Introduction
Aside from the Ram Cargo Van (C/V), which is a
Dodge Grand Caravan converted for cargo-ferrying duty, and for a brief time a re-badged Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Chrysler has not offered a practical and useful cargo van to business customers in more than a decade. That is about to change with the debut of the 2014 Ram ProMaster series, which is based on a European commercial van called the Fiat Ducato.
Exterior Features
The new 2014 Ram ProMaster will be offered as a Cargo Van or a Chassis Cab in three model series: 1500, 2500 and 3500. Short-, regular- and long-wheelbase models will be available, with low and high roof designs and, for the 3500-series models, the option of an extended-length body.
Ram claims that each of the new 2014 ProMaster Cargo Van's cargo area doors opens wide enough to allow a forklift to load pallets right into the vehicle. The rear doors open to a maximum of 260 degrees.
Interior Features
The 2014 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van supplies 17 integrated tie-down rings in the cargo area, which can be finished in metal, rubber or wood. Maximum cargo volume for the largest version of the ProMaster is 530 cubic feet.
Optional Features
Among the announced options for the 2014 Ram ProMaster are dual sliding doors on each side and additional wiring harnesses for upfitter modifications. Seating upgrades include swiveling front seats, suspension front seats, and a 2-person second-row bench seat.
Under the Hood
Chrysler's now-familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine will be standard in the 2014 Ram ProMaster, delivering 280 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. With this engine, the ProMaster's maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is 11,500 pounds.
A 3.0-liter diesel 4-cylinder engine will be optional for the 2014 ProMaster. Rated to generate 174 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, this engine is paired with a 6-speed automated manual transmission and boasts a GCWR of 12,500 pounds.
Chrysler says every Ram ProMaster is equipped with 4-wheel-disc brakes featuring 2-piston Brembo front calipers.
Ram Truck Quality Ratings2013 Ram Buyer's Guide
