Dodge Ram / RAM 4500, 5500 Models?

[JCBOLLE]

I am wondering if Dodge Ram or RAM 4500, 5500 models can be added to the database. The Ford F450 and F550 have been added. We are not a heavy duty shop & these trucks are light to medium duty. Its a pain to input all these trucks as a 3500 for labour.

Thanks Jason

[timbre4]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for posting.

The vehicles database as accessed through Manager SE has to stay in sync with the repair, estimating and maintenance coverage available. There is no coverage for these models in the standard estimator product which typically covers up to 1 ton trucks & vans. The Ford models are an exception; they came along in 1988 and it was decided to include them at that time. Other medium duty vehicles that came along in later years were not included; these are found in Truck Labor, which covers classes 4-8.

[steven kiser]

I would be real careful changing information on trucks. In the past I did what you did and at a later time all parts for that truck were ordered at that level. I made a mental note to remember but that lasted about 20 minutes. I finally added the Truck program and it paid for itself time and time again. A good shop will always see an increase of trucks since they have no place to go beside the dealer and the truck techs at the dealer may not be as qualified as one would expect. Just my observation.

[sbcauto]

I Think 4500, 5500 Should Be Covered In Both Heavy & Regular Versions Of Estimate & Prodemand. Medium Duty Trucks Should Be 3 Ton And Over. The 4500 & 5500 Trucks Are Really Heavy Duty 1 Ton Trucks With Heaver GVW's.

[Silky7]

I understand it'd be nice to include them, but they are technically class 4 and 5 medium trucks. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truck_classification:

Medium duty
Class 4
The Class 4 truck gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) ranges from 14001–16000 lb (6351–7257 kg).[2][13] Examples of vehicles in this class include select Ford F-450 trucks, Dodge Ram 4500, and the GMC 4500.[10]

Class 5
The Class 5 truck gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) ranges from 16001–19500 lb (7258–8845 kg).[2][13] Examples of trucks in this class include the International TerraStar, GMC 5500.[14] Dodge Ram 5500, and the Ford F-550

The Fords made it in long ago (before we had a medium truck website) because they were in production in the late 90s, but the Ram trucks came later (For 2008, Dodge introduced two more Chassis Cab models, the 4500 and 5500.)

All this said, it's possible they may be included in standard ProDemand information in the future.

[sbcauto]

All Though They Are Higher Class As Far As DOT Concerned They Still Only Require A Standard Driver Licence To Drive. In Manitoba This Is Same Licence Needed To Drive A Car.