Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Owners and operators of the 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 for personal or commercial use, focusing on safe operation, maintenance, and feature utilization.
Competitors:
Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD, Ram 3500
Purpose:
To provide owners with essential information for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and care of their 2011 Dodge Ram 2500.
Benefits:
Empowers owners to understand vehicle functions, perform basic checks, and identify potential issues, thus enhancing ownership experience and potentially reducing repair costs.
Engine Systems:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emission control, ignition system (for gasoline engines)
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission operation (automatic), transfer case (4WD models), drivelines, axles
Brakes Systems:
Brake system operation, ABS, trailer brake controller integration
Electrical Systems:
Lighting, power outlets, battery, fuses, charging system, basic electrical component operation
Chassis Systems:
Suspension, steering, wheels and tires
Interior Features:
HVAC, audio system, power accessories, seating adjustments, interior lighting
Safety Features:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Operation Procedures:
Starting and driving, parking, towing, trailer wiring
Maintenance Procedures:
Fluid level checks, tire inflation, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, filter access (air filter)
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights, indicator lamps, basic operational issues
Depth:
Owner-level diagnostics and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) typically found in service manuals.
Engine Option 1 Name:
5.7L HEMI V8
Engine Option 1 Displacement:
345 cu in (5654 cc)
Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
383 hp @ 5600 rpm (SAE net)
Engine Option 1 Torque:
400 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (SAE net)
Engine Option 2 Name:
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
408 cu in (6690 cc)
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
350 hp @ 3000 rpm (SAE net)
Engine Option 2 Torque:
650 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm (SAE net)
Fuel Type Option 1:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Type Option 2:
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
Fuel Delivery Option 1:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery Option 2:
High-pressure Common Rail (HPCR) with Turbocharging and Intercooling
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter (Gasoline), Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection (for some configurations of the 6.7L Cummins, depending on emissions regulations compliance).
Wheelbase Std:
140.5 inches (Regular Cab, Short Bed)
Wheelbase Long:
160.5 inches (Crew Cab, Mega Cab, Long Bed variations)
Length Overall:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., approx. 231 inches for Crew Cab 8' Bed)
Width Body:
Approx. 79.1 inches
Height Overall:
Approx. 77.5 inches
Bed Lengths:
6'4" (approx. 76.2 cu ft) and 8'0" (approx. 93.1 cu ft)
Gvwr:
Up to 10,000 lbs (depending on configuration and axle)
Gcwr:
Up to 23,000 lbs (depending on configuration and trailer)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4-star (for 2WD and 4WD configurations of this generation, typical for heavy-duty trucks)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - standard on gasoline models, optional or standard on diesel depending on configuration.
Airbags:
Advanced multi-stage front airbags for driver and front passenger. Supplemental side-curtain airbags and front-seat mounted side airbags may be optional depending on trim.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for all seating positions, integrated shoulder belt height adjusters.
Towing Safety:
Integrated trailer brake controller provisions, Trailer Sway Control (TSC) often available.
Audio System:
Optional Uconnect systems with AM/FM/CD/MP3, SiriusXM satellite radio, auxiliary input jacks, USB ports, and available navigation. Basic 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker audio systems.
Tpms:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with dashboard indicator.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming (with Uconnect systems).
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months for the 6.7L Cummins (normal driving). Consult manual for severe duty and exhaust brake usage recommendations, which may reduce intervals.
Tire Rotation:
Every 6,000 miles or as needed based on wear pattern.
Air Filter Replacement:
As needed based on inspection, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or sooner in dusty conditions.
Diesel Fuel Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 15,000 miles for primary filter, 30,000 miles for secondary. Extended intervals with exhaust brake usage.
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API SN certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification. Capacity approx. 7 quarts.
Engine Oil 6.7L Cummins:
SAE 15W-40 CJ-4 rated diesel engine oil, meeting Cummins CES 20081 specification. Capacity approx. 12 quarts.
Transmission Fluid Automatic Gas:
ATF+4 (MS-9602), Capacity approx. 4.5-5 quarts for pan drop.
Transmission Fluid Automatic Diesel:
ATF+4 (MS-9602), Capacity approx. 4.5-5 quarts for pan drop.
Transfer Case Fluid:
Mopar NV273 Transfer Case Fluid or equivalent (refer to manual for specific type), Capacity approx. 2.2 quarts.
Coolant:
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) extended life coolant (Chrysler HOAT or equivalent), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity varies by engine.
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads/rotors, ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks/struts (typical for heavy-duty trucks with high mileage or heavy use).
Diesel Specific Concerns:
DPF regeneration issues (if not driven properly), potential EGR valve issues, DEF injector/sensor problems (on later emission-compliant models).
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history in the pickup truck market, with the Ram nameplate established in 1981. The Ram trucks have consistently been known for their robust construction and capability.
Fourth Generation Ram:
The 2011 model year marked the first year of the fourth generation Ram Heavy Duty trucks (introduced for 2010 model year, with major redesigns and engine updates for 2011). This generation featured a significantly restyled exterior and interior, improved powertrains, and enhanced towing and payload capabilities.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Plant, Coahuila, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA