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Dec 08, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Can-do Ram pickup will boost your popularity

Friends will call on the trusty diesel with opulent trim

Gaining access to a truck while living in a city is like striking gold. Everyone is excited for you, but everyone also wants a portion of the fortune.

I noticed that I became significantly more popular when word got out that a 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Crew Cab Laramie Edition truck was in my driveway. That’s not to say my ranking on the popularity scale is low, but additional points are always welcome. My phone rang often with people saying, “So, I heard you have a truck. I was wondering if you could help me … .” My answer was always yes — why not put a truck of this size to the test and help others along the way? It was my pleasure.

That said, the 2500′s size is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because the Crew Cab configuration is spacious and comfortable. Plus, there are some excellent features inside like the optional 6.5-inch touch screen GPS navigation system; a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with mounted audio controls; a great stereo system and more.

Addi t iona l ly, t hr e e average-sized adults fit in the rear seats, with ample head-and legroom. Also a boon is the long bed, which is great for hauling larger items such as ladders, plywood and furniture.

But add the Crew Cab to the long bed for a total length of 6.6 metres, and the curse comes into play, especially in the city. When driving the full-sized pickup, the streets seem crowded and narrow, and finding a parking spot can be difficult.

The Ram 2500 is relatively quiet, whether driving around in stop-and-go traffic or cruising on the highway. The sound-deadening materials used to muffle the noise from the optional 6.7-litre Cummins Turbo Diesel engine did a bang-up job. The 350-horsepower truck also runs relatively quietly when you are standing outside the vehicle.

Nor is it sooty and fumy like diesel engines of old. In fact, this truck, with up to 650 pound-feet of torque, is the only heavy-duty diesel pickup on the market that does not require a diesel exhaust fluid, such as a urea-based additive, to meet Canadian emissions standards.

Having experienced Dodge products such as the Caliber, Avenger and Journey, I didn’t expect much of the Ram’s interior. The textures that drape the dashes of those vehicles, even on the top-of-the-line models, are typically unflattering. However, when I hoisted myself into the Ram’s newly redesigned cabin, I was floored. I almost didn’t believe my eyes. Soft-touch materials? Wood-grain trim? Contrasting stitching and colours? It couldn’t be.

Granted, it was the top-of-the-line Laramie trim, but the interior was better than I expected. One less impressive feature of the cabin — the only unimpressive feature, in fact — was the Uconnect hands-free phone system. It cut out on me mid-conversation numerous times, and I wasn’t thrilled. I was willing to turn a blind eye the first couple of times it happened, but it didn’t stop. I tried to blame my phone, but this problem has never occurred with any other vehicle’s hands-free system. Hopefully, this was an isolated case.

All my good deeds of helping others out didn’t go unnoticed. My fuel bill was the evidence. Even when linked with the efficient six-speed automatic transmission, the Turbo Diesel engine drank its fair share of fuel, and then some.

This particular Ram came equipped with the 4×4 system to give it the “go anywhere it can fit” option. There was also a built-in trailer brake controller, a two-inch receiver hitch with four-and seven-pin trailer connectors, and an exhaust brake, making it an extremely convenient hauler.

With all the extras, the MSRP of this Ram came to $70,165, including destination. Stripped down, the Ram 2500 HD Laramie 4×4 trim with the 6.7L engine is $52,395.

Overall, the 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 4×4 Laramie can be commended for its well-manicured interior, great ride quality and friend-making abilities. And if friend-making is a priority for you but a truck isn’t, might I suggest the Challenger.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com

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Oct 22, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Dodge Ram done right 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4

A Ram with a Cummins Turbo Diesel isn’t uncommon in Saskatchewan and the distinctive Ram grille is one that has been in just about everyone’s rear view mirror.

Dodge decided that when they re-did the Ram, those two items would remain. They were the main identifiers of the brand, so to speak.

The new body looks similar to the previous generation, but is subtly different. Proportions on the front grille and in the fender as they come out from the hood are just a bit better balanced than before. The “RAM Tough” look is still there, but with a more mature, confident stance.

Crew Cab is also new for 2010. We, as the public, may have referred to the four-door versions as crew cabs, but Ram had other names for them in the past like Quad Cab and Mega Cab. Let me assure you that the rear doors are still large and open wide. With two large doors and an eight-foot box, there is enough space on any one side of the truck to make any graphics company drool with the thought of decaling it up for someone’s company.

As a 4×4, the chrome side steps that Ram considers an option should be standard equipment. There is no way to clean bugs off the front window or get in the truck without using these side rails. If you had to, you could probably grab the handle on the door post and lift yourself in, but that would limit the use of the truck to work only and in Laramie Trim, this is much too nice a truck just to show it off at the job site.

The outside has just the right amount of chrome to give it a dressed-up look and the wheels are shiny enough to make them stand out so the truck looks awesome. Even better is the fact that all surfaces are sealed so if you start off life with a good clean and wax, a quick trip to the car wash will get the mud, bugs and grit off without marking up a thing.

In the back bed, my Ram came with a bed liner (again, optional at extra cost) complete with caps on the sides and tailgate to prevent damage.

I gave the liner a good work out, cleaning Castle Renny out and making several trips to recycling and then on to the dump. My two complaints about the bed and liner can be solved easily, but I never took the time.

Complaint No. 1 was that the stake holes in the bed are covered off by the liner so that I couldn’t use them to tie off the load before heading out. Complaint No. 2 is that the hoops welded into the truck bed were down low within a couple of centimetres of the bed floor. Unless I tied off my securing lines before loading, these were useless for securing my loads too. If I had a couple of dirt bikes or such in the back, these hooks would have been ideally located, so it isn’t all one way for use.

My only other problem with the Ram was that I couldn’t work the Cummins hard enough to know if I had all 300 horsepower and 650 lb./ft. of torque on line. Coming off a traffic light or getting up to highway speed being loaded or empty didn’t seem to make a difference. The truck seems a bit slow off the start as the turbo spools up, but I know that Ram engineers did that on purpose to prevent the destruction of the new six-speed automatic and other drive-line components when fully loaded.

The Cummins diesel package rates an article all by itself, but the abridged version is that it is the first medium-duty diesel to come with an engine exhaust brake as standard equipment. Add to the fact the engine meets all emissions standards while providing improved fuel economy (the new six-speed automatic helps out) and the package is well worth the $9,200 price tag that Ram puts on it.

Getting back into the truck after emptying it out was like getting onto a masseuse’s table. My aches and pains disappeared. My Ram had heated (not tested) and cooled (used every time I got in) front bucket seats. Between using the power adjusters to get comfortable and the large power towing package mirrors on the outside, driving was like being in one giant armchair. The wide centre console/portable office space still has a couple of cup holders that seem to be able to hold just about any size of Tim’s coffee you buy.

If hauling people as well as cargo is in your plans, the rear seat is comfortable for three full-sized adults. They may not call it a “Mega Cab” any more but I’m sure kids could hold their whole birthday party in the back and have room left over.

Ram got this truck right. The interior is well thought out, the electronics provide useful information and the option packages are well organized.

If you are looking for a new medium duty 2500/3500 series truck, the new Ram is a must-drive.

AT A GLANCE:

- Configuration: Medium Duty, Crew Cab, Long-box pickup truck.

- Engine: 6.7-litre, six-cylinder, 24-valve, turbodiesel with exhaust brake that puts out 350 hp and 650 lb./ft. of torque with the six-speed automatic; 610 lb./ft. of torque with a manual transmission.

- Transmission: Six-speed automatic with two speed transfer case for the 4×4 shift-on-the-fly system.

- Fuel: 2500 Series trucks and larger have yet to be rated by Transport Canada.

- Suspension: Front; Five-link, coil spring, gas shock system with solid front axle. Rear; semi-elliptical leaf spring with gas shocks and a solid rear axle.

- Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS.

- Safety: Dual front, side impact and side curtain airbags are standard. ABS brakes are Standard. Tire pressure monitoring system is standard. Keyless remote entry is standard on Laramie. Child-proof rear door locks are standard. LATCH system of anchoring child seats in the rear is standard.

- Special features/options: Dual zone climate control is available. Power adjustable foot pedals are available. Front seats and steering wheel are electrically heated. Universal garage door opener is standard. Skid plates are available. Optional media centre has 30-gig hard drive and comes with Sat/Nav. Diesel package includes an upgrade to an 11.5-inch rear axle. Remote start and winter fronts are available. Integrated brake controller with sway control is available.

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/

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Aug 16, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

2010 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Big Horn 4×4 “The Right Size Pickup Truck”

The new 2010 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab pickup truck comes with bold Dodge styling, the most horsepower its class, with the versatility and capability for work or any type of lifestyle.

Production numbers for pickup trucks continue to lead in all segments because they are the perfect work or play vehicle, and come in compact and full-size. The Dakota is a compact pickup with the most power, (302hp), most towing capacity (7,250lbs. with the V8), most interior room, (30cu.ft. Extended/37.1cu.ft. crew cab), and the longest cargo box, (6ft.6in. extended cab), in the segment. As the leader in these four important areas is what makes the Dakota so appealing to so many pickup consumers.

For 2010, Dodge Dakota adds new Tokico gas-charged shock modules and Arvin rear springs for improved ride quality and handling prowess, plus new exterior colors.

The Dakota is offered in two body styles, extended and crew cab, with a boldly styled hood, cross-haired grille similar to the Ram, a front fascia trimmed with brushed aluminum, flared fenders and powerful halogen headlamps. The extended cab features full-swing-out rear access doors that open nearly 170-degrees. Dakota also offers an available rear spoiler, cargo-box top protection and utility rail/tie-down system.

The Dakota comes standard with a 3.7 liter Magnum V6 engine that generates 210hp at 5,200rpm and 235lb.ft. of torque at 4,000rpm. The available 4.7 liter V8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder, like the 5.7 liter HEMI V8, which includes increased compression ratio, 9.0:1, improved cylinder head port flow and combustion system. It puts out 302hp 5,650rpm and 329lb.ft. of torque at 3,950rpm. The V8 is also equipped with electronic throttle control and is E85 compatible. The 3.7 liter Magnum V6 is backed by a standard four-speed automatic with OD, while a five-speed automatic OD transmission is standard on V8 equipped models.

With new Tokico coilovers up front for even sharper and quicker cornering, Dodge matches the high-performance with a great power-assisted rack & pinion steering system. The steering wheel always felt right in my hands with great feedback from the road and almost instantaneous response to my inputs. The Dakota is no sports truck but getting around slower city traffic, freeway entry and parking lot maneuvering is easy.

If you need the enhanced ability of four-wheel-drive, Dodge offers an easy to use shift-on-the-fly 4X4 transfer case with a large switch to the left of the center console with neutral, 2WD, locked 4WD High and locked 4WD Low. It couldn’t be easier when going off-road.

Quickly and safely slowing the Dakota extended cab 4X4 down from speed are big, power-assisted, 12.2in. vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers up front, and 11.6 drum brakes in the rear. Keeping you in control during severe braking maneuvers are standard ABS and electronic brake force distribution.

My extended cab Dakota Big Horn 4X4 test model rode on 18X8in. alloy wheels wrapped with Goodyear 265/65R18in. Wrangler tires for great on-road/off-road capability.

Also new this year inside is a clever under-seat storage system in the Dakota Crew Cab-a first for Dodge Dakota-that includes the unique Crate ‘N Go’ collapsible and removable cargo management system. Additional storage options are provided throughout the interior including a storage bin above the glove box, a center console incorporating three cupholders with modular insert with a pull-out bin specifically designed to hold electronics such as an MP3 player, (which may be plugged into Dakota’s audio systems),

Or cell phone (Uconnect phone available). In the cargo box available built-in utility rails make cargo box tie-downs infinitely adjustable, and the dual-position tailgate may be secured in a mid-position, which provides support for extra-wide or extra-long cargo. Inside or out, Dakota has your personal or professional storage needs taken care of.

Standard equipment in my test model not mentioned above included cruise-control, power windows/door locks, trip computer, cruise-control, remote keyless entry, power accessory delay, variable intermittent wipers/washer, media center/AM-FM-CD radio with four-speakers, fixed glass rear window with defogger, AC/heater, leather wrapped/tilting steering wheel, white-faced instrument cluster with a black bezel, storage slots in each of the four doors, dual sunvisors, dual map lamps, power-remote sideview mirrors, thick cut-pile carpeting and grab handles at each ‘A’ pillar.

My test Dakota came with these options: brushed aluminum fascia/headlamp trim, remote start, full-swing out rear doors, sentry key theft-deterrent system, Media Center 6-CD/DVD/MP3/Satelitte radio, 275-watt amp with six-Alpine speakers, steering wheel audio buttons, tilt/leather-wrapped steering wheel, front/rear floor mats, foglamps, pickup box utility rails, HD service group, HD engine cooling, auxiliary transmission oil cooler, 6X9in. fold-away sideview mirrors, 7-pin wiring harness, under the rail box bedliner, anti-spin rear axle differential, 3.92 axle ratio, 6-way drivers’ seat with manual lumber support, engine block heater, and 18X8in. alloy wheels.

Standard safety systems include advanced multi-stage front airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, side-impact front airbags, side-curtain airbags for all outboard seats, 3-point safety belts with load limiters/pretensioners up front, front and rear crush zones and steel beams in each door.

The 2010 Dodge Dakota extended cab Big Horn 4X4 pickup is boldly styled in the Dodge Ram tradition, has plenty of power for business or personal use, handles very well in everyday use, and features an interior with all of the convenience and comfort found in a mid-size sedan. The base price of my test Dakota is $27,880.00 and the price of it nicely loaded is $34,040.00 including destination charges.

http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/