Driving the Larger Ram 2500 Has Its Pros And Cons
With a big truck comes big truck power and big truck responsibility. Deciding to upgrade from the Ram 1500 to the Ram 2500 can be a difficult decision to make. But if you need more power, switching to a heavy-duty truck could be the answer. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of the Ram 2500.
Is the 2020 Ram 2500 worth buying?
Yes, if you need a heavy-duty truck, the 2020 Ram 2500 is a great option. With an MSRP of about $33,895, the base model isn’t much higher than the cost of the Ram 1500 and its MSRP of about $32,245. But keep in mind, these prices are before shipping fees, and dealership markups are included.
Switching to a heavy-duty truck gives you more cabin space for the family, more vehicle stability for towing, more engine durability, stronger axles, and more. Plus, the rotors, calipers, and pads are designed for stopping heavier loads.
When it comes to choosing the Ram 2500 over rivals, Pickup Trucks suggests that it should be chosen for its suspension. Instead of having a leaf spring rear suspension, it has a five-link suspension that better controls the wheel hop and axle wrap. The setup provides better control during acceleration and braking, especially on slippery surfaces. But as a daily driver, it has its pros and cons
The pros of a Ram heavy-duty truck
Everyone can fit in the Ram 2500. Five adults can fit comfortably. Then the center console folds out to create a sixth seat if needed. This seat should be reserved for the smallest passenger, though.
The outward visibility is great, but also, multiple cameras provide a 360-degree view on the monitor to provide even more visibility. This eliminates the difficulties of seeing close up obstacles.
The 2020 2500 has a towing capacity of 15,040, making it quite the workhorse. The Ram 1500 can only tow up to 12,750. However, the 2021 Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 lb, which is incredible for a full-size truck.
According to Car and Driver, the Ram HD is incredibly comfortable, with the best ride in its class. Acoustic glass and active noise cancellation provide a quiet ride that rivals luxury cars. This is even true with the diesel engines.
The cons of the 2020 Ram HD truck
But remember, that the Ram 2500 is enormous. It’s a bit of a climb to get in and out of. Even the running boards are pretty hard to reach. The ground clearance of the Ram Power Wagon is 14.2-inches! Maneuvering this truck in tight parking lots or crowded areas could get tricky.
Heavy-duty trucks can be more expensive to maintain. They have a lower fuel economy and require more fluids with a maintenance schedule more similar to half-ton trucks. The diesel-powered Ram 2500 gets an EPA estimated 14 mpg combined.
The size of the truck bed is restricted due to the RamBox storage system that eats into the cargo space. Also, the load floor is so high that it can be challenging to place heavier or larger items in the truck bed.