The Ram 3500 is the one-ton member of Ram's heavy-duty pickup family, with leaf-spring rear suspension, single or dual rear wheels and the highest tow and payload ratings the brand sells in a pickup. The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 is standard, and the Cummins High-Output diesel is the choice for big gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers. It is for buyers hauling heavy equipment or large campers every week.
The West take
The 3500 is for Western loads that outgrow a 2500: a fifth-wheel camper bound for the national parks, a horse trailer, a flatbed of hay. With the Cummins High-Output diesel and the Max Tow package's 12.0-inch rear axle, Ram lists up to 37,020 pounds of towing (preliminary). The HEMI version carries more payload, up to 7,580 pounds, than the diesel's 6,460. Both engines are available with single or dual rear wheels, and the 4x4 single-rear-wheel HEMI now reaches an 11,440-pound GVWR. Prices start at $49,340 for the Tradesman and $76,805 for the Limited or Longhorn, before destination. These are headline figures for specific builds, so confirm cab, axle and wheel configuration, and check your state's rules for heavy loads.
01
Tow ratings that reach 37,020 pounds
With the diesel and the Max Tow setup, the 3500 is preliminarily rated to pull up to 37,020 pounds. The HEMI version tops out at 18,140 pounds. These are the largest numbers in Ram's pickup lineup, and they require the right axle, hitch and weight-distribution gear.
02
High payload with the HEMI
Counter-intuitively, the gas truck carries the most. Ram's preliminary maximum payload is 7,580 pounds with the 6.4-liter HEMI, versus 6,460 pounds with the Cummins diesel, because the diesel engine weighs more.
03
Single or dual rear wheels
You can choose single rear wheels for easier daily driving and parking, or dual rear wheels for more stability under heavy loads. The 3500 also offers a supplemental air suspension option on its leaf-spring rear axle.
04
A cab for every use
Regular Cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab are offered. The Regular Cab and Crew Cab can be paired with a long 8-foot bed, while the Mega Cab comes with a 6-foot 4-inch box and four-wheel drive.
05
Interior tech from the light-duty line
Higher trims can have the 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, a 10.25-inch passenger screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and dual wireless phone charging. A digital rearview mirror with tow mode is optional. Limited and Longhorn come with 17-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
2027 3500 trims
5 trim levels, listed from entry to top of the range, offered as Crew Cab, Mega Cab or Regular Cab.
Trim 1
Tradesman
From $52,960*
Also Regular Cab from $49,340
Regular Cab with the 8-foot bed is the base configuration; Crew Cab and 4x4 are available
6.4L HEMI V8Standard on every trim. Up to 18,140 lbs towing and 7,580 lbs payload (preliminary). 4x4 single-rear-wheel Regular Cab 8-foot and Crew Cab 6 ft 4 in trucks now reach an 11,440 lb GVWR, up 400 lbs. Regular fuel.
405 hp
429 lb-ft
TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic
4x2 or 4x4
6.7L Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel I6Optional on every trim. Up to 37,020 lbs towing and 6,460 lbs payload (preliminary). The Max Tow package uses a 12.0-inch rear axle.
430 hp
1075 lb-ft
TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic
4x2 or 4x4
2027 3500 specifications
Dimensions+
Cab styles
Regular Cab (8 ft bed), Crew Cab (6 ft 4 in or 8 ft bed), Mega Cab (6 ft 4 in bed, 4x4 only)
Rear axle
Single or dual rear wheels
Wheelbase
About 140.2 to 169.3 in depending on cab and bed
Overall length
About 232 to 260.8 in
Capability+
Max towing, 6.4L HEMI V8
18,140 lbs (preliminary)
Max towing, Cummins HO diesel
37,020 lbs (preliminary)
Max payload, 6.4L HEMI V8
7,580 lbs (preliminary)
Max payload, Cummins HO diesel
6,460 lbs (preliminary)
Max GVWR, 4x4 SRW with 6.4L HEMI (Regular Cab 8 ft, Crew Cab 6 ft 4 in)
11,440 lbs
Powertrain+
6.4L HEMI V8
405 hp @ 5,600 rpm; 429 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
6.7L Cummins HO I6 turbo diesel
430 hp @ 2,800 rpm; 1,075 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Transmission
TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic
Rear axle ratios
3.73 and 4.10 (HEMI); 3.42 (diesel)
Rear axles
AAM 11.5 in; AAM 12.0 in on Max Tow
Rear suspension
Two-stage leaf springs; optional supplemental air suspension
Fuel economy+
EPA rating
Not published; heavy-duty trucks above 8,500 lbs GVWR are not required to carry EPA fuel economy labels
3500 photos
Photos courtesy of Stellantis. Equipment and colors vary by trim.
3500 questions, answered
Do I need a 3500 dually for a fifth-wheel camper?
Not always. The deciding number is the pin weight and the truck's payload on its door sticker, not the headline tow rating. Many fifth-wheels weigh far less than 37,020 pounds, and a 2500 with the payload package reaches 4,580 pounds. If your camper is heavy or you cross steep passes often, the 3500's extra margin is worth the price.
Why does the HEMI 3500 list more payload than the diesel?
The diesel setup is heavier, which usually takes weight out of the payload rating. Ram lists up to 7,580 pounds for the HEMI against 6,460 for the diesel, both preliminary. The diesel wins on towing, 37,020 pounds versus 18,140, so choose by whether your load sits in the bed or behind the truck.
How much can the 2027 Ram 3500 tow?
Ram's preliminary maximum is 37,020 pounds with the Cummins High-Output diesel, and 18,140 pounds with the 6.4-liter HEMI V8. Actual capacity varies by cab, wheel arrangement, axle and equipment. Heavier ratings require the Max Tow axle and gooseneck or fifth-wheel hardware.
What is the payload of the Ram 3500?
The 3500 with the 6.4-liter HEMI is rated up to 7,580 pounds and the Cummins diesel up to 6,460 pounds (both preliminary). New for 2027, single-rear-wheel 4x4 trucks with the HEMI can reach an 11,440-pound GVWR, which adds roughly 400 pounds of payload.
How much does the 2027 Ram 3500 cost?
ramtrucks.com lists the 2027 Ram 3500 from $49,340 for the Tradesman Regular Cab, before destination. Big Horn starts at $53,090, Laramie $64,795, and Limited and Longhorn $76,805. Mega Cab Laramie is $81,735 and Mega Cab Limited and Longhorn are $94,035. Dual rear wheels and the Cummins diesel add to these prices.
Is the Ram 3500 diesel more powerful than the gas truck?
Yes in output. The Cummins HO makes 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft, compared with 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft for the 6.4-liter HEMI. The gas engine, though, delivers a higher payload number.
Does the Ram 3500 come with dual rear wheels?
Yes. The 3500 can be ordered with single or dual rear wheels, depending on cab and bed. Dual rear wheels improve stability when carrying or pulling heavy loads.
What is the difference between a Ram 3500 pickup and a 3500 Chassis Cab?
A 3500 pickup has a factory bed and consumer-focused trims. The 3500 Chassis Cab comes without a bed so an upfitter can mount a flatbed, utility body or dump body, and it has higher GVWR options and a different frame setup. Chassis Cab is covered on its own page.