“I bought a Cummins Diesel that just happens to come in a Ram truck. I will buy the truck that has the Cummins engine available. The fact that I like the Ram truck is a bonus.”
Ram 3500: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Ram 3500 is a full-size heavy-duty pickup built for demanding commercial work, large trailers, and heavy payloads. It is known for strong diesel pulling power and a lineup that stretches from basic work trucks to richly finished higher trims.
Capability has always been the Ram 3500’s main purpose, with gas and diesel power, heavy-duty underpinnings, and single- or dual-rear-wheel configurations serving serious towing and hauling needs. Across generations, Ram has repeatedly increased diesel output and trailer ratings while adding better towing tools. Its other defining trait is that higher trims bring large screens, premium seating, and upscale materials without abandoning the truck’s work-focused hardware.
Strengths
- It is built for demanding towing and hauling, with configurations designed around large trailers and high payloads.
- The diesel delivers the low-speed pulling force heavy work demands, with 1,075 lb-ft of torque in 2026.
- Single- and dual-rear-wheel versions let the truck cover different levels of payload and trailer duty.
- Recent models offer useful trailer-view cameras, towing displays, and redesigned tow mirrors that make managing a large trailer easier.
- Higher trims combine genuine work capability with large screens, premium seating, and richer cabin materials.
- Models from the 2025 refresh onward include adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking as standard equipment.
Who it's for
The Ram 3500 suits commercial users and other buyers who regularly pull large trailers or carry loads that call for a maximum-capability heavy-duty truck. It also fits shoppers who need that strength but want a more comfortable, well-equipped cabin for long days on the road.
Ram 3500 lineup
The Tradesman is the straightforward work-truck choice, aimed at buyers who put capability ahead of cabin extras. Big Horn and Lone Star form the next step up, bridging basic utility and a more modern interior experience. Laramie moves further toward comfort and richer materials, while Limited Longhorn adds the lineup’s distinctive western-themed personality. Limited sits at the premium end for shoppers who want the most upscale cabin treatment without moving away from the 3500’s core towing and hauling mission.
Ram 3500 generations
From 2011 to 2026, the 3500 spans two generations. The current 5th Generation arrived for 2019, following the 4th Generation (2010–2018).
5th Generation (2019–Present)
This generation brought a stronger frame, new exterior and interior styling, a quieter cabin, and updated gas and diesel powertrains. A substantial 2025 refresh revised the front end, diesel drivetrain, safety equipment, and cabin technology.
70 In Stock
2026Trim changes
Carries over the 2025 design, powertrains, safety systems, and infotainment. Some configurations have higher certified weight and payload ratings due to revised testing, not stronger hardware.
2025Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, standard adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, updated cabin technology, and a reworked Cummins diesel with a new eight-speed automatic.
2024
Mostly carries over from 2023, with only minor equipment changes.
2023Trim changes
Gains redesigned tow mirrors, improved trailer-camera tools, and new digital-display technology.
2022Trim changes
The newer touchscreen system becomes standard on Big Horn, Lone Star, and higher trims. Big Horn and Lone Star also receive a new grille.
2021Trim changes
The high-output Cummins diesel rises to 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, increasing maximum gooseneck towing in the qualifying configuration.
2020
Adds towing and driver-assistance technology, including trailer tire-pressure monitoring, extra camera support, and blind-spot monitoring that covers a trailer.
2019New generation
All-new design with a stronger frame, a quieter cabin, new styling and interior technology, and updated gas and diesel drivetrains.
4th Generation (2010–2018)
This generation established the Ram-branded heavy-duty truck with the same basic body and frame through 2018. A major 2013 overhaul strengthened the chassis, modernized the cabin, and increased towing and payload capability without starting a new generation.
16 In Stock
2018Trim changes
Adds Limited Tungsten and Harvest special editions. The high-output Cummins reaches 930 lb-ft of torque, a rearview camera becomes standard, and the 8.4-inch touchscreen gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2017
Carries over with the same core cab, bed, engine, and trim structure.
2016
The high-output Cummins rises to 900 lb-ft of torque, increasing maximum towing on qualifying trucks.
2015
A stronger high-output Cummins and automatic-transmission pairing raises torque to 865 lb-ft and increases maximum payload.
2014Trim changes
Tradesman replaces ST as the base trim. The lineup also gains a 6.4-liter V8 and rear self-leveling air suspension.
2013Mid-cycle update
Major overhaul with a stronger chassis, revised suspension and steering, updated cabin electronics, broader stability control, and higher towing and payload capability.
2012Trim changes
Adds a new steering wheel and a six-speed automatic for gas-engine models, plus targeted styling and equipment updates.
2011Trim changes
Outdoorsman and Laramie Longhorn join the lineup. The year also brings broader towing equipment and later capability increases for certain diesel configurations.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Ram 3500.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of truck is the Ram 3500?
The Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup built for commercial work, large trailers and heavy payloads. It sits at the maximum-capability end of Ram’s pickup range, while upper trims add the comfort and technology expected in a personal-use truck.
What is the Ram 3500 known for?
The Ram 3500 is known for serious towing and hauling, strong diesel torque and single- or dual-rear-wheel setups. Its headline towing capacity reaches 36,610 pounds in the right configuration, but the exact rating varies by engine, cab, bed and other equipment.
Does the Ram 3500 have a gas or diesel engine?
The Ram 3500 comes with gas and diesel power. Across the covered years, the diesel is a Cummins turbocharged six-cylinder known for strong pulling torque, while gas models use a V8. Output and transmissions vary by year.
Is the Ram 3500 a hybrid?
No. The Ram 3500 lineup covered here uses gas V8 and Cummins turbo-diesel power rather than a hybrid system. The exact engine and transmission pairing depends on the model year and truck configuration.
Is every Ram 3500 a dually?
No. The Ram 3500 comes in single- and dual-rear-wheel forms. A dual-rear-wheel truck has two wheels on each side of the rear axle and is aimed at the heaviest hauling and towing jobs; the right setup depends on the exact load.
Who is the Ram 3500 a good fit for?
The Ram 3500 fits contractors, commercial operators and owners of very large trailers who need more payload or towing ability than a lighter pickup provides. Higher trims also suit long-distance towing and personal use because they add richer seating, screens and cabin conveniences.
What are the main Ram 3500 generations?
The major dividing points are the heavily reworked fourth-generation truck introduced for 2013 and the all-new fifth generation that arrived for 2019. The fifth generation received a substantial refresh for 2025 with updated styling, safety technology, cabin screens and diesel hardware.
Ram 3500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Ram 3500.
4.2
Ram 3500
(2,818 reviews)
“Great truck. Plenty of power. Great stylings and appointments. Good fuel economy. Very comfortable.”
“Its a strong well styled truck that's dependable and looks good with comfortable options at an affordable price.”
“Awesome truck! Great features for towing! Superior camera systems! Powerful! Gorgeous interior!”
“Great utility, off road capability, carrying and storage capacity, excellent equipment and power. Cab electronics are up to date and easy to use. Could use factory options for sportiness and performance.”
“I would recommend they not get it right now because the Uconnect is EXTREMELY buggy.”
Sources
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 01 / 07 / 2025 Ram 2500 And 3500 Heavy Duty Unveiled With Exceptional Capability Enhanced Towing Features And Leading Edge Technology
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com — 11 / 22 / 2022 Ram Heavy Duty Lineup Whats New
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do
- embargoed.stellantisnorthamerica.com — Newsrelease.Do