November through March marks the automotive trade show season where manufacturers pull the wraps off the latest products. Manufacturers typically show major updates to either their light-duty or heavy-duty offerings while announcing minor updates to the other product lines. This year was the year of the heavy-duty pickups and chassis cabs, with all of the commercial-focused suppliers rolling out major redesigns, and one even showing a new nameplate.
Let’s look at the latest offerings from Ford, Ram Trucks, Chevrolet and GMC.
Ford Offers New Engines, Expands Technology
Ford is adding new engines, greater connectivity and smart driver-assist technology across its commercial vehicle lineup
In terms of connectivity, all commercial vehicles are updated with standard modems with 4G LTE Wi-Fi that accommodate up to 10 devices. Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are also available across the lineup.
Realizing most customers have invested in their own legacy telematics solutions, the company offers customers the power of choice to use Ford OEM telematics software, integrate the telematics data generated by the vehicle with the company’s existing telematics providers or take vehicle data directly into their own IT systems.
Smart driver assist technologies include automatic emergency braking, which is available across the lineup. Ford Co-pilot 360 technologies are also available.
Ford offers a 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine that generates more torque and power than the 6.8-liter V10 engine it replaces, making it a viable choice for heavy-duty applications.Ford Motor Company
Engine options include a new 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine that generates more torque and power than the 6.8-liter V10 engine it replaces. The pushrod engine uses a new cam-in-block, overhead valve architecture with cast iron block and forged steel crankshaft for durability. Port injection with variable valve timing optimizes the intake and exhaust to match performance with workload, while oil jets cool the pistons under heavy loads.
A third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke Diesel is available across the lineup. It includes a new 36,000-psi fuel injection system with injectors that precisely meter and spray up to eight times per stroke to control noise levels and optimize combustion.
This inboard exhaust diesel V8 features a redesigned electronic-actuated variable-geometry turbocharger that provides improved pumping efficiency and throttle response. Structural enhancements increase the strength of the cylinder head, block, connecting rods and bearings to handle higher cylinder pressure and increased output. Steel pistons provide higher firing pressure capability and less friction, meaning improved performance and more horsepower and torque.
Super Duty chassis customers can also choose the existing 6.2-liter gas V8.
While it is rare for Ford to introduce a new nameplate to its long-running Super Duty lineup, the company found a niche with an F-600, which offers a maximum GVWR of 22,000 lbs. Available in 2020, it fills a gap between the company’s current F-550 and the larger F-650.
[VIDEO] Ford Introduces New Super Duty Name Plate: F-600
The F-600 Super Duty chassis cab offers an alternative for customers who need additional payload or need to mount heavier upfits but don’t want to move into a larger truck. Although the overall vehicle is the same size as an F-550, the F-600 uses upgraded driveline, brake and chassis components, as well as higher weight-rated 19.5-in. tires and wheels.
The F-600 can be ordered in early 2020 and will be available in mid-2020.
Ram Trucks Ups Towing and Payload Ante
People buying heavy-duty pickups are really interested in capability. To up the ante, Ram Trucks now offers the new 6.7-liter Cummins High Output turbo diesel, which pumps out 1,000 lbs.-ft. of torque available from first gear on up. It allows the Ram 3500 with Aisin six-speed transmission to pull trailers weighing up to 35,100 lbs.
For customers who prefer gasoline power, the standard engine is a 410-hp, 6.4-liter Hemi mated to an eight-speed transmission that produces 429 lbs.-ft. of torque.
Maximum payload has been increased to 7,690 lbs. To handle the increased loads, Ram designed the braking system with upgrades to calipers, booster and master cylinder. This helps shorten stopping distances, increases capability and improves brake feel.
First Drive: 2019 Ram 2500/3500 Pickups
Heavy-duty pickups have a reputation for a stiff ride, especially when unladen. In the past, this was an accepted price for the payload and towing capability.
Ram Trucks now offers an optional new 6.7-liter Cummins High Output turbodiesel that pumps out 1,000 lbs. ft. of torque, available from first gear up on the Ram 3500 with Aisin six-speed transmission. This allows you to pull trailers weighing up to 35,100 lbs.Equipment Today Staff
For 2019, Ram Trucks introduces Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks on all four corners. The valves of an FRD shock automatically adjust for the type of vertical wheel input, allowing a supple suspension on rough terrain. The addition of progressive springs on the trucks allows a softer, more comfortable ride when not loaded due to the soft initial rate and higher load capability due to the increased stiffness in the latter portion of the spring rate.
Anyone who has purchased a heavy-duty truck within the last five years is aware that the technology revolution is changing customer expectations. Ram has responded with a large 12-in. screen mounted in the center console that provides a wealth of information, including an array of camera images that help you connect trailers and navigate tight spots.
The company’s Uconnect 4C NAV with a 12-in. fully configurable screen can display one application, such as the navigation map, across the whole screen or the screen can be divided in half, operating two different applications at once.
This screen provides several unique camera views. On the back of the cab there is a camera with grid lines. If you are hooking up a gooseneck or a fifth-wheel you can use the camera to back right under the pin or back right under your fifth-wheel, with no spotters needed. The camera on the tailgate also has grid lines and zoom, so if you are hooking up a tag trailer with a pintle or ball, you can back right up and you don’t need a spotter.
There are also many built-in safety features — such as forward collision warning with braking — that are moving up from smaller trucks. The trucks also have adaptive cruise control with braking that works even when hauling a 35,000-lb. trailer.
Blind spot warning helps you keep track of the vehicles around you. And there are 360˚ and surround view cameras. A camera is located in each mirror so you can see the side view. When you are pulling a trailer, there is another view that you can pull up. It gives you a split pane view down the side of your trailer. When you are trying to back up, that camera actually gives you an extended view and you can pan that to the right or left to see where you are headed with the trailer. Also in the mirrors are spotter lights that shine light down the side of the trailer as you are backing up.
One safety concern when pulling loaded trailers is tire pressure. Ram has a unique solution: trailer tire pressure monitoring. You can add up to 12 sensors per trailer for up to four trailers to get warnings when the tire pressure is 10% below the determined threshold.
Ram provides six distinct trim offerings, from the work-focused Tradesman to the luxurious Longhorn and Limited models. Ram has tried to tailor its products to meet individual customer needs.
Chevrolet Silverado HD Offers Wider, Taller Stance
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD increases towing capability across the lineup compared to 2019. Maximum towing capability increases 52% to an available 35,500 lbs. This greater capability is driven by chassis and suspension enhancements and new propulsion combinations.
The foundation for the new truck is an enhanced version of the Silverado HD’s ladder-frame design, with boxed rails that improve strength and contribute to a smooth ride. It’s a heavier-duty frame compared to the current model, designed to handle the truck’s higher loads, including a higher gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of up to 43,500 lbs. on properly equipped trucks.
To handle the increased towing capability, the upgraded driveline includes larger front and rear axles, a standard 11.5-in. ring gear on 2500HD models, and a 12-in. ring gear on 3500HD diesel models. Also, 30% larger diameter prop shafts provide greater strength with the high torque output of the new 6.6L gas engine and the Duramax Turbo-Diesel. Helping cool the Duramax engine is a massive 28-in.-diameter fan — 2.5 in. larger than the current design — with variable fan speed.
The 2020 Silverado HD is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor with a wheelbase that’s been stretched 5.2 in. on Crew Cab models and is scaled for HD customers.Chevrolet
Customers can choose between two new powertrains. The standard engine is a 6.6L V8 gas with direct injection making 401 hp and 464 lbs.-ft. of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. That’s an 11% increase in horsepower and a 22% increase in peak torque, respectively, resulting in 18% more towing capability. The engine features direct injection for more precise fuel control that enables a higher compression ratio of 10.8:1. It also features a forged steel crankshaft, forged powder-metal connecting rods and additional high-strength components.
The 6.6L gas engine will be offered with dual alternators to support the electrical needs for trailering, snowplowing and other jobs. The 6.6L gas is paired with the 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission, which features the Tow/Haul mode.
Then there’s the Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine making 445 hp and 910 lbs.-ft. of torque coupled with a new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Every component between the transmission and the wheels has been upgraded to enable an available 52% increase in max towing capability — now up to 35,500 lbs. on regular cab, two-wheel drive, dual rear wheel, diesel models.
Greater towing capability is paired with Chevrolet’s new suite of customer-focused trailering technologies, including a new transparent trailer feature, designed to help improve the experience with visibility, easier hitching and more driving confidence when towing a trailer.
The 2020 Silverado HD offers up to 15 unique camera views, including HD Surround Vision, Bed View, the industry-first transparent trailer view and an accessory camera. The transparent trailer view helps with visibility through the trailer, as if the trailer was not there, providing added confidence when towing.
The transparent trailer helps with navigating parking lots, merging into traffic or when making tight turns. It uses two cameras — one tailgate-mounted camera and an available accessory camera (installation required) mounted on the rear of the trailer — to provide a wide display that helps the driver to virtually see through and alongside the trailer.
Other towing technologies include an in-vehicle Trailering App complete with trailer light test, trailer electrical diagnostics, trailer tire pressure and temperature monitoring, maintenance reminders and pre-departure checklist. Many of the in-vehicle Trailering App’s functions, including trailer profile creation and trailer light test, are also available with the myChevrolet mobile app, a feature that offers convenience when the owner is outside of the truck or trailer.
GMC Increases Trailer Towing Confidence
The 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel engine in the Sierra HD features increased cooling capacity. A dual-path intake system that draws dense, cool air through the hood scoop and a larger front grille are expected to improve cooling efficiency.
The new Sierra HD marks the introduction of a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Closer gear spacing allows the engine to operate in an optimal speed range more of the time as speed, load and terrain changes.
The GMC Sierra HD pickups feature a ProGrade Trailering System with 15 camera views, including a transparent trailer view to virtually see through a trailer in tow to following traffic.GMC
First introduced with the 2019 Sierra light duty, the ProGrade Trailering System features 15 camera views, including a transparent trailer view to virtually see through a trailer in tow to the following traffic. The cameras help optimize the driver’s view around the truck and compatible trailers to provide added confidence when towing. The transparent trailer innovation combines the view from the tailgate-mounted camera with an available accessory camera mounted on the rear of the trailer.
The ProGrade Trailering System also includes an in-vehicle Trailering App with Trailer Light Test, Trailer Electrical Diagnostics, Trailer Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitoring, Pre-Maintenance Reminders and Departure Checklist. Many of the Trailering App’s functions, including the lighting test and pre-departure checklist, are also available with the myGMC mobile app.
The 2020 Sierra HD goes on sale in late-summer 2019 in 2500HD and 3500HD dual-rear-wheel and single-rear-wheel configurations.
