Ram Trucks Australia converts imported US pick-ups into right-hand drive ute-killers. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Ram 1500 Laramie EcoDiesel is available in three different paint colours, fewer options than its V8-engined siblings:
The Ram 1500 Laramie EcoDiesel has quite an extensive list of factory accessories.
Ram Trucks Australia sells the 1500 with a petrol V8 or the diesel V6. Check this page for information about the 1500 5.7-litre V8 models.
The EcoDiesel engine is a 3.0-litre V6. It's rated for 179kW at 3,600rpm and 569Nm at a very low 2,000 rpm. That means the EcoDiesel has more torque overall and more usable torque at lower revs than on the larger V8 models.
The Ram 1500 Laramie EcoDiesel uses an 8-speed automatic transmission supplied by gearbox specialists, ZF Friedrichshafen.
The biggest difference is obviously the smaller capacity, diesel engine. It has more torque than the petrol 1500s and that torque kicks in at a lower rate of revs. That should mean you notice the EcoDiesel is a bit quicker to pick up speed off the mark and it should handle the extra burden of a trailer nicely.
However, the petrol models with the same 3.92 final drive ratio can tow heavier trailers. The EcoDiesel will haul a 3.5-tonne trailer with brakes, while an equivalent petrol 1500 can shift up to 4.5 tonnes.
Fuel economy sits between a petrol 1500 Express (9.9l/100km) and the V8 Laramie (12.2l/100km) at 11.9l/100km combined.
The diesel model also has the lowest tub payload among the 1500s at 735kg. It's also the most expensive 1500 in Australia.
Here are the key dimensions of the Ram 1500:
| Length | 5,817mm |
| Tray length | 1,712mm |
| Width between rear wheel wells | 1,295mm |
| Vehicle width | 2,017mm |
| Towing, unbraked | 750kg |
| Towing, braked | 3.92 axle ratio: 3,500kg |
| Payload | 735kg |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 11.9L/100km |
| Kerb-to-kerb turning circle | 12.1 metres |
| Ground clearance (lowest point) | 235mm (9.25 inches) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 98 litres |
The Ram 1500 Laramie EcoDiesel sells for around $109,950.
Why would you buy the 1500? Which Ram Trucks Australia describe as a full-size ute?
The diesel engine delivers maximum torque at lower levels, which is ideal for people who need to tow trailers up to 3,500kg. Some might prefer diesel engines, especially rural buyers.
The Laramie spec 1500s have a lot of equipment for a ute. You might like these models if you spend a lot of time in the cab driving long distances, for example.
The Ateco Group, the distributors of Ram Trucks, imports left-hand drive US-spec models and converts them at a facility in Victoria. As of April this year, the group had 160 employees and sourced locally designed right-hand drive conversion parts domestically. Buying a Ram 1500 will support Ram and maybe encourage other manufacturers to follow suit, replenishing the national automotive manufacturing industry.
No vehicle is perfect. The 1500 is no different. With a thumping great 5.7-litre V8, it's not the most fuel-efficient ute. The turning circle might also make it a bit of a handful around town.
There are a few downsides to the EcoDiesel against its petrol-engined relatives. Surprisingly, fuel economy isn't as keen as the 3.21 final drive ratio 5.7-litre V8. Also, you can't tow as much as the 5.7-litre Laramie 1500. Don't forget to factor in the higher purchase price.
The Ram 1500 sold in Australia was first released in America back in 2008, as the fourth-gen. In the US, it has been renamed the "Classic", but is still on sale alongside the fifth-generation Ram.
News reports online suggest that Ram Trucks Australia plans on bringing the DT, fifth-generation Ram 1500 here. There's no official acknowledgement yet, so it could be next year or it could take a few years to arrive. In the US, the new ute has a mild-hybrid system too, which would make it a very unique vehicle for its class.
Ram Trucks Australia backs the 1500 EcoDiesel with a 3-year, 100,000km warranty. Buyers receive equivalent roadside assistance.
Servicing intervals are 12 months or 12,000km. The company doesn't offer capped price servicing and we couldn't find any maintenance costs online.
There are 52 Ram Trucks Australia dealers located nationwide.
Running costs for the Ram 1500 are going to be pretty high. With a combined fuel usage of 11.9L/100km, the 1500 sits at the top end of the ute market for fuel usage. As the petrol V8 Rams can tow heavier trailers, you might feel you're not getting the full benefit of this beefy ute.
With a ridiculous 6.7-litre diesel engine and over 1,000Nm of torque, the Ram 2500 Laramie is a heavy-duty towing machine.
Tow up to 4.5 tonnes with a Ram Trucks Australia 1500 Express V8 5.7-litre Hemi or 1500 Laramie V8 5.7-litre Hemi.
