LOL, I've got a 53 Ford F350 in my garage and I know what you mean. The metal is ridiculously thick. I'm reminded of that everytime I move one of the doors.

 

I have a 72 Chevy and the aftermarket parts I put on it are at least double the thickness of the newer vehicles, it's not just the RAM all the car makers including the high end ones have gone with thinner metal.

 

RAMULAK

Unfortunately your comments are so so true. I remember having an old Dodge Duster where you could stand on the vehicle and jump up and down. Now we have have to treat trucks with kid gloves. The other dodge vehicles I have had are K Car, 2003 Dodge Dakota, 2008 ram and now 2010 ram. Noting has been as delicate as the 2010 Ram ( body metal).

 

I took my machinist caliper and measured where the outer door skin is crimped around the inner door. The total reading was .102 thousands. Devide that by 3 and you get some where about 1/32 thick. Let me tell you that sucks big time. You had better be careful when you wax it or you'll bend it. God forbid someone using their hip to close the door.

 

I noticed the defority around the door handles right after I took delivery. It's a new trademark for the gen4's DNA. Good thing my truck is white! I do think that the aluminum hood feels thicker than the rest of the see-thru sheeit metal. I guess we could beat this dead horse forever, but I found that dealing with Dodge is worse than trying to reason with the wife.

 

The chevys are the same if not worse. They don't get damage that easy. mufflaps and the bed top protectors will do wonders. just watch where you park for door dings.

 

Maybe, I repeat maybe, the only saving grace on this is that the alloys they are using these days are stronger than the metals of old. Hopefully some Detroit automotive engineer can shed some light on this as I am curious also. And in the mpg fight, lighter is better and sells more cars/trucks.

 

I have noticed that the roof on mine (regular cab) really caves in and oil cans when I wash it. A few body lines or indentations would have made a world of difference in strengthening it up.

 

According to the build sheet for my old '98 RCSB 5.9 4x4, it had a dry curb weight of 4984 lbs. But I see your point, my 2nd Gen had a heavier engine and much thicker steel "skin" than my 3rd Gen, I'da thought it would have been a good bit heavier than the 3rd or 4th Gen trucks...

 

the use of lighter metals and more plastics allows the manufactures to include things like,
entertainment centers
multiple airbags
crew/mega cabs
computers
wireless internet
etc,
w/o a significant mpg decrease.