Ram 5500 Dualie Pickup Spotted: Is Ram Challenging Ford's Super Duty?

In the fiercely competitive heavy-duty truck market, Ram appears to be developing a surprising new contender. Recent spy photos obtained by MotorVero reveal a modified Ram 5500 SLT testing with what appears to be a production-intent dualie pickup bed—a configuration not currently offered in Ram's heavy-duty lineup.

A Potential Game-Changer in the Heavy-Duty Segment

The current Ram 4500 and 5500 models are exclusively available as chassis-cab configurations, primarily serving commercial and vocational markets. However, this test mule suggests Ram may be considering expanding into the heavy-duty pickup truck segment currently dominated by Ford's Super Duty lineup.

From Concept to Reality: The Long-Hauler Legacy

This isn't Ram's first exploration of a heavy-duty pickup configuration. In 2012, the company unveiled the dramatic Ram 5500 Long-Hauler concept at the Texas State Fair. That vehicle featured:

• An enormous 8-foot pickup bed
• Mega Cab configuration for maximum interior space
• Full-size pickup styling on a commercial-grade chassis

While the Long-Hauler concept showcased Ram's engineering capabilities, industry analysts noted several production challenges:

• Integration of the pickup bed with the high-mounted ladder frame
• Adaptation of wiring harnesses and electrical systems
• Meeting crash safety standards in a pickup configuration

The current test mule appears significantly more production-feasible than the concept, suggesting Ram may have found solutions to these engineering hurdles.

Market Implications: Taking On Ford's Dominance

The timing of these developments is particularly interesting given Ford's recent success with its redesigned Super Duty lineup. A production Ram 5500 pickup could:

• Provide a more capable alternative to standard heavy-duty pickups
• Attract commercial users who need payload capacity beyond 3500-series trucks
• Offer a unique product in a segment where differentiation is challenging

Industry sources suggest this development might be timed with the next-generation Ram HD trucks, expected for the 2024 or 2025 model years. The current test mule appears based on the existing platform, possibly allowing Ram to gauge market interest before committing to full production development.

Engineering Challenges and Solutions

Converting a chassis-cab truck into a viable pickup configuration presents several technical challenges that Ram's engineers appear to be addressing:

Frame Integration

The high-mounted frame rails of chassis-cab trucks typically don't align with standard pickup bed mounting points. The test mule shows evidence of custom bracketing and reinforcement to properly support the bed structure.

Fuel System Adaptation

Commercial trucks often use larger auxiliary fuel tanks mounted differently than pickup configurations. The relocated fuel filler suggests significant reengineering of the fuel delivery system.

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Electrical Systems

Pickup beds require different lighting and wiring configurations than chassis-cab setups. The test vehicle's wiring looms appear to be modified versions of existing components rather than all-new designs.

Potential Specifications and Capabilities

While official specifications remain unknown, we can extrapolate from existing Ram 5500 models:

Feature	Current Ram 5500	Potential Pickup Version
Engine	6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel	6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (possibly upgraded)
Horsepower	360-420 hp	400+ hp (to compete with Ford's High-Output)
Torque	800-1,000 lb-ft	1,000+ lb-ft
Payload Capacity	7,000+ lbs (chassis-cab)	5,000-6,000 lbs (estimated)
Towing Capacity	30,000+ lbs	30,000+ lbs

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Competitive Landscape: How Would It Stack Up?

A production Ram 5500 pickup would enter a relatively uncontested space between conventional heavy-duty pickups and commercial chassis-cab trucks:

• Ford F-450/F-550: Currently only available as chassis-cab, but could quickly respond with pickup versions
• Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD/5500HD: Similarly chassis-cab only, with no announced pickup variants
• Ford F-350 Super Duty: The current pickup capacity leader that a Ram 5500 would surpass

The truck's success would likely depend on Ram's ability to position it as a premium product with genuinely superior capabilities rather than just a heavier version of existing models.

Potential Buyer Profiles

This type of vehicle would appeal to several distinct buyer segments:

Commercial Users

Contractors, landscapers, and other professionals who regularly haul heavy equipment but prefer pickup convenience over flatbed configurations.

Recreational Users

RV towers and horse trailer owners needing maximum towing capacity with pickup bed utility.

Fleet Operators

Companies requiring durable vehicles that can handle severe service cycles while maintaining driver comfort.

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What's Next for Ram's Heavy-Duty Strategy?

While these spy photos don't guarantee production intent, they reveal several important insights about Ram's product planning:

• Ram continues to explore ways to expand its heavy-duty lineup beyond current configurations
• The company appears willing to challenge Ford's dominance in the super-heavy-duty pickup segment
• Engineering solutions developed for this project could influence future Ram HD models

MotorVero will continue monitoring this development closely, with particular attention to:

• Additional test mule sightings that might reveal more details
• Patent filings that could confirm production intent
• Dealer communications about potential future products
• Official announcements from Ram regarding its heavy-duty strategy

Conclusion: A Bold Move in the Making?

The appearance of this Ram 5500 test mule suggests the brand isn't content to let Ford dominate the extreme-capability pickup segment. While significant engineering and marketing challenges remain, the potential introduction of a production Ram 5500 pickup could reshape expectations in the heavy-duty truck market.

For buyers who've longed for pickup convenience with true commercial-grade capability, this development could finally deliver the ultimate heavy hauler. As always, MotorVero will bring you the latest details as this story develops.