2011 Ram 2500 ST Reviews

Overview:

Ram Heavy Duty models received a major overhaul for the 2010 model year along with refinements throughout. The Crew Cab got larger, giving Ram a unique cab lineup in the segment. The Ram Heavy Duty was restyled for 2010 to go with the new 2009 Ram 1500 light-duty. The Ram Heavy Duty is not identical to the light-duty trucks, but many interior and some sheetmetal parts are the same. The regular and crew cab interiors are also very similar. 

For 2011, the biggest change is the introduction of the new Outdoorsman, a Ram packaged for use by hunters, fisherman, campers, and boaters. The Ram Outdoorsman replaces the TRX and is available in many Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 configurations. 

Other updates for 2011 include making the in-dash vehicle information center standard on all models, and an integrated brake controller comes standard on all but the base model, a great feature. The navigation system has been updated for 2011. A factory spray-in bedliner is available, along with new colors and new wheel designs. 

Most of the parts and technology on the 2011 models have been proven in earlier Rams. The cabin was launched in the 2009 Ram 1500, and the engines, transmissions and brakes are evolutionary versions of the 2009 heavy-duty models. The gasoline engine that comes standard is the most powerful base engine in big pickups. The optional Cummins turbodiesel met current emissions requirements years ago. The diesel engines from both Ford and GM are new, and both of them require a fuel additive the Ram diesel pickup does not. Only the Ram offers a choice of transmissions with the diesel. With Ford and GM you get the automatic. Some drivers who pull heavy trailers say you get better reliability on steep hills with a manual. We prefer the automatic, however. 

Much attention has been devoted to ride comfort and quiet on the 2011 Ram HD, and it is noticeable. The feature lists, both standard and available continue to grow, as pickups become ever-more car-like inside: heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Sirius Backseat TV and so on. But don't confuse this with a car because it is substantially larger and will not ride softly even if you load it up. That said, we found a 2011 Ram 3500 rode very nicely while towing a 6,000-pound trailer. 

The most capable Ram HD pickups will carry more than 5,000 pounds or tow more than 17,500 pounds. Other pickups may better those tow ratings, but whether they actually tow any better is another story. Also, trailers heavy trailers require a different driver's license in some states. 

The Ram Heavy Duty models will work for anyone who has work to do, be it hauling construction tools and materials, plowing driveways or dragging around big trailers. They remain a compelling choice for anyone in need of a heavy-duty pickup truck, and on balance are priced similarly to 2010 models. 

Officially, Chrysler no longer refers to its full-size pickup as the Dodge Ram. It's now just the Ram. We may still refer to the Ram as a Dodge because we haven't figured out how to change a model name to a brand name, but Chrysler does not. 

The 2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty models compete with the Chevrolet Silverado HD, Ford Super Duty and GMC's Sierra HD lineups.