Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/759228
COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 31 ground, but it also means the up tter has less to touch in the back." Chassis cabs and cutaways, available in the 3500 series in either a 136- or 159-inch wheelbase, feature a low roof with a cab- to-axle of 81 or 104 inches, respectively. While the unibody construction gives ProMaster a noticeably smoother ride than a largebody-on-frame van, it still provides enough backbone for a 4,417-pound payload rating. " at's going to get me more than a ¾-ton truck in most cases, with the added bene t of the security that comes along with it," Sowers said. While ProMaster's ride and handling improves when it's loaded, it was comfort- able even when absent a payload. ProMaster cargo vans are available in a 118-inch short-wheelbase low-roof 1500, low- and high-roof 136-inch medium-wheelbase 1500, medium- and 159-inch-long-wheelbase high-roof 2500, and long-wheelbase high-roof 3500 in standard or extended body, which adds 14 inches. Cargo volumes range from 283 to 530 cubic feet. My low-roof 136-inch-wheelbase test model featured up to469 cubic feet of storage, and the 65-inch oor-to-ceiling height made standing up in the back easy. e average American male is 5-foot-10, so most guys are likely to agree. ProMaster has an almost impos- ingdriving position. Two captain seats, which each swivel 180 degrees,are mounted on a raised deck that gives the driver an elevated vantage point through the giant windshield; a bench seat is optional. A36-foot turning radius shines on urban surface streets. At the rear, ProMaster's cargo doors open in three stages– 90, 180 and almost 270 degrees – making loading and un- loading simple for most any application, and a low load oor height makes egress comfortable. Sowers said the average age of the commercial van eet is hovering at just more than seven years old and that Ram is hoping to capitalize on soon-to-come turnover rates with the Italian-inspired ProMaster. With the agility the van o ers on the road, coupled with ergonomic comforts such as its lower step-in height, Ram Commercial may be poised to push its 15 percent share to new heights. PREMIUM BRANDS. LOCAL EXPERTS. There's no beating the ease of doing business with your trusted local truck parts distributor. As part of North America's Leading Truck Parts Network ® , your local VIPAR Heavy Duty Parts Professional offers the brands you want and the expertise you need, with the strength and resources of a network of over 550 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. THE RIGHT PEOPLE. THE RIGHT PARTS. THE RIGHT PLACES. FIND A VIPAR HEAVY DUTY PARTS AND SERVICE PROFESSIONAL AT VIPAR.COM VIPAR TTS Parts ad 081716.indd 1 8/17/16 9:15 AM My low-roof 136-inch-wheelbase test model featured up to469 cubic feet of storage.