Space and lots of it is a major element of the Heavy Duty with an available center console that features an upper bin that is large enough to hold a laptop computer and a lower bin that accommodates hanging files. There’s additional storage areas in the instrument panel, front and rear door panels, seat backs, and even the floor — in the crew-size cab, two in-floor bins located in the rear footwells of the crew cab offer storage enough for 10 12-ounce cans.
Bins have removable liners for easy cleanout. Upper and lower glove boxes provide a total of more than 800 cubic inches of storage. Trim models include the ST, SLT, TRX, Power Wagon and premium Laramie model.
LOADS OF FUN
Powertrain choices include the legendary 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, which produces 350 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque. The Dodge Heavy Duty comes standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which delivers 383 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
Towing capacity has been increased by 1,000 pounds on some Heavy Duty models and we got a feel for the truck’s power when towing a massive tractor as part of our test drive. Special features like an integrated trailer brake makes pulling heavy loads fairly easy, even for a novice tower.
Features such as a hydro-formed, fully boxed frame with advanced torsional rigidity and stiffness, a front coil-spring suspension setup with the multi-leaf spring design in the rear help to give the truck more heavy-duty capability.
The Ram Heavy Duty’s improved ride is credited to better tuned front and rear shocks and springs, and a new C-pillar hydra mounts.
Yep, whether it’s the comfort, power or road presence, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty makes the case for why so many people still love trucks, even if they don’t have to haul or tow stuff, and even if publicly we deny it.
Pricing starts at $28,165 for a 2500 4X2 Reg Cab ST with an eight-foot box to up to $51,595 for a 3500 4X4 Mega Cab Laramie with 6-foot-4-inch box, which was my road test vehicle.
HIGHLIGHTS
$51,595 (as tested)
Optional 6.7-Liter Cummings Diesel
Available Laramie Model
Sirius TV
More towing capability
Marcus Amick is a national automotive writer and product analyst. He can be contacted at marcus@wheelside.com.
