RAM FLOATS ITS BOAT AT AUSTRALIA'S TOP BOAT SHOWS

The legendary RAM truck range will be on display at Australia’s leading boat shows in coming months in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, offering the ideal towing combination for boat and trailer combinations of up to 6.9 tonnes.

“The RAM Truck is designed from the ground up to be the ideal towing platform,” says Alex Stewart, General Manager of RAM in Australia. “From the 6.7 litre Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with 1,084 Nm of torque to standard features such as exhaust brakes, built-in controls for trailer braking and switchable chassis electronics for towing, the RAM range is a remarkably capable towing vehicle. But at the same time it also boasts a luxurious and spacious double cab and the option of RamBoxes, twin 243 litre secure storage boxes that may be used for everything from tools and equipment to ice boxes for drinks or the catch of the day!”

RAM will display the 2500 Laramie alongside the MasterCraft boats at the Melbourne Boat Show from the 16-19 June at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre; the Adelaide Boat Show from 30 June to 2 July; the Sydney International Boat Show at the International Convention Centre and the Cockle Bay Marina on 3 to 7 August and the Brisbane Boat Show at the Brisbane Convention Centre on 25 to 27 August 2017.

RAM has already displayed its range at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, drawing considerable interest from the thousands of ‘boaties’ at the show and even selling RAM Trucks at the show.

“The level of interest was remarkable, with the stand crowded with people wanting to see what was probably the only vehicle at the show with a direct, practical link with the boats on display,” says Mr Stewart. “What we were told time and time again was that people’s boat owning dreams were being thwarted by the 3.5 tonne towing limit of smaller utes and how carrying even a small amount of equipment in the tray would put many vehicles over their GVM legal limit. With the RAM’s exceptional towing ability and tray load capacity, a whole new level of boat ownership is opened up, whether they are for sporting, recreational fishing or business use.”

“We expect our presence at Australia’s top boat shows to play a significant role in the growth of RAM sales in Australia this year,” says Mr Stewart.

Prices for the 2017 model year RAM range start at a recommended retail price of $139,500 plus statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery for the RAM 2500 Laramie and $142,900 plus statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery when fitted with the RamBox system. Both have a six foot four inch tray. The RAM 3500 Laramie has a recommended retail price of $143,900 plus statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery for the version which may be driven on a normal car driving license and $146,500 plus statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery for the range topping variant which requires the driver to have a light rigid truck licence.

The RamBoxes on either side of the RAM 2500 Laramie turn the load area into a vertical sided box and create two lockers the length of the load area. These lockers are weatherproof, they are included in the central locking or may be securely locked separately, they have their own lighting and they create a space that is 152 cm long and provide 243 litres of storage space on either side of the RAM. This space is easily accessible, regardless of the load being carried in the main tray with lids that open a full 90 degrees. 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 RamBoxes are large enough to hold items including a set of golf clubs, helmets, toolboxes, kayak paddles, fishing rods or chainsaws.

All versions of the RAM range are powered by Cummins 6.7 litre straight six cylinder Turbo Diesel engine that produces a 276 kW and a staggering 1,084 Nm of torque, mated to a six speed automatic transmission with gear pre selector. Allied to features such as twin mode exhaust brakes, switched chassis electronics with a tow/haul mode, factory-fitted controls for separate trailer brakes and a standard towing hitch, as well as a spacious six foot four inch tray, the RAM Truck tows and hauls loads with ease.

Standard equipment highlights include luxuries such as heated and ventilated front seats that are 10 way power operated for the driver and six way for the front passenger with all seats leather trimmed; as well as 12 volt power outlets, there is a 240 volt 100 amp mains power socket; the ventilation system is climate control dual zone; the steering wheel is heated; the pedals are power adjustable; a sun roof is standard; the audio system has nine speakers and a sub-woofer and the dashboard includes a vehicle information system, while there are two rear cameras, one for the cargo area and another for reversing which display on the 8.4 inch touch screen display. Remanufactured to right hand drive in Australia by ASV, the RAM range is backed by an official nationwide dealer network and a three year/100,000 km warranty that includes 24 hour roadside assistance.

About RAM

Since its launch as a stand-alone division of FCA in 2009, the RAM Truck brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry. Creating a distinct identity for RAM Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable.

The brand continues to invest substantially in its hard-working products. In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. RAM Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.

About American Special Vehicles

American Special Vehicles is a venture comprised of Ateco Automotive and the Walkinshaw Automotive Group. The RAM trucks are imported direct from the factory in left hand drive. The Walkinshaw Automotive Group’s famed engineering skills are then used to completely remanufacture the RAM vehicles to right hand drive on a purpose built production line in Melbourne. The American Special Vehicles RAM trucks are produced with full volume import approval, meaning they are fully compliant with Australian Design Rules and that American Special Vehicles is the sole importer of RAM models covered by that approval. The American Special Vehicles RAM trucks are sold and supported by an Australia-wide dealer network.