Segment:
Heavy Duty Full-Size Pickup Truck.
Target Audience:
Owners and operators of the 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 for personal, commercial, and towing applications.
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential knowledge for owners to safely operate, maintain, and understand their specific 2011 Dodge Ram 3500, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring optimal performance.
Brand Promise:
Model-specific information ensuring accuracy and relevance for the 2011 Ram 3500, unlike generic guides.
Powertrain:
Engine (gasoline and diesel variants), transmission, drivetrain, fuel system, exhaust system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, braking system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting (interior and exterior), instruments and gauges, power outlets, battery, charging system, basic electrical component identification.
Body And Comfort:
Doors, windows, locks, seats, climate control, interior trim, exterior body panels, towing information.
Operation:
Vehicle controls and features, starting and operating the engine, shifting gears, using the climate control, parking, towing procedures.
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks and adjustments, basic cleaning and care.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.
Safety:
Seat belt usage, child seat installation, airbag system information, emergency procedures.
Depth:
Owner-focused, providing essential information for safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle functions. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair specifications found in service manuals.
Searchability:
Likely contains searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Print Recommendation:
High-resolution digital format suitable for printing individual pages or the entire document.
Binding:
Not applicable (digital download).
Paper Quality:
Not applicable (digital download).
Available Engines:
5.7L V8 HEMI Magnum, 6.7L I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel.
5.7L Hemi Horsepower:
383 hp @ 5600 rpm
5.7L Hemi Torque:
400 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
6.7L Cummins Horsepower:
350 hp @ 3000 rpm
6.7L Cummins Torque:
650 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
5.7L Hemi Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).
6.7L Cummins Fuel Delivery:
Common Rail Fuel Injection (CR).
Required Fuel Type Hemi:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (recommended).
Required Fuel Type Cummins:
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel.
Wheelbase Options:
Common: 140.5 inches (Regular Cab), 160.5 inches (Crew Cab, Mega Cab), 171.5 inches (Mega Cab Long Bed).
Length Options:
Varies based on cab and bed configuration (e.g., 229.4 inches for a standard cab with 8ft bed).
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 6,000 - 7,000+ lbs depending on configuration.
Gvwr Range:
Starts at 9,900 lbs, up to 11,500 lbs for some configurations.
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 17,000 - 18,000 lbs (depending on configuration and fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch).
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to approximately 4,000 - 5,000+ lbs.
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Typically 4 out of 5 stars for 4x2 and 4x4 models (may vary slightly).
Brake System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are standard on most models.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags for driver and passenger. Side curtain airbags were optional on some trims.
Seat Belts:
All seating positions equipped with three-point seat belts. Pretensioners on front seat belts.
Audio Options:
Base AM/FM/CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Uconnect Hands-Free Communication (optional on some trims).
Navigation:
Optional navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park assist sensors.
Camera Systems:
Optional rearview camera available.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack on most models.
Engine Oil Change Hemi:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, or based on oil change indicator system.
Engine Oil Change Cummins:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used), or based on oil change indicator.
Tire Rotation:
Every 6,000 - 8,000 miles.
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20, API SN certified. Capacity: 7.0 quarts (with filter).
Engine Oil 6.7L Cummins:
SAE 15W-40, API CJ-4 certified (or equivalent). Capacity: 12.0 quarts (with filter).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Automatic Hemi:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602).
Transmission Fluid Automatic Cummins:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602).
Common Complaints Hemi:
Hemi tick (lifter noise), occasional transmission hard shifting.
Common Complaints Cummins:
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration issues in specific driving conditions, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) related issues.
General Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check tire pressure, especially when towing. Ensure proper diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) levels if applicable (though 2011 Cummins may not have had DEF as standard).
Dodge Truck Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, with the Ram nameplate originating in 1981.
Fourth Generation Ram:
The 2011 model year falls within the fourth generation (2009-2018) of the Ram pickup truck. This generation introduced significant styling and mechanical updates.
Manufacturing Location:
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Truck Of The Year:
The Ram 1500 received MotorTrend's 2009 Truck of the Year award, which influenced the design and appeal of the entire Ram lineup, including the 3500.
Towing Consumer Reports:
Generally well-regarded for its towing and hauling capabilities by automotive publications.
Emission Standards:
Compliant with applicable U.S. EPA and California ARB emission standards for the model year.