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America’s big truck war is on! Dodge brought its all-new heavy duty Ram pickups to market last fall, and made a special stop in Texas, the heart of truck sales in the U.S. Now, Ford has released its comparable models in this class, and GM has just unveiled its competing trucks that will go on sale late this spring. Let’s take a closer look at the Dodge Heavy Dutys.
There are many new things to like about the upgraded 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks that come in both 2WD and 4WD versions. These work horses get new sheetmetal that makes them look even more bold and muscular-looking; up front there is a taller grille and hood, and at the rear, there is stamped sheetmetal over the back wheels to replace the plastic caps of the previous generation. Inside is an updated, more roomy cabin designed with new materials, more storage options in the doors and cubbies, two glove boxes and an in-floor storage behind the rear seats. Front seats can be ordered with heat and cooling, while an up-level Laramie model adds further refinement and useful items, such as a navigation system and a rear-view camera, with back-up sensors ( these are optional goodies on the other trucks). There are also a number of improvements to the trucks’ ride quality that come from suspension changes and the use of hydraulic body mounts, which, along with other design improvements, help to give a more quiet ride inside.
 A new Ram Crew Cab model replaces the smaller Quad Cab configuration, of the previous generation, which is available with an optional 8-foot long cargo box. A 6-ft, 4-in. bed is standard. Back in the line-up, after a hiatus, is the tougher Power Wagon version, engineered for greater off-road prowess, with front and rear lockers, a taller suspension, 33-in tires, and a sway bar disconnect.
The new Dodge Ram HD pickups come with two engine choices. The gasoline engine is the 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi that was updated in 2009, and is rated at 383-hp and 400-lbs.-ft. of torque. Its variable-valve-timing and active intake manifold runners increase low-end power and improve emissions. Standard is a five-speed automatic, while a six-speed auto is optional. There is also a six-speed manual transmission for those who enjoy shifting gears.
Carried over is Dodge’s 350-hp, 650 lbs.-ft. 6.7-liter Cummins 6-cylinder diesel, that gets 350 hp. and 650 lbs.ft of torque; to comply with new 50-state diesel regulations, engineers have adding new urea-based selective catalytic reduction systems to smother NOx. The new truck has a tow/haul mode; trailer sway control with stability and traction control; an integrated trailer-brake controller; an exhaust brake; a max payload of 5,130 lbs.; and a maximum towing capacity of 18,500 lbs.
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