Last year we chose the Dodge Ram 1500 as our Driver’s Choice Best Pickup Truck of the Year. We found its overall design, especially the RamBox cargo system and the coil spring suspension, perfect for personal use buyers. But, what about the hoards of Ram faithful that need a pickup as a hard working tool? Well, they’ve not been forgotten. There is now a Ram Heavy Duty. And it’s a big reason why we, again this year, picked the Ram as our Best Pickup Truck. Now for the details.

When the Chrysler Group redesigned the light duty Ram 1500 for 2009, the aim was to build a personal use pickup focused on flexibility.  But now, for 2010, their attention swings back to the work truck faithful; those in need of serious haul and tow capabilities.  Enter the all-new Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 pickups.

Gross Weight Ratings and limits are up almost across the board, with a Max Tow Package GCWR elevated to 25,400 pounds. Touting familiar big-rig styling, the Heavy Duty models differentiate themselves from the Light Duty with unique grille, hood, and bumper designs. Like with the 1500, a true Crew Cab is now available. It slots between Regular and Mega Cab.  Two bed lengths - 6-feet-four-inches and 8 feet - both remain.

Under the hood, is a choice of two carryover, yet seriously Heavy Duty engines.  The standard 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Optional is the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel producing 350 horses and a stout 650 pound-feet of torque at just 1500 rpm.  This engine meets 50-state emission standards, without Urea injection, and includes a class-only, big-rig style exhaust brake.

The RAM HD offers a choice of three transmissions. For the HEMI, a five-speed automatic. The big diesel gets a pair of six-speeds: either a standard manual with ultra-low tow-friendly first gear, or an optional automatic.  Ram 4x4s utilize a traditional, part-time two-speed transfer case.

In a straight line on pavement, our HEMI 4x4 Crew Cab tester surprised us with its swiftness.  The big truck hit 60 in just 7.2 seconds - that’s a second and a half faster than when we last tested the HD back in ‘04.  Our truck barreled through the quarter mile in an impressive 15.4 seconds at 95 miles per hour.

With its hydro-formed, fully boxed frame, HDs utilize coil springs up front, and again, a traditional multi-leaf spring geometry in the rear. Still, both ride and handling are improved thanks to a thorough re-tuning, as well as a new C-pillar structure with fluid-filled hydromounts.

Through the slalom, our 2500 felt big, but not to the extent we were expecting. Turn-ins were quick, and the truck felt amazingly flat.  Steering was responsive, though somewhat heavy.  Overall, what you have here is a very solid full size pickup that moves in a confident, almost nimble manner. While on normal roads, the HD feels plusher and smoother than before. 

In terms of top-end capability, the Ram Heavy Duty 3500 has a max trailer tow limit of 17,600 pounds and a max payload of 5,150.  How’s that for a work truck? And to bring this monster to a halt are four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.  Stops averaged 145 feet from 60 to zero.  For something this hefty, we were impressed with a sub-150 number.

The Ram HD also gets a handsomely redesigned interior, similar to that of the Ram 1500, complete with upper and lower gloveboxes. The truck-like cabin of the past now gives way to more style and better materials throughout.

Ram HD also can be outfitted with plenty of luxury with heated and ventilated front, and heated rear seats. The Crew Cab’s rear seats also offer lots of room for up to three well-fed adults. And for weekends, new in-floor storage bins double as coolers.

But size usually translates to thirst, and our HEMI Ram HD was thirsty.  We managed 16.4 miles per gallon on regular gas in real-world driving. Still, a lot of light duty pickups do no better. Add the Cummins diesel and mileage approaches 20. 

Base prices for the new Ram HD range from $28,165 to a lofty $51,595.  And that’s before adding options. The 2010 Ram Heavy-Duty 2500 and 3500 are tough-looking platforms that are more capable than ever, but can also be jammed full of creature comforts. With new entries from both Ford and GM, the HD truck arena is really heating up. But for our buck, the Ram Heavy Duty is the way to work!

It’s a fun, enjoyable ride that lets you know what you’re in for right away with a nice raspy exhaust note at start up.