In the league of pick-ups there are different divisions. Vying for the super heavyweight crown are the likes of Ram’s 2500, big on every scale.
Under the enormous expanse of a bonnet is an engine where each cylinder has more than a litre of capacity, the 6.7-litre inline six Cummins churning out 276kW and a mammoth 1084Nm at a lazy 1600rpm.
While the 2500 may weigh over 3500kg, it can sure move with all those Newtons coursing through the driveline, taking just 8.7sec to register 100km/h. In fact, it takes longer to start up in the morning, the preheating phase requiring about 10 seconds. But with a remote start function, you can get this underway before you climb up on board each morning.
This ain’t the kind of truck to buy just to cruise around in, not if you’re an urban dweller at least. It really needs a job to do, preferably involving towing as that is its unique selling point.
There are three braked tow ratings listed for the 2500; 3500kg with the 50mm ball, 4500kg with a 70mm ball and with the pintle, as fitted here, it will tow a crazy 6942kg. It should be noted that with a combined mass approaching 11.5 tonnes, you’ll need the proper license for such hauling.
The 2500 doesn’t have a huge payload, listed at 913kg, as it rides on coil springs at the rear. If you need more, the 3500 has a leaf spring set-up and a payload of up to 1713kg, although the max tow is down to a piffling 6171kg.
The other big number for the Ram is its price tag, costing $169,990 as it does here, wearing the Sports Appearance pack. Normally the front end of a 2500 comes dripping in chrome but the Sport gets the new-look Ram grille in place of the old cross hair design and, along with the bumpers, it’s body coloured.
All the chrome has been banished here with the beltline, door mirrors and handles done in black, along with the badges, while the rear bumper is body coloured. Rounding off the package are black 20s with Nitto all-terrain rubber, and black side steps.
Actually, that’s not all you get, with Bilstein shockers fitted front and rear. These are said to be sports tuned but don’t ruin the ride, the 2500 fairly supple considering its immense abilities. There’s the odd bump and thump from the rear end but otherwise it rides well for such a big truck.
And it goes ok through turns as well. It’s long, so a bit lazy on the turn, but is well planted without worrying amounts of lean, though you’re always aware of its mass. And its size, especially in the confines of the city. As we said, it needs a job to do, and space to roam.
The engine is a colossus of easy torque. Unladen this gets by on minimal revs, the auto with not much to do, such is the in-gear pull.
As to fuel use, that’s conspicuously absent from the spec sheet, but this did 13.5L/100km for us. And with a 117 litre fuel tank, it’ll go some distance between fills.
