The ’06 Dodge Ram 3500 Box-Off is intended for a variety of applications, including utility/service, flatbed, stake, landscaping, dry box, aerial, ranching and catering.
Until recently, fleet operators looking for a medium-duty truck to hang a vocational body on had to go somewhere other than Dodge. That’s changed, with the introduction of the Dodge Ram 3500 Box-Off, which provides a platform for a variety of applications, including utility/service, flatbed, stake, landscaping, dry box, aerial, ranching and catering.
For now, the Box-Off is available only in a 4×2 configuration, but regular and quad cab models are offered. GVWR is 11,000 lb., with a payload of 5,550 lb., a GCWR of 23,000 lb. and a towing capacity of up to 16,250 lb. That matches well, our evaluation team said, to Dodge’s standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which puts out 345 hp @ 4800 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque @ 4200 rpm; or the available 5.9-liter Cummins turbo diesel, which serves up 325 hp @ 2900 rpm and a stump-pulling 610 lb-ft of torque at just 1600 rpm.
Transmission choices include a synchronized, 6-speed manual with an extra-low 1st; and a 4-speed automatic, with a converter clutch that can lock-up in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. Both gearboxes are Dodge’s own. The whole package rides on 17-inch wheels and tires – duals at the rear – with antilock disc brakes all around.
Because this Ram starts life as a would-be pickup, the frame droops below the cab, explains Mark Wanner, fleet manager for Clear Lake Dodge in Webster, Texas. So it’s not really a chassis-cab in the true sense of the word. But upfitting bodies really isn’t that big of a deal, according to Darryl Jolly, general sales manager for Texas Truck & Body in Alvin, Texas. “We just add some tubing and metal to make pedestals to support the front of the body.”
Apart from its bedless behind, the Box-Off is standard Ram, and evaluators were pleased that Dodge kept what they liked about earlier models – and made some improvements for ’06. “They’ve really cleaned up the engine compartment,” said one. “The turbo (on our test vehicle’s Cummins powerplant) isn’t buried anymore. And the alternator’s easier to reach.” Evaluators also liked the easy-to-reach, inner-fender-mounted, chassis fuse panel; and they also approved of the engine-mounted fan shroud, which, since it moves with the engine, allows for tight fan-tip-to-shroud clearance for better airflow, without the risk of blade impact.
Evaluators agreed that the newly designed front end – especially with its projector-looking headlights – is a stylish step forward, and they were no less impressed with the interior. “I like the white-faced gauges and clean dash layout,” said one, “and the seats are rich-looking, comfy and supportive – just right.” They also appreciated the abundant storage space, including a handy bin behind the seats in our standard-cab model, suitable for stowing tools, boots and the like. “When you’ve got a work truck, you can never have too much space for tools,” added another. “This is really a plus.”
