2015 Ram 2500 Mega Cab Laramie on 2040-cars

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EarthCruiser adds a bigger camper option to its heavy duty pickup line

EarthCruiser is a camper and expedition vehicle company based out of Oregon that we've previously covered for its huge commercial truck-based machines. But they offer more than that, from drop-in campers for smaller pickups to heavy duty pickup conversions. The company's latest product is one of the latter, offering a larger camping area than the current EXD model. This new camper conversion is called the Terranova. The big differentiator between it and the EXD is the camper section, which extends over the truck cab on the Terranova. This means that bed space can be moved to above the truck cab, instead of having to use a convertible dinette. So less reconfiguring, and generally more usable space. One other major difference is that the EXD is only available for the Ram 3500 and Ford F-350. The Terranova is being designed for both of those trucks as well as the Chevy Silverado 3500. The EarthCruiser Terranova is otherwise very similar to other EarthCruiser models. The camper section is made of fiberglass and plastic, and the pop-up roof is insulated with foam. The curtains are triple-layered. The company says it can house four people. It comes with a freshwater tank and pump to help supply the kitchen sink, drinking water tap, bathroom sink and indoor and outdoor showers. There's also a cassette toilet. The kitchen features an induction stove top and small refrigerator and freezer. A fan system is standard, and air conditioning is optional. Power comes from a 400-aH lithium-ion battery. The Terranova isn't yet available. EarthCruiser is finishing up design and engineering, and it plans to have finished examples early next year. The company is taking reservations now, though. Pricing hasn't been announced, but an EXD runs between $220,000 and $265,000, and we would expect the Terranova to cost even more. Related Video: Featured Gallery EarthCruiser Terranova Expedition Camper renderings Chevrolet Ford RAM Truck Off-Road Vehicles Special and Limited Editions RVs/Campers

FCA recalls 2019-20 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks for transmission fluid leak

Once transmission fluid goes into the transmission, there's a general expectation that it will stay inside. On some 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, that ain't happenin'. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a recall campaign on January 24,  due to transmission fluid leaking from the dipstick tube on vehicles with a six-speed automatic (codenamed 68RFE) transmission.  NHTSA recall No. 20V043000 states that 84,978 trucks are potentially affected. On select Ram work trucks, "a buildup of pressure and heat inside the transmission may result in a transmission fluid leak." Due to the location of where the leak might occur, the transmission fluid could drip onto the nearby turbocharger or "another ignition source within the engine compartment." Should this occur, it's a fire risk. The recall breaks down to 64,590 units of the 2500 pickup and 19,612 of the 3500. FCA estimates that only 1% of the roughly 85,000 vehicles have the defect.  As a fix, Chrylser will replace the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogram the powertrain control module. Chrysler will officially begin the recall process on March 14, and all owners will be notified. Related Video:    

2017 Ram 2500 Power Wagon demos off-road abilities in Chicago

In today's world, big budget auto show debuts involve lots of music and video, with a car docilely rolling onto the stage. Practical demonstrations of abilities are few and far between. Ram didn't get that memo, though, and decided to give attendees at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show a taste of just what the new Power Wagon can do off road, showing some extreme suspension articulation before crawling the big pickup down a flight of stairs. It was an impressive display for the facelifted pickup, which retains all the things that made the Power Wagon such a monster while improving on its overall aesthetic. The two-tone styling looks great in person, and even the controversial grille – which many of our readers cited as being a problem in our debut post – looks nicer in the flesh than in static shots. The upholstery, too, with its tire-tread imprints looks better in real life, and we're digging the Power Wagon and Ram logos sprinkled around the high-riding thrones. You can read a deeper dive into the new new truck in our introduction post from early this morning. We've also got a smattering of images of the new Power Wagon on the show floor and a video of the flashy debut in Chicago. Have a look. View 18 Photos Show full PR text New 2017 Ram Power Wagon – The Ultimate Off-road Truck Benefits From New Design New 2017 Ram Power Wagon front grille design styling super-sizes Ram 1500 Rebel Tops Ram – "The Off-road Truck Leader" – 4x4 lineup New colors, lighting, wheels, grilles and legacy graphic takes cues from 1979-80 "Macho Power Wagon" New interior colors and materials, including Diesel Gray and Black seats with tire tread-matching pattern Unique 17-inch wheels and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires pull dirt from its comfort zone Standard 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 with best-in-class 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque features unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/60,000 miles Unique Ram "Articulink" front suspension system incorporates high movement joints and sway-bar disconnecting system, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation Ram engineering continues to lead heavy-duty segment innovation with five-link coil rear suspension to deliver best-in-class ride and superior axle control Ram Power Wagon features standard front and rear electronic-locking differentials for true four-wheel drive and maximum traction Standard Warn 12,000-lb.