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Dodge Ram 3500 Reviews



Plenty of people want pickup trucks. They're cool regardless of whether you actually use one. But people need duallies. In the rough-and-tumble world of pickups, behemoths like the Dodge Ram 3500 with dual rear wheels on both sides (hence "dually") are the kings of the hill, the go-to vehicles for towing and hauling huge loads up said hill. When you're pulling a Bayliner, a racecar, that new fifth-wheel Coachman or a few relatives of Secretariat, you need a dually.

The Dodge Ram 3500 is now in its fourth generation, and its styling is based on the second generation's styling rebirth, which showed that a full-size pickup could be made to resemble something other than a cinder block. Like its smaller brothers, the heavy-duty 1-ton Ram 3500 boasts a muscular, rugged look that takes heavy inspiration from big rigs, specifically their "shouldered" fender design and prominent grille. And why not, when the 3500 is about the closest thing you can get to a Freightliner?

New or used, a Dodge Ram 3500 is a solid option for truck buyers in need of serious towing and hauling capacity. This big-hauling Dodge has a loyal following addicted to that classic muscular styling -- and with names like "Hemi" and "Cummins" emblazoned under the hood, there's plenty of actual muscle to back it up.

Current Dodge Ram 3500

The current Dodge Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup is available in three cab styles: regular, Crew Cab (with four forward-opening doors) and Mega Cab (jumbo crew cab). The regular cabs come with a long bed only, while the Crew Cab has either a short or long cargo bed. The Mega Cab rides on the same wheelbase as the Crew Cab long bed but pairs an even bigger cabin with the short bed. Trim levels range from base ST to midgrade SLT and luxurious Laramie. With the exception of Crew Cab short beds, all Ram 3500s have a dual-rear-wheel axle.

The 2010 Ram 3500 is available in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. A 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-6 is standard and cranks out 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with an option for a six-speed automatic. The Cummins comes with a big-rig-like exhaust brake that provides additional stability and braking power when towing. The maximum tow rating is in excess of 17,000 pounds.

Compared to the previous Ram 3500, the current model has even bolder styling. Inside, there's a sharper design backed by good-quality materials, similar to the recently redone Ram 1500. Additionally, the previous generation's relatively cramped Quad Cab has been replaced by the roomier Crew Cab. Comfort also sees marked improvements thanks to a retuned suspension and hydraulic cab-to-frame mounts.

We're fond of the Dodge Ram 3500's powerful diesel engine, available manual transmission and wide range of body styles. It's also quite pleasant to drive, and the interior boasts numerous available luxuries.