The torque wars have never been hotter! Ram Trucks claims a class topping 930 lb-ft of torque for the 2018 HD truck lineup with the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel high-output engine. Isn’t this a fun time to be shopping for a pickup truck!

Ever More Torque

Ram and Cummins were first to reach a rating of 900 lb-ft around two years ago. Ford and GM then hopped over Ram for 2017 model year with 925 lb-ft and 910 lb-ft respectively from the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 and the 6.6L Duramax V8. Ram takes back the lead (thus far) for the 2018 model year. How will the competition respond, if at all?

Ram and Cummins worked together on the 30 lb-ft of torque increase. It’s thanks to higher turbo boost limits and higher fuel flow rates. The horsepower rating will remain at 385 horsepower.

5th Wheel Trailer Towing Capacity

The second announcement has to do with a sizable increase in the 5th-wheel trailer towing capacity, which has now been raised to 30,000 lbs (from the previous rating of 24,000 lbs). What’s the big deal? As you know, the Ram HD has previously been rating to tow a maximum of 31,210 lbs with the gooseneck trailer coupling. The “mini” 5th-wheel hitches have been rated much lower than their gooseneck counterparts due to their design. They are called “mini” because they are miniaturized versions of the ones used by the semi trucks.

Ram Trucks designed their own version of the 5th-wheel hitch to handle up to 30,000 lbs of load. This would allow you to tow some of the largest travel RV trailers in the industry.

This new 5th wheel hitch can be purchased separately. It will retail at $1,395. (Part number: 82215769)

2018 model year Ram HD trucks are starting to roll down the factory line now, and the first trucks will be available at the dealers in August 2017.

Here are three 2017 HD turbo-diesel trucks locked in a three-way drag race battle. Check it out!