2009 Dodge Ram HD: Extreme Hauling Capability

Summary

Last redesigned for 2003, the Dodge Ram 2500 and Dodge Ram 3500 models aren't nearly as new as the latest from Ford and General Motors. The 2009 Dodge Ram HD heavy-duty line benefits from mechanical improvements, a more powerful Hemi engine, and a more extensive options list.

2009 Full Review

The Dodge Ram Mega Cab was created by re-proportioning the relationship between cab and bed on a long wheelbase truck, adding 20 inches to the cab and shortening the bed to 6 feet, 3 inches. Launched as a 2006 model, the extra-large Mega Cab is aptly named. The back seats are roomy and comfortable with reclining seatbacks, separate rear heating and air conditioning outlets, reading lights and a center armrest with cup holders, and available DVD entertainment; there's space behind the back seats for cargo. The rear doors open big and wide, making it easy to load stuff inside. We found the Dodge Ram Cummins turbo diesel quiet, powerful and responsive. The exhaust brake provides engine braking down long highway grades, thereby leaving the brakes cool, fade-free, and ready for stopping. The diesel's power and fuel economy make it an excellent choice for owners who tow heavy trailers long distances.

Despite a reputation for being the most truck-like, the heavy-duty Rams are civilized and make trucking enjoyable.

Trims and Styling 2009

The 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 versions come in four trim levels, ST, SXT, SLT and Laramie, and three cabs (regular, Quad, Mega) with a range of payloads and towing capacities. The 2500 ($28,185-$43,860) comes standard with the Hemi V8 and five-speed automatic, no manual is offered; the Cummins 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel (about $7,100) is optional with a six speed manual or six-speed automatic. The 3500 prices ($34,985-$50,195) have increased because the Cummins diesel and a limited-slip differential are now standard equipment.

For adding your own box or work platform, Chassis Cab models are offered in regular and Quad cab, 2WD and 4WD 3500-series trucks, ranging from $24,830-$30,520.

Options and Features

Options are limited to a diesel engine on 2500, cruise control, towing mirrors, side curtain airbags, and a few cosmetic upgrades.

SLT, the standard trim on Mega Cabs, includes an overhead console, speed control, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, and power mirrors. Options for SLT include a power-sliding rear window, a bed liner, powered trailer tow mirrors, sun roof, power adjustable pedals and driver seat, AM/FM/6CD/MP3 with Infinity speaker, navigation, Sirius satellite radio, DVD rear-seat entertainment system, UConnect Bluetooth hands-free wireless communication system, bucket seats, YES Essentials stain-repellent cloth upholstery, and 17-inch forged aluminum wheels. A part-time electric shift transfer case is available on 4WD models.

Laramie models add dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, heated front seats, security alarm, auto-dimming rearview mirror, chrome moldings and Sentry Key engine immobilizer. Options on the Laramie package include an entertainment system, sun roof, bucket seats, Bluetooth, and the navigation radio.

The 2500 Power Wagon Quad Cab comes with the Hemi only, electric-locking front and rear differentials, disconnecting front sway bar, 12,000-pound Warn winch, and 32-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires. Safety features include dual front multi-stage airbags, three-point belts in all seating positions with constant-force retractors, LATCH child-seat anchors, child-protection rear door locks, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Side-curtain airbags for front and rear seats are optional.

The Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab offers a striking presence, taking the Big Rig look to another level. Very long rear doors are unique to the immense Mega Cab, with a very large area of full roll-down window glass. The dark glass, rear doors and wide pillar suggest a limousine. 2009 Dodge Ram HD

Interior Styling and Features

All Dodge Ram pickups offer wide, roomy cabs with lots of storage.

Mega Cab and Quad Cab interior space is nearly identical with the exception of rear legroom. The Mega Cab's rear seats offer 44.2 inches of legroom, compared with 36.7 inches for a Quad Cab. The rear seats also have their own reading lights and a center armrest with cup holders, plus separate rear air conditioning and heat outlets.

DVD entertainment for rear-seat passengers is available, with wireless headsets and integrated game ports. Behind the passengers is a power sliding rear window for flow-through ventilation. Because of the added length of the second-row seating area, the air bag system had to be redesigned with larger side curtain air bags. A substantial four-spoke steering wheel houses cruise control buttons and available stereo controls. With the standard front bench seat, a very wide center console flips up to allow makeshift center seating; it may not be comfortable for the center rider but it works.

The rear seats are spacious. In the Mega Cab, we found a six-foot, three-inch passenger has no problem stretching out completely with the rear seats reclined. Everything about the Ram is full size. Interior door handles are large and heavily built, consistent with the large size of the Ram doors.

The standard front bench seat offers additional storage under the seat.

Power outlets are provided for the front seats. Driving Impressions

Towing and Payload

A Dodge Ram HD feel like big, heavy duty pickup because it is a big, heavy duty pickup. All Rams are wide: eight feet on duallies. Parking a big pickup requires care and attention. The Ram offers a very quick 2.75-turn steering ratio that helps maneuvering at low speeds. The 2WD Ram HD comes with rack-and-pinion steering, while 4WD models come with a recirculating ball system. For 2009, the Hemi V8 was redesigned and now develops 383 horsepower (up 38) at 5600 rpm in Ram 2500 models. The Cummins Turbo Diesel comes on 3500 models. Top tow rating with the Hemi is about 11,500 pounds on a 2500 series regular cab. Since Mega Cabs are the heaviest models, they do not carry the highest payload or tow ratings, but our Mega Cab rated 2,681 pounds of payload carrying capacity. The highest payload for a Ram HD is more than 5,000 pounds, the maximum tow rating is nearly 17,000 pounds.

2009 Conclusions

The Dodge Ram HD heavy-duty pickups have the power and weight to tow heavy loads for long distances with big comfort for driver and passengers. The Mega Cab is designed to be the flagship of the heavy haulers. "Dodge now has the most comfortable half-ton on the market, and there's absolutely no trade-off in capability." says Automobile Magazine "For its part, the 2009 Ram is a significant improvement in every area. And in a few areas, it's a quantum leap forward." adds Orlando Sentinel The Quad Cab may be big, but the Mega Cab is bigger. For the best ride and handling, our choice is for a 2WD Ram 1500 Mega Cab. For best control handling heavy loads, a 2WD 3500 dually with the Cummins would do the job. For heavy hauling followed by accessing rough terrain when you get there, a 4WD 3500 single-rear-wheel model would be the ticket.