When they handed us the keys to the new 2010 Ram 3500 Laramie Crew Cab they warned us to be careful.
Apparently the new pick-up has been in the shop several times already because the local press fleet can't seem to come to grips with its substantial mass and massive size.
At just under 7000 pounds and $55,000 USD the diesel Ram 3500 certainly makes a serious impression on both the road and the wallet.
But you can look at the cost and heft of the pick up another way.
For instance…the Ram comes out to only about $8.00 per pound, whereas the all electric Tesla Roadster that we just took on THIS recent cross country trip comes in at a much more expensive $66.00 per pound. In other words, pound per dollar, you get a lot more bang for your buck from the Ram 3500.
Come to think of it the Ram might be the perfect companion vehicle to the $158,000 Tesla Roadster.
Not only does the Ram cost about a third of the Roadster, but it could probably and easily haul the Tesla in the back of the bed, and even charge it up from the Ram's 12 volt auxiliary plug. That way you'd never have to be afraid of running out of juice in the electric Roadster. Just have your staff follow you around in the Ram and bingo…no more range anxiety.
So far we've only used the Ram to haul a small motorcycle. This of course in no way put the slightest stain on the Ram's 6.7L Cummings Turbo Diesel that puts out 350 HP and a massive house pulling 650 lb ft. of torque.
We did try one fun experiment…and yes the diesel Ram will easily start form a stop in fifth gear and not even shudder.
That's what 650 lb ft. of torque means in real world driving. OK perhaps not real world, but we're pleased to report that we have yet to damage the truck…like other reporters we may know.
Look for the full review of the this big boy Ram 3500 soon.
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