Available in three-quarter-ton (designated 2500) and one-ton (3500) models, the heavy duty variants of the 2008 Dodge Ram are equipped for serious work-oriented towing and hauling needs. The 3500 models come with dual rear wheels for increase stability while carrying heavy loads. Each one comes with a fully boxed, hydroformed frame for superior load-bearing.

The 2500 and 3500 come in single cab, Quad Cab, or Mega Cab styles, with short- and long-box variants. The Quad Cab's back doors open 85 degrees, with roll-down windows, and the optional 60/40-split folding rear seats allow for passengers or cargo. The Mega Cab model is geared toward rear-seat comfort, offering as much space in back as large SUVs would. The Mega Cab's rear seats recline, fold down, and slide forward for flexibility.

A 5.7L V8 is standard on 2500 and 3500 models; it makes 330 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, and is mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. A 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel inline six-cylinder engine is optional across the line; it makes 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of low-rev torque--ideal for towing the heaviest loads--and is mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the Heavy Duty trucks have a maximum towing capability of 16,850 pounds.

The turbodiesel incorporates a number of technologies to improve fuel efficiency and emissions, including a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a variable-geometry turbocharger, self-cleaning particulate filter, and oxidation catalyst.

The heavy duty trucks come either with rear-wheel drive or with two 4x4 transfer cases. ST models have a traditional manual shift transfer case, while other models have an electronically controlled one with shift-on-the-fly capability.

Two-wheel-drive HD Rams have an independent, double-wishbone front suspension, while four-wheel-drive models get a rigid-beam front axle. In back there's a heavy-duty solid axle, along with a Hotchkiss design that includes leaf springs for stability during heavy-hauling.

At the top of the line are two specialized off-road models. The Power Wagon gets off-road equipment including electric-locking front and rear differentials, an electonic-disconnecting sway bar, 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires, and a 12,000-pound Warn winch. The TRX4 Off-Road model instead adds skid plates, a limited-slip differential, off-road tires, red-painted shocks, tow hooks, fog lamps, and badging.

Major non-work-specific options include side supplemental air bags, leather-trimmed bucket seats, a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system (Quad Cab), a power-sliding rear window, and the UConnect hands-free communication interface.

Wide Range Of Configurations

Towing And Hauling Ability Good For Hard Commercial Duty

Available Cummins Turbodiesel.

For Dodge's 2008 heavy duty Ram Mega Cab, there's a new SXT model that provides several additional features when compared with the base ST--such as power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control, and remote keyless entry--at a price that's significantly lower than the top-of-the-line Laramie.
Also, on the 2500, a 7"x10" trailer-towing mirror is now standard, and an electric-shift transfer case is now standard on 4x4 SLT and Laramie models.

And when equipped with the Cummins 6.7L turbodiesel engine, which was introduced in 2007, the Ram heavy duty meets federal emissions standards for 2010, now that it's fitted with a diesel particulate filter and adsorber catalyst.

The torquey Cummins turbodiesel engine that's optional on the 2008 Dodge Ram heavy duty models makes it one of the best choices for those who have to tow the heaviest loads, such as long campers or horse trailers. Dodge also says that the standard 5.7L V8 provides best-in-class acceleration and towing capability compared with competing gasoline heavy-duty pickups.