It’s big, it’s bad and it’s got factory backing.
The RAM 1500 is now on sale in Australia, in right hand drive and priced from $79,990 driveaway.
Powered by 5.7-litre petrol Hemi V8, the 1500 is a clear tonne in front of anything else in the market, rated to tow 4.5 tonnes and that fact alone is sure to win it many new friends.
RAM has been a stand-alone division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles since 2009.
The trucks are imported and converted to right hand drive by importer Ateco Automotive, in partnership with Walkinshaw Performance in Melbourne.
Ateco claims the finished product is better than any other American ute currently imported and converted for sale here.
At 5.8 metres long and a little over two metres wide, the RAM 1500 is significantly larger than other Utes in its market sector and this translates into more space inside and outside and a much larger towing capacity.
The conversion process takes three days from go to whoa, with the chassis and body separated as part of the process.
A re-engineered RHD specific steering system is fitted, then a new dashboard is installed that has been designed, developed and produced in Australia.
Then a RHD-specific heating and ventilation system before the body and chassis are re-married to produce the final product.
The finished product is backed by a three year/100,000 km warranty, with roadside assistance and requires a service every 12 months or 12,000 km.
The RAM 1500 is available with a choice of two cabin sizes as well as two tub sizes, and unlike the majority of the utes currently offered for sale has four-wheel disc brakes.
“The RAM 1500 is built and equipped to meet the changing demands of the Australian ute buyer who are demanding more towing capacity, more space inside and out, and better performance,” General Manager of RAM Trucks Australia, Alex Stewart, said.
The company also offers the larger 2500 and 3500 models, but they are obviously more expensive — priced at $139,950 and $144,350 a piece.
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