• Dodge has been producing pickup trucks since 1917. In 1933, it began to use a Ram's head as its official logo, to symbolize the ruggedness of its trucks. In 1981, Ram became the official moniker of Dodge's trucks, including the D250 three-quarter-ton series. In 1994, Dodge added a zero to the 250, creating the Dodge 2500. Since then, the Ram 2500 has been a real workhorse and one of the main contenders in the pickup truck market. Today, the Ram 2500 crew cab and Mega cab come available as short-bed variants, with models including the ST, SLT, Laramie, and Powerwagon.
  
  

Engine and Fuel Capacity

• Two engine options are available for the 2011 Ram 2500 short-bed: a 383-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8; and a Cummins 350-horsepower, 6.7-liter, in-line six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The gas V-8 reaches maximum horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and the maximum 400 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. The turbo-diesel reaches maximum horsepower at 3,000 rpm, while the maximum 650 foot-pounds of torque is reached at 1,400 rpm. The short-bed Ram 2500s come with a 34 gallon fuel tank.
  
  

Transmission and Drive Type

• Each model comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Overdrive allows the engine to achieve greater fuel efficiency while reducing engine wear. A six-speed manual is available for each model except the Powerwagon. A six-speed automatic is available for the SLT and ST models. The Powerwagon is available strictly as four-wheel-drive, while the other models are available as rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. Four-wheel disc brakes come standard with each.
  
  

Interior and Cargo

• Each model seats up to six people, with front and rear bench seats. Vinyl seat trim comes standard with the ST model, while cloth comes with the SLT and Powerwagon models. Leather seats come with the Laramie. Depending on drive type, crew cab models can carry 2,500 to 2,900 lbs, with a maximum trailer weight of 12,750 to 13,150 lbs. Mega cab models can carry 2,200 to 2,500 lbs, or tow a trailer weight of 12,350 to 12,750 lbs. The Powerwagon can haul 2,500 lbs or tow 12,650 lbs.