Available in three-quarter-ton (designated 2500) and one-ton (3500) models, the heavy duty variants of the 2010 Dodge Ram are equipped for serious work-oriented towing and hauling needs. Standard on all 2500 trims is a 5.7L V8 Hemi engine making 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, which is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Standard on the 3500 trims is a 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel inline 6-cylinder engine making 350 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of low-rev torque-ideal for towing the heaviest loads-which is mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the Ram 3500 has a gross combined vehicle weight rating of 25,400 pounds-up from a maximum of 23,000 pounds in 2009. Towing has also improved, with a 2WD Ram 3500 Cummins able to pull up to 18,500 pounds with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch assembly.
Updated styling includes a taller, more aerodynamic nose with a larger grille to allow greater cooling, as well as a new chrome wrap-around bumper. Headlamps and front fenders are shared with the half-ton 1500 models, but the hoodline is taller, making room for the Cummins diesel option. Inside, high-quality materials and stitching have been added to the SLT and Laramie pickups, as well as plush seats and metallic accents. The side mirrors have been modified to increase visibility while towing, and turn signals have been integrated.
The Cummins turbo-diesel engine incorporates a number of technologies to improve fuel efficiency and emissions, including a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a variable-geometry turbocharger, self-cleaning particulate filter and oxidation catalyst. The engine is available as an option on all 2500 trims.
These heavy duty trucks come with rear-wheel drive or with one of two 4-wheel drive transfer cases. Two-wheel drive Rams for 2010 again have an independent, double-wishbone front suspension, while 4-wheel-drive models get an updated rigid-beam front axle. In back, there's a heavy-duty solid axle, along with a Hotchkiss design that includes leaf springs for stability during heavy-hauling.
The 2500 and 3500 trims come in single (regular) cab, Crew Cab, or Mega Cab styles, with short (6.3 ft) and long box (8.2 ft) variants. The Quad Cab has been discontinued, and that Crew Cab that replaces it is a full nine inches longer, featuring larger rear doors and more rear seat legroom. The Mega Cab model is geared toward rear-seat comfort, offering as much space in back as large SUVs. The Mega Cab's rear seats recline, fold down, and slide forward for flexibility. The 3500 models come with dual rear wheels for increased stability while carrying heavy loads and have a fully boxed, hydro-formed frame for superior load-bearing.
Trim levels include the basic ST, which includes 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl interior, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt wheel, power windows on Crew Cab models and 6-speaker CD stereo. The SLT adds chrome trim, cloth seating, full power accessories, satellite radio and keyless entry. Front and side airbags come standard, as do anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes. An optional Big Horn package (known as the Lone Star package in Texas) includes chrome grille, fog lamps, brighter headlamps, leather wheel with integrated stereo controls, universal garage door opener and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The Laramie is the top of the line, and includes polished alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, power seats with memory on the driver's side, leather upholstery, leather-covered wheel with integrated audio controls, power-adjustable pedals, upgraded nine-speaker stereo with 30-gigabyte music server, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth capabilities.
The Power Wagon returns to the lineup this year, available only on the 2500 SLT Crew Cab 4x4, featuring the Hemi V8, electronic locking front and rear differentials with 4.56 gears, electronic disconnecting front sway bar, Bilstein shocks, underbody skid
Basic:
3 Years/36,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
3 Years/180,000 Miles
Diesel Engine
5 Years/100,000 Miles
Corrosion:
5 Years/100,000 Miles
Emissions:
5 Years/50,000 Miles
Long Term California
7 Years/70,000 Miles
Short Term California
5 Years/50,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance:
3 Years/36,000 Miles
DISCLAIMER - Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
