IN THE PRESS: NEW RAM HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS

[TDRComm]

As evidenced by the numerous articles that I often reference from Automotive News, this trade magazine is the best source for industry happenings.

So, what did the AN staff have to say about the new-for-2025 Ram HD trucks? Not much. Here is a picture of the text from page 14 of their 1/13/25 magazine.

Really, it was disappointing. Or, was there simply not a lot of news to report?

Here are the highlights from AN writer Vince Bond Jr.:

“The 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup has updated grilles and more power thanks to a new 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder High-Output Turbo Diesel engine. The new Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel engine achieves 430hp and 1,075 pound-feet of torque in the 2500 and 3500, while the Chassis Cab version has 360hp and 800 pound-feet of torque.

“Ram said the Cummins engine improves drivability, fuel economy, durability, starting ability, serviceability, and noise, vibration and harshness. (Editor’s note: Really, what did we expect them to say?)

“Ram crafted four grilles for the trucks each with unique designs across the trim levels.”

Got it. New engine, new transmission, four new/updated grilles. Truthfully (likely you’ve read between the lines correctly), I was completely underwhelmed with the Ram and Cummins announcement. I continue to be underwhelmed by their lack of response to my request to give us an “engineer’s update” on the new 2025 6.7-liter engine.

A question to the audience: We have one vehicle generation (Fourth, 2010-current) spread over four different Cummins 6.7-liter engines: ’07.5-’12 non-SCR; ’13-’18 engine with SCR; ’19-’24 engine redesign with CGI engine block/hydraulic lifters; and now a 2025 engine that is totally new and unknown.

The ’07.5, 6.7 engine was unique in that it was used in the Third Generation chassis for two years.

I’m really at a loss to designate this 2025 chassis and engine combination.
Fourth with a “.75” engine?

Any ideas from the audience?

R.P.

 

[Diesel85]

My take on this is great, I'm glad they are updating the engine and power train.

However, I'd still like to see them do a full aluminum body truck on their next cab/bed generation. Would makes these trucks last longer on the road in salted environments. It would also help with reducing weight to get better payloads and fuel economy.

 

[Shiner]

Aluminum bodies last no longer than steel in the rust belt. Aluminum still corrodes. Ford actually has a disclaimer in their warranty that if used in a salt environment….you are skewered.

 

[Seane1987]

Aluminum bodies last no longer than steel in the rust belt. Aluminum still corrodes. Ford actually has a disclaimer in their warranty that if used in a salt environment….you are skewered.

My 2018 F150 that has lived in salt its entire life respectfully disagrees. The rocker panels on this truck are immaculate. My last F150 and the Dodge I had previous to that had the rockers bubbling at 3 years and were flaking off in chunks at 6 years.

 

[Shiner]

If you are meticulous in your care, both will fare the same. I personally use wool wax and fluid film exclusively and have no problems. If people are unaware, either vehicle will rust/corrode . Aluminum on those fords is incredibly thin, in my book, and any unseen nicks and no treatment…..it will corrode. I looked at ford, drove, crawled around, knocked on panels….couldn’t bring myself to buy. Ford sells plenty, as do all the others, but to say aluminum doesn’t corrode, is not a true statement.

 

[JR]

There was a class action lawsuit in the works against Ford for the 13-18 Explorer/Expedition and Mustang due to failed coating/corrosion of aluminum panels. I think it was struck down for the same reasons one would be dismissed if the bodies were all steel, IE you are on your own after the warranty period is up. But issues there were/are, to be sure. I live in a relatively harsh climate and see it often. Ford seems to be getting better with their coatings and selection of proper (zinc) fasteners and brackets/supports and isolating aluminum panels from steel mounts. But once the coating has been compromised the end result will be the same.
Steel doesn't generally rust either until the coating has been compromised. Zinc plating and better quality control during the prep/paint process goes a long ways. Some manufacturers seem to struggle more than others.

 

[Diesel85]

@JR I remember that.

From a bunch of reading, Ford is now using Constellium to supply their aluminum sheet metals and corrosion inhibitor processes.

What I gather is the old Alcoa partnership went to the wayside from that class action lawsuit issue.

Reading on the forums, it appears as if the new processes and working with a different company has yielded better results.

What is also very interesting is that Constellium is a huge partner with Stellantis too.

Really brings home that I have a feeling that the new body for the RAM HD will be aluminum.

So... begs it the question... when do we start talking about the 2026 RAM HD?

 

[Timd32]

Maybe just drop the #.## generation all together.

Sort the engines by year, and then look at the other stuff by chunks of time and see how that actually looks for the rest of the powertrain and technology, not sure how all that actually looks.