Dodge RAM 1500 vs 2500

When you’re looking to get a truck, you could do far worse than a Dodge RAM. But do you need a 2500, or will a 1500 get the job done for you? It’s a big decision with even bigger financial implications, so we’ll help you understand what each truck can do so you can make an informed decision and get exactly what you need.

Because in the end they’re both great trucks, and all it really comes down to is what you’re using your truck for and if the 1500 has enough power and torque to get the job done for you!

Dodge RAM 1500

The Dodge RAM 1500 might be the entry-level “serious” truck, but at a half-ton truck, it still packs quite a punch. But what can you expect from a Dodge RAM 1500 and will it meet your needs? Well, check out below to see what it offers then decide for yourself.

Engines and Performance Specs

While the exact engine options for the Dodge RAM 1500 change from year to year, they pretty much always offer three engines that fall into these categories, a V6, a V8, and a Hemi V8.

We’re going to throw a lot of numbers and specs at you here, but they’re important. Just keep in mind that these numbers will change some from year to year, but they’re all good ballpark numbers to go off of with the Dodge Ram 1500.

In 2010, the 3.7L V6 could tow about 3,800 pounds, and they have a maximum payload between 1,480 and 1,900 pounds depending on the body and bed style you choose.

Meanwhile, the 4.7L V8 significantly ups the towing numbers, allowing you to tow between 6,000 and 7,500 pounds depending on the exact truck. However, the maximum payload does drop a bit to 1,340 to 1,760 pounds depending on the exact body and bed style.

Finally, the 5.7L gives you the highest possible towing capacity, settling between 5,050 and 8,850 pounds. The maximum payload for the Hemi sits between 1,440 and 1,710 pounds, once again completely depending on the body and bed package you go with.

Dodge RAM 2500

If you need a little more power and performance from your truck, going with a RAM 2500 might be the way to go. They’re also your first chance to get a V8 Cummins diesel, which is a pretty big deal whether you want a longer-lasting engine or something with more low-end torque.

Engine and Performance Specs

To give you a better understanding of what the RAM 2500 offers, we wanted to highlight something in direct comparison to the 2010 version we focused on above. Once again keep in mind that when you change the model year the performance specs can change a bit too, but they’ll still remain within the same ballpark.

With the RAM 2500 they ditch the 6-cylinder engine option altogether because if you need a three-quarter-ton pickup truck, you need the larger engine to go with it.

The 5.7L V8 engine can tow between 8,150 and 10,450 pounds, it all comes down to the configuration. Those are similar towing numbers to the 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi, but the payload on the 2500 significantly increases.
Depending on the body and cap style, the 2500 has a maximum payload between 2,117 and 3,132 pounds.

But if you need a lot more performance, that’s when it’s time to get the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel. While it really depends on the setup of your truck, they have a maximum towing capacity of 13,450 pounds. Meanwhile, the payload stays fairly similar, with a maximum payload of 3,160 pounds.

Other Notable Differences

While we’ve focused on the engine differences so far, there are a few other differences between a RAM 1500 and 2500 that we want to highlight for you here.

First, the 2500 has a larger and beefier suspension system. Nothing highlights this quite like the fact that the 1500 has rear coil springs, while the 2500 uses rear leaf springs.

Furthermore, the 2500 is simply a larger truck than the 1500. It has a larger frame, and the overall truck has both wider and longer dimensions, no matter what option you go with. Of course, because it’s a larger truck, it also needs more powerful brakes.

That’s why the 2500 comes with a larger brake system than the 1500. The 2500 is simply a beefier, heavier, and larger truck, and you’re going to feel that when you get behind the wheel.

When You Want To Upgrade to a RAM 2500

If you’re stuck between a RAM 1500 and a 2500, it really all comes down to what you’re using it for. If you have a specific trailer and job in mind, then you already know what payload and towing specifications you need.

Dive into the numbers and give yourself an honest assessment of what you plan to use your truck for. That’s what will tell you what truck you need. If your needs are borderline, go ahead and go for the 2500 though.

Because there are a variety of conditions that will lower the towing capacity of your truck, and the last thing you want is for your 1500 to handle things with no problems on some days and struggle on others!

Final Thoughts

Are you still debating whether you need a RAM 1500 or 2500? Why not reach out to the experts at Tim’s Truck and have them point you in the right direction. They’ll break down all the differences for you, and even put you behind the wheel of each one so you feel the difference for yourself.

Don’t feel like this is a decision you have to make all by yourself, the pros at Tim’s Truck love helping people out and getting them behind the wheel of the exact vehicle they need.