First Look: 2011 Ram 1500/2500/3500

For 2011, the Ram pickup truck series gets a new trim level, more standard safety features, increased towing abilities and interior amenities.

We’ve already discussed in detail the Ram’s new Outdoorsman trim level, which is available on the 1500 and the Heavy Duty 2500/3500. The Outdoorsman essentially combines off-road capability and trailer-towing hardware in one package. It will replace the TRX trim level in the 2011 Ram lineup. It will join the ST, SLT, Laramie and Power Wagon (2500 only) trim levels.

The Ram 1500 now gets an active on-demand transfer case, offering better torque transfer in slick conditions. It's standard on the Big Horn, Sport and Laramie 4×4 trims. The Ram 1500 now shares the same power-folding exterior mirrors that the Ram HD has.

The Ram 1500 also gets an increase in gross combined weight rating, but that figure wasn’t released in the press material.

The Ram 1500 is available in four new exterior colors: Hunter Green Pearl Coat, Mineral Gray Metallic, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl and Light Graystone.

The Ram Heavy Duty receives a standard electronic brake controller on the SLT, Outdoorsman, Power Wagon and Laramie trims. Tire pressure monitoring is also standard on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty. Both the 2500/3500 Heavy Duty get a new computer readout in the gauge cluster, which will deliver information about the integrated trailer brake control (on available trims) through the display.

The Ram HD is available in three new exterior colors: Hunter Green Pearl Coat, Light Graystone and Deep Cherry Red Crystal. New wheel designs and interior color options are also available.

The Ram HD gets an increase in gross vehicle weight rating as well, now set to 22,000 pounds.

Both the Ram 1500 and Ram Heavy Duty come with a new navigation system powered by Garmin technology. Each model can now be had with a factory spray-in bed liner. All 2011 Ram Truck models are already on sale.