Dodge Ram 3500

The Ram 3500 made its debut in 1994, when it replaced the first-generation Dodge Ram 350. Since its inception, the large pickup has stood out from similarly-sized trucks with its distinctively muscular build, large grille, and broad-shouldered front fenders.

Early Ram 3500 models offered a standard 5.2-liter V-8 engine and an optional 8.0-liter V-10 or 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel V-6. By 2010, the Ram 3500 came standard with Dodge’s largest engine, a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel.

With the exception of its engine and dually wheels, the Dodge Ram 3500 shares most of its features with the three-quarter-ton Ram 2500. Both vehicles come in ST, SLT, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn trims (though the 2500 also comes in an offroad-ready Power Wagon version).

In addition, both the 3500 and 2500 Rams come with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and in regular cab, Crew Cab, or Mega Cab body styles. Regular cabs seat up to three people with a single bench seat, while extended Crew and Mega cab versions seat up to six. Regular cabs come with a long eight-foot bed, Mega Cabs come with a short 6-foot, four-inch bed, and Crew Cabs offer a choice of either. The short-bed Mega Cab is the only body style that doesn’t offer a dual rear-wheel axle.

The Dodge Ram 3500 is known for its nearly unbeatable towing abilities, as well as its wide variety of available features. Thanks to a standard turbodiesel engine, capable of producing 800 lb-ft of torque when combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Ram 3500 can tow up to 22,750 pounds and haul up to 5,130 pounds when properly equipped. When paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, the same engine produces 610 lb-ft of torque.

Similar models include the Ford F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500.

The 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 comes standard with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six cranking out 350 horsepower and, when mated with an available six-speed automatic, a class-leading 800 lb-ft of torque. When paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission, output decreases to 610 lb-ft.

Dodge offers the model in five trim levels, including the ST, SLT, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn Edition. Regular cabs come in ST and SLT trims only; Crew Cabs are available in all trim levels; and Mega Cabs come in SLT, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn Edition trims.

The base Ram 3500 ST comes standard with 17-inch wheels, a black grille, black bumpers, halogen headlamps, a locking tailgate, vinyl seating and flooring, a split front bench seat, a tilt steering wheel, an electronic vehicle information display, air-conditioning, tire-pressure monitoring, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Crew Cab models also come with standard power locks and windows.

The SLT trim adds chrome-clad wheels, a chrome grille, chrome bumpers, a sliding rear window, keyless entry, full power accessories, cloth upholstery, power-adjustable folding side mirrors, satellite radio, and electronic brake control. The SLT can be upgraded with a hunter-geared Outdoorsman Package, which provides tow hooks, a limited-slip rear differential, a 115-volt power outlet, fog lights, two-tone paint, a body-color grille, wheel flares, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls.

The Laramie trim features polished alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, auto-dimming mirrors, and a premium nine-speaker surround-sound system with MP3 and iPod integration. The top-level Laramie Longhorn adds parking assistance with a rearview camera, a navigation system, bucket seats, ventilated front seats, remote start, and color-keyed bumpers.

Many upper-tier trim amenities can be added to lower trims as stand-alone options. Individual options include a spray-in bed liner, a sunroof, a back-seat entertainment system, a premium audio system, and a RamBox Cargo Management System.

The new Dodge Ram 3500 debuted in 1994 with a dual rear axle and three engine options: a 5.2-liter V-8, 8.0-liter V-10, and 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel V-6. In 1998, a Quad Cab body style featuring double rear-hinged doors and a larger back seat was added. Dodge also added a higher-output Cummins turbodiesel engine in 2001.

A 2003 face-lift updated the Ram 3500 with a standard 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 producing 350 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. Dodge discontinued the Hemi in 2008, replacing it with a 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel V-6. The turbodiesel was upgraded to the 6.7-liter, 350-horsepower version in 2007.

In 2006, a Mega Cab body style joined the lineup. The Mega offers a roomier version of the extended Quad Cab.

In 2009, Dodge freshened up the Ram 3500’s exterior and added more upscale amenities inside the cab. A Crew Cab body style featuring four forward-opening doors replaced the Quad Cab.