2009 Dodge Ram: Man, We're Going to Need a Bigger Toilet

A couple questions relating to the bed of the truck. Can you get a bed liner of any kind and not disrupt the cargo management? Also, when you unlock the truck are the RamBox bays open or do you need a key?

Lets hope that the folk that drive it remember its a pickup and spare us the "this thing is huge, I cant even park it in LA and the Fit is much better for these situations" comments. Perhaps only those who actually want to use the space, cargo capacity and hp should actually spend time driving this thing.

a nitpick... but would not it have been better, and provided a softer ride, to put the boxes up by the cabin-end of the bed? the adjustable cargo divider is pretty neat.

Nice choice on the Inferno Red color. My '08 Jeep Patriot Limited is that color, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm glad you guys got a truck. I'd like to learn more about the RamBoxes.

I demand that the radio pre-sets be set to country music!

Very... interesting. I wonder how many times the IL crew will get flipped off by Prius drivers. Should we start a pool? Of course, the Ram could run over one and not even notice it. That would be a fun test, don't you think?

I'm not sure that I would have passed on the 32 gallon tank option. This monster needs as much fuel capacity as possible.

How wide is the bed? I know it's relatively short, but can it at least hold a 4' wide sheet a plywood flat? I know abt 3feet of a 4x8 would be sticking out the back, but that's a minor deal for a short trip home from the lumber yard.

I purchased one of these in March as the third family vehicle, replacing a Pathfinder. I don't have the Ram box or sunroof, but it has everything else. So far I have managed 14mpg, and I am convinced it is the nicest and easiest truck to drive. My wife even likes it! So I look forward to all of the comments about it. One complaint would be having the 3000K service also include turning down the front rotors for brake vibrations.

Nice to hear about a new vehicle. I'm not a truck person, but some more variety in the blogs is much appreciated.

While I have little need for a full size pick up (my 5x8 utility trailer covers any occasional hauling needs nicely) it's good to see it in the long term fleet.

It's so different from the rest of the fleet that it should be interesting to read the comments it generates.

I would have got the 32 gallon tank too. Hurts a little more at fill up time but you don't have do it nearly as often.

Awesome truck. Give me coil springs I can use every day over a little extra towing capacity 99% of people will never use.

$50k? Really? And you left off some options?

Good lord... I'm not saying it's a bad truck but are they all this expensive?

vacagrande

Yes and no

All the big three trucks are roughly the same price. They can absurdly expensive (more then this is you get the 3/4 tonne diesels versions) or they can be quite affordable.

The car makers make huge profit on the option packages so if you don't mind the more sensible SLT package and cloth seats, you can save enough to buy a small car to drive when gas prices pass $4.00/ gallon again.

I'm surprised kissel hasn't chimed in yet.

Loves me some trucks, but my $500 utility trailer + '00 Wrangler handles 90% the hauling duties I'd need one for.

Does this mean I can tell the wife I've got $49500 to spend on other toys?

bankerdanny, it's wide enough to handle 4' wide paneling flat on the bed floor.

This is a good addition, lets keep it up by adding Camaro, Fusion, SHO, Equinox, etc. Lets try to add at least 4 consecutive non BMWs before the X6 comes on board.

Very cool truck, I'm looking forward to this one. I like your choice of options, both what you included and what you left off - with a couple of exceptions. First, I'd prefer a front bench for the extra seating capacity in a pinch. And I definitely would have gotten the 32-gallon fuel tank. Especially considering that you plan to tow with it often. I would not want to take a long road trip with a 200-mile cruising range.

I predict that this, like all other IL fleet pickups, will accumulate 3,000 miles a month, despite constant griping about its size, price, and fuel economy. To the editors: Keep the posts relevant and neutral. Don't preach about what I "don't need" when your "city car" spends five nights a week abandoned in the Santa Monica parking garage. :)

A truck is definitely a good addition to the fleet, as it was a little short on pure utility, but this exact model is not the best match for that need. I know the manufacturer provided this to you, but this costs almost as much as the high-priced European performance cars you've adding non-stop recently. This does absolutely nothing to improve the percentage of vehicles in the fleet that the average person could actually afford. And given the way the truck market has changed, isn't this a bit out of sync with the times? It seems to me that they days of the massive truck as a luxury vehicle are over, and the idea of a truck as a utility vehicle are back. I would have definitely preferred the options to be limited to things that enhance its function as a hauler of large loads.

I have the SLT version. I'd like to hear how IL likes the tranny on steep uphill highway's like the Grapevine or if they find the tranny holds the gear too long before downshifting when accelerating like mine does. My LSD chirps the tires taking turns, even slowly, so I wonder if their Laramie will do the same.

I wish the 32 gallon tank was standard. I wish the power sliding rear window was optional and a solid rear window with a defroster was standard. Unless one smokes, the power rear window is pretty much useless. Overall, IL will probably really like the truck, but beware of the Goodyear HP's in wet weather. Mine are like slicks.

The best option on the 2009 Ram no one talks about is the U-Connect bluetooth for connectivity with a bluetooth phone. The bluetooth turns off the radio when an incoming call arrives and puts the call through the radio speakers. This is a great option, especially here in California where handsfree cell phone usage is required.

Last, I hope IL runs the Laramie in auto-4wd. I'd like to hear how it hooks up when the going gets nasty and how it holds up with everyday use.

I've always liked the Dodge Ram 1500 Series though I wouldn't own one due to my current living conditions. Being in the middle of downtown with an oversized truck on the narrow streets of Seattle isn't the best choice for me. I'd opt for something a bit smaller like the Dodge Dakota.

"To the editors: Keep the posts relevant and neutral."

I like your optimism but pickups just arent as nimble as subcompacts and we will likely hear that MANY times over the next year. Oh yes, and the high cost will be harped on endlessly as in "this thing costs more than a 335i and yet handles like a pig. Why would I buy this instead?". Watch.

I'll enjoy reading about this truck; I'm interested to see how practical it is for day-to-day use. That said, when I have $50,000 in my vehicle budget I'll buy a cheap cargo trailer to tow behind the X3 and Wrangler and use the remainder to buy the LeMans Blue M Sport 335i at my local dealer.

Next up...a FORESTER, PLEASE.
This is a nice truck, though, and the best example of what Chrysler still does right (innovation and that HEMI engine). I can't believe the same car company sells this and the Avenger/Caliber/Compass/Sebring, etc.

Still, this thing seems way too expensive, and for $50k I'd rather have a Sierra Denali. If I actually needed a truck to use as a truck, I'd buy a Tundra with the 5.7 and keep the price near $30,000. Trucks are supposed to be workhorses, so one at this price seems ridiculous to me. I'll spend my 50k elsewhere, or buy a $30k Tundra CrewMax 5.7 without the unnecessary goodies and spend the extra 20k on a loaded and gently-used Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring.

I just read the intro for this truck and in the list of questions, you forgot to include the one right out of the Chevy Silverado commercial: "Would you rather have a Dodge Ram with a heated steering wheel or a Silverado with an EPA estimated 21 highway?" Maybe you can answer this along with the other questions from the intro.

The most irrelevant vehicle for the times, from the most irrelevant carmaker in the U.S.

Nice job, guys. I guess you couldn't find a Grand Marquis.

I guess I'll jump in and defend IL, because every time they've had a pickup truck in the fleet in the past, they took advantage of the truck's utility, and limited their commentary to reporting on the vehicle's strengths and weaknesses *as a truck*.

If I needed a pickup, the Ram would be a compelling choice thanks to the amenities and those coil springs, but I'd pick a Ford if I were concerned about mileage or towing (built-in trailer sway control > Hemi).

That's been one of the bigger knocks against this truck so far. That being said, I've seen people stuff an incredible array of things in those boxes.

The Ram is a compelling choice, but I'd also choose the Ford. I've found their "man-step" system to be surprisingly good, a bonus to a well-rounded, very capable half-ton. That being said, I wouldn't buy a half ton anyways.
350 Powerstroke Diesel/3500 Allison Duramax singles(not duallies) FTW.

From Edmunds itself:

http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2008/06/endless-dodge-rambox-marketing-possibilities.html

stephen987 wrote: "The most irrelevant vehicle for the times, from the most irrelevant carmaker in the U.S."

Guess what was the #1 selling car in June 2009 in America...The Ford F-150. Nearly 10,000 more cars sold than the #2 Toyota Camry. #3 was the Chevy Silverado.

It makes sense for Dodge and other manufacturers to make trucks that can compete with Ford and Chevy simply because there's a huge market for them in the States.

Sure, you can buy more fuel efficient cars as a daily commuter and you can buy a sports car that's more fun to drive. But none of these has the utility and versatility of a Truck or SUV.

In defense for this vehicle, yes, it is expensive, however, IL will conduct tests and reviews of many of the features that makes this vehicle so expensive. So, if you choose to buy a Ram you will know whats good and not so good for options. Also, I looked at local dealerships and they are discounting Rams 10k.

Was the actual purchase price $50K or was that the sticker price? I know its a lot of truck but Jesus!

I am sure that is sticker, which if anyone pays sticker for a dodge pickup in this economy they are beyond stupid. Also, a lot of the vehicles they test or other car magazines are probably given to them by the auto manufacturer.

If you pay sticker for any pick up these days then you haven't been doing your research.

The 2010 Dodge is all new though and you won't get the $10K discount that you can get on a 2009.

2009 is all new, thats the truck we are talking about and yes they have them discounted 10 at the dealership near me

Wait until the Chosen One's CAFE regs are fully implemented. $100,000 V8 pickups, anyone?

spen1818

Turns out you're right. The all new 2010 Ram I saw on their web site was the HD version.

If you want a full size, it's a great time to buy. As the economy improves over the next year, the killer deals will disappear.

The acceleration may be better with the 5.7L V8 and 3.92 ring & pinion, but the 4.7L FlexFuel V8 and 3.55 ratio may give somewhat better MPG's. Also, while the Ford and Chevy 1/2 ton's offer a "fuel economy" package, they aren't offered with four wheel drive. Ford and Chevy use the 4.6L V8 and 5.3L FlexFuel V8 respectively with 6-speed auto's and 3.15 and 3.08 ring & pinions. Of course with a taller rear end, acceleration is decreased while the engine turns at a lower RPM while cruising on the highway.

stovt001 - which would be better? $50k on a truck that is loaded so IL can review most everything on tap, or its $30k sister that you (assuming you're in the market) would actually buy?

I think the $50k makes more sense as there is more to review. Thank God it wasn't an X6.