Overview:
This week let’s look at the 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie Quad Cab 4X4 and although it is like my personal Ram 3500 it is newer and mine is white. This test vehicle is bright Red. What were they thinking? I never wanted to be a fireman like most little boys but after climbing up into this Mammoth I had visions of a “Hook and Ladder” truck.
And to make the experience complete I realized I would need my “Kidney Belt” if I would be traveling over 65 mph on a cement freeway surface. This dual rear wheel “broad” rear end Ram will shake your eye teeth lose. Of course this truck is made for work and heavy loads so the suspension is really stiff and empty is not as smooth ride as we’d like. But when you sit in such a plush interior it is misleading since the luxury is contrasted by the heavy big truck look from the outside.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – United States and Mexico
Class: – Truck
Cars: – Avenger, Caliber, Caravan, Charger, Dakota, Durango, Magnum, Nitro, Ram 1500, 2500 & 3500, Sprinter Van and Wagon and Viper.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), together with the Department of Energy (DOE), Chrysler Group and Cummins, recognized the new 2007 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty as the cleanest mass-production diesel-engine pickup truck on the market.
It’s cleaner, quieter and more powerful at 350 horsepower because of the Turbo Diesel from Cummins. 18 Wheeler drivers probably won’t want one because it’s simply too close to what they drive for a living. Cummins is arguably the best big truck engine you can have in your truck. Take it from me – I own a Ram 3500 with over 260,000 miles and it is just about broken in. No joke. These things are made for lots of miles. Mine is a Cummins as well. You gotta love this truck.
However it is a chore to drive because it is so big that you will have to take up two parking spaces – not that you can’t maneuver into a single space, because you can. But others who will be parking next to you are clueless about how big it really is and two spaces will give them lots of space to avoid hitting you. I was embarrassed to take two spaces recently and regret it because someone in the parking structure in Ventura (Spanish for “good fortune”) left a little bit of their vehicles white paint on my beautiful new “Flame Red Clear Coat Paint”. Next time – two spaces.
I had an eye exam and they dilated my eyes just before leaving on a short trip with the little lady. Sorry honey but you have to drive. I can’t drive that big truck she says. But she did and amazed herself. Of course once you hit the road it handles well with great power steering and all the power you need to feel like you’re driving a passenger car. But this one has “Attitude”. The truck, not my lady. But now that I think of it she has somewhat of an attitude too. Don’t tell her I said that.
Styling:
Classic Dodge Ram.
Fit and Finish:
Outstanding, strong, shinny, solid, elegant (as a truck can be elegant) and generally very clean lines. But this is anything but a ‘sissy’ girlie man truck.
Cost:
Pricey – no question about it – this truck is expensive with all the bells and whistles. A plain Jane model is however priced competitively for those who just want to get ‘er done.
Conveniences and comfort:
As usual, this is no different from most trucks these days that give you the option to “Dress them Up” so they are more like luxury SUV’s than work-horses.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you need the “max” in pickup trucks you’ve found the right truck for the job whether fit to do a big dirty job or dressed up for the prom.
Recognized Competition:
Dodge Ram 3500 $28-50,000, Chevrolet Silverado Classic 3500 $26-38,000, GMC Sierra Classic 3500 $27-39,000, GMC Sierra 3500 HD$28-40,000, Ford F-350 Super Duty $23-39,000.
Good News:
Turbo Diesel with great power and improved fuel economy, super comfy and almost too pretty for most but important to many others.
Bad News:
Pricey when dressed up, tough to park.
Standard Equipment:
6.7 liter 350 horsepower Cummins Turbo diesel engine, 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift on the fly transfer case, Leather heated bucket seats, 40/20/40 split folding rear bench seat, 4-wheel ABS disc braking system, dual front air bags, power steering, 35 gallon fuel tank, variable intermittent wipers, theft deterrent system, fog lights, power adjustable pedals, air conditioning dual zone temp control, tilt steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, overhead console with trip computer, stereo with 6 in-dash CD / MP3 player with 7 infinity speakers, GPS Navigation system, and SIRIUS satellite digital radio including 1 year service, power 6-way driver / passenger seats, rear power sliding window, class IV hitch with 7 pin wiring harness, side curtain air bags, anti-spin differential rear axle, under rail box bedliner, chrome tubular side steps, under seat storage compartment.
Gas Stats:
$2.65/ Gal avg. August 22, ‘07
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information. City and Highway MPG is not required for Heavy Duty vehicles. I believe manufacturers should do it anyway. My calculations were right at 15 mpg average highway and city combined
Pricing:
MSRP $38,480 and as equipped above $53,470.
