2010 Dodge Ram HD vs 2010 Ford Superduty

2010 Dodge Ram HD

The heavy-duty Ram's frame is all new for 2010. The new Ram HD gets a more aerodynamic exterior and all-new interior, which is shared with the Ram 1500. The front axle and suspension have been strengthened. New hydraulic body mounts under the cabin are said to smooth out freeway bumps. A new four-door crew cab with bigger back doors and more rear passenger space replaces the previous, smaller four-door Quad Cab. A new 8-foot cargo box option should make the crew cab Ram HD an attractive choice for fifth-wheel towing.

Ram HD Power

The Ram HD is powered by the mighty 6.7-liter Cummins six-cylinder diesel, along with Hemi V-8 powertrain. The Hemi-powered Power Wagon off-road version of the Ram HD is the only Ram HD with a 4.56 rear axle and locking front and rear differentials. Transmission is a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include dual front airbags, curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes.

Design of the Heavy Duty Ram

The 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 offers bold all-new styling with an aggressive "grille-forward" design. Ram heavy-duty pickups share headlamps and fenders with the 1500, but the grille is bigger to keep the engine cool while towing big trailers, and the hood is different to make room for the Cummins diesel. The single-piece chrome bumper wraps around the front fenders to give it a modern look and improved aerodynamics to help gas mileage. The new Ram's look clean and modern, but if they're dinged or damaged they'll require bodywork instead of replacements. Regular cab and Mega Cab models continue for 2010. The external rearview mirrors have been revised to better facilitate towing. They can be pivoted horizontally or vertically, depending on trailer size, and the mirrors are larger and convex to improve visibility. Turn signals are integrated.

2010 Ram HD Cabin

The new Ram HD cabin features all the high-quality materials and ergonomic and electronic options the Ram 1500 has and it adds a new integrated trailer brake controller, similar to what Ford and GM offer in their heavy-duty pickups. The brake controller eliminates the need for an aftermarket kit to control a trailer's electric brakes for improved towing control. Buyers who tow long distances will appreciate the Ram's seating improvements, which include better ergonomics and comfort. The seats can be equipped with heat and ventilation for the driver and front passenger. Rear-seat heating is also optional, as is a heated steering wheel. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors, and a rear backup camera are available. Electronic and infotainment choices include a multimedia system with 30-gigabyte hard drive, navigation system, SIRIUS Backseat TV, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

2010 Ford Superduty

The Super Duty is known as one of the toughest and most versatile trucks on the market. However, it lacks any significant updates for 2010. The Super Duty is available in regular cab, SuperCab and crew cab in either 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain. The trim designations have been changed slightly for 2010: The FX4 off-road package is available for the XL, XLT and Lariat trims. The new Cabela's trim incorporates the FX4 package and adds Cabela's embroidery, decals and other features. The Cabela's special edition pickup is based on the off-road-inspired FX4 trim. Ford says more than 75 percent of F-Series owners hunt or fish, so the Cabela's package is designed to appeal to those likely to shop at the outfitter. There are interior materials unique to the package and additional lockable storage for firearms. The Harley-Davidson edition returns on the F-450 model. This Harley is easy to spot, with large blue flame decals coming from the side vents.

Ford Superduty Power

The Ford Superduty is powered by choice of three engines, which include a 5.4-liter 300-hp Triton V8 with 365 lb.-ft. of torque. A 362-hp Triton V10 with 457 lb.-ft of torque or a 350-hp twin-turbo 6.4 liter V8 Powerstroke diesel with 650 lb.-ft. of torque. Two available transmissions include a six-speed manual transmission or a TorqShift five-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul model. A properly equipped F-250 can carry 3,200 pounds and tow more than 16,000 pounds. The F-350 goes up to 5,700 and 18,400 pounds, respectively. The F-450 can carry three tons of payload and has a maximum tow rating of 24,500 pounds (with a fifth wheel trailer hitch).

Design of the Ford F-350

The Super Duty's is well-proportioned, even on short-bed models. Ford offers a wide range of colors, paint schemes and different wheels to help distinguish the different trim lines and special packages. For commercial customers, there's a pickup-box-delete option, so custom service bodies can be adapted to the chassis. The regular cab comes only with an 8-foot cargo bed, while the other two cabs can be ordered with either an 8-foot or 6.75-foot bed. The F-350 SuperCab long bed and crew cab long bed can be ordered with dual rear wheels. The F-450 comes only in crew cab long bed with DRW.

2010 Ford Truck Cabin

The F-350 offers unique amenities such as a supplemental cab heater, a reverse camera system, upfitter switches, a navigation system, a rear seat DVD entertainment system, satellite radio, SYNC, a rear folding tailgate step and a trailer brake controller. With three-and-a-half feet of headroom and just shy of six feet of shoulder room, the Ford Super Duty cab is massive. The Super Duty offers a complete cabin with a long list of options that lets you cater the truck to work, play, or luxury. For those who want off road capabilities, but a plush ride with heated leather seats, the Sync entertainment system and a six-CD changer the FX4 Luxury Package will give you all this. Other packages include the Lariat Plus, Lariat Ultimate and the Cabela's Luxury Package. Certain packages require specific trim levels. The Harley-Davidson F-450 and King Ranch have front and rear captain's chairs with leather-trimmed center consoles. On diesel models, there's an available Rapid-Heat supplemental heater to warm up the cab quickly on cold mornings. Climbing in is easier than you'd think because the door opening curls under to the floor and assist handles are well-placed. Side steps are available.

Conclusions

The Ram and the F Series are two of America's leading trucks. Their heavy duty versions are both full of brawny power and shher engine strength along with modern designs that make your day easier and more comfortable, whether you are on the sight or on a fishing trip. Both trucks for 2010 offer a long list of packages and upgrades that allow one to cater to their specific needs. The 2010 Dodge Ram3500 is redesigned for 2010. The Crew Cab replaces last year's Quad Cab. It benefits from new interiors with premium materials and innovative features, and big power from a Cummins diesel engine, making it ideal for work and play. The Ram 3500 provides something for everyone with the choice of three cab styles, four wheelbases, single or dual rear wheels and either 4x2 or 4x4 drive types. The 2010 Ford Super Duty is the largest mass-market pickup truck you can get, offered in the widest array of configurations and powertrains, and equally able to meet recreational or commercial needs. Pricewise the Ram HD has an MSRP starting price of $34,680 - $50,645, while the Ford Superduty comes in at $26,595 - $43,805. For some deciding on a truck simply comes down to brand loyalty, however some may be swayed with the Ram as it is an all new design, guaranteeing the consumer that it will be up do date and modern in every aspect.