2013 Ram 3500

The 3500 is the biggest, toughest and most capable pickup Ram has to offer. Known as the Dodge Ram 3500 until Ram became a distinct brand in 2009, the truck was thoroughly updated for the latest model year with a redesigned frame, cushier interior, new technology features, extra power for the optional diesel motors and more.

Ram comprehensively redesigned the big truck's ladder frame with high-strength 50 KSI steel, including eight separate cross-members, hydroformed main rails and fully boxed rear rails. The changes add up to a stronger, more mass-efficient foundation that helps the truck tow a jaw-dropping 30,010 pounds when properly equipped.

Also new is the suspension, which was engineered to provide greater roll stiffness for more confident, planted handling in turns. The basic layout continues to be a refined (for a heavy duty pickup) independent front suspension with coil springs and a Hotchkis rear suspension with a rugged live axle. Further improving driving dynamics is a new reciprocating ball steering system that provides better on-center feel.

Not content to leave engine bay untouched while improving the 3500, Ram also decided to upgrade the optional, Cummins-supplied 6.7-liter turbodiesel inline-six motor with something all pickup buyers can appreciate - more power. The big oil-burning engine can be had in three trims - a 350 horsepower, 650 lb-ft of torque version (up 50 lb-ft); a new, mid-grade 370 horsepower, 800 lb-ft of torque variant; and a range-topping iteration with 385 horsepower and a stump-pulling 850 lb-ft of twist (up 35 horsepower).

The two more powerful versions pair with a six-speed automatic transmission, while a class-exclusive six-speed manual teams with the base oil-burning motor.

Those who prefer a gasoline engine can stick with the standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which comes with a self-shifting six-cog gearbox and pumps out 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The engine features a Multiple-Displacement System (MDS) which shuts off four cylinders under light load conditions to conserve fuel.

For now, the 3500 can lay claim to class-leading towing capacity - the big truck can lug 30,010 pounds (that's the equivalent of six full-size Chevrolet Suburban SUVs) when configured with a regular cab, long box, two-wheel-drive, the most powerful version of the automaker's 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine, the 4.10 rear differential and either the ST or Tradesman trim level. A number of other configurations are rated to tow at or around 29,000 lbs., which still is thousands of pounds more than competitive models.

Rear-wheel-drive is standard on the 3500, while four-wheel-drive is available as an option.

Improved Interior
While the latest 3500 features several fresh exterior elements, including revised headlights and a restyled grille, there are more significant changes to be found inside.

The same basic cabin design remains but some materials are upgraded, while new color themes are present throughout. More soft touch materials have been spread throughout the truck's cabin, and the HVAC and multimedia controls are all-new.

Ram's gauge cluster receives a more widely-available, upgraded 3.5 or 7-inch (depending on trim level) information screen. HD radio is now included on Uconnect-equipped Rams and a Sprint-powered wireless system is available for buyers who need to remain connected. A proximity key system is newly available, as are Ram Box storage bins that can be locked and unlocked remotely.

Uconnect Access
New to the Ram 3500 for the latest model year is the availability of Chrysler's Uconnect Access infotainment system (for a complete description of Uconnect Access, check out Leftlane's Spotlight On: Uconnect in-depth article).

Generally regarded as one of the more user-friendly infotainment setups on the market, Uconnect Access integrates most of the truck's audio, navigation and climate control functions into one unit. An 8.4-inch touchscreen mounted on the dashboard is the central component of the system, but redundant buttons and knobs for climate and audio volume and tuning are also included.

Uconnect Access features a voice command system that allows the driver to place phone calls, use the sound system, input navigation destinations and more without taking his or her hands off the wheel. Other notable aspects of the system include the ability to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot over a 3G network - for an additional monthly fee - and downloadable applications such as Bing search.

Bodystyles, Trims
The Ram 3500 is offered in Regular Cab, Quad Cab and Mega Cab models. The Regular Cab features two doors, the Quad Cab has four doors and the Mega Cab has four doors with expanded rear passenger space. Two box lengths are available: 8-foot (standard on Regular Cab, available on Quad Cab), and 6-foot-4-inches (standard on Mega Cab, available on Quad Cab). All 3500 pickups except the short-bed Crew Cab model feature a duel rear axle configuration.

The Mega Cab combines a sizable 143.3 cubic feet of interior volume with reclining rear seats, built-in trays and a large load floor with the rear seats folded down.

Eight trim levels are available: ST, SLT, Outdoorsman, Lone Star, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited. With these numerous and wildly different trims, the Ram 3500 can be outfitted as a spartan work truck, a leather-lined luxury vehicle with the latest tech features, and almost anything in between.

Laramie Limited
A recent addition to the 3500 lineup is the Laramie Limited, which boasts one of the most luxurious interiors ever fitted to a pickup. Details include full leather seating with contrasting piping, black burled walnut trim, LED lighting and a soft, French-stitched full leather lid atop the center console. Chrome ringed-gauges with liquid graphite needles, rear flap-closure seatback map pockets and berber carpeting complete the interior treatment.
Exterior touches include a body-color front fascia, chrome bumpers 17-inch polished aluminum wheels and no badges save for a small italicized block-letter "Limited" on the tailgate and the traditional Ram logo.
Standard features on the Laramie Limited Trim include a navigational radio, remote start, back-up camera, power adjustable pedals with memory, heated steering wheel, front ventilated and heated seats and rear heated seats.

Occupant Safety
All 3500 pickups come equipped with dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.

Key Competitors
Besides the Ram 3500, the only other options in the one ton heavy-duty pickup segment are the Ford Super Duty F-350 and the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD twins.