If it is time for purchasing your next service van, then Ram Truck has many good reasons for choosing their Ram Promaster City. Just as the SUV body style has become a leading seller for passenger vehicles, compact class 1 vans lead the way today as delivery and service vans for use in metropolitan areas. A large work space and ease of parking make compact class 1 vans an ideal choice
Locksmith Ledger interviewed David Sowers from Ram Truck to find out more about the Ram truck line and about specific features of Ram Promaster City vehicles. Ram commercial trucks was introduced as an individual brand name by Fiat Chrysler in 2012. Three outstanding features of Ram Promaster City vehicles were highlighted during our conversation.
First is reliability. Fiat has been selling a vehicle in Europe for several years called the Doblo. Ram Promaster City vehicles are based on the Fiat Doblo. Doblo vehicles have been time-proven on rough and hilly European road systems. While competitors may use a solid rear axle system, Ram Promaster City upgrades to an independent, coil sprung bi-link rear suspension. Teamed with a MacPherson strut front suspension, four wheel independent suspension increases driving comfort and stability under any load conditions. The Doblo has twice been awarded the International Van of the Year. Ram truck stands behind the Ram Promaster City with a 3- year, 36,000 basic guarantee and a 5-year, 60,000 mile powertrain warranty.
Second is cost of ownership. Ram Promaster City vehicles use a 2.4 litre, best in class, 178 horsepower, four cylinder engine which is connected to an exclusive 9 speed automatic transmission. Ram Truck states that this is the first commercial van to offer a 9 speed automatic transmisson. Fuel efficient innovations such as a "smart alternator system" and a variable A/C compressor are designed to use the most efficient times to initiate a duty cycle. Unlike most charging systems, the alternator system only runs at capacity during moments of deceleration or braking. According to Ram Truck, these innovations assist in producing an average city/highway fuel economy of approximately 27 MPG. Oil changes are only required at 10,000 mile intervals.
Third is functionality. Stated payload capacity is 1,883 pounds. Cargo volume is 131.7 cubic feet. Distance between wheel wells is 48.4 inches, widest in class. Side to side spacing above the wheelwells is the best of class 60.4 inches. The Low Ram Promaster City vehicle height allows locksmiths to enter buildings with 7-foot ceiling clearance such as parking garages. Step-in height into the vehicle is 21.5 inches.
Rear doors have a 60/40 split. The active door is wider and opens towards the traffic (driver’s side). This allows removal of cargo items without having to unlatch the inactive door which can block the path to the curbside of the vehicle. Rear doors normally open 90 degrees but can be opened to 180 degrees for dock deliveries. Each side of the Ram Promaster City is fitted with a sliding door.
A passenger wagon version of the Ram Promaster City is also available. In some localities street restrictions often restrict commercial vehicle traffic. A passenger wagon version may be a good choice for business chores during the day and a family vehicle during off-business hours. Passenger wagons are equipped with three passenger second row seating. The second row seat can be folded forward to provide four feet of working or storage space between the seats and the rear door area.
Locksmiths who carry a large amount of stock or who travel long distances between jobs should consider the Larger Ram Promaster van. Similar benefits apply such as a heritage from time-tested European Fiat vehicles and vertical interior walls to simplify loading, unloading or installation of shelving. Best in class items such as V-6 power, standard interior cargo height, short turning radius plus a low loading floor simplify every business task.
Ram trucks has introduced the "Ram Augmented Reality Configurator." This new computer-generated program shows three dimensional representations of new upfits for Ram chassis cabs and Promaster and Promaster City vans. Using Ram engineered solutions, this computer program gives customers an easy-to-visualize indication of how upfit products can improve usefulness of their new van.
Ram Truck offers a $500 allowance to new Promaster City van purchasers towards the cost of van interior shelving or cabinets. This is especially important for locksmiths who can quickly change the interior of a Ram Promaster City into a working lock shop on wheels. Locksmiths can determine the shelving company of their choice. As example, Adrian Steel supplied pictures of their cabinet installation for this article. Interior side walls are virtually vertical to facilitate any type of cabinet or shelving installation.
For further information contact one of the 1080 Ram dealers located nearby or visit www.ramtrucks.com.
