The RAM 2500 is a heavy duty work truck that’s ready to tackle almost any job thrown at it. From hauling supplies to and from the job site, to hauling the kids and sports gear, to towing the boat, towing the horse trailer, or towing the pop-up camper, the RAM 2500 is ready to get the job done. While shopping for a truck of this size, it’s important to establish your needs and non-negotiables when it comes to what you want your truck to be able to do. The RAM 2500 is available in a variety of different trim levels that offer everything from the basics to high end technology and safety features. In the below, we’ll dig deeper into each trim level in recent model years to help you choose which is best for you.
The base model RAM 2500 is the Tradesman. This would be your go to model for commuting to and from the worksite, and although it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles, it’s fully prepared to get the job done - and then some. The standard configuration of the Tradesman is a two-wheel drive crew cab with seating for two, but you can upgrade to a 4x4 and extended cab. The base level engine is a powerful 5.3 liter V8 HEMI, delivering 383 horsepower, but depending on the model year, your engine can be upgraded to a 410 horsepower 6.4 liter V8, or a 400 horsepower 6.7 liter turbo diesel engine for added power. Your towing capacity ranges from 13,910 pounds to 17,980 pounds, depending on which engine size you go with. Bumpers are black, and you’ll find the wheels are 17 inch steel finished. Although this model is based more on raw performance than it is on pleasure and comfort, you still get plenty of tech and comfort features like a 5 inch touchscreen with a six speaker audio system, and a ParkView backup camera. Upholstery is heavy duty vinyl for easy cleaning.
The next step up is the Big Horn, and it comes with all the features and engine options found in the Tradesman, with added comfort and style options. Front and rear bumpers are upgraded to chrome, and the front grille gets a chrome finish and distinctive black billets. Wheels grow to 18 inches and get a polished steel finish, which has a chrome-like look. Also found In this trim level, is a ten way power adjustable driver’s seat and leather wrapped steering wheel, while your seats are upgraded to premium cloth upholstery. If you plan to use your RAM 2500 for towing, you’ll be pleased to see extended side mirrors for greater visibility, and these mirrors will fold in at the touch of button for worry-free parking. You also have Trailer Brake Control, which allows you to adjust the brake sensitivity on your trailer for safer towing.
Next up is the Laramie, and this level comes with all those features found in the Big Horn, but with additional power and luxury components. The standard engine size in this trim is a 6.4 liter HEMI V8, giving you 410 horsepower. Both front seats become 10 way power adjustable, and upholstery is leather trimmed with suede inserts. Additionally, both front seats can be heated or ventilated, for cold winter mornings or hot summer days, respectively. Also an added bonus for chilly mornings - a heated steering wheel. Your infotainment center is upgraded to 8.4 inches and the latest edition of UConnect, which features satellite radio and a navigation system. In the Laramie, you’ll find a 9 speaker premium Alpine sound system, and the infotainment center is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable, so you can access your phone’s apps and easily play your own tunes via USB cable or Bluetooth connection. For added safety, RAM’s ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist help provide visual and audible cues to help you accurately maneuver your truck into or out of parking space or tight areas. ParkSense will alert you if either bumper is getting too close to an object or obstacle in your field of motion, and will apply the brakes if an obstacle is suddenly detected when your truck is in reverse. A chrome grille and mirrors round out the Laramie’s more luxurious appearance.
This upper-mid level trim is an attention grabber and is packed with off road capabilities not found in any other model. RAM’s legendary Articulink Suspension is found in the Power Wagon, and adds an extra link and bushing to the front control arms - which allows the front axle to be more flexible. Both the front and rear axles can be electronically locked, which gives each wheel an equal amount of the engine’s torque and thus they will rotate at the same speeds. The Power Wagon comes equipped with an electronically powered disconnecting front stabilizer bar, which in normal driving conditions helps keep all 4 wheels on the ground when rounding tight turns. But in off road conditions, it can be helpful for the separate axles to have more articulation, so the stabilizer bar can be disconnected at the push of a button, giving you up to 28 more inches of ground clearance at the center of each front wheel. Also notable is the 12,000 pound capacity WARN winch, perfect for getting your truck out of a sticky situation, or towing other vehicles out of tight spaces.
The top tier RAM 2500 trim level is the Limited, and here you’ll find features that would seem most at home in luxury sedans, but here they’re paired with the rugged power of a RAM. Natura Plus leather upholstery is throughout the cabin, and passengers in the rear seats will be pleased to find their seats can be heated. Depending on the model year, your infotainment center is the largest in its class at 12 inches, and comes equipped with a navigation system that can also be voice activated, keeping you hands free. You can upgrade your sound system to a 17 speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Audio System. Power running boards fold down or up when the doors are opened, and a 360 degree Surround View Camera keeps your surroundings in view as you maneuver your truck. Your wheels are upgraded to 20 inch painted aluminum with chrome pockets, for that added look of luxury.
As you can see, the RAM 2500 packs legendary power and performance features and plenty of added comfort and technology features to more than get the job done. The dedicated and knowledgeable team at Tim’s Truck is ready to help you find the right RAM for you. Give us a call to schedule a test drive today!