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Note: This review was created when the 2011 Ram HD was new.
If you’re thinking of buying a heavy duty truck, reviewers say you can’t go wrong with the Ram Heavy Duty trucks. 2010 saw an overhaul of both Heavy Duty models, as well as the Ram nameplate, which split from Dodge parent to create the Ram Trucks sub brand. Since then, the Ram 2500 and 3500 have offered surprisingly luxurious interiors without sacrificing the burly abilities that make them stand out among the class. Car and Driver writes that the Ram Heavy Duty 2500 is "not just the Heaviest Dutiest Rammiest Ram ever, but also the quietest and most comfortable HD truck we can remember." That’s high praise for any truck.
Reviewers agree that Ram offers the best interior in the class. Both the 2500 and 3500 include convenient under-floor storage and other cargo options inside the cabin, while the Laramie Longhorn trim offers features and materials usually just seen in upscale sedans. The Uconnect navigation and infotainment system that Ram and Dodge share also gets praise for its in-dash hard-drive storage system for music and photos, optional Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and Sirius Backseat TV that features children’s programs.
Ridiculously nice interior options don’t make the Ram HD a slouch on the worksite. When properly configured, the Ram 3500 can tow up to 22,700 pounds and haul as much as 5,130 pounds. Reviewers especially love the exhaust brake Ram includes with all diesel engines. It allows drivers to save their brakes while towing to prevent them from overheating and failing on long downhill inclines. If you’re looking for a workhorse of a truck with 11 tons of towing capacity that you could still drive your grandma and the kids around in, the Ram Heavy Duty trucks are the perfect choice.
The Ram Heavy Duty trucks are capable members of a small but competitive class. Reviewers like the Ram’s upscale interior options and powerful Cummins turbodiesel engine, but the Ford Super Duty may be a better choice for buyers who need a truly outstanding work truck. Reviewers love Ford’s Work Solutions system, which includes an in-dash computer that can manage work projects, print invoices, and keep track of tools. The Ford F-350 Super Duty can also tow and haul the most stuff, although most consumers won’t need to tow 12 tons. The Ford F-250 starts at about $28,500, which is $660 more than the Ram 2500’s $27,845 sticker price. Since these trucks are similarly priced, you should check out the latest Ford and Chevrolet incentives to see which automaker is offering a better deal on their heavy duty trucks.
The GM’s heavy duty truck twins, the Chevrolet Silverado HD and the GMC Sierra HD, are also fine work trucks, but are outstripped in nearly every respect by Ram and Ford. Both trucks are priced in the middle of the class, with the Silverado starting at $28,415 and the Sierra starting at $27,965. Overall, reviewers feel that the neck-and-neck competition between the three automakers means that it’s hard to make a bad choice in this class.
The Ram 2500 and 3500 are available in a variety of configurations, with options including two- or four-wheel drive; Regular, Mega or Crew Cabs; gas- or diesel-powered engines; single or dual rear wheels (on the 3500 only); and up to six different trims. Trim levels vary from the plain-Jane ST to the luxuriously-appointed Laramie Longhorn trim that offers rear-seat entertainment, a Wi-Fi hotspot and tooled metal and leather accents.
Ram’s Heavy Duty trucks were redesigned for 2010, so not much is new for 2011. The off-road-oriented 2500 Outdoorsman replaces last year’s TRX model, and the top-of-the-line Laramie Longhorn trim is optional for the 2500 and 3500. Some models’ gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR) has been increased to 22,000 pounds. The navigation system has been updated, and a spray-in bedliner is now available for $450.
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