Are you looking to purchase a RAM truck and you are looking for the different type of RAM trucks that are out there? Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because there will be quite a lot to cover on this topic where we are going to learn all about RAM trucks.
Doing your own research before you decide to spend a ton of money on a truck should be one of your top priorities. Why we are saying this? Well, because it is true. Nowadays pickup trucks, even old ones cost an arm and a leg. They are so expensive that one should give their whole life savings to obtain one for themselves.
Not to mention that the maintenance and repairs are also expensive and you should definitely choose wisely. This is why you need to learn about the models that RAM offers and their specs in order for you to choose wisely and not make a mistake in your future purchase.
And things like engines, and towing capacity should be one of your top concerns when getting a truck. This is why we are going to help you out when it comes to this by discussing all RAM trucks that you can buy right now.
First, we are going to learn more about RAM trucks and who makes RAM trucks. Then we will cover the type of RAM trucks and we will discuss the models that are out there. We will dive into their specs, price, and other important factors. So, if you want to learn more about this, follow along.
What Is RAM Truck
Now before we start discussing the type of RAM trucks that are out there, let’s take a look at what is a RAM truck in general. What makes a truck to be a RAM? This will be really helpful for people that are not into trucks to get familiarized with this brand and learn more about it. So, if you are one of them follow along, or if you want you can jump right where we discuss the type of RAM trucks.
If you didn’t know RAM was not always RAM in the past. In the past, RAM was just a nameplate owned by Dodge.
So, there was a Dodge RAM 1500 pickup truck and not a RAM 1500 like today. The RAM brand was created as a spin-off in 2010 in order for these trucks to be marketed as RAMs.
People simply preferred to use the RAM name instead of the long Dodge RAM and Chrysler decided to cut the Dodge name out and call their trucks RAM.
This also resulted in changing the logo of the brand and this new brand features a completely new logo that features a head of a RAM. If you didn’t know, a RAM is a male sheep. So, this completely fits the marketing strategy because these trucks were quite popular among farmers.
Nevertheless, there are a few type of RAM trucks. Some of them are smaller while some of them are quite large. And more on that we are going to elaborate in a bit.
Who Makes RAM Trucks
Now let’s take a look at who makes RAM trucks before we dive into the type of RAM trucks. This is a question that bothers a lot of people out there and we think that the question deserves a proper answer.
The ownership structure of RAM is rather complex. They are a spin-off brand of Dodge that was created in 2010 as we mentioned.
But if you didn’t know, Dodge is owned by Chrysler and then Chrysler is owned by the Fiat Group from Italy. Which now is owned by Stellantis.
So, we can say that the big corporation Stellantis was founded in 2021 and is the mother company of RAM, Chrysler, and all other brands that Chrysler owns in the US.
And having the RAM brand owned by a foreign company actually isn’t something bad. Mainly because this allowed the RAM logo to remain alive and not go defunct like many other American car brands in the past. Once we cleared this, we can move on and discuss other topics like the type of RAM trucks that are out there.
Type Of RAM Trucks
So, we covered RAM trucks and we learned that this is the truck division that is owned by Stellantis. Now let’s take a look at their truck offering. Namely, the type of RAM trucks.
We will first discuss the mid-size truck and then we are going to discuss the full-size truck offered by Dodge and later RAM. So, if you want to learn more follow along.
Type Of RAM Trucks: Mid-Size RAM Truck
The first type of RAM trucks that we are going to discuss is the mid-size pickup truck offered by this automaker. And this is the Dodge Dakota. The Dodge Dakota is not in production anymore, unfortunately.
But you can still purchase one on the second-hand market if you desire. This is why we decided to add this model for the people who want something smaller. So, let’s cover some of the specs.
Type Of RAM Trucks, Mid-Size #1: Dodge Dakota (2005 – 2011)
The Dodge Dakota is the first type of RAM trucks that we are going to cover on our list. The Dakota is a mid-size truck that was first introduced in 1986. And the last generation was produced from 2005 to 2011.
This model in the RAM lineup was canceled, mainly because of the steep decline in demand for these mid-size pickup trucks.
Nevertheless, the model was based on the Dodge Durango SUV. This model was also known as the Mitsubishi Raider in the US market as well.
In terms of trim levels, there were a few of them. The ST was the base model, then the SLT, SXT, Big Horn, Laramie, and Lonestar followed. The Lonestar was Texas only package.
This model has a wheelbase of 131.3 inches and an overall length of 218.8 inches. This type of RAM trucks comes in a club cab as well as in a quad cab.
Engines & Transmissions
In terms of engines, there are two options. The 3.7L V6 Magnum produces 210hp and 235lb-ft of torque. And the 4.7L V8 Magnum produces 260hp and 310lb-ft of torque.
In terms of transmissions, there are a few. Two automatics, a 4-speed and a 5-speed. As well as a 6-speed manual in this type of RAM trucks.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy of this type of RAM trucks is good. It gets 14 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined.
Towing Capacity
When it comes to the towing capacity of this type of RAM trucks, we can say that it is rather good for a truck of this size. The maximum towing capacity for the V8 engine is about 7,250lbs. Which is quite enough for a truck of this size if you are asking me and probably enough for most of the things that you can tow with it. But if you need more towing, let’s move on to the next type of RAM trucks.
Type Of RAM Trucks: Full-Size RAM Trucks
So, we covered the mid-size type of RAM trucks, now let’s take a look at the full-size RAM trucks. If you don’t know, full-size trucks are also light-duty pickups but bigger.
They have a longer wheelbase than the mid-size, as well as longer overall width and length. These are basically the ones that you need if you need a truck for heavy-duty applications. So, let’s cover this type of RAM trucks in the following chapters and learn more about it.
Type Of RAM Trucks, Full-Size #1: RAM 1500 (2019 – Present)
Let’s start with the smallest type of RAM trucks in the full-size segment. And that is the RAM 1500. We will cover only the newest generation of the RAM, which is the fifth generation of the model.
This model was newly refreshed for the 2019 model year and this allowed it to bring a ton more new features and tech that the 4th generation was lacking. Also, the looks of this model are rather good with the massive chrome grille and the improved presence on the road.
This model comes with a couple of different cab options. Namely, the Regular Cab which is the smallest version, the Crew Cab which is an extended cab, and a Quad Cab which is the version with the most legroom and is perfect if you need more passenger space.
In terms of dimensions, the model has a wheelbase of 144.5 inches, and an overall length of 232.2 inches for the crew cab.
The base MSRP price of the RAM starts at $38,950. There are a few trim levels to choose from. Namely, the Tradesman, Laramie, Lone Star, Big Horn, Limited, and RAM Rebel for the ones that feel rather rebellious in nature. Now let’s take a look at the engines used in this type of RAM trucks.
Engines & Transmissions
In terms of engines, it is worth mentioning that there are a couple of options. The base engine is the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine. This engine makes about 305hp and 269lb-ft of torque.
The more powerful engine offered in this vehicle is the 5.7L V8 HEMI engine. And we definitely recommend this engine when it comes to towing. The 5.7L makes 395hp and 410lb-ft of torque.
There is also a diesel variant known as HFE. This RAM 1500 truck has a 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel that produces 260hp and 480lb-ft of torque. Perfect when it comes to towing.
In terms of transmission, there is an 8-speed automatic that delivers really smooth shifts and also good fuel economy in this type of RAM trucks.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy of the 1500 is good for a truck. The model gets 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The 5.7L is a bit worse, it gets 15 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined.
The diesel version is the best in terms of fuel economy in this type of RAM trucks. This model gets 23 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.
Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of the RAM 1500 is rather good and performs in a similar fashion to the F-150 and Silverado. The RAM 1500 is able to tow up to 12,750 lbs with the 5.7L engine and the 3.0L diesel. While the 3.6L gasoline engine can only tow about 7,730lbs.
Type Of RAM Trucks, Full-Size #2: RAM 2500 (2019 – Present)
We have covered the RAM 1500 and now let’s move to another type of RAM trucks. Something really bigger and heavy-duty. Namely, the RAM 2500. So, what is the RAM 2500?
Well, the RAM 2500 is the truck for people that need a proper workhorse that can tow quite a lot more than your standard 1500. Something that will get the job done. And that is the 2500. This truck is in the same class as the F-250 and the Silverado 2500.
The RAM 2500 as standard comes with a wheelbase of 149 inches and an overall length of 238.8 inches. Some of the models are even up to 260.8 inches long and have a wheelbase of 169 inches. There are a ton of different models to choose from.
As well as there are a lot of trim levels as well. The Tradesman is the base trim level that is purely intended for work. Then there are the Long Horn, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, and Limited. The Limited is probably the best out there.
Also, this model comes as a dually. So, what is a dually? Well, a dually is a truck with a rear axle that has dual wheels on it. This means that there are four wheels at the rear and by taking this approach, the truck can haul or tow a lot more than your standard truck with two wheels on the axle. So, this type of RAM trucks is built with heavy-duty purposes in mind. The base price of the RAM 2500 is $46,300.
Engines & Transmissions
The engine used in this truck is the 6.4L V8 HEMI. This is a heavy-duty application and requires a higher displacement engine. This engine produces 410hp and 429lb-ft of torque.
The second engine that you can opt for is a 6.7L inline-6 Cummins diesel. The Cummins produces 370hp and 850 lb-ft of torque. Which is a crazy amount of torque. And definitely, the engine that you need for your heavy-duty application.
In terms of transmissions, there are two available, a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin automatic. And an 8-speed ZF automatic for this type of RAM trucks. But what about the fuel economy of this truck? Let’s find out more about that next.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy of the Cummins diesel is about 12 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined.
The 6.4L HEMI performs slightly worse than the diesel and gets about 14 mpg combined. Also, this engine is far less capable when it comes to towing, and more on that we are going to cover more next.
Towing Capacity
When it comes to towing, the 6.4L HEMI is able to tow up to 17,540lbs. Which is rather good for an engine of this size.
But this engine does not even come close to the Cummins. This Cummins engine can tow as close as 20,000lbs. So, if you need something really heavy-duty intended only for towing, then this engine is the one that you are after. Not to mention that it is also far more fuel efficient than the standard gas-powered engine. Now let’s move on to the next type of RAM trucks.
Type Of RAM Trucks, Full-Size #3: RAM 3500 (2019 – Present)
Now let’s cover the last type of RAM trucks on our list and that is the RAM 3500. The most extreme pickup truck that you can get for your dollar. There are heavier trucks like the 4000 series and so on. But these are primarily commercial vehicles intended for companies that later customize them for different applications.
Nevertheless, the RAM 3500 is probably the thing that you will need the most when it comes to towing. With this thing, you can move a whole house. It is rather extreme.
This model also comes with a few different cab options. Namely, a regular cab which is the shortest, a Quad cab, Crew Cab, and also a Mega Cab. The Mega Cab is probably the biggest cab size that you can find on a pickup truck. No other carmaker offers a Mega Cab except from RAM.
In terms of trim levels, there are pretty much the same trims. Namely the base Tradesman, Big Horn, Long Horn, Laramie, Lone Star, and Limited. The Limited is the most expensive trim level starting at $76,600. But what is the base price of the 3500? The base price is around $45,000 MSRP, and the market price is $50,000 for this model.
In terms of dimensions, this type of RAM trucks is probably the biggest out there. With a wheelbase of 149.5 inches and 237.4 inches in length for the standard version. This type of RAM trucks understandably also comes in a dually version.
Engines & Transmissions
In terms of engines, there are three options available. Namely the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that is producing 410hp and 429lb-ft of torque.
A 6.7L inline-6 Cummins that is producing 370hp and 850lb-ft of torque. And also a high-output Cummins 6.7L inline-6 that is delivering 420hp and 1,075lb-ft of torque. Which is a rather crazy amount of power that allows this model to tow quite a lot. But more on that in a bit.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy of these models is rather poor. Similar to the 2500. This is expected though. The low-output Cummins is averaging about 14 mpg, while the 6.4L HEMI delivers 12 mpg combined, when under load, these numbers are even worse. But what about the towing capacity of these engines? Let’s find out next.
Towing Capacity
These trucks can tow quite a lot of cargo without breaking a sweat. Even the 6.4L HEMI which has a low amount of torque can tow up to 18,210lbs. Which is pretty much enough for all of your needs.
But if you want something more extreme, you can opt for the 6.7L Cummins. The standard version of the Cummins can tow 22,670lbs, and the high output version can tow up to 37,090lbs. We couldn’t believe these numbers ourselves. But that’s what is said on the RAM trucks website. So, if they say it can, it definitely can tow this much. Now let’s move on and close this article on the type of RAM trucks.
Type Of RAM Trucks: In Conclusion…
In this article, we covered quite a lot when it comes to RAM trucks. First, we learned what is RAM and a bit about its history and also we covered who is making RAM trucks.
Then we covered the type of RAM trucks. We covered the mid-size Dakota, as well as the full-size models that are offered on the market like the RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500. We learned their specs, but most importantly their towing capability, which is one of the most crucial features when it comes to trucks.
FAQs On Type Of RAM Trucks
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
Who Owns Chrysler
Chrysler is an American corporation that is currently owned by Stellantis. If you don’t know, Stellantis is a partnership between PSA and FCA from Europe. They joined forces to create this company.
Who Owns Dodge
Dodge is owned by Chrysler. And Chrysler is owned by Stellantis. And Stellantis is a corporation that was created when PSA and FCA joined their forces together and created an enormous corporation.
What Is A Crew Cab
A crew cab is a type of cab that is used on pickup trucks. The Crew cab is basically the biggest cab that is offered by RAM. This cab includes front and rear full-size doors and practically the most legroom of all of the other cab sizes.
Where Are RAM Trucks Made
RAM trucks are made in the US. They have a factory in Sterling Heights, Michigan where the 1500 models are made. They also have a factory in Warren, Michigan where the bigger trucks are being made. And also, RAM has a factory in Saltillo, Mexico where they also assemble RAM Trucks. The factory in Mexico assembles all the models.
Is Dodge Made In America
Yes, Dodge models are assembled in the US at the same Chrysler factories where other Chrysler and Jeep models are produced.
How Long Is A Pickup Truck
Pickup truck length really depends on the type of truck. If we are talking about full-size light-duty pickup trucks like the RAM. We can say that they come in lengths between 228.9 inches and 241.8 inches for the RAM 1500. Other models can be a bit longer than this.
