Great work trucks aren’t hard to find these days, but the Dodge Ram 3500 beats out the rest with its impressive power and towing specs. If you’re looking for a pickup truck that won’t shy away from a hard day’s work, the Ram 3500 is the one to look for.
What Dodge Ram 3500 specs stand out the most?
The most notable ones include:
- Diesel Output: Up to 400 hp and 1,000 lb-ft.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 35,100 pounds when properly equipped
- Payload Capacity: Up to 7,680 pounds when properly equipped
Although Dodge recently separated its Ram trucks into their own brand, the heavy-duty pickup truck’s capabilities remain unchanged. We’ll do a deep dive into the Dodge Ram 3500 specs so you’ll know what to look for when buying one.
Dodge Ram History
The Dodge brand’s history of building solid pickup trucks spans as far back as 1917. However, it took the stylish second-generation Ram, introduced for 1994, to give Dodge pickups the limelight it richly deserved.
Since then, the Dodge Ram has proven popular with buyers in search of a capable truck that also offers plenty of flair. One of the biggest draws for the popular pickup is the Cummins turbo-diesel engine, an option made available on heavy-duty versions, including the Dodge Ram 3500.
You can search long and hard, but you won’t find the “Dodge” branding on Ram trucks built from 2010 onwards. In 2009, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles spun off the entire truck and van lineup into the “RAM” brand for marketing purposes.
The Power to Move Just About Anything
You’re probably wondering what’s under the hood of the mighty Dodge Ram 3500. The heavy-duty pickup truck lets you choose between gas and diesel engine options, depending on the configuration.
On the gas side of the equation is the standard 6.4L Hemi V8. Equipped with variable cam timing, this engine outputs a healthy 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough grunt to haul a respectable payload of 7,680 pounds and tow up to 18,210 pounds when properly equipped.
The 6.4L Hemi is fine for most duties, but the 6.7L Cummins® turbo-diesel inline 6-cylinder engine gives you nearly double the torque for serious towing performance. With 370 hp and 850 lb-ft. available, you can tow up to 22,670 pounds and haul up to 6,840 pounds.
There’s also a high-output version of the 6.7L Cummins that ups horsepower and torque figures to 400 and 1,000, respectively. That’s enough to tow up to 35,100 pounds, although max payload takes a dive to 6,570.
If you’re wondering about transmissions, the 6.4L Hemi V8 uses FCA’s Torqueflite 8-speed automatic.
The 6.7L Cummins uses a similar 6-speed automatic transmission, while the high-output version of the same engine relies on an Aisin-built 6-speed automatic transmission.
Hauling and towing heavy loads can make the rear end a bit saggy, which is why the Dodge Ram 3500 uses rear leaf springs instead of the coil springs found on the 1500 model. Up front, you’ll find a capable multi-link suspension that gives the truck its smooth ride.
An optional Auto-Level rear air suspension uses airbags to level the truck’s ride automatically. You’ll also get a Bed Lowering Mode that lowers the rear end some to make trailer hook-ups easier.
All the Amenities You Could Ask For
Finding the perfect Dodge Ram 3500 is no easy feat when there are so many options to choose from.
After choosing between the 2-door Regular Cab, 4-door Crew Cab and the extended 4-door Mega Cab, there are still several bed lengths among them to choose from.
You can also choose between the single rear wheel and dual rear wheel setup. The latter is recommended if you plan on towing heavy gooseneck trailers or hauling very heavy payloads.
With five trim levels to choose from, you can make the Dodge Ram 3500 as barebones or as luxurious as you want. The basic Tradesman trim is perfect for work truck duty, especially with its blacked-out bumpers and front fascia, as well as its selection of 17-inch and 18-inch steel wheels.
Moving up to the Big Horn® gives you the traditional chrome grille and alloy wheels. Amenities across other trims range from leather-trimmed seats with heat and ventilation to LED interior and exterior lighting, navigation and an optional 17-speaker audio system.
Some of the Dodge Ram 3500’s safety features include an adaptive forward-lighting system that swivels as you take corners, forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, these features are only available as options.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of the Dodge Ram 3500
The Dodge Ram 3500 gives you plenty to be impressed about. But like many other trucks, the Ram has its advantages and drawbacks to consider.
Pros:
- Plenty of cab, bed and trim level configurations to choose from
- Features the vaunted Cummins turbo-diesel as an option
- Impressive towing and payload hauling capabilities
- Mega Cab models offer impressive space and comfort
Cons:
- Huge size can be intimidating for some drivers
- Upgrading to the 6.7L Cummins costs $9,300 extra
- Advanced safety and driver-assist features also come extra
- No manual transmissions available for 2019 and up models
Does the Dodge Ram 3500 Suit Your Needs?
Whether you need a towing rig for your prized boat or a capable construction equipment hauler, the Dodge Ram 3500 fits the bill. But before you buy, check out the Ram 2500’s Vehicle History. You’ll find plenty of info that’ll help you avoid common pitfalls when buying a new vehicle.
