The big rig-styled Ram pickup got a little softer when a coil rear suspension was introduced for the 2009 model year, but the latest Ram Outdoorsman model proves the truck is still hard as nails.
So is the latest Ram model too rugged for city life? Let’s find out as we take Ram’s newest trim package for a ride.
What is it?
Based on the standard Ram – in either 1500, 2500 or 3500 guises – the Outdoorsman package adds a few extra features to ensure the truck is ready for the great outdoors. T
hose enhancements include an upgraded front lighting system, towing package, heavy duty cooling systems, black door handles and mirrors, a 115-volt power outlet, Chrysler’s RamBox system with an integrated gun/fishing pole rack, on-road/off-road tires and standard premium cloth seats.
What’s it up against?
Although there isn’t a direct competitor to the Outdoorsman package, Ram buyers will be cross-shopping the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and Avalanche, GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra.
Any breakthroughs?
Although we don’t own a single gun, let alone many guns that would necessitate the Outdoorsman’s RamBox-mounted gun rack, we can see how the truck would represent a breakthrough for people who spend a good chunk of their time in the great outdoors.
For city dwellers, the RamBoxes also serve as a great place to stash anything from ratchet straps to groceries. The dual storage compartments feature locks, courtesy lights and even a pluggable drain – should you decide to use either RamBox as an ice chest.
How does it look?
Given the Outdoorsman is just a trim package, it looks like pretty much like every other Ram on the road. However, it does sport a two-tone paint job and “Outdoorsman” decals that set it apart from the rest of the Ram range.
On the whole, we quite like the big-rig looks of the Ram. The inspiration for the current truck may date back to 1994, but the look is fresher than ever thanks to its 2009 redesign.
We admit the rear doors on our quad cab model look a little oversized from the outside, but the added interior space more than makes up for the design’s visual shortcomings. Out back, the Ram is pretty much your standard-issue truck, but a ducktail tailgate does lend some visual interest as do dual exhaust pipes integrated into the rear bumper. Why did it take so long for someone to come up with that idea?
And on the inside?
Although not up to the same standards as Chrysler’s newest passenger cars, the Ram’s interior is quite good – arguably the best in the segment. The Ram features a multitude of soft-touch materials, which is somehow still a rarity in the full-size truck segment.
Our Ram Outdoorsman came equipped with a with a bench front seat instead of the otherwise optional bucket seats and center console. While the center console does give the Ram a more car-like look, we felt the lack of a center console and a column-mounted shifter gave our Outdoorsman a more appropriate utilitarian feel. However, despite a big box in the flop-down armrest, you do sacrifice center storage space for the ability to carry up to six passengers.
Overall, the Outdoorsman’s dash is well laid out, although a stretch is required to reach some of the truck’s radio functions. The Ram does feature steering wheel mounted audio controls but, given their placement on the back of the steering wheel, they do take some practice to get used to.
While we’d prefer leather if we were buying the Outdoorsman – simply for ease of cleaning – our tester’s premium cloth looked great and felt heavy-duty enough to stand up to years of rough use. The front seats offer good support and – as previously mentioned – the quad cab version of the Outdoorsman offers loads of rear-seat room.
But does it go?
Equipped with Chrysler’s still sensational 5.7-liter HEMI engine, the Outdoorsman never left us wanting for more power. Despite its near-5,300 lbs. curb weight, the Outdoorsman can get off the line in a hurry and has no problem merging with highway traffic. However, the Outdoorman’s drivetrain is let down by its five-speed transmission, which is one less cog than the competition.
As a result, the Ram Outdoorsman is rated at just 13/19 mpg, fairly dismal even by big pickup standards. We averaged 14-15 mpg during our week with the truck in mostly city driving.
The Ram’s coil rear suspension does provide a softer-than-expected ride, but there is no masking the Outdoorsman’s body-on-frame construction. Light steering is reasonably price, although not quite as point-and-go as you’ll find in the latest Ford F-Series trucks. But the Ram rides way better, with far less side-to-side bucking. Like most trucks, there is some body flex over rougher surface, but it’s not overly offensive and well worth the off-road gains.
Why you would buy it
You need a weekend getaway car that can haul all your gear, buddies and trailer to the middle of nowhere.
Why you wouldn’t
If you don’t know how to build a fire or bait a hook, the Ram Outdoorsman probably isn’t the vehicle for you.
Leftlane’s bottom line
The full-size truck segment is as competitive as ever, but it’s hard to beat the Ram’s combination of interior refinement, ride comfort and overall utility. The Ram may give up a little in towing to its rivals, but out in the real world, we imagine the Outdoorsman will provide more than enough capability for the average truck user.
Chrysler’s tried and true V8 works well in the Ram, but the truck is begging for a six-speed transmission. However, we expect Chrysler to address that issue in the coming years – possibly with even more cogs.
2011 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4×4 base price, $34,810. As tested, $44,310.
Customer Preferred Package 26T, $2,595; Technology Group, $495; 5.7L HEMI V8, $1,310; Fold-away power trailer tow mirrors, $100; Media Center, $1,200; ParkView rear backup camera, $200; Power adjustable pedals, $125; RamBox cargo management system, $1,895; Trailer brake control, $230; Spray in bedliner, $450.
Words and photos by Drew Johnson.
I like how the Outdoorsman is so geared to its market, especially with that ram box. Very cool feature. It might not be for everybody, but it's so rugged. I've been intrigued by it ever since I read about it on the Royal Gate Automotive page.
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