RAM 2500 Trims and Packages

There's no denying all the performance numbers that the RAM 2500 offers. With a payload well over 3,000 pounds and a towing capacity close to 20,000 pounds on gasoline models, and over 37,000 pounds with the diesel power trains, it's not hard to see why this is such a popular truck.

But once you decide it's the truck you want, that doesn't mean you don't need to make any more decisions. You still need to pick out the trim level and packages you want, otherwise you might get a truck without the features you were expecting.

And on the other hand, you might end up overpaying for features you don't care about. Keep reading and we'll break down everything you need to know to get behind the wheel of the exact truck you want and need.

Trim Levels

When you're trying to figure out everything a RAM 2500 is going to come with one of the most important things to look at is the trim level. While the exact things that come with each trim level change throughout the years, higher trim levels will always come with more than lower trim levels from the same year.

Tradesman

The Tradesman is the base model truck for the RAM 2500, but it's not like the Work Truck trim level of older trucks. It still comes standard with air conditioning, USB port charging, a 5" touchscreen display, and more.

But even with some of these advanced features compared to older trucks, there's no denying it's a lower-level truck. For starters, it has manual windows and a limited 4-speaker audio system that doesn't deliver like the higher trim levels.

But where it matters, it's the same truck. You can get it in either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, and the maximum towing capacity is just under 20,000 pounds. It still pushes out 410 horsepower and 850 ft-lb of torque, and that are the numbers you're really looking at when you're getting a truck.

Big Horn

The Big Horn RAM 2500 is a step up from the Tradesman, and it steps clear away from the old "Work Truck" trim level mentality. It's easy to tell the difference from the outside, just look for the chrome bumpers and you know it's not a Tradesman.

It also features electronic trailer brake controls which is a big deal if you plan on doing a lot of towing with your 2500. You get automatic windows, a 6-speaker audio system, and newer models come with capabilities for 4G LTE Wi-Fi and have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on the 8.4" touchscreen display.

Laramie

One step up from the Big Horn trim package is the Laramie. It doesn't give up any of the performance specs but adds a bit more luxury throughout the truck. Some of these luxury features include power front seats and newer models feature front and rear parking sensors to help you handle this big truck.

Moreover, these models have heated power folding mirrors and heated front seats. It's not features you need with a truck, but they're certainly nice features to have after a long day of work.

Power Wagon

If you're looking for a truck to take off-road more than you are to haul things, then the RAM 2500 Power Wagon is what you're looking for. The towing and payload numbers take a bit of a hit, but it has everything you need to get off-road, including a 12,000-pound winch.

It also features off-road tires and it only comes with a 4x4 drivetrain. If you're planning on getting off the open road and into the wilderness, the Power Wagon is an outstanding choice.

Limited Longhorn

The Limited Longhorn goes back more into the traditional trim levels, offering more than the Laramie trim level but still having extremely similar performance specs.

It's the first truck in the RAM 2500 lineup to feature leather seats and it comes with an upgraded 9-speaker Alpine stereo system. Add in the GPS navigation, dual-zone A/C system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror that you can find in newer models and it's easy to see how this is a luxurious RAM 2500 through and through.

Limited

If you're looking for a fully loaded RAM 2500, this is it. It comes with all the bells and whistles you'd expect in a luxury truck without sacrificing any of the performance specs.

An upgraded sound system, leather interior, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround view camera are all features that you can expect to find in newer RAM 2500 Limited trucks. They're going to cost a bit more, but you'll also get tons of luxury features.

Engine Options

If you're looking at a RAM 2500 you need to know what's under the hood. The good news is that since 2010 RAM has only offered three different engines with the 2500, although they have tweaked them a bit through the years.

From 2010 to 2018, they offered a "smaller" 5.7L V8 Hemi engine, which was the base engine. In 2014 RAM introduced a 6.4L Hemi V8 with improved performance specs, and in 2019 when RAM discontinued the 5.7L engine with the 2500, the 6.4L engine became standard.

But for those that want the extra power that a diesel engine provides, RAM offers a 6.7L Cummins inline-six engine. They've offered a rendition of this engine ever since 2010, but they did tweak the engine a bit through the years.

That's why the 2010 rendition offers 350 hp and 650 lb-ft torque, but the 2019 and newer versions offer 400 hp and 1,000 lb-ft torque.

Final Thoughts

Now it's up to you to decide what features you want and to go out and get behind the wheel of one for yourself!

Do you have any questions about the RAM 2500 or are you interested in getting behind the wheel of one? The friendly experts at Tim's Truck would love to help you out. So, reach out today and they'll answer any questions you might have and even help you track down your dream truck.