Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/155970
SURVEYOR 1 SPECS ownership. We took the truck to Gulfport Dragway, close to our Mississippi Gulf Coast office, to get the performance numbers out of the way. This truck runs strong, clipping the ¼-mile traps in 16 seconds at 86mph. It stops just as good with the huge disc brakes pulling it to a 60-0mph in a hair over 136 feet – the best panic-stop numbers we have to date for a 4x4 Crew Cab diesel. (The performance numbers are in the data box below.) The Ram performs just as well on the open road. We saw consistent 21-plus mpg numbers running several hundred miles at 70mph on I-10. Around town the Cummins' fuel economy hovers around 16mpg. All in all, impressive numbers for a truck that weighs in around 7,400 pounds. The good fuel numbers are a result of a well-matched automatic, the Cummins now utilizing high-pressure common-rail injection, and the debut of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) that delivers best-in-class oil-change interval of 15,000 miles. The truck also has Ram's industry-exclusive Ram Active Air intake system. Make/Model: '13 Ram 2500 SLT Crew Cab 4x4 Base MSRP: $40,165 As-Tested MSRP: $50,097 Engine: 6.7L Cummins Turbo I-6 Horsepower: 370hp @ 2,800rpm Torque: 800 lbs-ft@1,600rpm Axle Ratio: 3.42 w/ Anti-Spin rear diff Curb Weight: 7,400 lbs MPG/EPA: N/A Observed MPG (Empty): 16.1 City /21.4 Hwy Fuel Capacity: 31 gals Tow Ratings (model tested): 5,000 lbs weight-carrying; 17,430 lbs (Note: RAM recommends a weight-distributing hitch for towing trailers from 5,000 lbs -12,000 lbs; a gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch is required for trailers weighing more than 12,000 lbs.) Options: 6.7L Cummins Turbo ($7,795); 6-spd Automatic ($500); 3.42 Anti-Spin Differentials ($325); Power/heated Tow mirrors ($180) Performance: 0-30mph: 3.2 sec.; COOL INNOVATIONS When the intake system senses extreme heat, it draws cool air from the front of the vehicle – a function that also engages at high altitudes for superior throttle response in low oxygen environments. When driving conditions are wet from snow, ice or waterfording, the system pulls air from an underhood inlet clear from snow packing and water ingestion. The ride is a little firm in the Limited-slip rear differential came in handy during our time at the Gulfport Dragway. Truck runs 8 second 0-60mph times. 40-60mph: 3.8 sec.; 0-60mph: 8.4 sec.; ¼-mile: 16.1@86.4mph; 60mph-0: 136.5 ft. rear, but overall quite comfortable. Steering is light and precise, a result of some significant changes to the 2013's rack-andpinion steering setup. The truck starts almost instantly. And the Cummins has no problem getting it rolling with 800 lb.-ft of torque. Cummins' exhaust brake is also impressive. There's a button on the lower part of the center stack that activates the brake. When it's "on", the truck sounds like a semi as it quickly slows down to about 40mph. The AMP: A BIG STEP UP Heavy-duty pickups inherently have a fairly high step-in height, which is an inconvenience for some, a health/safety issue for others. Surveyor 1 is no different. So the first steps, so to speak, we have taken with our Mobil Delvac Ram project truck is to upfit it with Amp Research steps to ease getting in and out of the cab and provide easier access to the bed. Spears Auto Repair's owner, Warren Spears, installed Amp's ever popular Powerstep under the doors, a BedStep under the drivers-side rear bumper, and a pair of BedStep2's under the front corner on each side of the bed. The installs took about a half-day. Now we have the convenience of both The Amp steps also provide sure-footing If you want to see the step-by-step power and manual retractable steps at the when boots are slippery, helping prevent installation, go to the Surveyor 1 homepage important locations for a work truck. vehicle-related slip-and-falls on the jobsite. and click on "Installs." Interior noise: 66dbA @70mph (Test facility: Gulfport Dragway, Gulfport, MS) exhaust brake is going to be a big brake saver over the life of the truck. Hot-weather driving/towing will never be an issue either. For 2013, all Ram Heavy Duty diesels benefit from an all-new cooling system that features a high-efficiency fan, dual radiators, dual transmission coolers and charge air cooler afford 25 percent more heat-rejection capacity. Lower operating temperatures deliver improved performance, durability and lower operating costs. Should anything go awry, Ram has one of the best truck warranties around with a 5 years/ 100,000 miles powertrain coverage. It includes towing to the nearest Ram dealer and all parts and labor needed to make the repairs. To date we've put just a little more than 1,200 miles under Surveyor 1's wheels. They've been all good miles. Now we can have some real fun and start doing those upgrades… starting next issue with heavy-duty bumpers and big winch. 22 PROPICKUP August 2013 PP0813_Surveyor 1 Intro Road Test.indd 22 7/11/13 11:16 AM