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Used Ram 2500

Choosing a used pickup is a fantastic way to enjoy the power and performance of a truck while also going easy on your bank account. Although you have a lot of different options available to you, a used Ram 2500 is an amazing choice if you are looking for a truck that can get some serious work done while also giving you impressive luxury and technology. For quite some time now, Ram trucks have been leading the industry when it comes to the kinds of interior features they offer while still delivering tremendous towing and payload capacities. This combination of hard-work and luxury makes a used Ram 2500 an unbeatable option that gives you one of the best trucks on the road.

Of course, even if you have decided that a used Ram 2500 is the right truck for you, then it is still important that you pick a year and model that meets all of your needs. Looking at one year compared to another, the differences can be fairly minor sometimes, though in other cases, they can be much more significant. That is why it is so important that you spend some time researching your options and choosing a dealership that will put your needs first and provide you with a knowledgeable and friendly staff member to answer your questions and make sure you drive away in the right pickup. Come visit us at Dan Cummins of Georgetown today to find out more, and let us help you choose the perfect used truck.

A closeup shows the grille of a 2019 Ram 2500.

Options for a Used Ram 2500

The Ram Pickup (previously the Dodge Ram Pickup) has been around in one form or another for decades, but the Ram 2500 itself has only been around since 1993. In general, when looking for a used Ram 2500, we suggest sticking to the most recent generation of vehicles, as this will give you a diverse selection while still keeping you focused on those models that have the best performance and functionality. That means you want to look for models going back to about 2010, and as you look at your options, more recent used 2500s will give you better features and more safety systems than older ones.

One thing to note is that Dodge Ram trucks had been around for quite some time, but the pickups were set apart around the time of the latest generation for the 2500. This is why you will see it called a “Dodge Ram” sometimes, even though it is a Ram 2500. This can be an area of confusion, so it helps to have a sense of what to look for and why you might see some differences in names.

A red 2019 used Ram 2500 Power Wagon is kicking up mud on a trail.

Used Ram 2500 Towing Capacity

When looking at any truck, you should definitely be interested in the maximum towing capacity that it has available. There are many different factors that can affect the towing capacity of any specific model, but looking at the maximum that is possible still gives you a good sense of direction when considering your options.

So here are the maximum towing capacities for each of the most recent years of the Ram 2500:

  • 2010: 13,450 lbs
  • 2011: 15,450 lbs
  • 2012: 15,500 lbs
  • 2013: 18,350 lbs
  • 2014/2015: 17,970 lbs
  • 2016/2017/2018: 17,980 lbs
  • 2019: 19,780 lbs
  • 2020: 19,680 lbs

As you can see, there is some variation, though not much here should be too wildly unexpected. There are, of course, a few major things to keep in mind when looking at and considering these numbers. For one thing, these are all simply maximum tow ratings, so any model you find from a particular year might not have the right configuration to achieve these numbers. Always look in the owner's manual for the actual towing capacity of any specific model you are interested in.

As you can see from the specs above, there are also certain years and groups of years with significant differences in terms of towing capacity. So while looking at a couple of used Ram 2500 models from 2014 and 2016 might not have major differences in towing capacity, comparing a model from 2012 and one from 2018 can be quite different. It is important to keep these kinds of things in mind when looking at your options, so you can narrow down which models might work best for you.

A white 2019 used Ram 2500 is parked in front of a fence and a blue sky.

Used Ram 2500 Payload Capacity

Along with maximum towing, it is also a good idea to consider the payload capacity that you need in your used Ram 2500 while looking for the right model. Much like with towing, the payload can vary quite a lot from one model to another. To get a sense of what you will find, here are the maximum payload amounts for the last decade of models:

  • 2010: 3,160 lbs
  • 2011: 3,120 lbs
  • 2012: 3,190 lbs
  • 2013: 3,170 lbs
  • 2014/2015: 3,970 lbs
  • 2016/2017/2018: 3,990 lbs
  • 2019: 4,050 lbs
  • 2020: 4,010 lbs

As you can see, much like with towing, there is quite a lot of fluctuation between years, though certain periods remained pretty consistent. You will also find very different amounts of payload when looking at models from the same year with different engines and configurations. So, at the end of the day, it is vital that you look at specific information for the truck you are interested in to have a real sense of how much weight it can manage.

Features and Options to Look For

Much like with towing and payload, the features and options you find on a used Ram 2500 can vary quite a lot from one model to another. The year that you are looking at will certainly impact what you might find, as will the trim level of a particular model. With that in mind, here are a few things to keep an eye out for when considering different trucks.

When looking at models from 2010, 2011, and 2012, you are going to find mostly similar features and options between them. The engines you will find on these models include a 5.7L HEMI V8 and a 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6; both are quite powerful, though the Turbo Diesel was offered with either an automatic or manual transmission. Configurations for these years include a regular cab with an 8-foot box, a mega cab with a 6-foot box, and a crew cab with either size box. Look for a used Ram 2500 in either the Power Wagon or Laramie trims if you want advanced luxury features like leather-trimmed seats and remote start functionality with keyless entry.

Although the engines remained more or less the same for 2013, an improved front suspension and new frame allowed for major increases in towing capacity. In previous models, a 6-inch Infotainment display was the largest one available, while changes to the interior for 2013 made an 8-inch screen possible and offered on some trims. An impressive 6.4L HEMI V8 engine became available starting with 2014 models, so watch for that when looking at used Ram 2500s.

Only very minor changes came for 2015, so you will not find much difference between them and the 2014 models. The 2016 2500 saw additional engine options: the 5.7L HEMI V8 became available with more cab sizes, so you will find it more often than on other year models. 2017 included a new 4x4 Off-Road Package, so keep this in mind if you are looking for a used Ram 2500 that you can take on the trail. 2018 saw the rear backup camera become standard on all models along with improvements to media features, including an improved 8-inch Infotainment display and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Cummins Turbo Diesel engine was updated for 2019 to deliver far more horsepower and torque. Safety features were also improved and added for these years, with a lane-keeping assist system, blind spot warning, and improved trailering safety, all available in 2020. While older used models are great, the newer ones certainly have more tech features for you to watch for and to help you get the most out of your pickup.

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