2010 Dodge Ram 3500: aiming for the "true" truck buyer

It’s a tough time to be launching new full-size pickups. Even though fuel prices have settled back a bit, the economy isn’t helping, and many of the “recreational” and personal use buyers have abandoned the segment for good. That’s been particularly bad news for Chrysler, which redesigned its Dodge Ram pickup for 2009, with an emphasis on on-road, rather than work-site performance.

But Chrysler’s timing could be a bit better as it gets ready to expand the Ram line-up with the addition of the big Dodge 2500 and Dodge 3500 Heavy Duty models. And, for the first time, Dodge gets a Crew Cab version of these big work trucks.

Taking their bow in the Windy City, for the annual Chicago Auto Show, the Heavy Duty line adds significant capabilities to the base Ram.

Heavy Duty: 2010 Dodge Ram 2500

To start with, the 2500 and 3500 models will be offered with a choice of the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, delivering 383 horsepower and 400 pounds of cargo-hauling torque. Then there’s the fuel-efficient Cummins diesel, a 6.7-liter oil burner that makes 350 hp and a stump-pulling 650 lb-ft.

Like the standard Ram, Dodge has upgraded the Heavy Duty ride, with retuned suspension components and fluid-filled hydro mounts under the C-pillar.

But if there were concerns about the 1500’s work site capabilities, Dodge hopes to overcome that with some significant upgrades that are like putting the Ram on steroids. The 2500, for example, boasts a Gross Vehicle Weight of 9,600 pounds. With its dual-rear wheels, the 3500 has a gross combined weight rating of 25,400 lbs.

Add useful features, such as an integrated trailer brake controller.

Like the 1500, there are an assortment of creature comfort enhancements, including optional heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. And all versions get a truck with storage bins and nooks tucked seemingly everywhere.

For 2010, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty models will be offered in three body styles, including regular cab, crew cab and Mega Cab, and there’ll be both short and long bed options, as well.

Sales begin in autumn 2009.