First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500/3500

In previous decades, Dodge's full-size pickup was to Ford's and Chevy's what Phoebe on "Friends" was to Rachel and Monica. Phoebes had her share of fans, but Rachel and Monica were by far more popular. That's how it was for Dodge until the mid-'90s, when they introduced the then-new Ram pickup with its Kenworth-inspired styling and strong engine choices.  

The gap was closed considerably, and if our experience with the redesigned for 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 series pickups is any indication, should grow narrower still. We got to check out the new trucks during a press preview held at the Canyons ranch outside San Antonio, TX. Though we didn't brand any cattle, we did subject the Ram HD to a Texas-style triathlon.

The first event was a several hours-long road trip on open highways and twisting byways to the ranch. While effortlessly covering blacktop, the big Ram impressed us with its classy, well-built cabin that featured plenty of soft-touch materials where its rivals would have unappealing hard plastic. The ride was quiet (likely best in class) and firm but still relatively smooth for a truck designed to bear great burdens.   

At the ranch we tackled some tight, muddy trails with the off-road-oriented Ram "Power Wagon". Acting like a truck 3/4 its size, this crew cab pickup negotiated tight, switchback turns -- at times guarded by trees and big bushes looming on either side -- without bent bodywork or bruised driver egos. And thanks to generous ground clearance and approach/departure angles, this Ram handled steep, muddy hills without scraping its chin, belly or tail.

Lastly, we used a Ram 3500 crew cab dually to tow 16,200 pounds worth of Kubota farm tractor and its trailer. That's just about max capacity (16,800) and is akin to lugging around four Dodge Challengers. There was enough grunt on tap to pull the load without the big diesel feeling strained. The transmission's "tow-haul" mode worked smoothly and intelligently by downshifting and holding gears when needed (such as when going up and down hills) to keep speed constant and in check.

In all three very different scenarios, the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty earned its share of enthusiastic "Yee-Haws!" To sweeten the deal, the Ram HD's prices are generally lower for 2010, despite the many improvements the redesign brings. After heavy duty truck intenders have studied the specs and picked a price range, chances are the purchase decision will hinge on factors such as refinement, comfort and styling. And in all those areas, the 2010 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 puts the heat on its "Friendly" rivals and merits strong consideration from heavy duty pickup intenders.

Posted by

John DiPietro October 25, 2009, 11:00 PM

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Automotive Consumer News, Dodge, Test Cars and Car Reviews