The 2019 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty by Mopar is a concept truck that showcases Mopar's new line of accessories for FCA's latest heavy-duty workhorse. Unveiled at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, it previews already available and upcoming accessories from this iconic customization brand.

The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty is a brand-new truck for the 2020 model year. Unveiled at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, it arrived just a month ahead of the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado HD and the facelifted Ford F-Series Super Duty. For the time being, the Ram Heavy Duty is the only truck of its kind offered with factory-installed accessories, a valuable advantage until Chevy and Ford roll out their out features.

Exterior

The already tough-looking Ram 2500 Heavy Duty becomes even more rugged with Mopar accessories. The Chicago prototype sports larger, off-road-type wheel arch flares and rides on 17-inch, custom-milled concept beadlock wheels wrapped in Goodyear tires. That's enough to take the truck hiking on Moab trails. Although these beadlock wheels were shown as a concept, they'll make it in production later this year, so you will be able to order them soon.

Mopar also crafted a black, powder-coated Ram Bar for the bed. It also includes five-inch LED off-road lights shining at 4,800 lumens each. These lights can be activated via an auxiliary switch bank inside the cabin. Speaking of the bed, it includes a conceptual spare tire carrier that's big enough for a 37-inch tire and a rear step that lowers for easy access and retracts with a gentle push.

The concept off-road rock rails, also set to become a production accessory soon, enhanced protection on the unbeaten path. Finally, the truck's exterior is finished off in the Blue Streak production color, but you can opt for any other hue in the Ram 2500's palette.

Other accessories on the list include a bed extender, tool boxes in conventional-mount standard and heavy-duty commercial styles, heavy-duty splash guards, and soft and folding tonneau covers.

Interior

There isn't much to talk about inside the cabin, but that's mostly because Mopar doesn't yet offer too many upgrades for the 2500 Heavy Duty. For now, you get to add only two features, starting with brushed stainless steel door sill guards with "Ram" lettering. Then there's the very popular option to add waterproof floor mats. These all-wheather mats with "Mopar" lettering offer enhanced protection to the floor against water and slush.

For a premium-like interior you can always go with Mopar's Katzkin leather upgrade. Available across all FCA vehicles, it adds high-quality, handcrafted leather with contrast stitching and other detailing on the seats. The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty already comes with leather in the more expensive trims, so this is an additional upgrade you'd have to select from the Mopar options list at the dealer.

Drivetrain

Mopar doesn't offer upgrades for the drivetrain yet, but that's not an issue as the 2500 Heavy Duty is capable enough as it is. Unveiled at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, the truck is available with three drivetrain configurations.

The familiar 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 gasoline engine has been upgraded to deliver 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque and mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission. That's nine extra horses compared to the Chevy Silverado HD, but it falls behind by 35 pound-feet in the torque department. Ford's range-topping 7.3-liter V-8 from the Super Duty also delivers more oomph.

But the highlight here is Ram's Cummins-made 6.7-liter inline-six diesel. This mill is rated at 400 horsepower and an impressive 1,000 pound-feet of twist. Although it delivers less power than the competition, it wins the battle in the torque department, offering an extra 90 pound-feet over Chevy's 6.6-liter Duramax V-8. A detuned version of this mill cranks out 370 horses and 850 pound-feet of torque. The diesel mates to a six-speed automatic, making the 2500 Heavy Duty the only truck that doesn't have a 10-speed gearbox yet.

When it comes to towing though, the 2500 Heavy Duty boasts class-leading capability. When fitted with a fifth-wheel, the diesel version can tow up to 17,390 pounds. The gooseneck rating increases to 18,550 pounds. Speaking of which, Mopar offers fifth-wheel hitches in a number of styles, as well as a gooseneck ball kit with locking mechanism and two safety chain tie-downs.

Conclusion

Ram already offers a few cool features for the 2500 Heavy Duty, but when it comes to rugged looks, you're better off with these new accessories from Mopar. The wheels, the wheel arch flares, and the bar with off-road lights are by far the coolest items you can select, as they will give this already capable truck a much-deserved off-road appearance. The upgrades make more sense if you're planning to use this workhorse in rough terrain, but it will look impressive in just about any environment. And even if you don't have to take it off-roading, the beadlock wheels, off-road tires, and the additional lights will come in handy on construction sites. With more than 170 accessories to chose from, the Ram Heavy Duty is the most customizable truck in this niche.

Further reading

The Mopar-modified 2019 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Has Everything That You Can Ask For In A Truck

2020 Ram Chassis Cab Brings a New Generation of Work Trucks to Chicago

Read our full review on the 2019 Ram 2500 Power Wagon.

Read our full review on the 2019 Ram 1500.