Segment:
Heavy-duty pickup truck chassis cab
Target Audience:
Commercial users, fleet operators, upfitters requiring a robust platform for specialized bodies (e.g., dump beds, service bodies, utility bodies)
Key Competitors:
Ford F-350/F-450 Super Duty Chassis Cab, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Chassis Cab, GMC Sierra 3500HD Chassis Cab
Chassis Cab Advantage:
Provides a bare chassis frame behind the cab for custom body mounting, offering significant versatility for work applications
Robust Construction:
Designed for heavy-duty use, emphasizing frame strength and payload capacity
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation, transfer case, drive axles, drivelines
Chassis:
Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, gauges, warning indicators, common electrical components
Body:
Doors, windows, mirrors, seat adjustments, cargo area, chassis cab specific body features
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, operating lights, wipers, climate control
Maintenance:
Fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, filter replacement guidance (air, fuel, oil - where accessible)
Diy Activities:
Limited do-it-yourself tasks such as replacing wiper blades, checking and topping off fluids, jump starting the vehicle
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system overview, child restraint systems, safe driving practices, emergency procedures
Towing:
Towing capacity guidelines, trailer brake controller information (if equipped), trailer wiring connectors, safe towing practices
Depth:
Owner-level; focuses on understanding controls, basic maintenance, and safe operation. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures.
Compatibility:
Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within PDF
Recommendation:
Printable on standard home/office printers
Original Format:
Stapled or perfect bound (physical)
Original Format:
Matte finish, durable paper stock (physical)
Engine Options:
Likely includes a Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel and a Chrysler 5.7L HEMI V8 gasoline engine.
Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel Power:
Approximately 305-325 hp, 555-610 lb-ft torque (specific output varied by configuration).
Hemi 5.7L V8 Gasoline Power:
Approximately 345-360 hp, 375-400 lb-ft torque.
Towing Capacity:
Exceeds 10,000 lbs, often in the 15,000-20,000+ lb range for properly equipped chassis cabs, depending on axle ratio and configuration.
Diesel Fuel Type:
ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel)
Gasoline Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane recommended
Transmission Options:
Likely a heavy-duty automatic transmission (e.g., 48RE for diesel, 545RFE for gasoline) and a G56 6-speed manual transmission for diesel.
Optional Transmissions:
May include variations of automatic transmissions with different torque converter ratios or PTO (Power Take-Off) provisions.
Pto Provision:
Chassis cab models often offer PTO mounting points on transmissions for auxiliary equipment operation.
Wheelbase Options:
Multiple wheelbase lengths available to accommodate various body lengths (e.g., 144", 168", 192", 205").
Frame Type:
C-channel steel frame, designed for upfitting with substantial mounting points.
Payload Capacity:
Highly variable based on configuration, but typically starts around 4,000-6,000 lbs and can exceed 10,000 lbs for specific configurations.
Gvwr:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating typically ranges from 10,000 lbs to 14,000+ lbs.
Crash Test Results:
NCAP ratings typically available for passenger variants; chassis cabs focus on structural integrity for upfitting and operational safety. Refer to specific NHTSA data if available.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System); potential for integrated trailer brake controller.
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM/CD audio systems, potentially with SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims might offer premium audio options.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for improved stopping control.
Trailer Brake Controller:
Optional integrated trailer brake controller for managing electric trailer brakes.
Trailer Wiring:
Standard trailer wiring harnesses for lighting and brake connections.
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months for Cummins 5.9L, using appropriate heavy-duty diesel engine oil (e.g., API CJ-4 or equivalent).
Oil Change Gasoline:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months for 5.7L HEMI, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil (e.g., SAE 5W-20).
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Recommended replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles or as per manual guidance, crucial for diesel engine longevity.
Engine Oil Diesel:
Cummins recommends API CJ-4 or Jaso DH-2 compliant 15W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic in colder climates.
Engine Oil Gasoline:
Chrysler MS-6395 compliant SAE 5W-20 synthetic or synthetic blend.
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602) for automatic transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to specific manual for manual transmission fluid type (e.g., NV 5600 or G56 might use specialized synthetic gear oil).
Common Diesel Concerns:
While the 5.9L Cummins is very robust, common areas to check include injector reliability, fuel lift pump issues, and potential for oil leaks. EGR valve cleaning may be necessary.
Common Gasoline Concerns:
HEMI engines can experience lifter tick (Multi-Displacement System issues), and spark plug replacement is a regular maintenance item.
Chassis Specific:
Frame stress or fatigue if overloaded or subjected to continuous heavy work without proper maintenance; brake wear due to frequent heavy loads.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, evolving from the Power Wagon to the modern Ram line.
Third Generation Ram:
The 2007 model falls within the third generation (2002-2008) of Dodge Ram trucks, known for its bold styling, improved interior, and introduction of the Cummins diesel option for heavy-duty models.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Coahuila, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA (depending on specific configurations).
Diesel Engine Reputation:
The Cummins 5.9L ISB engine in this era is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and durable diesel engines ever put into a pickup truck.
Towing Capability Ratings:
Consistently rated highly for its towing and payload capabilities within its class.
