The RAM 2500 and 3500 HD: Similarities and Differences

When RAM broke away from the Dodge brand to focus its efforts on producing the very best pickup trucks to be found in the marketplace, some people might have been skeptical. If there were any doubts as to how this move would end up, they’ve been silenced by the continuing prowess, performance, and refinement that RAM has put into their fleet each and every year. Here at Dan Cummins CDJR of Georgetown, we can’t tell you how many times we’ve had customers visit our lot and been blown away by the capability and design of the RAM fleet. One question that a lot of drivers ask, especially those who are fairly new to Ram trucks and are looking for a used Ram dealership in KY, is what the difference is between the RAM 2500 and 3500 HD. Often, when the trucks are brought up in conversation, they’re mentioned in the same sentence, leading some to believe that there must be very little difference between the two. There are some similarities but some notable differences as well. And it’s a good idea to be clear on both.

The High-End of Heavy Duty

The RAM 2500 and 3500 HD are built for those who have hard work to take care of. When it comes to towing, trailering, and embarking on adventures that take place away from the confines of civilization, these are the trucks that you put to work. Perhaps the biggest single factor that the two have in common is that they’re both used for similar purposes—moving heavy things reliably and consistently. Another thing the vehicles share with one another are the powertrains that RAM puts in them.

There’s nothing basic about the base engines in either truck, and they are not for the timid. The standard engine for both vehicles is a 6.4L HEMI V8, propelling either truck forward with the benefit of 410 hp and the capacity to generate 429 lb-ft of torque. It is an engine built for hard work. Like some other domestic manufacturers, RAM has found a way to revitalize the diesel engine and prove that it’s still a viable option in the modern age. The diesel version for either the 2500 or 3500 is a 6.7L six-cylinder Cummins engine. With 370 hp and the capacity to generate an impressive 850 lb-ft of torque, there’s no denying the fact that we’re living in a diesel renaissance. While both of these engines are available in both vehicles, only the 3500 can be fitted with a high-output version of the same diesel engine that raises the horsepower to 420 and out-performs every other diesel offering in the industry by generating an impressive 1,075 lb-ft of torque.

Towing & Payload

Pulling and carrying heavy weight is where the major differences between the two trucks become more apparent. The ability to haul extremely heavy things is part of the definition of a work truck. The 2500 is undoubtedly practical enough for driving around town on a regular basis, and some people even choose to use the vehicle as their daily driver. The 3500, on the other hand, is usually favored by those who have either monstrous jobs ahead of them or need a means of towing a fifth wheel, motor home, or trailer. The 3500 is notable for having a dual set of rear wheels, hence why this vehicle class is sometimes called a “dually.”

Depending on what you’re looking for in terms of capability, either vehicle can provide standout service and bring a staggering amount of power to any job. The RAM 2500 HD, when equipped with its base engine, allows drivers a maximum payload capacity of 4,000 lbs and 17,540 lbs of towing. As such, if you’re looking for more payload and less towing capacity, this is the engine you’ll want to have. Upgrading to the Cummins diesel will allow for an increased towing capacity of almost 20,000 lbs but limits the payload capability to about 3,140 lbs.

As you might suspect, the RAM 3500 is more formidable in the areas of towing and payload, and this is where the differences between the two vehicles are vividly illustrated. The base engine allows for the best payload limitation of both vehicles, which maxes out at an impressive 7,680 lbs. This same engine has an impressive towing capacity of 18,210 lbs. Opting to go with the Cummins diesel engine that both the 2500 and 3500 share increases the towing capacity to 22,660 but limits the payload to 6,840 lbs. If you’re looking to maximize the towing capacity of the RAM 3500, its exclusive high-output diesel engine allows for over 37,000 lbs of towing, which is well-suited for those who have mountains to move. Seriously—that’s as much as 10 adult hippopotamuses!

Technology for the Modern Driver

While the towing and payload capacities are the defining characteristics that separate the 2500 and 3500 from one another, both vehicles are packed with technological features. Not only are these features meant to enhance the driving experience and provide entertainment, but they’re also put in place to provide oversight and an added layer of safety.

Like many other vehicles that one finds throughout the industry, the interior of the RAM is anchored by its infotainment screen. An eight-inch screen is standard on the base trims, and a 12-inch screen can be upgraded to. By all accounts, the screen is intuitive, user-friendly, and offers compatibility with both Apple and Android products. One characteristic that RAM offers is active noise cancellation as a standard feature, meaning you can enjoy the ride without hearing the engine overpower your favorite music or podcasts.

Both the RAM 2500 and 3500 can be outfitted with some of the best safety and driving assistance features in the industry. These include everything from automated emergency braking and forward collision alerts, which are exceptional in increasing reaction time to avoid a potential collision, to advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, which can be a literal life-saver when towing large payloads in traffic. Available 360° Surround View Cameras allow the driver to view over, beside, and behind a trailer. Built-in screens in the rearview mirror allow you to view all three at the same time.

The Perfect RAM HD is Waiting for You at Dan Cummins CDJR of Georgetown

Both the RAM 2500 and 3500 represent the high end of heavy-duty pickups and provide the very best in terms of performance and towing prowess. Whether you’re looking for that perfect workhorse for the worksite, you have a fifth wheel that you want to take on your next camping trip, or huge amounts of construction supplies to haul to a work site, there’s a RAM truck that’s ready to exceed your expectations. And when it comes to making this decision, there’s no shopping experience quite like Dan Cummins CDJR of Georgetown. Not only do we have one of the most impressive selections of vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM, but we also have a staff that knows the intricacies of the vehicles we sell and can assist you in understanding which one will best suit your needs. Rejoice! Your buying experience just got a whole lot better.

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