RAM 2500 vs. RAM 3500: Comparing Towing Capacity, Ride Quality, & More
RAM vehicles are widely popular for more reasons than one. Their trucks are known to be extremely powerful, tough, and capable of handling the biggest jobs. If you’re shopping for a heavy-duty 2500 vs 3500 truck, you may be wondering which model actually fits the way you’ll use it.
Both the RAM 2500 and the RAM 3500 are sure to impress with their exceptional capability and luxurious design. Even though both of these trucks are similar, they do have some differences to consider. Once you’ve made your decision, head over to Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Kansas City, KS near Gladstone, Independence, and Olathe to get your perfect RAM truck.
What’s Under the Hood?
Evaluating your engine options in the RAM 2500 and the RAM 3500 can help you determine which truck is right for you. The standard engine in both the 2500 and the 3500 is the 6.4L HEMI® V8 Engine that offers 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. Although this standard engine is quite powerful, you can choose to upgrade to one of the other available engines that provide even more power. An available engine with both the RAM 2500 and the 3500 is the 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 Engine.
This option provides 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. So far, the 2500 and the 3500 are identical in terms of engine options. However, with the RAM 3500, you have another option. The available 6.7L Cummins® High-Output Turbo Diesel I6 Engine offers 420 horsepower and best-in-class 1,075 lb-ft of torque. If this is the engine that you want in your RAM truck, then the RAM 3500 is for you.
Towing Capacity and Payload
Towing capacity and payload will depend on which engine you choose in your RAM truck. So, let’s go over the differences in the capability of the RAM 2500 and the RAM 3500 with all engine options.
6.4L HEMI V8 Engine: With this standard engine, the RAM 2500 has a towing capacity of 17,540 pounds and a payload of 4,010 pounds. For many, this is enough towing power and payload to get the job done. In the RAM 3500, this standard engine gives it a towing capacity of 18,210 pounds and a payload of 7,680 pounds.
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Engine: As we mentioned above, this engine is available in both the RAM 2500 and the RAM 3500. With the 2500, this engine gives it a towing capacity of 19,680 pounds and a max payload of 3,160 pounds. With the 3500, you’ll have a towing capacity of 22,670 pounds and a max payload of 6,840 pounds.
6.7L Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel I6 Engine: This engine is what makes the RAM 3500 stand out from the crowd. It gives the 3500 a max towing capacity of up to 37,100 pounds and a max payload of 6,570 pounds.
Single Rear Wheel vs Dually: RAM 2500 vs 3500 Single Wheel
One of the biggest decisions between the 2500 and 3500 comes down to wheel configuration. The RAM 2500 comes standard with single rear wheels across all trims. The RAM 3500 gives you the option of single rear wheels or a dually (dual rear wheel) setup.
If you’re not regularly towing above 20,000 pounds, a RAM 2500 vs 3500 single wheel configuration gives you a narrower, easier-to-maneuver truck that fits in standard parking spots and drives more like a daily vehicle. If you need maximum towing stability for heavy trailers, fifth wheels, or gooseneck loads, the 3500 dually is the way to go. The wider rear axle distributes weight more evenly and gives you significantly more stability under load.
RAM 2500 vs 3500 Ride Quality
This is something a lot of buyers overlook until they’re behind the wheel. The RAM 2500 vs 3500 ride quality difference comes down to suspension tuning. The 2500 is sprung lighter than the 3500, which means it rides more comfortably when the truck isn’t loaded or towing. The 3500’s heavier-duty rear springs are designed to support bigger payloads, but that extra stiffness translates to a firmer, bouncier ride when the bed is empty.
If your truck doubles as a daily driver and you’re not consistently hauling near max capacity, the 2500 will feel noticeably smoother on the highway and around town. If you’re loaded up most of the time, the 3500’s stiffer suspension evens out under weight and performs exactly as designed.
Visit Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Ottawa to learn more about the RAM 2500 and the RAM 3500.