If you're looking to tow the biggest trailers, or haul the heaviest cargo, but aren't quite ready to step up to a semi-truck, then the Ram 3500 is probably where you're going to look. Along with the GM Silverado and Sierra 3500s and the Ford F-350, this is the top class of hauler for most people towing cars, RVs, horses, or for construction work.
Of the four trucks that play in this sandbox, the Ram is the oldest. But Ram has given the truck smaller updates that have given it a more refined interior. Ride quality here takes a big step backward from the 2500, with leaf springs replacing coils. That's the cost of the ability to tow just about anything.
New for 2018 is the Limited Tungsten Edition trim. It's a luxury model that sits at the top of the lineup. Ram now has an upgraded Uconnect 8.4-inch multimedia system with Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. New SiriusXM features allow more vehicle connectivity and apps for roadside assistance, travel services, and even fuel prices.
The Ram 3500 is available in seven trims, three cab-sizes, two box lengths, two V8s, and a diesel option. The diesel has three different power levels, and you can choose between single rear wheel (per side) or dual rear wheels.
The base V8 is a 5.7L Hemi V8 that makes 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Next up is a 6.4L version that boosts power to 410 and torque to 429 lb-ft. The diesel is a 6.7L Cummins inline six. It makes 350 hp and 660 lb-ft when equipped with a manual transmission, but 370 hp and a massive 800 lb-ft with the eight-speed automatic. Or, get the high-output model with the automatic and get 385 hp and 930 lb-ft of torque. Yes, you read that right, 930 lb-ft.
Cabs come in regular, four-door Crew, or extended four-door Mega Cab. The six-foot four-inch bed comes on all three cabs, and an eight-foot option is on regular and Crew,
Base trim is the ST. That comes in regular or Crew cabs, and can have any of the three engines. Standard equipment includes AC, vinyl floors and seats, cruise control, crank windows, and manual locks. It does have a six-speaker stereo, and crew cab trucks get power locks and front windows. Underneath are 18-inch steel wheels and black trim.
SLT comes with all three cab choices and adds 18-inch chrome wheels, power tow mirrors, carpeted floor and cloth seats, and chrome bumpers. There is a sliding rear window, manual on regular cab, power on the others. Four-wheel drive models get an electronic transfer case.
Laramie trim is on the two-row cabs and adds a 10-speaker stereo, dual zone climate control, and chrome trim. Inside, Laramie has a heated steering wheel, leather heated and ventilated seats, upgraded trim, front and rear park assist, and the 8.4-inch UConnect system. Laramie Longhorn adds more premium interior trim, box lighting, remote start, navigation, and upgraded shocks.
Laramie Limited adds 20-inch wheels, premium leather seats, automatic high beams, Berber floor mats, special wood accents, and rain sensing wipers. The Limited Tungsten adds even more premium interior materials along with special tungsten trim and paint options.
The Ram 3500 can tow up to a class-leading 13,608 kg with a fifth-wheel or 14,157 kg on the bumper. If you want to dump that load of gravel in the bed like the ads, it'll take up to 3,352 kg of payload.
