Ram Outdoorsman seemed right at home on Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Just before Christmas I completed an extended test drive of the 2011 Ram Outdoorsman. This was not your typical test drive where you drive the vehicle around the block and kick the tires. I had this truck for two weeks and I parked my F250. I’m a Ford man all the way having driven Ford Pickups for many years so Ram was going to have an uphill climb because of my Ford bias. They seemed up for the challenge when we talked early on in the process of setting it up and considering the timing would place their truck in the middle of hunting season the Outdoorsman was going to be put through its paces. Ram has built the Outdoorsman specifically for those who play hard outdoors, hunting and fishing all day, and that certainly describes me so let’s see how the test drive went.
Hunting season puts a lot of demand on my truck because I may be on the highway heading somewhere to hunt or using the 4WD in the back country while hunting. I carry a lot of equipment and occasionally a few other hunters as I hit the road.

Ram Box is one of a number of places in the truck to stow items


The Outdoorsman was great when it came to having space and places to organize it. The Outdoorsman is loaded with places to put stuff and not impact the interior cab; the “Ram Box” is roomy lockable space where you can carry guns, equipment, or use it as a cooler. (it has drain plugs) There is also a number of compartments built into the interior that will hold a lot of stuff and not be in the way of the passengers.
The cab of the truck had all the creature comforts people have come to expect making it as good as a luxury car with satellite radio, cd, dvd (only in park), stereo system, power seats, power mirrors, you name it they had it. The ride was very comfortable one of my favorite features was the backup camera. Now that I’m back in my F250 I wonder how I get along without the backup camera.
On the road with the Ram Outdoorsman was wonderful, a smooth ride with plenty of get up and go. The 5.7 Hemi engine delivered the power while the Outdoorsman got better gas mileage then my Ford. I didn’t take it on any cross country trip but the larger gas tank would be a benefit if I had. What really surprised me was how spacious the cab of the Outdoorsman was I figured it be closer to the F150 but this truck had space that was comparable with my F250. Now I don’t often wear a cowboy hat but if I decided too I’m certain it wouldn’t be an issue in the Outdoorsman. I’m climbed up into the backseat with the front seat set back for my driving position and I was surprised at the leg room. I’m confident that the cab can comfortable seat 4 adults for a road trip.

Crew Cab and 4wd the Ram Outdoorsman will get you and your friends into the wilds


Off road the Ram Outdoorsman handled flawlessly I drove it through mud at Pungo, through sand at the outer banks, and through snow and ice in the piedmont of North Carolina. I took the Ram Outdoorsman the same places I take my truck. I’m not a big off roader but I do want to be able to get to the places I want to go.
My overall impression of the Ram Outdoorsman is this is a great truck. There was a couple of things I’d say that were a less than satisfying one being the bed is a bit on the small size. A hunter looking to carry a dog box, an ATV, or even a number of large coolers and equipment might find the bed a bit tight. If you have a trailer it shouldn’t be a concern or you could just get a larger model Ram.
The other issue I had involved the Ram Box the side lockable compartments. I overall loved this feature especially on grocery day. It was refreshing to arrive home with my groceries all in the same place and still in the bags something that rarely happens with my current truck. While the truck I drove didn’t have the gun rack attachments I really think that is a cool feature. I like the idea of having the gun secured in a rack for travel plus unlike a window rack it doesn’t advertise to others you have a nice rifle sitting there. I was pretty impressed on this feature until a small glitch on the last day. After a couple of weeks running the truck through mud, blood and dust I took it to the car wash. After running it through the high pressure wash I found small amounts of water inside the Ram Box. Could be nothing but I’d hate to see a nice rifle or other equipment get wet. The amount of water was small but still a bit concerning. The angle of the spray is likely the reason because I had the truck out in days of rain and there was no issue with rain getting in.

"Wintery Mix" leads to an icy slippery drive across dam to get to hunting area. Ram performed flawlessly for me in these conditions


I really enjoyed the Ram Outdoorsman test drive and I want to thank the fine folks at Ram for making this happen. I also want to thank them for providing the prizes for the contest we ran while I was doing the test drive. One of the last days I had the truck one of my hunting buddies asked me “Which truck are you sending back?” I laughed and told him that wasn’t part of the deal but he pressed and said” just suppose would they find a Ford when they opened the trailer? “ I laughed again and said I’m glad I didn’t have to answer that question.

Overall the Ram Outdoorsman is a pretty impressive truck that clearly is loaded with features that will impress any outdoor lover. This truck will be at home in the city, the country, or out in the wilds dragging in a deer or a brace of rabbits.

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