Looking for a true workhorse? Look no further than the Ram 2500. This big heavy-duty (HD) truck enjoys the same improvements that the Ram 1500 benefited from over the last few years. Namely, the coil-spring rear suspension delivers a ride that is a bit more civilized than those of competing heavy-duty trucks. The Ram also benefits from an easy-to-use infotainment system.
Most HD buyers are likely to opt for the torque-rich 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six-cylinder engine instead of Chrysler's powerful 383-hp, 5.7-liter V8. This strong-pulling diesel is a bit noisy with some engine clatter, however. And, it's a different, more heavy-duty truck engine than the passenger-car oriented diesel engine offered on the Ram 1500. At any rate, our Cummins-equipped Ram delivered stump-pulling torque and was able to sprint the Ram 2500 to 60 mph in less than 9 seconds. We also measured 14 mpg overall -- about on par with other HD trucks.
When properly equipped, the Ram lends itself easily to fifth-wheel towing (hooking up a heavy trailer directly to the frame through the bed), and it can be outfitted with a snow-plow preparation kit. Towing was no problem; you also get an assist with decelerating when carrying a load with built-in exhaust brakes (commonly referred to as "Jake brakes") that kick in extra engine braking.
We didn't care so much for the side mirrors. The convex portion is too distorted, and they require readjusting every time you extend them for towing mode.
Our testers needed adjusting to contend with the six-speed automatic transmission; it is no model of smoothness, practically making you feel every shift. It makes the engine bog and chug occasionally, but it got better when towing, particularly in "tow mode," which seemed to snap the powertrain to attention.
To the Ram's credit, the ride suffers less from the stiff and snappy nature of typical HD trucks. Instead, the Ram 2500 feels more comfortable and controlled. Handling is not agile, but ultimately secure -- again, typical for the breed. Parking isn't easy given the height and length of this beast.
We appreciated the Laramie trim level cabin, which makes it a decent mobile office space. Leather seats, heated steering wheel and other upscale touches make everyday use easy. But the interior's finer details are still a bit on the cheap side. Getting in and out of this very tall rig might require a ladder for some.
The crew-cab is very roomy with a generous rear seat and a cabin full of handy compartments. The controls are easy to use, particularly the UConnect touch screen that's clearly labelled and quick to respond to commands.
We also loved the cargo-area camera -- we highly recommend it. You can get two rear cameras: one for backing up, another for monitoring what's sitting in the bed. With such a gigantic truck, you can use all the help you can get.
Note that even though the Ram Box in-bed storage compartments are neatly designed and add convenient lockable storage, make sure they don't reduce cargo room or the towing or payload capacity you might need.