2017 RAM 2500 gets an in-built esky

You know the joke about America’s infatuation with cup holders? US car maker RAM has taken things to a new level.

The 2017 Ram 2500 has been released in Australia purportedly bringing the ultimate esky solution: the ‘RamBox storage system’. The system comprises two vertical ‘lockers’ measuring 1.52 metres along the length of the loading area. Each 243-litre space is lockable using the car’s central locking system and offers lighting.

“The RamBoxes have drain holes so that they may be used as cool storage with ice and space for up to 140 drink cans on either side,” the company’s Australian distributor Ateco Automotive says.

“The RamBoxes are large enough to hold items including a set of golf clubs, helmets, toolboxes, kayak paddles, fishing rods or chainsaws.”

The storage boxes are fitted as a $3400 option to the RAM 2500 Laramie, and are among the changes for the 2017 RAM 2500 line-up, which continues to offer a 6942kg towing capacity and 913kg payload.

In addition, the flagship RAM 3500 is now available in two versions.

The first is a car licence-friendly version with a 894kg payload and a GVM of 4490kg. The towing capacity remains unchanged at 6171kg, according to RAM.

The second RAM 3500 features the same 6171kg towing capacity, but also offers 1713kg of payload capacity, corresponding with a light rigid truck licence or above.

“These changes are aimed at creating a version of the RAM 3500 Laramie that is a superb platform for use with fifth wheel and gooseneck towing and which may be driven on normal driving licence,” explains RAM general manager Alex Stewart.

“This is thanks to all the existing RAM towing advantages combined with the leaf spring suspension in the 3500, compared to coil set up in the 2500, to produce a strong and stable towing platform.”

The current RAM line-up has been imported to Australia before being converted to right-hand drive by American Special Vehicles. Each model is backed by a three-year/100,000 warranty.

All versions of the RAM range are powered by a 6.7-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel engine offering 276kW and 1084Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Prices for the RAM 2500 stays unchanged at $139,500 (plus on-road costs). The car licence-friendly RAM 3500 starts at $143,900 (plus ORCs), while the light rigid RAM 3500 starts at $146,500 (plus ORCs).