2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission /\/\/\Contractor package/\/\/\whadaya think?

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Contractor package whadaya think?

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Dodge Ram Contractor Special Doubles Environmental Benefits With Hybrid Powertrain and Clean Auxiliary Power

Source: DaimlerChrysler Corp.



DaimlerChrysler has developed a hybrid-electric version of its workhorse Dodge Ram pickup that is cleaner and more fuel efficient, while providing enough clean auxiliary power to run a household.



On the road, this all-new hybrid vehicle achieves 15 percent better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and better performance than the comparably-powered conventional Ram. Off the road, the vehicle can be converted to a stationary electrical generator to deliver up to 20 kW of power for work, recreation or home uses. The vehicle's gasoline engine is much cleaner than portable generators, which are not controlled by any emissions regulations.



"We dubbed this vehicle the 'Contractor Special' because it is perfect for construction site work, but we believe the vehicle will also appeal to campers and outdoor enthusiasts, to farmers who have to work on remote sites, and to homeowners who need to keep their households running in the case of a power failure," said Bernard I. Robertson, Senior Vice President – Engineering Technologies and General Manager - Truck Operations for DaimlerChrysler.



"In addition to doubling as a portable generator, the Dodge Ram Contractor Special delivers double the environmental benefits," Robertson added. "It is cleaner than any conventional pickup on the road, and cleaner than current generator technology off the road. "



The Contractor Special package is intended for the Ram 1500 and 2500 models, in both the two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions. Gas-electric and diesel-electric powertrains are available, depending on the choice of engine. The vehicles can be operated in gasoline/diesel-only and electric-only modes, as well as the hybrid configuration. Production is targeted for calendar year 2004.



The Contractor Specials are anticipated to cost about $5,000 more than the conventional Ram – a cost-effective package since comparable portable generator capacity would typically cost $10,000 to $15,000. The clean electrical generator will add about 250-300 pounds to the vehicle's weight, compared with 2,500 pounds or more for a portable generator. The Contractor Special generator is accessed through electrical sockets in a pull-down box behind the rear fender.



The generator on the Contractor Special will be much cleaner than conventional portable generators, because it will be powered by the vehicle's clean hybrid powertrain. Currently, the Ram can be equipped with 3. 9, 5. 2 and 5. 9 liter gasoline engines and a 5. 9 diesel engine. A 8. 0 liter, V-10 is also available.



The hybrid powertrain, with electric motor assist, permits use of a smaller internal combustion engine, thus lowering emissions and increasing fuel efficiency compared with a comparably-powered conventional Ram. The hybrid versions outperform their comparably powered conventional counterparts; for example, the 5. 2 liter gas-electric motor hybrid can do 0-60 mph in 10. 0 seconds and achieves fuel efficiency of 18 mpg vs. 10. 6 seconds 0-60 mph and 16 mpg for the 5. 9 liter gas-powered pickups. And because a smaller displacement internal combustion engine is used, emissions are lower.



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:Edit: Got rid of that old Sig

 

[Missouri Mule]

Looks like something that GM (GM?) did with a city bus up north. The bus is powered by a electric motor but a diesel engine recharges the battey (Cummins I believe).

 

[Barry]

I am shocked!!!!!!

------------------
2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, EZ with elbow(26. 5PSI)Stage 1 injectors from Carl, Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 31,000 Miles on 03/01/01(Auto/Truck/RV Dealer)

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

as in price or as in 120V generatoe/welding package? #ad

 

[Red_Rattler]

Seems to me like the power converter box for your power tools would be knocked right off, it u even attempted to go offroad LOL
just my . 02

 

[David_VT]

Interesting, but...

I don't know about anyone else, but I started with 18mpg in my '99 before I started adding hp toys to it. The mileage has only been getting better with hp and age.

So, if I buy a $5K Aurogen powersupply and have it bolted to this truck, will I be driving a 2004 RAM??

That sure would make up for having my 99 get two model years old before one calendar year was up. ?. ?. ?. #ad

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Its a safe bet the inverter swings out of the way. Or hangs on a bracket or something because it would drag on the ground once the suspension compressed. Even so think of the "tailgate parties" you could stage with a live band including amps , air conditioned beer tent, light show... the works kind of like Farm aid on wheels #ad

 

[thejeepdude]

So here we are 3 years since this thread which I found on my quest to get info about the Contractor Special RAM... I am currently trying to sell my 2G to buy a 2004. 5 which I would plan on keeping forever... but then I was thinking... I've heard rumors of "something cool" coming in the Ram lineup for 2005... so perhaps they might be thinking about a Hybrid 3rd Gen? That would kick arse... 325/600 with onboard generator/welder and better MPG to boot and only about 300 lbs extra on the truck. But being that my intent is to buy a truck I plan to keep forever, I wonder if all that electrical crap is just a ticking bomb... or if it'll even happen...

 

[vssman]

If only it also came with a backhoe and bucket loader attachment ...



... Best in class hole digging...



WAIT - How about a contraption that lets it load itself?

 

[MLee]

That "C" GUYS have it

The general motors guys have this in there line up now. so it no wonder the they are looking for these alternatives and putting new ideas out there.

just my penny's worth.

Marv.

 

[bighammer]

I had heard that the hybrid part of it was using the electric power as a boost to the normal diesel power. I think the engine is tuned way down and the electric kicks in as a boost as needed.

 

[10-G]

Dear D/C decision makers



Bring it on, and bring it with a FULL SIZE 4-door







This would be awesome. No propane or gas generators for the TT. All diesel. Yahoooooooooo

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by bighammer

I had heard that the hybrid part of it was using the electric power as a boost to the normal diesel power. I think the engine is tuned way down and the electric kicks in as a boost as needed.

My guess would be that the engine isn't "turned down" at all, but rather in a normal accelleration event, when you'd normally only be using say (for the sake of a round number) 200ftlb to get going, the electric motor will be providing 50lbs and the engine 150lbs, saving you the amount of fuel that would have been required to make the diesel put out the full 200. But under full accelleration, the full 600ftlbs will still be at your disposal... I think that's pretty cool, but the more I think about it, it's just not worth the extra expense and complication of that added system. I found an article saying it only improved mileage about 10%. So instead of 20mpg you might get 22mpg. Big deal. It would take a lot of 2mpg savings to add up to the $5000 expense. Looks like I'll move forward with my 2004. 5 order as planned...

 

[Cumminpwr11]

Just in case you don't know the jeep dude.



The U. S. government gives all owners of Hybrid vehicles a 2500-4000 dollar tax deduction for owning a enviromental friendly car. So that means that you are spending only 1000-2500 dollars for a diesel engine.

Last time I checked, H. O. were about $4300. I would be saving $2000 buying this truck.



But that just might be how I see it.



Bring it on DC (please with a real crewcab) maybe even in a 4500 model, for all them contractors out there;-)

Chris

 

[y-knot]

If done right it would be a real treat to own, but I do not believe they will incorporate all the features others have expressed interest in.

1. Being able to use the truck in electric only mode.

2. The truck can serve as a back-up or stand by generator with at least 9-10 k watts of power

3. The generator can be used as a welder (I really doubt this one, way to many variables and options to consider)

4. The tow rating is not effected by the package

5. Usually the term "contractor package" means bare bottom

trim level, with limited options

6. The payload is not effected to much by the additional

equipment and batteries.

7. Hopefully the term "contractor" will allow lockable rear

and front differentials.

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by y-knot

If done right it would be a real treat to own, but I do not believe they will incorporate all the features others have expressed interest in.

1. Being able to use the truck in electric only mode.

2. The truck can serve as a back-up or stand by generator with at least 9-10 k watts of power

3. The generator can be used as a welder (I really doubt this one, way to many variables and options to consider)

4. The tow rating is not effected by the package

5. Usually the term "contractor package" means bare bottom

trim level, with limited options

6. The payload is not effected to much by the additional

equipment and batteries.

7. Hopefully the term "contractor" will allow lockable rear

and front differentials.

1. I doubt this, since the motor is only about 46HP i think

2. That it does... pretty cool but worth about 500-800 bucks

3. I doubt it will have a welder but it has a 240V output that could easily power a welder!

4. At the worst I would guess it would only be reduced by the weight of the electric crap... probably less than 400 lbs.

5. I don't think this will be the case... they will want their hybrid to appeal to all markets, just named it after the primary market, imo.

6. see #4

7. I seriously doubt that, but it sure would be COOL! I don't even know that there's an electric locker on the market yet for that axle... and that's what it would have to be, because they couldn't afford the liability of putting an auto-locker in there... that Detroit in my Jeep can get a little squirrly in some situations!

 

[MCummings]

Originally posted by thejeepdude

My guess would be that the engine isn't "turned down" at all, but rather in a normal accelleration event, when you'd normally only be using say (for the sake of a round number) 200ftlb to get going, the electric motor will be providing 50lbs and the engine 150lbs, saving you the amount of fuel that would have been required to make the diesel put out the full 200. But under full accelleration, the full 600ftlbs will still be at your disposal...

I think we would need to "prod" Edge to come out with a chip that would give us use of the 50ft/Lb motor at WOT,, giving us 650FtLbs.



Merrick



EDIT: I like the idea of using just the electric motor, as many times in my driveway, I need to move my truck just 20' backwards, and 25' forwards to let other vehicles out of the driveway, and instead of cranking the motor up, I'd rather just use the electric motor,, it would be enough to get the job done. .