Truck Trend - 2020 Ram Heavy Duty Pickup Insights

The folks at Truck Trend have a much larger staff of industry insiders than we do here at the Turbo Diesel Register. So, let's give credit where it is due. Here is a link to a story from Truck Trend that talks about the 2020 Ram Heavy Duty truck. It is an interesting read. Their speculation does not match what I have read from Automotive News which would have the next generation launch in 2021 as FCA moves Heavy Duty production back to their Warren Road facility.

2020 Ram Heavy Duty Pickup - Truck Trends

Look at the front grille. Bigger, yes. But it still looks to be the traditional rounded edge/cross-hair design that we have seen in the past. Guess it is time for some new glasses.

Robert Patton
Editor, Turbo Diesel Register

 

I really doubt they retain the 385/930 rating.

Nick

 

Nick, what do you think we will see for ratings? And, when, 2019?

I don't foresee anything new until we see a new truck which, according to Automotive News, is not until 2021.

RP

 

Okay, I thought the '20 was the new truck? If not, then I would guess the '21 will have 420hp/1000tq. It wouldn't surprise me to see 400/950 prior to.

It also wouldn't surprise me to see a 4500 pickup as the big power/tow rig. Life is good!

Nick

 

RUMER has it that the(dodge) ram cummins will get an allison transmission soon.Like in two years.Do you know if this is true?? My 2003 2500 cummins has over 200.000 miles on it.Will need new ram soon maybe with new allison.

 

I am holding off buying new 3500 in hope that has allison transmisson, for 2021.

 

With the exception of the 930ft lb stuff, and no mention of CP pump changes for being way ahead that article seems to have held up.

I think 2021 would be tough to get the Allison on board, but now would be the time to figure that out and plan a retool.

If you follow the individual mfg plant FB pages, they usually talk about the retooling inadvertently just because they are talking about the time off and the sort. IMO not knowing anything about nothing, would think they would have to have some sort of small to medium scale shutdown to retool for a driveline change.

Also you can follow the FCA supplier list to see if Allison is on there now and if not do they pop up at something down the line.

 

Logistically it would more than likely be a ZF. Fiat awarded ZF the global transmission supplier in 2019 and there has been a buisiness relationship there for some time.


https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjABegQICxAG&usg=AOvVaw0n56xkM2vkgkYW_Jwqksp5


https://www.zf.com/products/en/lcv/products_50821.html

 

I am holding off buying new 3500 in hope that has allison transmisson, for 2021.

YES we NEED a good transmission for all the power!!

 

It will never be an Allison.

 

So no Allison, then need something that is capable of handling the 1200 foot pounds of torque that will be coming in the future!