Feb 12, 2009 -
Finally! The 2010 Dodge Ram HD
As the former owner of a 1996 Ram 3500 and the present owner of a 2005 Ram 3500, I've been awaiting this introduction for quite some time. It was going to determine whether I hung on to my 05 or started saving for a new one.
In my blog post on the 2009 Ram 1500, I noted three things that I hoped would appear on the 2010 Ram HD, and it looks like I scored on all three. The front bumper is indeed fully separate from the body (unlike the 1500) so that auxiliary equipment like plows and winches can be installed easily. The ST model offers an all-vinyl interior that you can get dirty. And the front springs in particular have been uprated and it now appears that they may permit a snow-plow package for the diesel pickups (a Dodge first, Ford has offered it for years).
As for the truck itself...
Likes:
I like the overall design appearance. Even though the cab is the same as the 1500 introduced last year, the HD doesn't have a "consumer" truck look to it.
I am very pleased to see that Dodge followed GM's lead and is using a steel integral fender on the dual-rear-wheel trucks. Ditching the bolt-on fiberglass fenders makes for a cleaner appearance, more paint options, better build quality, and better airflow.
I do like the more aggressive hood and grille. The 1500 has a smoother rounded look, while the HD has a chiseled grille, taller hood with extra clearance for the Cummins diesel, and even scalloped "louvers" on the sides.
The tow mirrors are slightly larger and incorporate a larger convex section. And I appreciate the return to black-faced gauges with white markings... I thought my white-face gauges on my 2005 were pretty cool when I got them, but after 4 years, that novelty wore off long ago, and depending on where the sun is, shadows can make them tricky to glance at.
Dislikes:
As I mentioned with the 1500, I'm no fan of single "uni-bulb" taillights. My 2005 has separate rear turn/hazard lights, which means people behind me have a better idea of what I'm about to do.
While I like the hood itself, I am very displeased by what's under it. The underhood access on my 1996 was excellent. The 2005 is OK. Dodge knows full well these trucks use a LARGE inline six-cylinder diesel, so hood length should be taken into account during the design process. Not only is the underhood area more snug than my 05, but now they've added one of those huge black shrouds around the engine. I guess in their research, they forgot to ask how many HD truck owners do their own maintenance. When combined with the fact that the grille is no longer attached to the hood, anything in front of the engine (fan belt, etc.) will require the removal of this shroud... and I don't even want to think of what will happen if it's not tightly secured when it's reinstalled.
I'm a bit disappointed that the floor-shift for the 4x4 system is now limited to the base ST trim level and the off-road themed Power Wagon. I have always gotten the "comfortable" SLT trim level, but now that means I must have the electric dash control for 4WD. I had it on my 93 Ford F150, so I'm not a stranger to it, but I prefer the feel of that floor lever. (I know everything is computer-controlled anyway, but what the heck.)
Surprises:
The Mega Cab is back! Who knew they were actually going to retain this, with the introduction of the new Crew Cab? But unlike the 1500, the HD line will no longer offer the Quad Cab (which is the equivalent to everyone else's extended cab model) - instead, they will offer the regular, Crew, and Mega cabs to the HD market. This makes Dodge the only truck manufacturer with 4 cab sizes.
Overall, I think Chrysler did a pretty good job on the redesign... I'll give them a solid B grade. Guess I should start socking away the money for a new Ram 3500 Crew Cab DRW 4x4... with the Cummins diesel of course!
