In terms of variety, RAM has Ford and Chevy beat, and especially when it comes to farm work. RAM offers the 1500 in TRX and Classic fashion, the 2500, the 3500, and the Chassis Cab, which is more for industrial applications. They are, however, more expensive as a whole. The cheapest RAM is the 1500 Classic, starting at $28,855. RAM offers six different trim levels for the 2500 and 3500. 

Starting with the Limited, RAM also offers the Limited Longhorn, Laramie, Power Wagon, Bighorn, and Tradesman. The 1500 gets the same trims but swaps the Power Wagon for the Rebel. The 1500 Classic gets the Tradesman, as well as the Warlock and the Express. These are some of the most expensive configurations for new RAM trucks.

Locked down performance: 1500 TRX

The 1500 TRX has only one configuration as a 4WD crew cab with a 5’7” box. It has a 700 horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It starts at $72,120, making it the most expensive 1500, and doesn’t offer much in the way of performance upgrades. RAM offers an engine-block heater for an extra $95. It’s a pure-bred race truck, but that’s about it.

Otherwise, there are two different levels of equipment upgrades. Level 1 priced at $3,420 includes heated front seats, a rear window defroster, power-adjustable pedals, and other various amenities. Level 2 costs $7,920 and has everything in Level 1, plus blind-spot and cross-path detection, a remote start system, and many other features. 

MId-Level work truck: RAM 2500 Limited Mega Cab

The 2500 Mega Cab starts at $69,435 and offers plenty of options. It comes standard with a 410-hp 6.4-liter V8, but $9,400 more gets the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six. This beast produces up to 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque, allowing the truck much better towing capability than the gasoline motor. 

RAM offers a locking differential for $445 extra, and a lower gear ratio for another $145. Automatic-leveling rear air suspension costs another $1,705, while dual 380-amp alternators run an additional $395. RAM offers these upgrades as part of more comprehensive packages as well, including cold weather, protection, and off-road packages.

Ultimate beast mode: RAM 3500 Limited Mega Cab

Starting at $70,790, the 3500 Limited Mega Cab is the most expensive passenger truck that RAM sells. Equipping it with the high output 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel costs an extra $12,195, and nets 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. The GVWR package for the 2500 maxed out at 10,000 pounds, but the 3500 goes all the way up to 14,000. Otherwise, it has the same options as the 2500. 

Don’t let the TRX sour the 1500 experience. If configured right, the 1500 can be a great work truck. The 3500 is for hauling giant trees around, or for hauling other trucks out of ditches. For dragging a simple trailer around the country, stick to the 2500. Its limits won’t be breached, and it won’t be as aggressive or cumbersome as the 3500. 

The extra power from the HO Cummins turbodiesel would ensure some freeway passing ability, but the standard Cummins will tick all the boxes on its own. Either way, RAM makes the most expensive trucks, but their power output and luxury helps make up for it.