2011 Dodge Ram Long-Hauler Concept Truck

We hear it all the time - things are bigger in Texas. That's why the Dodge Ram “Long-Hauler” concept truck is about as Texas as it gets.

Chrysler says it’s designed to suit the needs of anybody that tows multiple or heavy trailers, drives long distances or small business owners looking for a “work horse” at the job site, and will be displaying it at truck gatherings, rodeos and agricultural shows across the U.S. over the next eight months to “gauge public opinion” for a possible production run.

They started with a Ram 5500 double-cab, stretched the wheelbase to more than 16 feet (that’s longer than an Mercedes-Benz E-Class from bumper to bumper!), extended the cabin so that even the biggest Stetsons and two-inch heels can stretch out in the rear seats, added a 8-ft. load box with a built-in fifth wheel for heavy-duty towing and upped the range between refueling stops with a mid-mounted fuel tank. Combined with a second frame-mounted tank and a third, optional, bed-mounted auxiliary tank, total fuel capacity is 170 gallons!

With a 197.4-inch wheelbase and 37,500 Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), the concept Long-Hauler from Ram is just the truck for those wanting to step up from a traditional Class 3 (one-ton) or Class 4 truck. Overall length of the 2011 Dodge Ram Long-Hauler Concept Truck is 24 feet, height is 79.1 inches and estimated curb weight is 9,300 lbs.

Power comes courtesy of a 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder Cummins Turbo Diesel engine rated at 800 lb.-ft. of torque, which is hooked up to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission with four-wheel-drive transfer case coupled to a 4.88 Dana 110 axle with dual rear wheels.

The gloss black finish is accented by white gold metallic trim, including body side moldings and wide wheel flares front and rear. A bull bar extends across the entire front and the spare wheel is slung under the load box. A separate back-up camera provides a full view of the bed to make hitching up easier and a special tailgate allows easy hook-ups opening or remove the entire tailgate.

The cabin has four individual leather-trimmed and saddle-stitched seats; rear passengers get power-adjustable footrests and a centre console with a refrigerator, cup holders and tray tables.

In-cabin power includes 115V and 12V outlets front and rear and the cabin has permanent Wi-Fi so passengers can work online during long drives. There’s also a DVD player with overhead screen for rear-seat passengers, a laptop storage area, an inductive charger (just park any gizmo with a rechargeable battery on the shelf and it’ll charge up without being connected), a tire pressure monitoring system, rear axle temperature gauge and exhaust gas temperature and boost gauges.

The rear seats and console also fold flat for additional storage or as a double bed.

Dodge’s Ram Truck division says it has identified a potential market for the Long Hauler, including racing teams, ranchers, rodeo competitors, powerboat racers and adventure expedition outfits.

Whatever the market, we know Texas is ready for it.