RAM 2500 vs RAM 3500

When you’re looking at getting a new truck, it can seem like there are a ton of different options to pick from. But what are the differences between a 2500 and a 3500, and when should you consider getting the larger truck?

We’ll answer those questions and more for you here, that way you know exactly what truck is right for you and your needs.

Dodge RAM 2500

If you need a little more performance than a standard RAM 1500 can give you, then the next level up is the 2500. It’s a three-quarter-ton pickup truck and depending on what you need your truck for it might be the perfect size for you.

Engines and Performance Specs

When you go from the 1500 to the 2500, you really get a new range of engines. That’s because the smaller 1500 trucks tend to focus a little more on combining performance and fuel efficiency, and with the 2500 it’s all about performance.

They still share the top engine option from the 1500, the 5.7L Hemi V8. However, every other engine option is a newer option, and this is how they unlock a whole litany of new performance specs.

The exact horsepower and torque specs can vary a little depending on the exact model year you go with, but for the most part, they’re extremely similar to what we highlighted on our chart here.

Towing and Payload Specifications

While the RAM 2500 can’t quite keep up with the 3500 in terms of towing and payload specifications, it still has some pretty solid numbers. The numbers change a bit depending on the model year and engine package you go with, but these are on the higher end of what you can get from a 2500.

The maximum towing capacity for a 2019 RAM 2500 is 19,780 pounds, while the maximum payload is 3,650 pounds. This is more than enough for most recreational activities, but just know that’s the upper-end limit for the 2500.

Many other 2500s have much lower towing capacities, so do the research into the exact engine option and towing package on the truck you’re considering.

Dodge RAM 3500

If you’re trying to haul heavier materials or pull larger trailers, then you might need a truck even bigger than the 2500. The 3500 is a one-ton truck, and there aren’t many jobs it can’t tackle if you get the right configuration.

Engine and Performance Specs

What’s surprising when you look at the RAM 3500 is that it doesn’t open up a whole new range of engine options. In fact, when you open up the hood, it’s often the exact same engine sitting there.

That’s because the primary difference between these two trucks isn’t because of what’s under the hood. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at the standard engines available with the RAM 3500 and compare them with the engine options we highlighted above.

Towing and Payload Specifications

While the engine options between the RAM 2500 and 3500 options are extremely similar, where the 3500 really starts to pull away from the 2500 is when you look at the towing and payload specifications.

Once again, the exact specifications will vary a little depending on the model year and engine option you go with, but no matter what model year you look at the 3500 will have higher performance specs than a 2500 with the same engine configuration from the same year.

For instance, the 2019 RAM 3500 has a maximum towing capacity of 34,480 pounds and a maximum payload of 7,050 pounds. Both these numbers are significantly larger than you can find with a 2500, and it opens up a new range of possibilities for your truck.

When you’re choosing to upgrade from a 2500 to a 3500, this is what you’re paying for, not a larger engine under the hood.

The Price Factor

While you might think a 3500 is always more expensive than a 2500, that’s not always the case. If you get a 2500 with more options or pay for a more advanced towing package they can easily cost more than a 3500.

The 3500 does have a small price jump if you’re comparing otherwise identical trucks, but unless you need the higher payload and towing capacity that comes with a comparable 3500, you might be able to get a lower-end 3500 to reach your needs without spending as much by upgrading a 2500.

When You Want to Upgrade to a RAM 3500

When you’re trying to figure out whether to get a 2500 or a 3500 it really all comes down to the towing and payload capacities. Consider what you plan on using your truck for. Figure out exactly how much you’ll need to tow and how much you’ll need to haul.

If you need to have a maximum payload over 3,000 pounds, then you should go with a 3500. Meanwhile, the maximum towing capacity is a bit more complicated. Anything over 19,000 pounds means you should go with a 3500. But under that amount either truck might be the better choice.

Find a truck that can handle everything you need then look at the price and comfort features you want and go with the best deal for you!

Final Thoughts

Do you have questions about either the RAM 2500 or 3500? Whether you still need a little more help or you’re ready to get behind the wheel of your next truck, the friendly experts at Tim’s Truck would love to help you out.

They’ll answer any questions you might have and help get you behind the wheel of the perfect truck for you.