RAM Transmission: Heat Manager

Posted on May 17, 2012 by manderson
RAM Transmission

RAM Transmission

New with RAM Trucks for 2013 is the RAM transmission heat manager, designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce low-viscosity losses.  This addition to the already-popular RAM Trucks is designed to improve towing and hauling capabilities by improving durability and engine performance.

Shorter Warm-Up Time

The RAM transmission thermal management system raises temperatures in transmission and other fluids, allowing the transmission to warm up quickly and reduce losses due to low viscosity.  This rapid rise in temperature helps the engine operate more efficiently and is shown to improve fuel efficiency by 1.7 percent.

Operation

The way the system operates is by circulating warm engine coolant through the heat manager, which has pathways dedicated to transmission fluid and engine oil.  As the thermal exchange unit heats, the fluids are also heated, warming the RAM transmission more quickly than traditional methods.  The unit has an electronic thermostat, rather than a mechanical one, which monitors the engine constantly and provides an efficient operating range at all times.

Improvement of Traditional Methods

Traditionally, the transmission of a vehicle heats independently of the engine, and this delayed warm-up reduces the efficiency of the engine.  The RAM transmission heat manager warms the transmission fluids simultaneously as the engine warms.  This not only improves fuel economy, but also enhances the quality of drivability and shifting.  In addition, because the unit monitors temperatures constantly, it can also prevent the transmission from exceeding operating temperatures when the vehicle must operate at maximum capacity, such as during towing or hauling.  The RAM transmission heat manager is designed to increase the durability and overall performance of RAM trucks that are already well-known for their durability and performance.

RAM is always striving to make their vehicles durable, rugged and able to perform any duty they are required to do, and the addition of the RAM transmission heat manager is one of the ways that RAM Trucks is providing the ruggedness you expect and the fuel economy you need.  For more information, visit RAM Trucks.

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Quick and Easy BBQ Recipes

Posted on May 10, 2012 by manderson

There is nothing like enjoying the great outdoors, tailgating in your RAM Truck, and enjoying easy BBQ recipes with family and friends.  RAM Southwest offers these perfect quick and easy BBQ recipes that will have your friends asking for more every time.

Easy BBQ Recipes

Easy BBQ Recipes

Bacon Double Cheese Stuffed Burgers

Make this easy BBQ recipe before you leave home, keep in the cooler until you are ready to fire up the grill, and throw them on:

  • 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ large onion, diced
  • ¼ pound chopped, crisp cooked bacon
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 2 tablespoons beer

Combine bacon, onion, cheese and set aside.  Combine beef, salt and beer, mix thoroughly and shape into six thin patties.  Place bacon mixture on top of three patties and top with remaining three patties.  Press edges to seal.  Grill until well done, about four minutes per side.

Easy BBQ Recipes

Easy BBQ Recipes

Simple Beer Brats

For something different from the typical burgers and hotdogs at your next tailgate, try this quick and easy BBQ recipe.  Simmer the brats at home the night before or the morning of your tailgating party.  Pour out all but a small amount of the beer mixture and seal the brats in an airtight container with the remaining beer for transporting to your grilling location.

  • Five Bratwurst, original or plain
  • Two cans of beer
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Sauerkraut
  • Rolls

Slice the onion into chunks and smash a few cloves of garlic.  Pour beer into saucepan and add onion and garlic.  Add the brats and simmer on low heat.

When ready to grill, pour beer mixture and sauerkraut into a disposable pan and heat on hot grill with the brats.  Be sure to cook on as low heat as possible to avoid burning both the sauerkraut and the brats.  If sauerkraut is not to your liking, substitute grilled onions and peppers.

Grilled Tomato Pesto

The vegetarians in your crowd will love this quick and easy BBQ recipe that can be put together at home, transported to the tailgate party and tossed on the grill when ready:

  • 8 tomatoes (if possible, use a variety of colors)
  • 4 tablespoons pesto
  • 8 onion slices
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup diced mushrooms
  • 1/3 cup almonds
  • 1/8 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cut the tops off tomatoes and hollow them out.  Mix pesto and mushrooms, placing mixture inside tomatoes.  Top with onion. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes on low heat.  Top with cheese, almonds and a sprinkle of seasoning and cook another two minutes.

These quick and easy BBQ recipes will turn your next tailgate party into the perfect feast for your family and friends.  Make sure to visit RAM Trucks to find the ride that will best suit your tailgating needs.

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RAM 2013 – What is Stop Start Technology?

Posted on May 3, 2012 by manderson
What Is Stop Start Technology

What Is Stop Start Technology

RAM Trucks are meeting the demands for better fuel economy with stop-start capabilities, leading many consumers to wonder, “What is stop start technology?”  The 2013 RAM Truck models will offer this fuel-saving feature, which can improve fuel economy by more than 3 percent.  The technology, first introduced in Europe in 2007 in response to carbon reduction regulations, will be available in both V-6 and V-8 models on select RAM 1500 models.

What is Stop Start Technology?

An idling engine continues to run and burns fuel unnecessarily.  Stop-start technology simply shuts the engine off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and starts the engine automatically when the driver releases the break.  All accessories, such as air conditioning, radio and lights, continue to operate normally while engine is stopped.

System Monitoring

Although the most common question consumers ask is “What is stop-start technology,” many also question how the system works in heavy stop-and-go traffic, as well as what happens when the battery charge runs low.  The fact is, RAM Truck’s stop-start technology constantly monitors the engine, brake pedal position and vehicle speed to determine when stop-start technology is needed, allowing the system to avoid frequent on/off during heavy traffic.  In addition, the system provides a battery sensor that continually monitors the engine.  When the battery charge reduces to unacceptable levels, the system disables stop-start technology until the battery charge reaches appropriate levels.  The system activates automatically, although drivers have the ability to disable the system from a dashboard button if necessary.

Engine Upgrades

The question “What is stop-start technology?” is often followed by “Won’t all that stopping and starting be hard on my battery and starter?”  RAM Trucks answered that question by upgrading the starter, battery and alternator to accommodate the additional starts and stops necessary with stop-start technology.  The starter operates at more than twice the level of traditional starters, with more than 300,000 on/off cycles.  The sealed lead-acid battery with Absorbed Glass Mat Technology generates 800 amps, and the 220-amp alternator accommodates the additional stops and starts of the engine.  In addition, RAM housed the starter in a stronger case, and the flywheel teeth and starter solenoid are stronger than traditional models.

RAM Trucks is happy to answer the question “what is stop-start technology” and invites consumers to come in and test-drive the 2013 models with this feature.  Consumers will find that they will get the same RAM power they have always expected with the fuel economy they have always wanted.  For more information, visit RAM Trucks.

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Sergio Marchionne: Fear in Chrysler is Gone

Posted on April 26, 2012 by manderson
Sergio Marchionne

Sergio Marchionne

The American automobile industry began recovering from its near-death experience last year, and thanks to CEO Sergio Marchionne, one of the most promising and dramatic recoveries has been Chrysler’s. According to Sergio Marchionne, the Chrysler Group workers’ fear for the company’s future is now gone, though just 3 years ago, Chrysler was headed for the scrap heap.

In 2011, the sale of Ram trucks and other vehicles enabled Chrysler to turn a profit of $183 million. The company’s bottom line would have been much higher, but they decided to pay back the $6 billion federal bailout 6 years ahead of schedule. Chrysler workers are largely to thank because they accepted wage and benefit cuts to help the company get back on its feet. However, none of it would have been possible without Italian-born and Canadian-raised CEO Sergio Marchionne. His last-minute partnership with Fiat resulted in an American-style success story.

“It’s been a long, rocky road, but the fear is gone,” Sergio Marchionne said in a 60 Minutes interview. “If Sergio [Marchionne] had not appeared, I think it’s very likely Chrysler would have been allowed to liquidate,” added Steve Rattner, head of the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry. Rattner believes that if Chrysler had been liquidated, 300,000 American jobs would have been lost up and down the industrial supply chain. Many of this CEO’s unique characteristics—from his signature style to his brutal negotiating skills—are among the reasons why Sergio Marchionne was able to save Chrysler from its economic demise.

Chrysler is offering plenty of new and redesigned Ram trucks and other vehicles this year, but one of the most important is the 2013 Dodge Dart. Sergio Marchionne plans to market this sporty little car worldwide. The Dart is particularly important for Chrysler during this recovery stage because it’s the first car to be jointly designed with Fiat.

For more information about Ram trucks and other Chrysler vehicles, please visit Ram Trucks today or a dealer near you.

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Perfect Baseball Truck for Any Player!

Posted on April 19, 2012 by manderson
Baseball Truck

Baseball Truck

Do you know what features to look for in the perfect baseball truck? Your biggest concern should be how you’re going to transport all of that equipment to and from the baseball field. Sure, you can toss equipment into the back of any old car, truck, or SUV, but Ram trucks with the RamBox are the ultimate storage solution.

If you’ve ever tossed baseball equipment into the back of your car, you know what it’s like to scramble for baseballs and bats that have rolled under the seats and strewn themselves around the cargo area. What a pain!

The class-exclusive RamBox Cargo Management System offers the solution you’ve been looking for. In all other trucks, the sides of the truck bed do little more than cover the wheels. The RamBox makes use of this space by providing you with a waterproof, drainable storage compartment. There is ample space in the 5’7” bed option, but even more storage area in the 6’4” bed configuration. Store your gloves, bats, baseballs, hats, shoes, and other gear safely and securely in your baseball truck’s RamBox.

Early spring is the perfect time to get your baseball truck because the season is just getting started! Major League Baseball begins April 4th, and your little leaguer will be eager to hit the field as well. All you have to do is load up the gear in the RamBox, and you’re good to go!

When you’re not using your baseball truck to tote sporting equipment back and forth, use it as a beverage cooler or beach caddy for a day by the lake or ocean. The 5’7” bed can hold 240 cans of your favorite beverage in the RamBox, while 280 cans fit in the 6’4” bed configuration! You can still fit whatever you might normally haul in the bed of the truck while transporting smaller, more valuable gear in the secure RamBox.

Learn more about the perfect baseball truck by visiting Ram Trucks today. You can also visit your local dealer for more information.

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RAM 2013: New V-6, Eight-Speed Transmission

Posted on April 12, 2012 by manderson
Ram 2013

Ram 2013

The latest Ram 2013 truck is part of the popular 1500 series. However, unlike older Ram trucks, this one has a new V-6, eight-speed automatic transmission. Many of Chrysler’s 2013 Ram trucks are available with the 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine, delivering 285 horsepower. This engine has up to 12% better fuel economy compared to older designs, which featured 3.7-liter V-6 engines producing 215 horsepower. If you are in the market for a Ram 2013 truck, and you want power combined with efficiency, the 2013 Ram 1500 could absolutely be for you!

Current Ram trucks offer fuel economy of 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway. With the changes to be made in the 2013 model, the Ram 1500 may challenge the class-leading fuel economy of other brands, which tops out at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway.

Chrysler is so pleased by the results of the new transmission in the 2013 Ram 1500 that it may eventually be used in all of the company’s rear-wheel-drive vehicles, except for heavy-duty trucks. Chrysler is also adapting dual-clutch transmissions technology used in Fiat’s European vehicles for use in the US. The technology may be featured in the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger in the near future, which will improve fuel economy when compared to regular automatic transmission vehicles.

In addition to the changes made under the hood, the Ram 2013 also features new lightweight axles to help reduce weight and improve fuel economy. The outer appearance of the newest Ram 1500 is as sleek as ever with dozens of customizable features to make it your perfect dream truck.

With these and other exciting new changes coming to Chrysler vehicles, it’s clear that now is the time to keep your eye on this automaker. Learn more about the Ram 2013 trucks by visiting Ram Trucks today. You can also visit your local dealer for more information.

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Ram Lone Star Edition 10th Anniversary Pickup Rolls Out

Posted on April 5, 2012 by manderson
Ram Lone Star

Ram Lone Star

February 2012 marked the 10th anniversary of the Ram Lone Star Edition. This Ram 1500 crew cab is among the best-selling Ram trucks in the Lone Star State. From the beginning, the goal was clear: create the perfect masterpiece to meet the needs of Texas truck buyers. After talking to Texas customers and learning the most desirable features of Ram trucks, the Ram Lone Star Edition was born. This truck was designed for Texans by Texans.

Over the past ten years, minor changes have been made to the Ram Lone Star Edition with the continual goal of meeting the specific needs of the Lone Star State. In fact, this 10th year anniversary edition is a model reserved only for sale in Texas, where pickup trucks rule the road. Here’s a look at some of the features of the 2012 Ram Lone Star Edition that make it so special.

Ram Lone Star Edition

Ram Lone Star Edition

Standard Exterior Features

  • 20” polished wheels
  • Dual exhaust with chrome outlets
  • Class 4 hitch receiver
  • Unique billet grille
  • Exclusive 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with 390 horsepower and 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Larger, redesigned “Lone Star” badges on the front doors and tailgate

Standard Interior Features

  • Premium leather seats with 10-way power adjust on the driver’s side
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls

You can also customize your Ram Lone Star Edition above and beyond the standard features to create the ideal Texas dream truck. Once all of your features have been added, you will receive a $3,200 discount from Ram Southwest. These Texas-sized savings ensure that you get the best deal on the perfect truck for you.

We could tell you that the Ram Lone Star Edition is the best truck we offer, but we want you to experience this fine product for yourself. For more information about the Ram Lone Star Edition, please visit Ram Trucks today or visit a dealer near you.

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Spring Driving Tips for Your Truck!

Posted on March 29, 2012 by manderson
Spring Driving Tips

Spring Driving Tips

Have you considered the value of spring driving tips? The weather is warming up outside, but that doesn’t mean driving cares will melt away with the spring thaw. Instead, spring brings its own set of driving challenges that new owners of Ram trucks should be aware of. After all, you don’t want your pristine new Ram to run into trouble on wet spring roads. Here are five spring driving tips to help you drive safely during this time of year.

Begin Spring with a Safe Car

If you ignore all other spring driving tips, at least invest in a truck that is safe on the road. Ram trucks feature accident avoidance features such as electronic stability control and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Studies have shown these features to greatly reduce the risk of being involved in an accident, regardless of the road conditions.

Beware of Rain

Spring rainfall makes for slick roads that rival icy roads during the winter. Hydroplaning is a serious possibility with just one-quarter inch of water on the road. Rain also lifts oil and other slippery fluids from the road for an even slicker road surface. Slow down when driving during a heavy rain storm. If possible, delay travel until after the storm as passed.

Replace the Tires

You may scrape by with worn treads during dry summer weather, but old tires and slick spring rains are an unsafe combination. Spring is the perfect time of year to invest in a new set of tires. Become familiar with their recommended inflation and check the tires often to ensure there are no leaks.

Replace Worn Wipers

Old wiper blades can reduce visibility just when they’re needed, which makes driving very dangerous. Replace the wipers, and periodically clean both sides of the front and rear windshield with automotive glass cleaner. These spring driving tips improve visibility and remove the oily film that makes it difficult to see even with the help of the defroster.

Inspect Vehicle Lights

Drivers could have a rear brake light out and not know it—until a police officer pulls them over. Having every light on your Ram truck in working order is important for safety and visibility during heavy rainfall. Check the headlamps, parking lights, reverse lights, turn signals and, with the help of a friend, the brake lights.

By using these spring driving tips, you increase your safety on the road and could even prevent an accident. Visit Ram Trucks today for more information.

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Why RAM Makes The Best Construction Truck

Posted on March 22, 2012 by manderson
Best Construction Truck

Best Construction Truck

When it comes to finding the best construction truck, two important features to consider are storage and reliability under the hood. Here’s a look at 2012 Ram trucks and the qualities that make them perfect for construction workers.

As someone working in construction, you want to gather the essentials to keep in your toolbox at all times. Some items are small and can fit inside a standard toolbox, such as a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, and a tape measure. These items are relatively easy to transport no matter what vehicle you drive because all you need is space for the toolbox.

However, there are plenty of other larger essentials, including a shovel, hard hat, work boots, electric jackhammer, and more that can’t fit inside a toolbox. Ram is the best construction truck because it provides ample exterior storage to transport larger items.

Ram trucks are the only trucks on the market to feature the RamBox Cargo Management System. In other trucks, the space above the wheels is wasted, but in Ram trucks, this area becomes a compartment that can store all your construction tools and then some.

The RamBox® is ideal for storing and transporting anything you don’t want lose in the bed of the truck. It’s waterproof and drainable, so when you’re not on the job, you can use the RamBox feature of the best construction truck as a beverage cooler, beach caddy, or camping storage container.

Then there’s the truck bed of the best construction truck. Choose from a 5’7” bed or a 6’4” bed for even more storage possibilities. Customizing the truck bed with a rubber liner prevents slipping or cover the truck bed to keep everything stored inside secure.

You know you can trust Ram to deliver the best construction truck because, in addition to these storage benefits, the transmissions and engines in Ram trucks are protected under a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. The next time you make a truck purchase, put your trust in RAM! Visit Ram Trucks today for more information.

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The Weather Channel and Ram Truck Brand Partner With the First Response Team of America Disaster Relief Organization

Posted on March 20, 2012 by manderson
First Response Team

First Response Team

  • The Weather Channel launches exclusive cross-platform “Responding by Storm” reports on network and digital platforms sponsored by Ram Truck brand.
  • Reports track work of the First Response Team in action after U.S. weather disasters.
  • Ram donates heavy-duty trucks to First Response Team.

Recently, The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) and Ram Trucks brand announced a partnership with the First Response Team of America.

The Weather Channel Companies launched an exclusive cross-platform series of in-the-field “Responding by Storm” reports chronicling the works of the First Response Team of America, a nonprofit disaster relief organization led by Tad Agoglia, which arrives soon after a storm’s devastation to assist local first responders with rescues and to provide help with cleanup efforts. The new content will be sponsored by the Ram Truck brand and will feature field reports during live programming on The Weather Channel network, webisodes on Weather.com and exclusive mobile and tablet content. Ram also is donating three heavy-duty trucks to the First Response Team.

“Ongoing coverage of First Response Team across our platforms will give consumers another perspective into the aftermath of severe weather,” said Ann Brown senior vice president, client solutions for The Weather Channel Companies. “Seeing what Tad and his team do is inspirational and hopefully seeing the challenges presented by the effects of weather will remind people of the need to take weather warnings seriously and be prepared.”

“We have a great deal of respect for the work that the First Response Team does and welcome the opportunity to provide Ram trucks to help their efforts,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our trucks are all about capability, hard work and determination. Ram truck owners are ‘providers’ by nature, often using their trucks to help their neighbors and communities, which makes this partnership with The Weather Channel and the First Response Team a natural fit.”

Responding by Storm content begins with features on the network and will continue as First Response Team responds to weather disasters throughout the year. Content on Weather.com online and on mobile will feature webisodes profiling the team and its work, along with a dedicated section on the site. Additional information available at weather.com/responders will feature behind-the-scenes glimpses into the team’s work, bios of the team and an option to donate to support its vital efforts.

Responding by Storm reports on The Weather Channel will be sponsored by Ram Trucks and will coincide with the launch of a new cross-platform campaign on the network and the digital properties, including co-branded executions on tablets and smartphones. Content also will be featured on Ram Trucks.

First Response Team of America was founded by Agoglia, who had built a successful disaster recovery business and, following 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, decided to put those skills to use by helping people. The team goes from disaster to disaster lending a hand and assisting with rubble and water rescues and cleanups, clearing roads, creating a way into the community by removing debris and pumping out floodwaters, powering up emergency rooms, nursing homes and shelters and clearing home sites for those without insurance. His team tracks weather conditions so it is positioned to be nearby and ready to assist when disaster strikes. The team’s heavy equipment includes Ram trucks, multi-terrain loaders, cranes, lighting towers, plasma cutters and a hovercraft for water rescues. For more information visit Ram Trucks, Weather.com/Responders or First Response Team.

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