There’s something about the raw capability and unbridled performance of the pickup truck that causes overwhelming feelings of awe and fascination, even if you don’t drive one. From the world of off-roading to the monumental tasks found on any construction site, these modern-day gladiators complete feats of strength that sometimes seem impossible. Of all the different brands that manufacture these vehicles, RAM has certainly amassed a reputation in the past few years for being the ideal compromise of raw capability and sophistication that others can only dream of. With their HEMI engines and refined interiors, they want for nothing and offer the modern truck owner everything they could ask for. Suppose you have a large payload that needs towing and want to maximize the experience that accompanies the task at hand. If that’s the case, you might have been wondering if the RAM 3500 “dually” is ideal or not. Whether you’re in the process of looking for a RAM dealer or just gathering information, there’s plenty to learn before you make a decision. Today, we’re going to deduce the capabilities of this legendary truck and help you determine if the RAM 3500 is right for you.
The Dually Redefined
So, what exactly is a “dually” truck? Simple, it’s a truck with an extra set of wheels attached to the rear on either side. These vehicles are also commonly referred to as “one-ton” pickups as they can typically haul over 2,000 lbs in their beds and are usually implemented for towing trailers, fifth wheels, and motor homes. RAM has taken steps to redefine this class of pickup trucks, offer more capability, and allow even the most mammoth of tasks to be handled with minimal difficulty. To help you decide whether this type of workhorse is perfect for you, it’s only fair that we look at the engines and towing capacity that the RAM 3500 offers—no amount of wheels or fancy nicknames will change how crucial a good powertrain is for heavy-duty work.
Putting the Word “Power” in “Powertrain”
While all pickup trucks are built to be proper workhorses, not all trucks are created equal. Depending on just how much you have to take care of, the right engine makes all of the difference. You won’t be moving much without a solid powertrain, and the ones that RAM has to offer are meant for truly monumental tasks.
6.4L HEMI “Apache” V8
Whether you’re a fan of the golden age of the muscle car or the recent innovations undertaken by RAM, the term “HEMI” is one you’re probably familiar with. HEMI engines have been a common appearance on RAM pickups for a while and remain the standard offering for the RAM 3500 and its sibling, the 2500. Offering 410 hp and generating 429 lb-ft of torque, the “Apache” boasts a mighty roar and monstrous performance without much embellishment. It provides the highest payload capacity for the 3500 at 7,680 lbs and a towing maximum of 18,210 lbs, making it more than capable of achieving your work quota and then some.
6.7L Cummins Turbo-Diesel Six-Cylinder
The past few years have been witness to a renaissance of sorts, with the diesel-fueled powertrain proving that it’s still a viable and potent force in the modern era. Cummins has been a significant part of the RAM since its days with the Dodge Motor Company, delivering high-end diesel performance to this day. The 6.7L six-cylinder, which is available on the 3500 as well as the 2500 HD, is a masterclass in torque—as to be expected with diesel. While 370 hp is substantially less than the standard HEMI, 850 lb-ft of torque is a tremendous value, especially with an upped towing limit of 22,660 lbs.
6.7L Cummins High-Output Turbo-Diesel Six-Cylinder
While the two previous engines we mentioned are available on both the 2500 and 3500, this potent offering is exclusive to the 3500 and is what happens when RAM really pushes the envelope in terms of performance. With 420 hp and the capacity to generate a leading-class 1,075 lb-ft of torque, this is capability on an astronomical scale. This also allows for a ridiculous maximum towing capacity of 37,090 lbs, above and beyond the parameters of “heavy-duty.”
Evaluating Cost-Effectiveness
Now that you have a better understanding of the capabilities of the RAM 3500, it’s time to consider your responsibility as a RAM owner. That’s right, purchasing any vehicle is a hefty investment, and there are multiple responsibilities you’ll be accountable for to keep your RAM 3500 on the road and running like a well-oiled machine. Now, the EPA doesn’t evaluate the fuel economies of vehicles this size, but other factors, such as maintenance and depreciation, will be a significant part of RAM ownership.
One of the prospects of owning a vehicle such as the RAM 3500 is that many owners don’t use it as their everyday vehicle. Driving it on a daily basis will most likely rack up heavy fuel costs and insurance rates, so drivers use it strictly for the job site and when the situation warrants it. On average, the annual repair costs of a RAM 3500 will stay below the threshold of $2,000 for the first five years of ownership. Keep in mind this is also if the vehicle is driven every day as your primary means of transportation. Maintenance required at regular intervals, such as tire rotation and oil change, must be done every 7,500 miles, which means that this particular dually is ideal for limited usage. Suppose you’re thinking of saving on up-front costs by purchasing a used model. In that case, we recommend looking for one at least four years old, as it only retains slightly more than 81% of its original resale value.
Of course, another aspect of owning a RAM 3500 is the rate of your insurance premium. Thankfully, there’s some very good news on this end. Compared to other vehicles on the market, especially for a heavy-duty pickup, the RAM 3500 is relatively inexpensive to insure. On average, you can expect to pay $1,989 per year, less than other heavy-duty vehicles. Remember, how much you pay will also be determined by age, driving record, and, again, whether or not your vehicle is strictly used for work or is your sole means of transportation. When taking out any insurance policy, the best thing to do is shop around and ensure you find the right one.
Looking to Tackle the Big Haul? The RAM 3500 Might Be Right for You
The purchase of any vehicle is a big undertaking, one that should be thought out and evaluated carefully before making any final decision. However, if you’ve got some major occupational obligations to fulfill, plan on towing that fifth wheel across state lines, or want to experience the tremendous power of RAM up close and personal, there’s no other dually quite like the RAM 3500 HD. With cheaper insurance premiums than most other vehicles in its class and more power than the competition in Chevy and Ford, it’s no wonder why RAM has ascended to the top of the mountain in heavy duty.
