RAM 1500 vs. RAM 2500

Trucks exist in their own little world – you can’t shop for them the way you would any other vehicle. There are many more specifications to consider to ensure that you are getting the right truck for you. For example, you need to know how powerful the engine is, both in terms of horsepower and torque, and you need to know how each of those things will affect performance. You need to know the towing capacity, the type of suspension and brakes, and much more. Even if you’ve driven a truck in the past, you might still be a little confused or intimidated by some of this information.

Fortunately, RAM makes two great trucks that can meet most of your needs: The RAM 1500 and the RAM 2500. One is a lighter-duty truck, and one is a heavier-duty truck, but there are a lot more nuances than that. You need to take a closer look at each of these popular trucks to decide which is right for you. When you shop for used truck models, you get a lot more options to help you find the right configuration to meet your needs.

Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is a big concern for most people shopping for the more heavy duty trucks like the RAM 1500 and the RAM 2500. Typically, the RAM 1500 was what was known as a “half-ton truck,” while the RAM 2500 was known as a “three-quarter ton” or “one-ton” truck. However, these designations are misleading, since both trucks typically have a much higher towing capacity.

When you are shopping for used RAM trucks, what’s important to keep in mind is that the 1500 is going to give you much less towing capacity than the 2500, but that you need to find out the specifics to know whether the truck is going to meet your needs. Some model years have towing capacities approaching 20,000 pounds! You’ll also see a lot of variation in towing capacity depending on the configuration of the truck.

Figure out what kind of towing capacity you are likely to need based on how you will use the truck, such as if it’s for personal use or work, and then what you will actually need to haul at work.

Power and Performance

Both RAM truck models are known for their great performance and their strong power. These are some of the qualities that make these trucks so desirable on both the new and used markets.

Even the lighter-duty RAM 1500 comes with an engine that’s more powerful than what’s offered on the base model of many brand new trucks. No matter what model you are looking at from the last few years, it’s common to find the base model RAM 1500 with a V6 engine and a larger capacity (3.6 liters is typical). HEMI and diesel engines were common options for the RAM 1500, so you can likely find a used model with these more powerful engines for much less than you would expect to pay new.

Expect to find used models of the RAM 2500 with much larger and more powerful engines. A 5.7-liter capacity or more isn’t unusual, and HEMI and turbo diesel options are offered.
When you are towing large quantities, you are going to need a truck that has a more powerful engine. You’ll also need that additional torque when you find yourself in a tight spot, such as plowing through snow or mud.

Cab Configurations

The great thing about shopping for used RAM trucks is that you will have access to a great variety of cab configurations, and you’ll get a deal on what you need.

Since the RAM 1500 is a lighter duty truck, it has often come with the second row of seating in the base model. You have more room for your family or for other workers on your team (if you plan to use the truck for your business).

With the RAM 2500 being more focused on offering you great power and performance, most base models come with the front row only, usually in a bench seat that can fit three. However, the RAM 2500 did often come with the option to upgrade to a larger cab with the second row of seating. You don’t have to sacrifice the power or towing capacity you need to get the seating you need, or vice versa.

The Extras

With a heavy duty truck, you don’t typically get a lot of extras in the way of comfort and convenience features or technology. However, you do have some of those options with both the RAM 1500 and the RAM 2500 since both are high-quality trucks that are designed for style and comfort, as well as performance.

Shopping for used RAM trucks gives you an advantage here. You will find models that have the best that RAM has had to offer in recent years, including the latest technology and the most popular features. Shopping for used models also gives you access to trucks with configurations that you may not have been able to afford new. You can take advantage of the upgrades and packages that someone else invested in while still spending less than you would have on the base model when it was new, in many cases.

Shopping for used RAM trucks makes the things you want more affordable, and it gives you the change to try out features that you might not have been able to preview on a new vehicle lot.

Shopping for Your Used RAM Truck

You have a lot of opportunities to find a great RAM truck for an exceptional price when you shop for used models. You can get a truck that has a lot of power and life left in it, as well as a lot of style, for a lot less money than you would pay for a new truck.

Tim’s Truck Capital has a number of great used RAM trucks, including the RAM 1500 and RAM 2500. We also have a variety of other used truck models. You can find the perfect truck for your needs and your budget. Visit us today to let us help you find the right truck!