The pickup segment has exploded in popularity in recent years, with more and more drivers gravitating towards compact, midsize, and full-size trucks. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2016, pickup sales accounted for just over 16 percent of all new vehicle sales, but by 2022, that number rose to almost 21 percent. Pickups are certainly having their moment, but an influx of customers has seen the segment shift from its working-class roots towards a new model that prioritizes comfort and convenience over raw power and size. So where does this leave drivers looking for a no-nonsense, industrious truck that isn’t afraid to put in a little work? That’s where heavy-duty pickups like the 2024 Ram 2500 and 3500 come in. Built to a higher standard than your average full-size pickup, these stout pickups are designed to handle whatever you can throw at them.
While most full-size trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that tops out at 8,500 lbs, heavy-duty pickups are designed with towing and hauling in mind. Take the Ram 2500, for example. With a GVWR of 10,000 lbs, the Ram 2500 is a versatile pickup that can accommodate even the heaviest load while maintaining an impressive level of comfort. If that’s still not enough, take a lap in the Ram 3500, which can heft some 10,700 lbs without breaking a sweat. Of course, GVWR isn’t the only factor to consider when browsing your local Ram dealer for a new heavy-duty model. From power and towing capacity to next-generation tech features and one of the most robust suspension setups on the market, let’s take a closer look and see why the Ram 2500 and 3500 are the pickups of choice for discerning drivers.
Powerful Engine Options
Ram’s heavy-duty offerings also come with some of the most powerful standard engines in their class. With 410 hp under the hood, the Ram 2500 bests Chevy and Ford’s heavy-duty pickups, which come in at 401 and 405 hp respectively. The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 also boasts 429 lb-ft of torque, giving the pickup all the power it needs for even the most demanding applications. The V8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that’s won plenty of praise for its smooth shifting and power distribution, rounding out the pickups’ powertrains and making for a smooth, responsive ride.
The Ram 2500 and 3500’s brawny gas-powered engine might be a standout when compared to the F-250 and Silverado 2500 HD, but it’s not the only power plant on offer for 2024. The truck can also be had with a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline-six in either a rear or four-wheel drive setup, giving drivers the opportunity to move mountains with a considerable upgrade in torque. The standard Cummins design—offered on both the 2500 and 3500—gives the Ram pickups 370 hp along with 850 lb-ft of torque.
While that should be more than enough for all but the most demanding towing projects, those opting for the Ram 3500 have the chance to upgrade to a high-output version of the diesel that ups the torque to some 1,075 lb-ft. The Cummins is a little weighty at more than 1,000 lbs, but the advantages of the diesel design more than make up for the added heft. Diesel isn’t just more efficient than gas; it also provides considerably more torque, emits fewer hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and lead pollution, and brings some real advantages when it comes to longevity. According to some experts, a diesel engine will routinely last two to four times longer than a comparable gas model, making it a no-brainer for those looking to reduce lifetime ownership and maintenance costs.
Towing Capacity
Towing and payload capacity are usually the go-to metrics when it comes to the heavy-duty end of the pickup segment, and the Ram 2500 and 3500 certainly don’t disappoint in either category. We’ll start with the 6.4-liter V8 on the Ram 2500, which offers 17,730 lbs of towing capacity along with a maximum payload rating of 4,000 lbs. Those might be some impressive numbers, but they’re nothing compared to the heavy-duty Ram’s diesel engines.
When optioned in its burliest guise, the Ram 3500 with the high-output Cummins diesel sets a high bar with a max towing capacity that tops 37,000 lbs. Throw in a max payload of 7,680 lbs, and it’s easy to see why the Ram 3500 has become the go-to choice for contractors, trade pros, and other drivers who know the importance of raw power. Those numbers see a decrease when opting for the 4×4 Ram 2500 but still hold their own with a total towing capacity of 19,990 lbs and a payload capacity of 3,150 lbs.
Ram Trucks Offer an Array of Towing Tech
Those numbers might put the Ram 2500 and 3500 towards the top of their respective classes, and while towing and payload capacity are important, they’re not the only factors to consider when shopping for your next heavy-duty pickup. Towing technology has come a long way in the last decade, and Ram has been at the forefront of the push to build a better, smarter truck.
Take the Ram’s Trailer Reverse Steering Control, for example. Any driver who has ever struggled to back up a trailer into a tight spot knows how frustrating this common towing task can be. Between glancing at your rearview mirror and figuring out which way to turn the steering wheel for the proper result, it never seems to go as smoothly as you’d like. Ram has engineered around this issue with its innovative Trailer Reverse Steering Control system, which allows drivers to use a simple dash-mounted knob to guide the trailer into place. When in use, the system actually takes control of the steering wheel itself, giving drivers one less thing to worry about.
But the Trailer Reverse Steering Control system is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Ram 2500 and 3500’s towing tech. With the 360-Degree Surround View Camera, drivers are treated to a handy bird’s-eye POV that displays your surroundings in one convenient feed. The system stitches together multiple camera angles from around the truck, creating a convenient view that makes it easy to spot any obstacles before they can do damage. This feature is also handy when it comes to attaching or backing up a trailer, making it the perfect complement for these hard-working Ram trucks.
We should also mention the available Digital Rearview Mirror, which improves on the old-fashioned rearview mirror by turning it into a real-time LCD monitor. Want a better view of whatever’s behind you? Activate the Digital Rearview Mirror, and you’ll be met with a live stream of the Ram’s rear-facing camera. The system can also be set to display the space to the left or right of any trailer you might be towing, improving safety and ensuring no unfortunate run-ins with unseen obstacles. If your trailer is outfitted with a rear-facing camera, that feed can also be displayed on the Digital Rearview Mirror as part of the wired tow mode system. There’s no underestimating the importance of horsepower and torque when it comes to a successful towing venture, but this sort of cutting-edge towing tech can make all the difference when it comes to getting the job done on time and on budget.
A Look at the Ram’s Bilstein Gas-Charged Monotube Shocks
When dealing with a truck that’s as weighty as the Ram 2500 and 3500, a good suspension can make all the difference. So how does Ram keep these 6,000 to 7,300-pound behemoths in check? By teaming up with one of the most trusted names in the world of shock absorption technology. Bilstein’s products can be found on many of the industry’s most successful full-size models, allowing drivers to unlock the full potential of their ride without sacrificing comfort.
On the Ram 2500 and 3500, the Bilstein name can be found stamped onto the trucks’ gas-charged monotube shocks. These gas-charged shocks have a number of advantages over the typical hydraulic design, offering a sportier, more responsive ride that should mesh well with the Rams’ hard-working reputation. Hydraulic shocks might offer an impressive level of comfort, but they often come at the cost of performance. Gas-charged shocks are quicker to compress than their fluid-filled cousins because, unlike oil, the air can compress when put under pressure.
This compression allows the shocks to act more quickly than hydraulic designs, which have to wait for the oil to pass through small valves within the shocks themselves. Gas-charged shocks might not offer as cushy of a ride as hydraulic shocks, but if you’re looking to improve off-road cornering and braking, they’re hard to beat. The Ram 2500 and 3500’s gas-charged Bilstein monotube shocks have also been shown to drastically reduce overall vibrations, which can go a long way when it comes to reducing tire wear and improving a truck’s longevity.
Of course, you also can’t discount the advantages of the Bilstein shocks’ monotube design. While twin-tube shocks use an inner tube to house a piston and an outer tube to serve as the shock body, monotube shocks are built with a single tube that pulls double duty. This approach offers some real benefits in terms of performance, especially when it comes to dissipating heat. Monotube shocks can also accommodate larger pistons than twin-tube products—up to 288 percent larger, according to Bilstein—and are less likely to experience foaming or loss of viscosity as the shock’s oil and gas are relegated to separate chambers.
All told, monotube shocks are hard to beat when it comes to responsiveness and control and are less likely to experience shock fade than your garden-variety offering. These qualities make the Bilstein gas-charged monotube shocks the perfect pairing for the Ram 2500 and 3500, giving drivers the ability to navigate even the toughest terrain with confidence.
The Ram 2500 and 3500 Have the Heavy-Duty Power You’re Looking For
A powerful lineup of engines, a full suite of advanced towing tech, and advanced Bilstein gas-charged monotube shocks aren’t the only tricks the Ram 2500 and 3500 have up their sleeves. The pickups are also available with Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension, a class-exclusive feature that can make all the difference when it comes to leveling out a load or traversing tough terrain. It’s just one more feature that makes the Ram 2500 and 3500 stand out in their class, giving drivers access to unparalleled performance.
If you’re in the market for a new heavy-duty truck, make McHugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT your first top; with a wide selection of both new and pre-owned Ram 2500 and 3500 models, the team at McHugh is here to help you find the perfect pickup for your unique driving needs. We look forward to working with you and helping you discover which Ram truck best fits your heavy-duty needs.
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