The Ram 1500 Police Truck: Pull Over or Get Run Over
Ram introduces a new police package for the Ram 1500
by Patrick Rall
The Chrysler Group has had a heavy presence in the current battle of American police cars with the awesome Hemi powered Dodge Charger, but the Ram Truck brand aims to claim another portion of the special service industry with the new Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4×4 Special Service police package.
While the new Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4×4 Special Service package is aimed
specifically at police departments around the country, the modifications
made to this Hemi-powered pickup could prove to be useful for other
emergency and municipal services.
The Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4×4 Special Service police package is powered by
the 5.7L Hemi V8, sending 390 horsepower and 407lb-ft of torque to all
four wheels by means of a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 3.92 gear
set. The Hemi is modified for the added abuse of police duty with a
larger oil cooler and 100,000 mile spark plugs, along with engine time
and idle time counters inside to show the actual wear and tear on the
engine.
The 5.7L Hemi makes the 2012 Ram 1500 one of the quickest
pickups on the market, but in this configuration, the Police Package Ram
is able to haul 1,455lbs in the bed and tow 10,000lbs. Also, thanks to
Chrysler’s Fuel Saver Technology, the 5.7L Hemi is among the most fuel
efficient truck engines available in the US.
“Like the Ram Truck brand, first responders give it their all with guts
and glory, and we’re proud to offer a Ram truck that gives them the
reliability and durability to get to the scene quickly and safely,” said
Fred Diaz, President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico —
Chrysler Group LLC. “The Special Service package offers legendary Ram
capability and a ready-to-go platform for the folks who require a truck
they can depend on.”
The main alteration made to the new Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4×4 Special
Service police package is in the electrical system, beginning with a 220
amp alternator and a Power Distribution Center (PDC) that includes
fusing and relays to support the added news of an emergency response
vehicle. The PDC works in conjunction with a heavy duty electrical
wiring harness to power instruments including law enforcement exterior
lighting, a siren, a computer system, cameras and radar systems.
The Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4×4 Special Service includes a variety of interior
upgrades including room in the inner door panels for ballistic
(bulletproof) materials with 10-way power stain repellent cloth front
seats and a fixed vinyl rear bench seat. The center console has been
removed and the shifter has been relocated to the steering column for
the Ram 1500 Police Package and a 110 volt inverter has been added in
case any other items need to be plugged in while on the job.
Finally, in addition to the exterior upgrades like the roof mounted
light bar and the front push bar, the Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4×4 Special
Service police package includes the popular RamBox. This lockable
compartment is located in the upper portion of the bedsides and having
been designed for outdoorsman use like hunting and fishing – it will
comfortably hold a police officer’s larger weapons.
What do you think? Would you be more concerned with this guy filling up your rear view mirror or the new Dodge Pursuit? Shout off in the Forums!