The most powerful 350/3500 class truck is getting a softer side!
2015 Ram 3500 Overview + What's New
College football has the Heisman trophy, music has the Grammy Award and the world’s biggest, baddest class of pickup trucks has the coveted king of towing. Every year or so one or all of the major players ups the ante, increasing power output and beefing up componentry to the ludicrous stratosphere of towing prowess that we’ve arrived at. Towing your boat is so 2003. Always wanted a better view from your bedroom window?
Throw some wheels on your house and tow it! You’re looking at the 30,000 lb.-capable 2015 Ram 3500—the final word, the grand champion of consumer-level pickup strength…for 2014. Since we penned these very words last year, Ford changed their measuring system to line up with guidelines from the Society of Automotive Engineers--what Ram’s already been using and GM is starting to adopt. Just how important is towing? Ford tested one vehicle, the F-450, and discovered that it can tow 31,200 lbs. even with the new system. A new king of towing is born! Almost. Ram immediately fired back with the following statement “Ram Truck stands firm on our claims within the 350/3500 segment with best-in-class 30,000 pounds of towing capacity, best-in-class 865 lb-ft of torque and best-in-class payload of 7,390 pounds. Additionally, unlike our competitors, our entire 2015 Ram Heavy Duty line up adheres to J2807 test criteria, not just one model." Before this turns into an episode of “CEOh-no-he-didn’t, girlfriend!” lets just say that heavy duty, full-size muscle in this segment is very, very important.
Every manufacturer in this segment engineers a massively capable machine, the Ford F-450 Super Duty, Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, GMC Sierra 3500HD and Ram 3500 included. Of course, there can only be one king…the answer may change, however, with who you ask.
What’s New
Refinements to make Ram’s burliest more refined for daily driving continue this year with a large amount of new luxurious touches appearing in the top-of-the-line Laramie Limited trim, detailed in our coverage of the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. For the “straight to business” set, heavy-duty vinyl upholstery is now available as an option for Tradesman models. Lastly, the addition of power-folding mirrors emphasize the Ram’s designed-to-tow prowess.
2015 Ram 3500 Bodystyles, Engines + Powertrains
Body Styles, Engines and Powertrains
The 2015 Ram 3500 comes served in 3 different cab styles: regular, crew cab and Mega Cab. Regular cabs seat 3 passengers and come only with the long (8-foot) cargo bed. Crew cab-equipped models accommodate 6 and can be ordered with either the long cargo bed or the short (6-foot 4-inch) one. Mega Cabs, a larger version of the crew cab, come only with the short bed.
The biggest consumer Ram on Earth starts out with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivers 383 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. When properly equipped, the 5.7-liter can stow a maximum of 4,080 lbs. of payload and tow a maximum of 13,910 lbs..
A step up to the 6.4-liter V8 turns up the volume to 410 hp (370hp in Mega Cab models) and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. Tow capacity rises to 16,520 lbs. with the 6.4-liter and maximum payload is upped to 7,390 lbs.
Both the 5.7 and 6.4-liter HEMIs come mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Last is the monstrous Cummins turbodiesel I6, churning out 350 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque when tied to a 6-speed manual transmission, 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft. of torque when mated to the standard 6-speed automatic and 385 hp and 865 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with the optional heavy-duty Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. With a manual transmission, the Cummins will tow a maximum of 18,510 lbs.. Opting for the burly Aisin transmission increases that number to 30,000 lbs.
Regardless of transmission choice, diesel-equipped Ram 3500s can carry a maximum payload of 6,720 lbs.
Every 2014 Ram 3500 is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
Trim Levels
For 2015 Ram’s 3500 can be served up in six different ways: Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited. Regular cab-equipped 3500s come only in Tradesman and SLT models, crew cabs are available in every trim selection and Mega Cabs come only in the more upscale SLT trims and up.
Tradesman models get straight to business with basics like vinyl upholstery and flooring (a free upgrade to cloth upholstery is available), a tilt-only steering wheel, cruise control and a 6-speaker sound system with auxiliary and USB inputs, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, air conditioning, 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights and a locking tailgate.
Crew cabs also get a folding rear bench seat as well as power windows and locks. New for 2015, heavy-duty vinyl upholstery is available as option…nothing boosts morale like hopping into a truck that looks like a mountain lion threw a temper tantrum inside.
SLT versions add in conveniences like power windows/locks/mirrors, a power-sliding rear window, keyless entry, an integrated trailer-brake controller, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen for the sound system with satellite radio, along with a touch of flash from chrome exterior trim and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Big Horn models, available as either crew- or mega-cab versions, add a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, a leather steering wheel and a 115-volt power outlet to the SLT’s trimmings. The package includes 18-inch alloy wheels for single rear-wheel configurations. Duallies get17-inch alloy wheels.
A step up to the Laramie trim brings a serious dollop of luxury in the form of leather upholstery, an 8-way power adjustable heated driver and a 6-way power adjustable heated front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, the Uconnect Access system with voice control, streaming Internet radio (delayed availability), text-to-speech messaging capability and 3G WiFi capability (via an extra-cost contract), a rearview camera and an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface.
Functional upgrades include a limited-slip rear differential and rear parking sensors.
The Longhorn further expands on the Laramie’s posh attitude with a navigation system, HD radio, heated rear seats, remote starting, front bucket seats, power-adjustable pedals and a spray-in bedliner. Designed to compete with Western-luxury pickups like Ford’s F-350 King Ranch and Chevrolet’s Silverado 3500 High Country, wood interior trim, western-themed premium leather upholstery and unique badging inside and out are a given.
Laramie Limited models push the luxurious envelope in a more classic direction. Read about its unveiling at this year’s Chicago Auto Show here, along with more details on the model. Limited models begin with a premium black leather interior, a leather-and-wood steering wheel, wood cabin accents, Berber carpet floor mats, a remote starting system, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, automatic windshield wipers, automatic high beams, the RamBox cargo management system and 20-inch multi-surface wheels (very shiny). Fully polished chrome front and rear bumpers are available as an option for the Laramie Limited. Competition comes from the F-350 Limited and GMC Sierra 3500 Denali.
Safety
The 2015 Ram 3500 comes standard with front and front-seat side airbags, cabin-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, hill start assist and trailer sway control.
Optional safety features on some models (where they aren’t included as standard) include a rearview camera, a cargo camera, power-adjustable pedals and front/rear parking sensors. Models with Uconnect Access have an emergency telematics system that connects you with 911 operators at the touch of a button and provides stolen vehicle tracking.
Although the 2015 Ram 3500 has not been crash tested by the NHTSA, the similar 2015 Ram 2500 crew cab earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. The Ram 2500 garnered 4 out of 5 stars in frontal crash testing and 5 out of 5 stars in side crashes. Rear-wheel drive models scored 4 out of 5 stars in rollover testing, while four-wheel drive models earned 3 out of 5 stars for the same tests.
College football has the Heisman trophy, music has the Grammy Award and the world’s biggest, baddest class of pickup trucks has the coveted king of towing. Every year or so one or all of the major players ups the ante, increasing power output and beefing up componentry to the ludicrous stratosphere of towing prowess that we’ve arrived at. Towing your boat is so 2003. Always wanted a better view from your bedroom window?
Throw some wheels on your house and tow it! You’re looking at the 30,000 lb.-capable 2015 Ram 3500—the final word, the grand champion of consumer-level pickup strength…for 2014. Since we penned these very words last year, Ford changed their measuring system to line up with guidelines from the Society of Automotive Engineers--what Ram’s already been using and GM is starting to adopt. Just how important is towing? Ford tested one vehicle, the F-450, and discovered that it can tow 31,200 lbs. even with the new system. A new king of towing is born! Almost. Ram immediately fired back with the following statement “Ram Truck stands firm on our claims within the 350/3500 segment with best-in-class 30,000 pounds of towing capacity, best-in-class 865 lb-ft of torque and best-in-class payload of 7,390 pounds. Additionally, unlike our competitors, our entire 2015 Ram Heavy Duty line up adheres to J2807 test criteria, not just one model." Before this turns into an episode of “CEOh-no-he-didn’t, girlfriend!” lets just say that heavy duty, full-size muscle in this segment is very, very important.
Every manufacturer in this segment engineers a massively capable machine, the Ford F-450 Super Duty, Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, GMC Sierra 3500HD and Ram 3500 included. Of course, there can only be one king…the answer may change, however, with who you ask.
What’s New
Refinements to make Ram’s burliest more refined for daily driving continue this year with a large amount of new luxurious touches appearing in the top-of-the-line Laramie Limited trim, detailed in our coverage of the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. For the “straight to business” set, heavy-duty vinyl upholstery is now available as an option for Tradesman models. Lastly, the addition of power-folding mirrors emphasize the Ram’s designed-to-tow prowess.
2015 Ram 3500 Bodystyles, Engines + Powertrains
Body Styles, Engines and Powertrains
The 2015 Ram 3500 comes served in 3 different cab styles: regular, crew cab and Mega Cab. Regular cabs seat 3 passengers and come only with the long (8-foot) cargo bed. Crew cab-equipped models accommodate 6 and can be ordered with either the long cargo bed or the short (6-foot 4-inch) one. Mega Cabs, a larger version of the crew cab, come only with the short bed.
The biggest consumer Ram on Earth starts out with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivers 383 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. When properly equipped, the 5.7-liter can stow a maximum of 4,080 lbs. of payload and tow a maximum of 13,910 lbs..
A step up to the 6.4-liter V8 turns up the volume to 410 hp (370hp in Mega Cab models) and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. Tow capacity rises to 16,520 lbs. with the 6.4-liter and maximum payload is upped to 7,390 lbs.
Both the 5.7 and 6.4-liter HEMIs come mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Last is the monstrous Cummins turbodiesel I6, churning out 350 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque when tied to a 6-speed manual transmission, 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft. of torque when mated to the standard 6-speed automatic and 385 hp and 865 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with the optional heavy-duty Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. With a manual transmission, the Cummins will tow a maximum of 18,510 lbs.. Opting for the burly Aisin transmission increases that number to 30,000 lbs.
Regardless of transmission choice, diesel-equipped Ram 3500s can carry a maximum payload of 6,720 lbs.
Every 2014 Ram 3500 is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
Trim Levels
For 2015 Ram’s 3500 can be served up in six different ways: Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited. Regular cab-equipped 3500s come only in Tradesman and SLT models, crew cabs are available in every trim selection and Mega Cabs come only in the more upscale SLT trims and up.
Tradesman models get straight to business with basics like vinyl upholstery and flooring (a free upgrade to cloth upholstery is available), a tilt-only steering wheel, cruise control and a 6-speaker sound system with auxiliary and USB inputs, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, air conditioning, 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights and a locking tailgate.
Crew cabs also get a folding rear bench seat as well as power windows and locks. New for 2015, heavy-duty vinyl upholstery is available as option…nothing boosts morale like hopping into a truck that looks like a mountain lion threw a temper tantrum inside.
SLT versions add in conveniences like power windows/locks/mirrors, a power-sliding rear window, keyless entry, an integrated trailer-brake controller, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen for the sound system with satellite radio, along with a touch of flash from chrome exterior trim and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Big Horn models, available as either crew- or mega-cab versions, add a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, a leather steering wheel and a 115-volt power outlet to the SLT’s trimmings. The package includes 18-inch alloy wheels for single rear-wheel configurations. Duallies get17-inch alloy wheels.
A step up to the Laramie trim brings a serious dollop of luxury in the form of leather upholstery, an 8-way power adjustable heated driver and a 6-way power adjustable heated front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, the Uconnect Access system with voice control, streaming Internet radio (delayed availability), text-to-speech messaging capability and 3G WiFi capability (via an extra-cost contract), a rearview camera and an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface.
Functional upgrades include a limited-slip rear differential and rear parking sensors.
The Longhorn further expands on the Laramie’s posh attitude with a navigation system, HD radio, heated rear seats, remote starting, front bucket seats, power-adjustable pedals and a spray-in bedliner. Designed to compete with Western-luxury pickups like Ford’s F-350 King Ranch and Chevrolet’s Silverado 3500 High Country, wood interior trim, western-themed premium leather upholstery and unique badging inside and out are a given.
Laramie Limited models push the luxurious envelope in a more classic direction. Read about its unveiling at this year’s Chicago Auto Show here, along with more details on the model. Limited models begin with a premium black leather interior, a leather-and-wood steering wheel, wood cabin accents, Berber carpet floor mats, a remote starting system, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, automatic windshield wipers, automatic high beams, the RamBox cargo management system and 20-inch multi-surface wheels (very shiny). Fully polished chrome front and rear bumpers are available as an option for the Laramie Limited. Competition comes from the F-350 Limited and GMC Sierra 3500 Denali.
Safety
The 2015 Ram 3500 comes standard with front and front-seat side airbags, cabin-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, hill start assist and trailer sway control.
Optional safety features on some models (where they aren’t included as standard) include a rearview camera, a cargo camera, power-adjustable pedals and front/rear parking sensors. Models with Uconnect Access have an emergency telematics system that connects you with 911 operators at the touch of a button and provides stolen vehicle tracking.
Although the 2015 Ram 3500 has not been crash tested by the NHTSA, the similar 2015 Ram 2500 crew cab earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. The Ram 2500 garnered 4 out of 5 stars in frontal crash testing and 5 out of 5 stars in side crashes. Rear-wheel drive models scored 4 out of 5 stars in rollover testing, while four-wheel drive models earned 3 out of 5 stars for the same tests.
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