A subtle change to the revamped 2010 Dodge RAM Heavy Duty (HD) pickup was the almost complete absence of the Dodge nameplate.

There was a time when Dodge was embossed in huge letters across the tailgate and it would soon disappear completely, as “RAM” became dominant.

The Crew Cab body was a new addition to the HD truck line of RAM, which was also offered in Regular Cab and Mega Cab body styles and in five trim levels; ST, SXT, SLT, TRX and LaRAMie. The cab choices could also be matched to 1.9 m (6-ft, 4-inch) or 2.4 m (8 ft) cargo boxes with three matching wheelbases plus a huge selection of stand-alone options.

Another important 2010 change was the re-introduction of the renowned Cummings Diesel engine option. The addition of particulate scrubbing emission equipment had made the big in-line turbo diesel legal once again in both the US and Canada. This engine offers phenomenal pulling power in addition to fuel-economy and a longer driving range benefits.

The 2010 RAM HD also joined GM and Ford in offering an integrated trailer hitch and a trailer brake controller. A nice added feature is that the brake action appears on the instrument panel as a bar graph. This makes it easier for a driver to monitor and adjust controller settings.

The 2010’s towing and hauling capability numbers are also up and rated to pull up to 7,983 kg (17,600 lb) and it carries 2,336 kg (5,150 lb) of payload, depending on how it’s equipped. The front axle load carrying ability of 4WD models had also been increased to 2,495 kg (5,500 lb), which meant you could attach an even bigger snowplow.

The standard engine is a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 that can supply 383 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The optional 6.7-litre Cummins inline six-cylinder Turbo Diesel can supply 350 horsepower and a whopping 650 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated with either a six-speed manual (with an ultra-low first gear) or six-speed automatic with a feature that allows the driver to manually limit its highest gear and a tow/haul mode.

The Cummings is a truck diesel that makes customary diesel engine noses, so it’s far from quiet, especially when you start it up cold. The clatter isn’t so bad when you’re inside the cab, with the windows up, but your neighbours may not appreciate the early morning din. And when you get up to cruising speed on the highway, it’s barely noticeable.

Other new features available on RAM HD include an electric shift-on-the-fly 4×4 transfer case, a back-up camera that makes trailer hook-ups easier and a monitor that provides a variety of vehicle information. The cab rides on a new C-pillar positioned hydraulic body mounts and there were suspension upgrades plus larger front axle U-joints.

Changes for 2011 were minimal, but did include a tire pressure monitoring system and the LaRAMie trim got standard trailer brake control. In 2012, the HD got a six-speed automatic transmission and a RAMBox storage system was expanded to the 6-foot-4 bed. The base engine’s towing capability was also increased by 2,000 lbs, thanks to a new 4.10 ratio rear end.

Big, brash and brawny, the revamped heavy-duty (Dodge) RAM 2500/3500 was reunited with a cleaner, yet more powerful, Cummings Diesel… a match made in truck heaven.

Price Check – 2010 – 2012 Dodge RAM 2500 (November 2013)

Year                    Edition                                                 Expect to Pay Today

2010                  SLT 4×4                                                     $24,000 to $28,000

2011                  SLT 4×4                                                     $29,000 to $34,000

2012                  SLT 4×4                                                     $35,000 to $40,000

Prices vary depending on a used vehicle’s condition, mileage, usage and history. A complete mechanical check should always be performed by a reliable auto technician prior to purchase.

*Recalls on the 2010 to 2012 Dodge RAM:

2009/2010 – The brake booster input rod may have been installed without a retaining clip and could separate from the assembly, which would lead to a loss of brakes. Dealers will install or replace the retaining clips.

2010 – Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may have a faulty Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) module that may allow the ignition key to be removed prior to placing the shifter in PARK. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the WIN module.

2010 – An improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit brake tube assembly end-flare that could lead to a loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance. Dealers will replace the suspect brake tubes.

2010 – In vehicles equipped with the diesel engine and the hydroboost brake system, the power steering reservoir cap may have excessive vent pressure levels, which could result in a brake pedal that is slow to return once depressed. Dealers will replace the power steering reservoir cap.

2008 to 2011 – On certain RAM 2500 and 3500 4×4, RAM 3500 cab chassis 4×2 and 4×4, and 2008 RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4×4 vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud could fracture. This condition tends to occur when making a tight turn during low speed parking lot type maneuvers. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the left outer tie rod end.

2009/2010 -–The rear axle pinion nut could loosen and allow the rear driveshaft to detach from the axle, or fully detach from the vehicle. Dealers will install a pinion nut retainer.

Email: bob [dot] mchugh [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca