2020 Ram HD caught testing

[Jared B]

5th Generation Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)

Article by @redriderbob editors note by @Jared Balfour

FCA US has been very quiet about the 5^th generation Ram HD. The only thing that have confirmed is that production of the Ram HDs will move from the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico to the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan. Warren Truck currently builds Quad Cab and Crew Cab Ram 1500 (DS) models which will continue on sale for part of the 2019 model year or at least till the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Sterling Heights, Michigan can produce enough new 2019 Ram 1500 (DT) models to fill all orders.

Warren Truck will get a complete update after the discontinuation of production of the DS models. This will take roughly six months, and the plant will first launch the DT based 2020 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer (WS) SUVs. A few months later all-new Ram HD models will launch alongside of the new Jeep twins. At that time Ram will be the only pickup truck maker to have all of their pickups assembled in the State of Michigan. Both plants are within miles of each other as well.


2020 Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)

As for the truck itself, here is what we know. The 5^th generation Ram HD will share cabs and beds with the DT pickups. The Ram HD will have front styling similar but a little different than the half ton models. The crosshair grille will be gone, of course but the grilles on the HD will be a little different in design that the DT trucks. Some of the spy shots from Real Fast Fotography show that Ram, seems to be working on a new air intake system on the top of the grille similar to the current GM HD trucks will their cold air intake hood scoops.

With the cab design being the same, that means the new 2019 Ram 1500 (DT) interiors will move over to the HD side. Expect the same trims as DT to move along as well (except for the Rebel of course, which on the HD side will continue the Power Wagon model). This means Ram HDs will have a flat load floor and reclining rear seats as their 1500 counterparts. With the seats being able to recline 4-inches now, we do not know the fate of the Mega Cab. But we will let you know more as soon as we learn about it.

2020 Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)

Expect the Ram HDs to get most of the great technology that the DT trucks have. 12.1-inch Uconnect screens will be available on select trims. Blind spot monitoring for trailer towing will also help ease future HD buyers when it comes to see around those blind spots. A next generation load leveling air suspension could join the lineup as well.

The biggest news is powertrains. Our inside sources say that Ram has been working hard both ZF and Aisin to develop new transmissions for the truck. It looks like Ram is trying to develop a new 8-Speed Automatic transmission for the 5^th generation Ram HD models to help improve towing and fuel economy. This would allow Ram to also use the electronic rotary shifter on the HD models too. Cummins will return with an upgrade 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel. People have been saying that Ram is aiming for the 1,000 lb-ft of torque number. While we can’t confirm this, we wouldn’t be surprised considering the current HD trucks are already hitting the 930 lb-ft mark. Also, HEMI power will return to the HD models as well. But which variant of the HEMI will be standard is yet to be known.


2020 Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)

It sounds like the 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab will be back as well. GM has just shown of the Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500HD. While we don’t expect a 6500 model, not quite yet. The 4500 and 5500 Ram HD models will be available in select trims. We have also been hearing that Ram has been holding customer clinics, in which a response from farmers and heavy haulers are asking Ram to make a factory bed option for certain chassis cabs lengths, and that Ram is really looking into it.


2020 Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)

Editors note: Since this article was written our friends at Real Fast Fotography caught this fully camoflauged truck. Looking through the camo we can see LED taillights that match the taillights on the new 2019 Ram 1500's. We can also see the blind spot monitoring system in the mirrors. Headlights look like a cross between the current headlights and the headlights on the all new Ram 1500. Our spy photographer said the truck definitely sounded like it had more than 6 gears in the transmission due to the amount of upshifts as the test driver was taking off.

 

[Deleted member103]

5th Generation Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)

Article by @redriderbob editors note by @Jared Balfour 

FCA US has been very quiet about the 5^th generation Ram HD. The only thing that have confirmed is that production of the Ram HDs will move from the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico to the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan. Warren Truck currently builds Quad Cab and Crew Cab Ram 1500 (DS) models which will continue on sale for part of the 2019 model year or at least till the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Sterling Heights, Michigan can produce enough new 2019 Ram 1500 (DT) models to fill all orders.

Warren Truck will get a complete update after the discontinuation of production of the DS models. This will take roughly six months, and the plant will first launch the DT based 2020 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer (WS) SUVs. A few months later all-new Ram HD models will launch alongside of the new Jeep twins. At that time Ram will be the only pickup truck maker to have all of their pickups assembled in the State of Michigan. Both plants are within miles of each other as well.


2020 Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)

As for the truck itself, here is what we know. The 5^th generation Ram HD will share cabs and beds with the DT pickups. The Ram HD will have front styling similar but a little different than the half ton models. The crosshair grille will be gone, of course but the grilles on the HD will be a little different in design that the DT trucks. Some of the spy shots from Real Fast Fotography show that Ram, seems to be working on a new air intake system on the top of the grille similar to the current GM HD trucks will their cold air intake hood scoops.

With the cab design being the same, that means the new 2019 Ram 1500 (DT) interiors will move over to the HD side. Expect the same trims as DT to move along as well (except for the Rebel of course, which on the HD side will continue the Power Wagon model). This means Ram HDs will have a flat load floor and reclining rear seats as their 1500 counterparts. With the seats being able to recline 4-inches now, we do not know the fate of the Mega Cab. But we will let you know more as soon as we learn about it.

2020 Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)

Expect the Ram HDs to get most of the great technology that the DT trucks have. 12.1-inch Uconnect screens will be available on select trims. Blind spot monitoring for trailer towing will also help ease future HD buyers when it comes to see around those blind spots. A next generation load leveling air suspension could join the lineup as well.

The biggest news is powertrains. Our inside sources say that Ram has been working hard both ZF and Aisin to develop new transmissions for the truck. It looks like Ram is trying to develop a new 8-Speed Automatic transmission for the 5^th generation Ram HD models to help improve towing and fuel economy. This would allow Ram to also use the electronic rotary shifter on the HD models too. Cummins will return with an upgrade 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel. People have been saying that Ram is aiming for the 1,000 lb-ft of torque number. While we can’t confirm this, we wouldn’t be surprised considering the current HD trucks are already hitting the 930 lb-ft mark. Also, HEMI power will return to the HD models as well. But which variant of the HEMI will be standard is yet to be known.


2020 Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)

It sounds like the 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab will be back as well. GM has just shown of the Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500HD. While we don’t expect a 6500 model, not quite yet. The 4500 and 5500 Ram HD models will be available in select trims. We have also been hearing that Ram has been holding customer clinics, in which a response from farmers and heavy haulers are asking Ram to make a factory bed option for certain chassis cabs lengths, and that Ram is really looking into it.


2020 Ram HD (Real Fast Fotography)

Editors note: Since this article was written our friends at Real Fast Fotography caught this fully camoflauged truck. Looking through the camo we can see LED taillights that match the taillights on the new 2019 Ram 1500's. We can also see the blind spot monitoring system in the mirrors. Headlights look like a cross between the current headlights and the headlights on the all new Ram 1500. Our spy photographer said the truck definitely sounded like it had more than 6 gears in the transmission due to the amount of upshifts as the test driver was taking off.

We all know "somebody here" who is gonna "FreakOut" when he reads your new input, don't we ! In a GOOD way !

 

 

[devildodge]

excellent article. Glad to see real fast fotography caught this beast on camera. Getting excited. Won't be long til he finds one the camo starts falling off of. Can't wait for more info on the Hemi powerplants, I am over Cummins lol.

Powerwagon is gonna be awesome, Heavy Duty has to receive some of the TRX technology. Good times.

 

[Rustydodge]

So will the quad cab also come to the HD then?

Any word on electric or hybrid for gas powered models? (although i'm sure that would be top secret). Reading up on 2008 Durango/Aspen two mode hybrid hemi and F250 gas hybrid modification makes me think Ram will have some surprise for us by then.

Awesome news on the 8 speed!

 

[Jared B]

So will the quad cab also come to the HD then?

Any word on electric or hybrid for gas powered models? (although i'm sure that would be top secret). Reading up on 2008 Durango/Aspen two mode hybrid hemi and F250 gas hybrid modification makes me think Ram will have some surprise for us by then.

Awesome news on the 8 speed!

Unfortunately I don't have the answers to any of those questions yet. Sources have been pretty tight lipped on the HD trucks.

 

[VoiceOfReason]

If I had to wager, I'd guess that was heading south on Opdyke Road, south of what used to be the Silverdome.I'll have to keep a watchful eye . . .As far as electrification/hybrids, don't hold your breath. I'm sure the HDs will get eTorque, just like the 1500s because of the low end start line benefit for heavy loads, but I would be very surprised (I was going to say shocked, but that could be misinterpreted as a pun/hint) to see anything beyond that.I'm not claiming to have any inside information regarding the electric/hybrid question, just my own speculation.Yes, it is good to know about the transmission. But, to be honest, that is more for MPGs and marketing literature as far as I'm concerned. I've been driving a five speed manual for over fifteen years and I've never once thought to myself, "what I really need is more gears." Granted there are benefits, but if the TRX comes with a five speed, I'll be just as thrilled with it.

 

[Deleted member 85]

So will the quad cab also come to the HD then?

Great question.

I am hoping we see a Quad Cab offering. It's a good work truck choice for clients that only need the rear space in a pinch. Right now a Regular/Crew/MegaCab separation is missing a part of the market.

 

[devildodge]

As I try to make sense of what we are getting I have to wonder why it is 2020. We had been told 2021.

I know Ram moved away from multiple cab configurations, but have to wonder also if the quad cab will be available.

I sure would love to see a 8 foot bed Ram Box. Probably not happening but would be cool.

I sure hope the 6.4 becomes the base engine and maybe an etorque upgrade and the "7.0l"

I am also sure sometime in this generation the Cummins will hit 1000 lb ft.

Sure wish a Manual would come back to gas engines...but that said the automatic works so well that if they have made it better it is pretty pointless.

And with the Crew Cab getting 4 inches bigger...can you imagine a Mega Cab...

And I hope the off road package adds the elocker.

And then the POWERWAGON...

 

[Jared B]

As I try to make sense of what we are getting I have to wonder why it is 2020. We had been told 2021.

I know Ram moved away from multiple cab configurations, but have to wonder also if the quad cab will be available.

I sure would love to see a 8 foot bed Ram Box. Probably not happening but would be cool.

I sure hope the 6.4 becomes the base engine and maybe an etorque upgrade and the "7.0l"

I am also sure sometime in this generation the Cummins will hit 1000 lb ft.

Sure wish a Manual would come back to gas engines...but that said the automatic works so well that if they have made it better it is pretty pointless.

And with the Crew Cab getting 4 inches bigger...can you imagine a Mega Cab...

And I hope the off road package adds the elocker.

And then the POWERWAGON...

The truck is pretty far along in development. I think it's going to depend on the timeframe getting Warren updated. If they get it done in time, there's a chance we will see the HD's for MY 2020 I believe.

 

[devildodge]

that is awesome news. 2020 works much better for my time frame, you know, before I mistakenly jump the gun with a lowly Rebel...

 

[Deleted member103]

As I try to make sense of what we are getting I have to wonder why it is 2020. We had been told 2021.

I know Ram moved away from multiple cab configurations, but have to wonder also if the quad cab will be available.

I sure would love to see a 8 foot bed Ram Box. Probably not happening but would be cool.

I sure hope the 6.4 becomes the base engine and maybe an etorque upgrade and the "7.0l"

I am also sure sometime in this generation the Cummins will hit 1000 lb ft.

Sure wish a Manual would come back to gas engines...but that said the automatic works so well that if they have made it better it is pretty pointless.

And with the Crew Cab getting 4 inches bigger...can you imagine a Mega Cab...

And I hope the off road package adds the elocker.

And then the POWERWAGON...

MACHO, MACHO MAN . . . THEY WANNA BE, MACHO MEN !

 

 

 

[ichime]

Hmmm, it still looks to be 4th gen update according to some of the pictures. In the first and second pictures, you can see the silhouette of the 4th gen style projector headlights. Also, if you look at the interior A-pillar in the first pic, the A-pillar handles looks to be of a 4th gen design (the 5th gen 1500s have a different design).

In the 4th pic, the rear bumper looks to be of a 4th gen design; the parking sensors are built into the bumper sheetmetal. Compare that to the 3rd and 5th pics, where the parking sensors are located on the plastic trim below the bumper, which is also seen in the 5th gen 1500s. Also in the 3rd and 5th pictures, you can see a silhouette of the taillights, which look like the 5th gen design. I can't really tell too much on the 4th pic.

It could also be that they have a bunch of different mules testing different components for the HDs. I can't wait to see the real front end of these 5th gen HDs

 

[Jared B]

Hmmm, it still looks to be 4th gen update according to some of the pictures. In the first and second pictures, you can see the silhouette of the 4th gen style projector headlights. Also, if you look at the interior A-pillar in the first pic, the A-pillar handles looks to be of a 4th gen design (the 5th gen 1500s have a different design).

In the 4th pic, the rear bumper looks to be of a 4th gen design; the parking sensors are built into the bumper sheetmetal. Compare that to the 3rd and 5th pics, where the parking sensors are located on the plastic trim below the bumper, which is also seen in the 5th gen 1500s. Also in the 3rd and 5th pictures, you can see a silhouette of the taillights, which look like the 5th gen design. I can't really tell too much on the 4th pic.

It could also be that they have a bunch of different mules testing different components for the HDs. I can't wait to see the real front end of these 5th gen HDs

This is true, they are 2 different trucks. The one in the 3rd and 5th pictures is a newer mule than the other truck I believe. You can see the 5th Gen taillights and the blind spot monitoring system lit up in the side view mirrors on that truck (4th gen's dont have blind spot monitoring.)

On the other truck while the headlights do look to have a similar shape to the 4th gens they still look a bit different to me, it could just be the camo but who knows. They could also be placeholder lights for now as well. The a-pillar trim and grab handles caught my attention as well but it's possible that they are just 4th gen pieces bolted on for now, remember they do cobble these test mules together. The amount of camo on the cab, including on the rear of the roof where it is scalloped on the 5th gens makes me think that this definitely isn't a 4th gen cab.

As for the rest of the front end, I have heard that the HD's are going to be more differentiated from the 1500's this go around.

 

[Deleted member 85]

As for the rest of the front end, I have heard that the HD's are going to be more differentiated from the 1500's this go around.

Really happy to hear this, just hope it isn't like Ford's "stretch out the half-ton" styling ->

 

[Jared B]

Really happy to hear this, just hope it isn't like Ford's "stretch out the half-ton" styling ->

My too, really not a fan of the front ends on the new Super Duties.

 

[2019REBEL]

that white ford looks funny

 

[Deleted member103]

Really happy to hear this, just hope it isn't like Ford's "stretch out the half-ton" styling ->

Holy "Transformers" batman . . . this BOX on wheels doesn't want to "convert" to a King Bed . . . what's up with that ?