A Partnership Made In Heaven: Cummins Diesel and RAM Trucks

Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel (2021)

When we think of "barnstorming" the image that comes to mind is that of airplane stunts by rural daredevils who would fly town to town back in the 1930s. There was something romantic about these aerobatic flyboys. 

Barnstorming didn't apply only to pilots however. The makers of Cummins engines also did some barnstorming themselves, in their own way. They orchestrated events to showcase their benefits and win fans.

While reading the 100-years-plus history of the Cummins engine I came across this account from 1931 in which a Cummins H-powered diesel truck drove 14,600 miles non-stop to show off its reliability over a long haul. For the sake of transparency, so that no hanky-panky could take place, the event was conducted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in front of witnesses. 

What's striking is that more than 80 years later, the feature that sets diesel engines apart is not just the power they generate but also their reliability.

In 2019 Cummins completed a 30-year relationship with RAM trucks that began with the Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel. This year's 2021 6.7L Turbo Diesel generates even more horsepower and torque while continuing its tradition of durability and efficiency.

HD RAM 3500 Dodge pickups produce 1,075 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the Aisin transmission. And it is no laggard in the horsepower department either, with 420 hp.

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One of the great advantages of living in the Internet age, especially at this point in time, is that if you are new to the Diesel Cummins-powered RAM family, there are communities of RAM enthusiasts out there that you can reach out to in time of need, or just to stay current on things. The same applies to whatever engine that moves you, whether Duramax or Power Stroke as well. 

Whenever engine designs change there can be quirks you need to be aware of. Just switching over from a gasoline-powered vehicle to the diesel family can be a learning curve. For this reason we've included a list of hot-linked forums for easy access here in the right hand column. 

The Cummins Forum not only has troubleshooting tips, but interactive starter questions designed to address various issues. It's a great way to stay current on what's happening.

Related Links

The History of the Cummins Engine

Motor Trend's 10 Best Diesel Trucks Ever

Limited Edition Armed-Forces-Inspired Ram Trucks Bolt from the Gate

On March 2 another branch of the U.S. armed forces was honored with the introduction of a special edition Built to Serve Ram 1500 pickup. Now available with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, this fifth installment offers a maritime force-inspired theme with both Spitfire and Bright White exterior colors offered, along with a black interior with orange accent stitching. Ram is producing 500 models in Spitfire and 750 models in Bright White.

According to the news release, Ram has been celebrating America's five land, sea and air-based armed forces with Built to Serve editions of its popular Ram 1500 half-ton pickup truck lineup. The Built to Serve Ram trucks will be available in Ram dealer showrooms beginning in the second quarter this year.

"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our armed forces and the brave men and women who serve them. These Built to Serve models are just one way we honor those who have selflessly served our country," said Mike Koval Jr., Ram Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. "Whether civilian or military, Ram truck owners are very familiar with this adage as it's something we strive to build into every truck and van we produce." 

Each of the five U.S. military service branches have now been honored by Ram with two specially selected exterior paint colors that evoke the spirit, the mission and history of that service. One of each branch's "Built to Serve Edition" models is offered in a new low-volume paint option exclusive to this program.

Here are the paint options and quantities for each branch of the service:

• Gator (1,000 units) and Diamond Black Crystal (1,000)
• Ceramic Gray (1,000) and Patriot Blue (1,000)
• Anvil (1,250) and Billet Silver Metallic (1,500)
• Tank (1,000) and Flame Red (1,000)
• Spitfire (500) and Bright White (750)

There are a number of other unique interior and exterior features that set the five breeds apart, including a United States flag and "Built to Serve" decal on each of the rear quarter panels.

Stylish embellishments abound, including 20-inch aluminum wheels with a unique-to-the-edition Technical Gray finish. Body-color wheel flares also accent the exterior.

Each of the new Ram front ends gets a unique treatment consisting of an all-black grille and surround, black bumpers with black-bezel premium lighting. Complementing the look are black badges, black wheel-to-wheel side steps and dual four-inch black exhaust tips.

Inside, the Built to Serve Ram trucks are accented with unique, color stitching that corresponds with each branch of the military: Light Frost, Light Ambassador Blue, Light Diesel Gray, Medium Greystone or Orange.

Underneath the skin, each Ram Built to Serve edition is ready for action, loaded with 4x4 Off-Road Group content, including:

• All-terrain tires
• Electronic-locking rear axle
• Hill-descent control
• Front suspension skid plate
• Steering gear skid plate
• Fuel tank skid plate
• Transfer case skid plate
• Tow hooks
• Heavy-duty off-road-calibrated front and rear shock absorbers

Ram Built to Serve edition packages are available on all body styles and all powertrains.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 7% of the U.S. population is an active member, reserve member or veteran of the armed services.

As part of the Built to Serve initiative, Ram is bringing further attention to its volunteer initiative called Ram Nation. Ram Nation has been organizing grassroots volunteer events since 2015 and, through the launch of the Built to Serve edition trucks, is reinforcing its commitment to recognizing those who serve our nation and our communities.

Much the same way that the NFL encourages professional athletes to serve their communities Ram Nation has been recruiting individuals to donate their time and to volunteer in their own communities across the nation. It's an exemplary "leadership through service" mindset. 

In addition to activating the Ram Nation volunteer corps across the U.S., Ram is extending the invitation to all individuals, regardless of whether or not they are a Ram truck owner. To join and learn about new Ram Nation volunteer events, new members can register at www.ramtrucks.com/ram-nation.html.

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Story Source
Ram Launches Final Phase press release
Related: Two Diesel Stories About Ram Fuel Efficiency

2021: What's New In Diesel This Year

A couple weeks ago Rick Popely assembled a story for Cars.com titled What’s New With Diesel Vehicles for 2021?

Popely begins with the disappointing observation of what is not new this year. If you love diesel power and fuel efficiency, you won't find it in a passenger car anymore. Diesel passenger cars are no longer an option in the U.S. market. Part of this pullback is due to recent scandals regarding emissions tampering, as highly publicized in a January NYTimes story. This issue has been a long time coming though. 

It's really too bad since, as Popely correctly notes, "diesels generate far more torque than gas engines, and that low-end grunt makes them the engine of choice for many who need to tow heavy trailers, so you’ll still see this powertrain option in truck and SUV lineups."

Fortunately, there are some pretty stylish SUVs on the market. As for the trucks, we have all the usual suspects, each one amping up their game to not only capture eyeballs but to satisfy the performance standards we've come to expect. Here's what's available for the year 2021. You should go to the Cars.com site (link below) to read about each in more detail and, if you're looking for something to buy, see what's available in your neck of the woods.

The 2021 Escalade and Escalade ESV

As we noted in January, this is the first year Cadillac has offered a diesel engine in more than three decades. The 2021 Escalade is completely redesigned. Both the Escalade and the stretched ESV offer a turbo-diesel 3.0 inline-six-cylinder power plant that delivers 277 horses and 460 pound-feet of torque. 

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado

The Silverado 1500 has increased its towing capacity significantly for 2021. Not only that, this ability to tow more is going to cost less, almost as if we're being nudged into the diesel engine option. The 3500 has also bumped up its guidance for hauling. Additional features include some tailgate refinement and rear cameras, which have benefits as well.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban

Both the Tahoe and Suburban tout roomier interiors. Pickups have a long history of being workhorses, but a little cramped. This trend of making our "living space" inside the can more luxurious has been going on for quite some time.  Popely notes that the Suburban has an added 15 inches of length over the Tahoe, which initially doesn't sound like much, but can make a difference. Purportedly it has 22 more cubic feet for cargo than the Tahoe.

The 2021 Ford F-150

According to Edmund's the Ford F-150 has been the best selling truck and vehicle in America for 40 years. This year's Ford truck has six engine options and the truck itself has had a complete makeover. Popely notes that its more luxurious inside the cab and has a host of new features.

The 2021 GMC Sierra

As with all the others, we get options and more options.The turbo-diesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder gives you more power on the 1500 and the 3500 is no slouch either. Ultimately, the Sierra is described as an upscale Silverado. Which it is.

The 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL

The Yukons share the same drivetrains as their GM/GMC siblings, but differ in style and interior treatment. In keeping with the desire for more space, these are designed to be roomier as well. There are noteworthy dashboard features cited in the Cars.com article as well.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator

When we first wrote about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator in September we were jazzed by the engineering. The 4WD Jeep has fans coming back for more. 

The 2021 Ram Trucks

Popely makes observation about both the 1500 and the 3500. "The Ram 1500 adds a more efficient diesel model, the Tradesman High Fuel Efficiency EcoDiesel, with an EPA combined rating of 26 mpg, 2 mpg more than the best of the 1500’s other diesel models. On the heavy-duty side, torque on the Ram 3500's Cummins turbo-diesel 6.7-liter rises to 1,075 pounds-feet, and gooseneck towing capacity increases to 37,100 pounds, both best-in-class numbers.

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Make time to check out the additional details. No cars, but they are all stars. 

HERE'S THE LINK to the full story:

https://www.cars.com/articles/whats-new-with-diesel-vehicles-for-2021-432336/

Rick Popely, the author of this story, has covered the auto industry for decades and hosts a weekly online radio show on TalkZone.com.