The 2023 Ram 3500 Might Just Be the Most Livable Heavy-Duty Truck
When you need to haul under 4,010 pounds of payload in the bed of your truck or tow a trailer weighing up to 20,000 pounds, the Ram 2500 offers configurations that can handle it, albeit not simultaneously. However, if you need a Ram truck with more payload and towing capacity, the 2023 Ram 3500 has you covered. Sure, heavy-duty trucks can haul and tow enormous amounts of weight, but can they maneuver into a parking space and navigate narrow neighborhood streets?
The 2023 Ram 3500 is great for towing, hauling, and other truck activities
Ram Trucks lists a starting MSRP for the 2023 Ram 3500 Tradesman at $46,780. There are four other Ram 3500 models with increasing comfort and pricing, including:
- Big Horn – $51,560
- Laramie – $64,225
- Limited – $78,570
- Limited Longhorn – $84,390
The Ram 3500 Tradesman features a choice of two-wheel drive (4×2) or four-wheel drive (4×4) and “Cab/Box” configurations, including regular and crew cab models with an 8-foot truck bed (long box) and a crew cab model with a standard box measuring 6 feet and 4 inches. A 6.4-liter gasoline-powered V8 engine is standard, but a pair of 6.7-liter turbo-diesel options provides more power.
The Ram 3500 Big Horn features the same driveline, Cab/Box configurations, and engine options as the Tradesman. However, compared to the working-class Tradesman, the Big Horn features more chrome accents on the exterior and more comfort and convenience inside. However, the most significant difference is the plethora of options available for the Big Horn that the Tradesman doesn’t enjoy.
The mid-pack Laramie also provides options for 4×2 or 4×4 drivelines but removes the regular cab configuration. Instead, the Laramie represents the lowest trim option for the Mega Cab with a standard box in addition to the familiar crew cab with either a long or standard box. The standard engine remains the same with the same turbo-diesel options.
The Ram 3500 Limited and Limited Longhorn trims provide the same Cab/Box configurations as the Laramie but offer 4×4 drivelines exclusively. Other than the expected increases in comfort and convenience, the top trims feature the same basics as the Laramie, except the Limited Longhorn deletes the standard gas V8 in favor of the 6.7-liter I6 Cummins while keeping the turbo-diesel version optional.
The 2023 Ram 3500 features a payload capacity of up to 7,600 pounds and a maximum tow rating of 37,090 pounds. While the more powerful diesel engine aids in the max-tow rating, the lighter gasoline V8 helps the truck achieve its max-payload ratings. Often heavier cab configurations and optional equipment deduct from payload capacity, so carefully review your owner’s manual and door stickers before attempting to tow or haul heavy loads.
But is the 3500 capable of daily-driving chores?
With its massive footprint, the 2023 Ram 3500 presents challenges when parking in tight spaces designed by people hoping to park the most cars in a lot, garage, or along a city street. Unfortunately, you’re likely better off parking farther away from your in-town destination and enjoying some fresh air and sunshine as you make your way to the door. Hopefully, it isn’t raining; if it is, sorry.
The good news is that the 2023 Ram 3500 provides all the modern comfort and convenience of other vehicles in similar trim level ranges. However, it’s difficult to compare the heavy-duty Ram to other classes like sedans and SUVs by price because much of the Ram 3500’s value is in its capacity for work.
Edmunds recommends the Big Horn (Lone Star if you’re in or near Texas) for its upgraded infotainment system, including a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, if you want the Mega Cab Ram 3500, you’ll have to start with the Laramie trim with its additional comfort and convenience features.
