Overview:
I thought the Hummer was big. I forget how big a dualee Ram 3500 is. 6-speed on the floor to transfer the power of a very capable 6 cylinder Cummins Turbo Diesel. I noticed the fenders were a different red from the body of the truck. It made perfect sense when I made the first turn into the driveway and past a building too close. Any closer and they would have been repainting the fender again.
Brother John has the same model with a Cummins Diesel that is about 2-years old. He regularly hauls more than a ton of hay for his animals. He just loves his Dodge Ram. It’s a “Man’s” truck and necessary on a working horse and cattle ranch.
Handling & Performance:
Other than the huge size that takes some getting used to, it is responsive and awesome to drive. The only thing that just fries my bacon is the bumpity-bump-bump-bump ride you get on cement surface roads. With a load, of course, the ride is smooth. And with 460 ft. lbs. of torque you can pull a house. It red lines at 3,000 rpm, and with 6 speeds you’ll find yourself starting out in second, shifting to 4th and then to 6th to cut the number of shifts, unless you have a load.
Styling:
Dodge Ram has been a truck leader in style for a long time now. This is one tough looking truck.
Fit and Finish:
Great, even though it’s a truck made for serious business.
Conveniences:
Availability is endless and the price tag will reflect that fact.
Cost:
Price-eeeee. Well I guess if you have a need to haul heavy stuff like 2-tons of hay, horse trailer, etc., then this is the hot ticket. And really the base price of $31,970 isn’t bad if you don’t need the Preferred Package and Turbo Diesel.
Consumer Recommendation:
On the ranch this is a great truck but if you don’t have such a need and Home Depot supplies is all you’ll haul, the base model is just fine.
The Competition: (in order of average price)
Ford F-350 Super Duty $22-37,000, GMC Sierra 3500 $28-36,000, Dodge Ram 3500 $25-40,000, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 $27-40,000.
Good News:
35-gallon fuel tank, Heavy-duty capability, diesel with turbo is fast and smooth.
Bad News:
35-gallon fuel tank necessary, so it is expensive to buy and operate.
Standard Equipment:
5.7 liter V8 engine is standard (see below for upgrade diesel), 6-speed Heavy Duty manual trans, dual air bags, 4-wheel abs brakes, manual shift-on-the-fly transfer case for 4-wheel drive, power steering, trailer tow 4-pin wiring connector, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, power windows & locks, cruise control, trip computer, radio with CD, rear folding seat, cargo lamp, preferred package with tow hooks, leather 8-way power driver and passenger seats, power adjustable pedals, electronic transfer case upgrade, fog lights, upgraded radio with cassette, 7-speakers and steering wheel audio controls, leather wrapped wheel, wood grain instrument panel, temp control air, keyless entry, security alarm and theft deterrent, upgraded trailer tow, added side air bags, heated front seats, engine upgrade to inline 6-cylinder HO Cummins Turbo Diesel, 750 amp maintenance free battery and box bed liner.
Gas Stats:
Not available- my guess is 6-12mpg.
Pricing:
MSRP $44,555.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair
