Ram 2500 & 3500 Heavy Duty Buyer's Guide (2026–2027)

Two for 2027: the standard 6.4L HEMI V8 (405 hp, 429 lb-ft) and the optional 6.7L Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel I6 (430 hp, 1,075 lb-ft). Ram's 2027 materials list only the High-Output Cummins for pickups.

430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft. Ram calls 1,075 lb-ft "best-in-class base diesel torque" in its own materials; treat that as Ram's claim, based on Ram's definition of the class. For a buyer, the number that matters more is the trailer rating on the exact truck's configuration.

On the stickers we reviewed in October 2026 the Cummins HO was a $12,995 option. It earns that if you tow heavy and often: a big fifth-wheel or gooseneck, long hauls, grades. If the truck mostly plows, hauls in the bed or tows a light trailer a few times a year, the HEMI costs less and carries more. Full math: Cummins vs HEMI.

Per Ram's 2027 towing chart, the HEMI pairs with an 8-speed (8HP75-LCV) automatic, and the Cummins HO pairs exclusively with the TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic (ZF PowerLine). Earlier High-Output trucks (before the 2025 refresh) used an AISIN 6-speed; if you shop used, check which transmission the VIN carries.

Yes. Ram lists the 8HP75-LCV 8-speed with the 6.4L HEMI, with an electronic column shifter on all configurations, which Ram calls the preferred setup for snowplow and first-responder use.

Through 2024 Ram sold a standard-output Cummins and a High-Output Cummins. Ram's 2027 chart says the HO "improves 2500 diesel and 3500 diesel standard output hp by 60 and 225 lb-ft of torque," and the 2027 lineup lists only the HO. On a used truck, the build sheet tells you which one you have.

Yes. The 6.7L Cummins uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) for its emissions system; the Power Wagon Cummins even adds a skid plate for the DEF tank. Budget DEF refills along with fuel.

Heavy-duty pickups over 8,500 lb GVWR aren't EPA-rated, so there is no official number. Owner-reported figures vary widely with load, axle, tires, speed and winter blend fuel, so we don't quote one. Ram says the Power Wagon Cummins' 31-gallon tank gives an estimated 600-mile range; that is Ram's estimate, not a guarantee.

Ram HD diesels have an integrated exhaust brake you switch on from the dash; it helps control speed on downgrades with a trailer. Confirm how it's listed on the exact truck's sticker.

Per Ram's 2026 2500/3500 handbook: when the indicator says, but never past 8,000 miles, 12 months or 350 engine hours on the HEMI, or 15,000 miles, 12 months or 500 hours on the Cummins. Severe service can shorten it. See the maintenance schedule.

Up to 20,000 lb with the Cummins HO and 17,740 lb with the HEMI (Ram, 2027 preliminary, properly equipped). On Ram's chart, a 2500 needs a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch for trailers over 20,000 lb.

Up to 37,020 lb: a 3500 Regular Cab dually, Cummins HO, 3.42 axle, 14,000 lb GVWR and 45,000 lb GCWR (Ram 2027 chart, preliminary). The same setup in 4x4 reads 36,620 lb. Ram's 2026 page said 36,610 lb.

Gas trucks are close (17,740 vs 18,140 lb max). With the Cummins, the 3500 nearly doubles the 2500: 37,020 vs 20,000 lb, because a 3500 can be ordered with dual rear wheels and up to a 14,000 lb GVWR. See 2500 vs 3500.

Ram 2500 up to 4,580 lb (HEMI with the Payload Upgrade Package); Ram 3500 up to 7,580 lb (HEMI dually Regular Cab). Diesel maximums are 3,990 lb (2500) and 6,460 lb (3500). All are Ram 2027 preliminary, properly equipped.

Payload is GVWR minus the truck's curb weight. The Cummins and its heavier transmission weigh several hundred pounds more over the front axle than the HEMI, so at the same GVWR the diesel has less left for cargo.

Yes. Ram says the 2500 has a class-exclusive five-link coil rear suspension for ride quality; the 3500 uses leaf springs for higher ratings. The 2027 2500 Payload Upgrade Package swaps in the 3500 frame and leaf springs on HEMI trucks.

Ram's class-exclusive available rear air suspension keeps the truck level as pin weight or cargo goes on, and can lower the rear for hitching. On our 2027 3500 Laramie sticker it came inside the $2,530 Max Tow Package.

Factory provisions for 5th-wheel and gooseneck mounts, plus a 7-pin harness in the bed and a 12-pin connector with an auxiliary Mopar camera, per Ram. It was $745 on our stickers. The hitch itself is separate. Details.

On Ram's 2027 chart, HEMI trucks come with a 3.73 or 4.10 (Power Wagon 4.10). Every Cummins HO configuration lists a 3.42 axle. For max HEMI towing, the 4.10 is the ratio Ram rates highest.

Ram's chart lists 2500s at 9,900, 10,000 and 11,040 lb GVWR. A 9,900 lb rating keeps the truck under 10,000 lb, which matters for some commercial and registration thresholds; the trade-off is less payload. Ask us which rating a stock truck carries, and check Wisconsin DMV rules for your use.

A dually (DRW) is offered only on the 3500 and unlocks the 14,000 lb GVWR, the 7,580 lb gas payload and the 37,020 lb diesel tow rating. A single-rear-wheel 3500 Cummins tops out near 27,000 lb on Ram's chart. Buy the dually if your loaded fifth-wheel or gooseneck and its pin weight push past what an SRW door-jamb label allows.

Often the limit is payload, not towing. Pin weight runs about 15–25% of a fifth-wheel's weight, so a 15,000 lb camper can put 2,250–3,750 lb on the bed, before people and gear. A 2500 Cummins carries up to 3,990 lb at best. Weigh the camper or use its GVWR, then compare with the exact truck's door-jamb payload.

Noticeably wider across the rear fenders than a single-rear-wheel truck, roughly 8 feet. Check Ram's spec sheet for the exact overall width of the configuration, and measure garage doors, drive-thru lanes and car-wash bays you use.

Four rear tires spread the load wider, which most owners find steadier with a tall fifth-wheel in wind and under heavy pin weight. The trade-off is width, a stiffer empty ride and more tires to buy. On U.S. 8 and 53 in a March gust, the difference is real.

You buy six tires instead of four, and rotation is more involved. Ask our service desk for a quote on the exact size before you decide.

Ram listed 2026 Tradesman MSRPs of $45,995 (2500) and $47,195 (3500), before destination. Our October 2026 stickers ran from $56,735 (2027 2500 Tradesman Regular Cab HEMI) to $95,995 (2027 3500 Laramie dually Cummins). Ram priced the 2027 Power Wagon Cummins from $89,560 including destination; Limited and Limited Longhorn diesels can top $100,000 on the sticker. New trucks at Swant Graber are sold at invoice.

For 2027: Tradesman, Black Express, Warlock, Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas), Laramie, Rebel, Power Wagon, Limited and Limited Longhorn. Trims explained.

A 2500 4x4 Crew Cab 6'4" with solid axles, electronic-locking front and rear differentials, electronic front sway-bar disconnect (class-exclusive, per Ram), Bilstein monotube shocks, skid plates and an available factory winch. Ram lists 13.2 in ground clearance on the Cummins version.

Yes, for 2027, the first time ever: 430 hp, 1,075 lb-ft, 3.42 axle, 31-gallon tank, from $89,560 including destination (Ram). Ram's chart rates it about 19,630 lb towing and 2,930 lb payload.

Rebel is the off-road-styled truck with HEMI or Cummins on a regular 2500 chassis and more payload. Power Wagon adds locking front and rear diffs and sway-bar disconnect for real trail work, at the cost of payload (as low as 1,570 lb on the HEMI Power Wagon per Ram's chart). For plowing and hauling, Rebel; for unplowed fire lanes and deer camp two-tracks, Power Wagon. Power Wagon vs Rebel.

Tradesman is the work truck with snowplow prep standard and cloth/vinyl basics; Level 1 added power windows, locks and keyless entry on our Regular Cab sticker. Big Horn adds chrome, nicer cloth and access to the Level 1/Level 2 and Plus groups. See Level 1 & Level 2 explained.

The top luxury trims: leather, the largest screens, premium audio and the most driver-assist features. Longhorn adds western-themed leather and wood trim. Equipment changes by year; read the sticker.

Yes. Night Edition was $2,095 and Sport Appearance $1,995 (Laramie) on our HD stickers. For 2027 Ram lets both pair with Level 1 and Level 2 groups, not just the Plus groups. Black Express and Warlock come blacked-out from the factory.

6 ft 4 in and 8 ft. Regular Cab is 8 ft only; Crew Cab is 6'4" or 8 ft; Mega Cab is 6'4" only.

Regular Cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab (4x4 only for 2027).

Mega Cab adds rear legroom and storage behind the rear seat, with a class-exclusive reclining and forward-fold-flat rear seat (Ram). The cost is bed length: Mega Cab comes only with the 6'4" box. For a fifth-wheel, a short bed needs a sliding or offset hitch to clear the cab in tight turns; ask the hitch maker. Mega Cab explained.

No. Ram's 2027 chart lists the Mega Cab with the 6'4" bed only.

Lower trims get a 12-inch Uconnect 5 screen. Ram advertises a best-in-class available 14.5-inch touchscreen (our window stickers print it as 14.4-inch) plus an available class-exclusive 10.25-inch front passenger display.

Yes. Ram's available Surround View uses five cameras and includes Trailer Reverse Guidance and the cargo-view camera. On our stickers it came in the Towing Technology Group ($1,595 or $2,195) or a Level 2 Plus group. Towing Technology Group.

Manual telescoping trailer-tow mirrors are standard; power telescoping, auto-dim, auto-fold and heated convex are available, and Ram claims class-exclusive power convex tow mirrors.

Yes, Ram lists an available Digital Rearview Mirror 3.0 with side-camera integration, useful when a camper blocks the back glass.

Available dual wireless charging pads, which Ram calls class-exclusive; it appeared in the Big Horn Level 2 and Laramie Level 2 Plus groups on our stickers.

RamBox is a class-exclusive option on Ram HD. Availability by bed and trim is limited (Ram expanded it on 2027 Laramie), so we check the order guide for the configuration you want rather than promise it.

Yes. Ram HD offers auxiliary upfitter switches for plow lights, beacons and accessories. Pair them with dual alternators ($495 on our stickers, 400 or 480 amps) if you run a lot of lighting.

Owners commonly report 300,000 to 500,000 miles on well-maintained 6.7L Cummins engines; that is owner experience, not a Ram promise. Oil, fuel filters and coolant on schedule matter more than anything else.

The current generation started in 2019 and was refreshed for 2025. Many shoppers target 2021+ for updated tech; 2025+ gets the TorqueFlite HD 8-speed with the Cummins HO. Run the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov, and see used Ram 2500/3500 recalls by year.

Some 2019–2020 Ram HD diesels have had fuel-system recalls and campaigns. Don't rely on model-year rumors: check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask us to print its Stellantis service history.

Heavy pickups over 6,000 lb GVWR used mostly for business may qualify for accelerated depreciation under Section 179. Rules, limits and your eligibility depend on your situation; this is general information, not tax advice. Talk with your tax professional before you buy.

Long-bed Crew Cabs are long and tall. Measure garage depth, door height and door width, then compare with Ram's spec sheet for the exact cab, bed and wheel setup; a dually is also wider. We can tape-measure a truck on the lot with you.

Warranty, verified on Mopar's own documents: the 2026 Ram HD warranty booklet lists 3-year/36,000-mile Basic, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain on gas and 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain plus a 5-year/100,000-mile Cummins Diesel Engine Limited Warranty on diesel. On top of that, Ram's 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty extension covers 2026 model-year Ram 2500/3500 trucks, gas or Cummins, bought new at retail (or leased) from a Ram dealer by the first owner; fleet purchases are excluded, and second owners fall back to 5/60 (5/100 diesel). Mopar's letter says it is "effective with 2026MY model year and newer." Ask us to confirm the coverage printed for a 2027 VIN before you sign.

Two for 2027: the standard 6.4L HEMI V8 (405 hp, 429 lb-ft) and the optional 6.7L Cummins High-Output turbo-diesel I6 (430 hp, 1,075 lb-ft). Ram's 2027 materials list only the High-Output Cummins for pickups.

430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft. Ram calls 1,075 lb-ft "best-in-class base diesel torque" in its own materials; treat that as Ram's claim, based on Ram's definition of the class. For a buyer, the number that matters more is the trailer rating on the exact truck's configuration.

On the stickers we reviewed in October 2026 the Cummins HO was a $12,995 option. It earns that if you tow heavy and often: a big fifth-wheel or gooseneck, long hauls, grades. If the truck mostly plows, hauls in the bed or tows a light trailer a few times a year, the HEMI costs less and carries more. Full math: Cummins vs HEMI.

Per Ram's 2027 towing chart, the HEMI pairs with an 8-speed (8HP75-LCV) automatic, and the Cummins HO pairs exclusively with the TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic (ZF PowerLine). Earlier High-Output trucks (before the 2025 refresh) used an AISIN 6-speed; if you shop used, check which transmission the VIN carries.

Yes. Ram lists the 8HP75-LCV 8-speed with the 6.4L HEMI, with an electronic column shifter on all configurations, which Ram calls the preferred setup for snowplow and first-responder use.

Through 2024 Ram sold a standard-output Cummins and a High-Output Cummins. Ram's 2027 chart says the HO "improves 2500 diesel and 3500 diesel standard output hp by 60 and 225 lb-ft of torque," and the 2027 lineup lists only the HO. On a used truck, the build sheet tells you which one you have.

Yes. The 6.7L Cummins uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) for its emissions system; the Power Wagon Cummins even adds a skid plate for the DEF tank. Budget DEF refills along with fuel.

Heavy-duty pickups over 8,500 lb GVWR aren't EPA-rated, so there is no official number. Owner-reported figures vary widely with load, axle, tires, speed and winter blend fuel, so we don't quote one. Ram says the Power Wagon Cummins' 31-gallon tank gives an estimated 600-mile range; that is Ram's estimate, not a guarantee.

Ram HD diesels have an integrated exhaust brake you switch on from the dash; it helps control speed on downgrades with a trailer. Confirm how it's listed on the exact truck's sticker.

Per Ram's 2026 2500/3500 handbook: when the indicator says, but never past 8,000 miles, 12 months or 350 engine hours on the HEMI, or 15,000 miles, 12 months or 500 hours on the Cummins. Severe service can shorten it. See the maintenance schedule.

Up to 20,000 lb with the Cummins HO and 17,740 lb with the HEMI (Ram, 2027 preliminary, properly equipped). On Ram's chart, a 2500 needs a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch for trailers over 20,000 lb.

Up to 37,020 lb: a 3500 Regular Cab dually, Cummins HO, 3.42 axle, 14,000 lb GVWR and 45,000 lb GCWR (Ram 2027 chart, preliminary). The same setup in 4x4 reads 36,620 lb. Ram's 2026 page said 36,610 lb.

Gas trucks are close (17,740 vs 18,140 lb max). With the Cummins, the 3500 nearly doubles the 2500: 37,020 vs 20,000 lb, because a 3500 can be ordered with dual rear wheels and up to a 14,000 lb GVWR. See 2500 vs 3500.

Ram 2500 up to 4,580 lb (HEMI with the Payload Upgrade Package); Ram 3500 up to 7,580 lb (HEMI dually Regular Cab). Diesel maximums are 3,990 lb (2500) and 6,460 lb (3500). All are Ram 2027 preliminary, properly equipped.

Payload is GVWR minus the truck's curb weight. The Cummins and its heavier transmission weigh several hundred pounds more over the front axle than the HEMI, so at the same GVWR the diesel has less left for cargo.

Yes. Ram says the 2500 has a class-exclusive five-link coil rear suspension for ride quality; the 3500 uses leaf springs for higher ratings. The 2027 2500 Payload Upgrade Package swaps in the 3500 frame and leaf springs on HEMI trucks.

Ram's class-exclusive available rear air suspension keeps the truck level as pin weight or cargo goes on, and can lower the rear for hitching. On our 2027 3500 Laramie sticker it came inside the $2,530 Max Tow Package.

Factory provisions for 5th-wheel and gooseneck mounts, plus a 7-pin harness in the bed and a 12-pin connector with an auxiliary Mopar camera, per Ram. It was $745 on our stickers. The hitch itself is separate. Details.

On Ram's 2027 chart, HEMI trucks come with a 3.73 or 4.10 (Power Wagon 4.10). Every Cummins HO configuration lists a 3.42 axle. For max HEMI towing, the 4.10 is the ratio Ram rates highest.

Ram's chart lists 2500s at 9,900, 10,000 and 11,040 lb GVWR. A 9,900 lb rating keeps the truck under 10,000 lb, which matters for some commercial and registration thresholds; the trade-off is less payload. Ask us which rating a stock truck carries, and check Wisconsin DMV rules for your use.

A dually (DRW) is offered only on the 3500 and unlocks the 14,000 lb GVWR, the 7,580 lb gas payload and the 37,020 lb diesel tow rating. A single-rear-wheel 3500 Cummins tops out near 27,000 lb on Ram's chart. Buy the dually if your loaded fifth-wheel or gooseneck and its pin weight push past what an SRW door-jamb label allows.

Often the limit is payload, not towing. Pin weight runs about 15–25% of a fifth-wheel's weight, so a 15,000 lb camper can put 2,250–3,750 lb on the bed, before people and gear. A 2500 Cummins carries up to 3,990 lb at best. Weigh the camper or use its GVWR, then compare with the exact truck's door-jamb payload.

Noticeably wider across the rear fenders than a single-rear-wheel truck, roughly 8 feet. Check Ram's spec sheet for the exact overall width of the configuration, and measure garage doors, drive-thru lanes and car-wash bays you use.

Four rear tires spread the load wider, which most owners find steadier with a tall fifth-wheel in wind and under heavy pin weight. The trade-off is width, a stiffer empty ride and more tires to buy. On U.S. 8 and 53 in a March gust, the difference is real.

You buy six tires instead of four, and rotation is more involved. Ask our service desk for a quote on the exact size before you decide.

Ram listed 2026 Tradesman MSRPs of $45,995 (2500) and $47,195 (3500), before destination. Our October 2026 stickers ran from $56,735 (2027 2500 Tradesman Regular Cab HEMI) to $95,995 (2027 3500 Laramie dually Cummins). Ram priced the 2027 Power Wagon Cummins from $89,560 including destination; Limited and Limited Longhorn diesels can top $100,000 on the sticker. New trucks at Swant Graber are sold at invoice.

For 2027: Tradesman, Black Express, Warlock, Big Horn (Lone Star in Texas), Laramie, Rebel, Power Wagon, Limited and Limited Longhorn. Trims explained.

A 2500 4x4 Crew Cab 6'4" with solid axles, electronic-locking front and rear differentials, electronic front sway-bar disconnect (class-exclusive, per Ram), Bilstein monotube shocks, skid plates and an available factory winch. Ram lists 13.2 in ground clearance on the Cummins version.

Yes, for 2027, the first time ever: 430 hp, 1,075 lb-ft, 3.42 axle, 31-gallon tank, from $89,560 including destination (Ram). Ram's chart rates it about 19,630 lb towing and 2,930 lb payload.

Rebel is the off-road-styled truck with HEMI or Cummins on a regular 2500 chassis and more payload. Power Wagon adds locking front and rear diffs and sway-bar disconnect for real trail work, at the cost of payload (as low as 1,570 lb on the HEMI Power Wagon per Ram's chart). For plowing and hauling, Rebel; for unplowed fire lanes and deer camp two-tracks, Power Wagon. Power Wagon vs Rebel.

Tradesman is the work truck with snowplow prep standard and cloth/vinyl basics; Level 1 added power windows, locks and keyless entry on our Regular Cab sticker. Big Horn adds chrome, nicer cloth and access to the Level 1/Level 2 and Plus groups. See Level 1 & Level 2 explained.

The top luxury trims: leather, the largest screens, premium audio and the most driver-assist features. Longhorn adds western-themed leather and wood trim. Equipment changes by year; read the sticker.

Yes. Night Edition was $2,095 and Sport Appearance $1,995 (Laramie) on our HD stickers. For 2027 Ram lets both pair with Level 1 and Level 2 groups, not just the Plus groups. Black Express and Warlock come blacked-out from the factory.

6 ft 4 in and 8 ft. Regular Cab is 8 ft only; Crew Cab is 6'4" or 8 ft; Mega Cab is 6'4" only.

Regular Cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab (4x4 only for 2027).

Mega Cab adds rear legroom and storage behind the rear seat, with a class-exclusive reclining and forward-fold-flat rear seat (Ram). The cost is bed length: Mega Cab comes only with the 6'4" box. For a fifth-wheel, a short bed needs a sliding or offset hitch to clear the cab in tight turns; ask the hitch maker. Mega Cab explained.

No. Ram's 2027 chart lists the Mega Cab with the 6'4" bed only.

Lower trims get a 12-inch Uconnect 5 screen. Ram advertises a best-in-class available 14.5-inch touchscreen (our window stickers print it as 14.4-inch) plus an available class-exclusive 10.25-inch front passenger display.

Yes. Ram's available Surround View uses five cameras and includes Trailer Reverse Guidance and the cargo-view camera. On our stickers it came in the Towing Technology Group ($1,595 or $2,195) or a Level 2 Plus group. Towing Technology Group.

Manual telescoping trailer-tow mirrors are standard; power telescoping, auto-dim, auto-fold and heated convex are available, and Ram claims class-exclusive power convex tow mirrors.

Yes, Ram lists an available Digital Rearview Mirror 3.0 with side-camera integration, useful when a camper blocks the back glass.

Available dual wireless charging pads, which Ram calls class-exclusive; it appeared in the Big Horn Level 2 and Laramie Level 2 Plus groups on our stickers.

RamBox is a class-exclusive option on Ram HD. Availability by bed and trim is limited (Ram expanded it on 2027 Laramie), so we check the order guide for the configuration you want rather than promise it.

Yes. Ram HD offers auxiliary upfitter switches for plow lights, beacons and accessories. Pair them with dual alternators ($495 on our stickers, 400 or 480 amps) if you run a lot of lighting.

Owners commonly report 300,000 to 500,000 miles on well-maintained 6.7L Cummins engines; that is owner experience, not a Ram promise. Oil, fuel filters and coolant on schedule matter more than anything else.

The current generation started in 2019 and was refreshed for 2025. Many shoppers target 2021+ for updated tech; 2025+ gets the TorqueFlite HD 8-speed with the Cummins HO. Run the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov, and see used Ram 2500/3500 recalls by year.

Some 2019–2020 Ram HD diesels have had fuel-system recalls and campaigns. Don't rely on model-year rumors: check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask us to print its Stellantis service history.

Heavy pickups over 6,000 lb GVWR used mostly for business may qualify for accelerated depreciation under Section 179. Rules, limits and your eligibility depend on your situation; this is general information, not tax advice. Talk with your tax professional before you buy.

Long-bed Crew Cabs are long and tall. Measure garage depth, door height and door width, then compare with Ram's spec sheet for the exact cab, bed and wheel setup; a dually is also wider. We can tape-measure a truck on the lot with you.

Warranty, verified on Mopar's own documents: the 2026 Ram HD warranty booklet lists 3-year/36,000-mile Basic, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain on gas and 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain plus a 5-year/100,000-mile Cummins Diesel Engine Limited Warranty on diesel. On top of that, Ram's 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty extension covers 2026 model-year Ram 2500/3500 trucks, gas or Cummins, bought new at retail (or leased) from a Ram dealer by the first owner; fleet purchases are excluded, and second owners fall back to 5/60 (5/100 diesel). Mopar's letter says it is "effective with 2026MY model year and newer." Ask us to confirm the coverage printed for a 2027 VIN before you sign.