2010 Used Dodge Ram HD Utah

View Our Pre Owned Inventory of the Dodge Ram HD in UT

The 2010 Dodge Ram HD lineup brings a new level of refinement that is long-term more significant than the sheetmetal it's wrapped up in. Proven drivelines and components, realistic hauling and towing ratings and performance, and a broad-based set of configurations and amenities will provide the right combo for your work truck, horse-hauler or recreational tow vehicle. Ram Heavy-Duty models encompass the 2500 and 3500-series pickups. The most capable Ram HD pickups will carry more than 5,000 pounds or tow more than 17,500 pounds. A new option is an integrated trailer brake controller. Other pickups may better these tow ratings, whether or not they actually tow any better. And trailers that heavy require a different driver's license in some states. If you need more there are always the 4500 and 5500 versions. The 2010 Ram Heavy-Duty line has received a major facelift along with refinements throughout. Cabs are larger on the midsized 2010 models, also. It is one of those cases where mixing proven parts has a synergistic effect and results in what amounts to a new truck.

Powering the 2010 Dodge Ram HD

Given the engines, transmissions, brakes and basic suspension architecture are little changed from 2009, what stands out the most on the 2010 Ram is the quiet and ride smoothness. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is standard and available only on 2500 and with an automatic transmission. The Hemi, redesigned for 2009, develops 383 horsepower at 5600 rpm and, like any good truck engine, it makes more torque than horsepower, with 400 pound-feet at 4000 rpm. The Hemi is a realistic choice for those not towing severe loads, or heavy loads for long distances, where purchase price is a more important consideration than towing performance, fuel economy or maximum engine life. The Cummins Turbo Diesel option is a proven option, ready for 2010-emissions compliance three years early. Both Ford and GM are introducing new diesel engines in early 2010 for that decree, and both of them will require the use of diesel exhaust fluid at regular maintenance intervals. Only the cab-and-chassis diesel Rams will require the additive. The 2010 HD also continues to offer the choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions for diesel buyers, although the manual is rated at 610 lb-ft of torque at 1400 rpm vs 650 lb-ft at 1500 for automatic, and the automatic is available with shorter axle ratios and higher tow ratings. Unless you do a lot of snow plow work, we recommend the automatic. The exhaust brake makes grades and slowing stress free by delivering up to 190 braking horsepower (bhp) to control descent speed, thereby leaving the service brakes cool and free for more immediate stopping.

Used Dodge Ram HD Design

2010 marks the first time Dodge has differentiated the styling between light-duty (1500) and heavy-duty Ram pickups. The changes are moderate and not as substantial as the 2009-to-2010 heavy-duty model was upgraded, and apply essentially from the windshield forward; the Mega Cab and dual-rear-wheel trucks have different appearance but aren't offered in the 1500 line. Dual-rear wheel trucks, including the Mega Cab use a single outside panel for the wide rear fenders, to eliminate seams and fasteners that might prove problematic long term. And the bed sides are steel, for easier straightening than fiberglass if you ding one. The Dodge slots between the GM and Ford HD pickups in terms of sheer mass and sleekness; perceptively bigger and more angular than the GM and smoother than the Super Duty. Very mild fender flares or various colors are used on some trims, and the Power Wagon gets a new graphics package and flat, dark paint for the center of the hood.

Inside the '10 Dodge Ram HD

There is plenty of room in the Regular Cab for two people, three across if you don't mind the floor hump. Most crew cabs have a split folding rear seat and a center armrest, and all of them have three complete baby seat anchor sets and three adjustable headrests. Coat hooks are above the rear window, which can be powered open/close or replaced with a defrost-able window on most models. The Ram Mega Cab is nine inches longer than a Crew Cab. It has an extra five inches of legroom plus space behind the reclining seatback, and with the seats folded flat offers up 72 cubic feet of lockable cargo space, considerably more than behind the front seat in a Chevy Tahoe SUV. But plan on a lot of AC use in warm climes, as the only vents in back are on the floor. Interior storage is extensive and even better than the half-ton Crew Cab's forty-odd places to put things because the heavy-duty has no shifter and gets an extra space in the console.

2010 Dodge Ram HD Lineup

Ram ST models are commercial-grade or a blank canvas depending on your point of view: gray-painted bumpers, chrome around the grille, black mirrors, crank windows on regular cab (power windows and locks on others), vinyl 40/20/40 seat, steel wheels and a manual-shift transfer case on 4WD. A vinyl floor is standard and can be ordered in place of carpet on all but Laramie models. Not a stripper however, the ST also has an automatic transmission, 34-gallon fuel tank, air conditioning, Class IV hitch with 4/7-pin plugs, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, locking tailgate and tilt steering wheel. Options for Ram ST are plentiful, including a diesel engine (which adds front tow hooks and cruise control), power heated or towing mirrors (but not powered towing mirrors), integrated trailer brake controller, sliding rear window, floor mats, cloth upholstery, DVD/HDD and Sirius audio, limited-slip differential, skid plates, various option groups, and choices for wheels, tires and axle ratios.

Ram SLT adds chrome, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, power windows (includes rear window on four-doors), carpeting, cloth upholstery, cruise control, Sirius radio, electronic-switch transfer case, chrome wheels, and in-dash tire-pressure display (2500 only). Some notable SLT options are the brake controller, fog lamps, heated power towing mirrors, forged aluminum wheels, bucket seats and console, power seats, adjustable pedals and driver memory system, moonroof, navigation, Uconnect phone, remote start, back-up camera, security system, and rear park assist.

The TRX package roughly parallels the Sport version of the 1500 Ram and is offered on 2500 crew cabs only. The short box-only TRX uses gray-painted bumpers and flares with a body-color grille, forged aluminum wheels, all-terrain tires, a limited-slip differential, skid plates, and tow hooks. Cabin appointments and options essentially mirror the SLT.

The Power Wagon also approximates SLT-grade and 2500 crew cab only but is built with trail use in mind. It gets electric locking front and rear differentials, a front sway bar disconnect, specific suspension with Bilstein shocks, 32-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires, a 12,000-lb Warn winch, skid plates, 4.56:1 gears, trailer brake controller, more lighting and new two-tone paint and graphics. Most of the options are luxury and convenience items such as power seats, moonroof, and navigation.

Top-line Laramie models add yet more chrome, power adjustable pedals and heated mirrors on driver memory system, dual-zone climate control, 115-VAC outlet, universal door opener, 10-way/6-way power heated leather seats, heated leather steering wheel, nine-speaker DVD/HDD surround-sound audio, rear park sense, and security system. Laramie upgrades are generally limited to chrome packages, towing mirrors, skid plates, brake controller, rear window defroster, heated/ventilated power bucket seats with floor console, moonroof, navigation, backup camera and wheel and axle ratio choices.

Conclusions

Visit the official Ram HD website for the latest updates on this model. 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 very similarly to 2009 models. Safety features on all HD pickups include dual front multi-stage airbags, side curtain airbags, adjustable height front belts, LATCH child-seat anchors, child-protection rear door locks, anti-lock brakes on all wheels, and tire-pressure monitors (2500 only).

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com