The 2011 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn has been named the Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association. As with many things about Texas, this truck is bigger than life. Its gorgeous exterior gives an inkling of what to expect both from under the hood and on the inside.
The 2011 Ram Laramie Longhorn is available in a half-ton model, which is the 1500, a ¾-ton model, which is the 2500, and a one-ton model, which is the 3500. The workhorse 3500 can be ordered with either single or dual rear wheels, 4WD or 2WD, a crew cab or a mega cab that can comfortably seat six people.
The 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn is a massive truck, some may say it’s too big, but it is designed after a Texas icon! Truly, this 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn is the ultimate work truck for those who want to take their luxury with them, and with its optional Hemi V8 5.7-litre or Cummins Turbo-Diesel engine, it is a workhorse of a work truck.
The Hemi engine, so named because its combustion chambers are hemispherically shaped, has Chrysler’s MDS, or Multi-Displacement System, which closes half the cylinders when the engine is operating under light-duty conditions and doesn’t need the extra horsepower, which is a real fuel saver; this Hemi engine is one of the best and most durable on the market with 390 hp and 407 ft-lb of torque. Other engine options are the 3.7-liter V6 and the 4.7-liter V8.
Maximum towing capability for the Hemi V8 is 10,850 lbs with a payload of 6520 lbs; with the Cummins Turbo-Diesel the maximum towing is 18,750 lbs with 5,910 lbs payload for the manual transmission, and 18,700 lbs with 5,850 lbs payload maximum for the automatic transmission.
All models come with either aluminum or argent steel rims, and the 3500 also has an option for polished aluminum rims; all come with full-sized spares and General brand tires. A feature new for 2011 is an active-on-demand transfer case with a dash-mounted control that enables the driver to change to 2WD, 4WD, 4WD lock or 4WD low.
Cab Options
The 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn is available in several cab configurations, as follows:
ST: 4X4 and 4X2
Reg 8’ box
Crew 6’4”box
Crew 8’ box
SLT and Outdoorsman: 4X4 and 4X2
Reg 8’ box
Crew 6’4”box
Crew 8’ box
Mega 6’4” box
Lonestar: 4X4 and 4X2
Crew 6’4”box
Crew 8’ box
Crew 8’ box
Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn: 4X4 and 4X2
Crew 6’4”box
Crew 8’ box
Mega 6’4” box
Powerwagon: 4X4
Crew 6’4” box
Paint and Trim Levels Options
The following trim options are available:
- ST
- SLT
- Outdoorsman
- Laramie
- Power Wagon, 2500 model only
- Sport trim, 1500 model only
Color options for all models are:
- Bright White
- Brilliant Black
- Brown Pearl
- Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl
- Sagebrush Pearl Coat
All models have two-toned paint and carry on the tradition of the Western-style badges with a model-specific Laramie Longhorn RAM insignia on the exterior as well as on the instrument panel and laser-etched into the leather seats.
Other Features
Although the 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn is a huge truck, optional running boards or chrome side steps make entering and exiting this lap-of-luxury truck a snap. The optional simplified Garmin navigational system makes traveling in this beauty even more enjoyable with its easy-to-use controls that let you maintain your focus on driving. The easily adjustable, dual-power remote towing mirrors are another convenient idea in this exquisitely appointed truck as is the premium sound system, which is standard on all models.
An optional bed divider along with a RamBox cargo management system provides organized stowing in the bed and includes two locking boxes inset into the sides of the truck bed and over the wheel wells, making the inside of the truck bed an even rectangle. This option is only available when the truck is initially ordered; it cannot be added on later. It also precludes using a truck cap although a tonneau cover can still be used.
Other features, some of which are standard depending on the model, include:
- Remote starter system
- A spray-on bed liner
- Rearview camera
- Protection group (skid plates and tow hooks)
- Class IV receiver hitch
- Trailer brake control
- Rear axle 3.92 ratio
- Larger capacity 121-liter fuel tank
- Media center with Garmin navigational system
- All-season tires
Interior
The impressive heated leather seats have a ventilation option; a heated steering wheel is standard on some models. The real woodgrain trim throughout the interior contributes to the luxurious appeal of the 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn.
The dashboard instruments have been fashioned after an antique pocket watch and bear a coined edge and filigree trim on the face of the Liquid Chrome gauges; the laser-etched leather seats are detailed with contrasting piping and are unequaled in the industry.
With their flap closures, the pocketed backs of the front seats look like saddlebags, and the footwells are lighted so passengers can see where they’re stepping.
More of the small touches that make this a truly luxurious ride are the 110-Volt and 12-Volt auxiliary power outlets as well as a remote USB port. The overhead console includes a garage door opener; the powered rear sliding window is standard as is the leather wrapped shift knob and the rearview mirror which automatically dims. The 10-way power driver’s seat, the radio, the pedals and the mirrors remember your settings to ensure maximum comfort with minimum effort.
The Ride
All the 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn models ride like a luxury sedan with their rear coil springs replacing the rough riding leaf springs and the suspension gives a smooth and stable ride whether fully loaded or empty.
Fuel Economy
The 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie Longhorn gets better fuel economy than one might think, with the 1500 rated at 18 mpg city and 26 highway; the MDS system in the 3500 brings in comparable figures, surprising for a truck of this size.
For those who can afford this high-end truck, this will be a truck ride like none they’ve experienced and will definitely make the juice worth the squeeze!