the deactivation system will save some fuel. Eight-speed auto transmission is HEMI’s partner wherever it is used. A rear-wheel drive is standard, both for petrol and diesel configurations.

 Will There Be the 2021 RAM 3500 Power Wagon?

Unfortunately, the Power Wagon package is exclusive for the Ram 2500 model. Buyers cannot combine precious off-road upgrades with the Ram 3500 Dually configuration. Still, the truck is offering enough trim levels to satisfy the needs of any fan. The entry-level model, like for all Ram models, is Tradesman. You are not getting too much selecting this trim.

The mid-range offer starts with Big Horn. It is also called Lone Star if you are buying 2021 RAM 3500 in Texas. Larger wheels and upscale materials inside the cabin are the most notable changes. Laramie comes with some serious features, such as an 8.4-inch screen and heated front buckets. Apple CarPlay becomes a part of the infotainment system, while the audio is enhanced with more speakers. The Dodge Ram 3500 Longhorn package is already bringing some premium features. Leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and ventilated front row are the biggest upgrades for the cabin. Spray-on bedliner and larger wheels are new things we spot outside the vehicle. Blind-spot monitor, 20-inch rims, 12-inch touchscreen, and many other high-end options are standard if you pick the Limited edition.

2021 RAM 3500 bedliner

2021 RAM 3500 Release Date

The new 2021 RAM 3500 will be out by the end of this year. The price remains unchanged for the entry-level model ($37,000). You will have to add at least $9,000 for the turbodiesel and dually-configuration with a high-output 1000 lb-ft rated version of the I6 Cummins engine will cost $11,000 more. These prices are competitive with its only rivals – Chevy Silverado 3500 HD and Ford F-350 Super Duty.

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