2003 Dodge RAM 2500 Hemi 4x4

“Hey mister, that thing got a HEMI?” Okay so the commercial did get me thinking about testing out the RAM. But it didn’t make me buy it. The deal was made because the truck was everything I expected and then some and over the last 3 1/2 years it’s done nothing but convince me that I made the correct choice. The first thing that goes through your mind as you settle in the drivers seat is "This thing is huge" and it is. That's not a bad thing, just an impression after moving up from a classic Jeep Grand Wagonner.

The back seats are big enough for the occasional passenger and the folding feature provides plenty of undercover/lock storage space. I haven't received any comfort complaints from rear seat passengers, even after long trips.

I purchased "da hemi" in '03 in need of an upgraded snow mover and hopefully as a tow vehicle. (The Dutchmen had been sitting in storage for nearly 3 years at the time). It's heavy duty everything, trailer package, snow plow package. Upgraded cloth interior, added bedliner, rolling cover and tube steps.

In 3 1/2 years of ownership and 39,000 miles regular oil changes and service at 00 mile intervals. Only logged one visit to the dealer (bad fuel injector - under warrenty).

It's a big vehicle so parking takes planning as well as extra care on narrow lanes. On the highway solo it's a steady as a rock and smooth especially in overdrive where the tachometer shows a comfortable mid 2k range at cruise speed. The cruise control is much smoother than I expected, without jerky reactions when resuming or acceleration. It holds within a narrow range speed range on most hills.

If fuel economy is your main concern stop here and rethink your vehicle requirements. While the mileage isn't horrible it's a big truck with a big engine and it uses mid octaine fuel. When the fuel prices spike filling the big tank stings a bit. I don't like quoting mileage because of driving style and creating I can do better than that replies. 

I finally had a chance to put the tow capabilities to the test recently with 5 weekend trips around New England. I spend a bit of time with the hitch-trailer setup to make sure that I was happy with the loading. After getting the trailer back in top shape (read the details) we were ready to roll.

Over the 5 weekend span I travelled in excess of 3,000 miles, highways, secondary roads, hooked & unhooked. To sum up the overall reaction - WOW and is it time to go again.

The 30' Dutchmen is about 7000 lbs loaded on the road with about 1,000 lbs on the tounge. I followed Dodge's recommendations and turned the overdrive off even though I figured it would have been ok on the long flat stretches. I didn't want to forget and have the tranny start the frequent downshifting under load. The engine noise was a bit higher, but I'm still the kid that grew up with muscle cars so I like the throaty roar that the hemi and it's near perfectly engineered exhaust system produces.

The RAM performed well under all circumstances, Highway, city traffic, tight turns, even exceleration to highway speed was smooth and while not neck snapping, it wasn't a turtle either.

The oversize, heated tow mirrors were more than adequate, especially with the inside remote. It was easy making adjustments for backing and parking.

The big Dodge's with the Hemi are good solid performers. If your trailer & loads get much heavier you might want to consider moving up to the Cummins diesel. It's an amazing engine, reengineered for a quiet idle (no more knocking at idle). It's also a bit quieter on the road except for the unique turbine whine when you ask for quick power. 

If there is any area that Dodge has to improve on to make this series the absolute best on the road is the interior option. For some unknown reason their leather interiors look... well they look bad. For a company that's known for high quality interiors in most of the line they really take one on the chin in the HD RAMS.

Overall I'm a happy owner and give this truck a rating of 8 out of a possible 10.

I did mention that I move snow with this truck. It’s equipped with a heavy duty 8 foot Western with wings up front and a 7 1/2 foot pull plow in the back. Two years ago I plowed 5 days straight after an unusual blizzard. Equipped with the correct tires and accessories this is an awesome truck for the task.