2009 Dodge Ram 1500: Dog Approved

For some of us, comfortable accommodation of two Golden Retrievers (medium-sized, extra-goofy) is a primary requirement for any vehicle we're going to take on the road. Happily, our Dodge Ram easily meets that standard. With just a sheet tossed over the back seat and floor to contain the shedding, it had Callie and Tequila sleeping soundly through back-to-back-to-back three-hour, 200-mile stints this weekend.  

If it did nothing else, the Ram would already be a winner for me.

But of course, it does a lot more. Its human passengers are just as comfy in front, thanks to well cushioned seats that sit at natural chair height. And the smooth freeway ride helps make a nine-hour trip tolerable. The thing even steers nicely for its size, and corners willingly

I've become a big fan of the Ram boxes in the bed sides, with their ability to accept all the gear you'd rather not leave out in the open, -- a power drill, and some kitchen appliances in this case-- but also don't want fighting the dogs for space in the back seat. Yes, the boxes squeeze bed space a bit, but I don't find that objectionable.

On our northbound leg, we got 15-16 miles per gallon at a sustained 75-ish on I-5.  Not at all bad, given the truck's size and mass. Coming back, Mother Nature provided a welcome boost in the form of a persistent and powerful tail wind. A dip in the jet stream put a strong southerly flow over most of the west coast that day, and with a load only slightly lighter, and at the same speed on the same route, we got 18-19 mpg coming home. 

We didn't buy extra kibble with the money we saved on gas, but we could have.

Kevin Smith, Editorial Director @ 12,579 miles

Categories: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500