Let’s face it, nobody — repeat, nobody — is going to buy a 22-foot long Ram 3500 as an every day commuter. So I had to get beyond the nerves associated with trying to avoid obstacles in a new 4-door crew cab that has taken the place of a quad cab for 2011 and brings along a back end made extra bulky from dual rear wheels and a new 8-foot cargo box. And yet those dual rear wheels were shielded by one of the truck’s most impressive features — sculpted fenders. The one-piece construction look is in lieu of the more common snap-on fenders. The latter’s advantage is they can be easily replaced when damaged as opposed to necessitating a trip to the body shop.
The 4-wheel drive 3500 that we drove had a robust 6.7-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder engine that produces 350 horsepower and up to 650 lbs.ft. of torque. Another engine choice is a 383-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8.
Our Laramie version of the Ram carried amenities beyond the special badging. A leather-laden cabin is accessed by a tall step-in that virtually requires the optional chrome tubular side steps. An option enhanced already heated front bucket seats with ventilation and added heat to the rear bench. The steering wheel also comes heated. There is plenty of storage, including a dual glovebox and two in-floor bins.
Parking lots aside, getting around was a little different than in a regular-sized pickup. The handling is composed and steering touch light enough, which suited my hauling needs for the week — a box of cupcakes. The Dodge Ram 3500 is made for heavy jobs but can handle lighter duties, too.
David Mikesell is a freelance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.
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