The same generation of heavy-duty trucks dates back to 2010. FCA updated its HD vehicles a couple of times. The last refresh happened in 2019. On the other hand, it seems like fans don’t care about the old design. The sales are better than ever and the HD class is the segment where the profit is the best. So, the 2021 RAM 3500 is probably coming unchanged. We see no reason why the company is going to update the look of the truck. In 2019, designers used the same solutions as for the fresh Ram 1500. Still, the cab and box remained the same. While the Cummins diesel is doing a great job and provides enough power for the class-leading towing capacity, the Series 3 pickup stays the same.
The 2021 RAM 3500 is going to be a versatile vehicle. Its buyers will see a lot of configuration options. Besides a diesel engine, there is a petrol unit. The offer starts with the Tradesman package and ends up with the premium Limited edition. Top of the class versions are packed with Cummins turbodiesel engine and the dual-rear-wheel setup. The DRW will maximize towing capacity. Still, there are a lot of other possibilities between the two ends.
2021 RAM 3500 Specs (Petrol and Diesel Units)
Under the bonnet of the 2021 RAM 3500 HD truck we find a 6.4-liter Hemi engine as the base and cheaper choice. You can find this engine in some other vehicles by the FCA. Sor SUVs, this is a high-output option with nearly 500 hp. For the heavy-duty pickup truck, the V8 petrol unit is capable of producing 410 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic gearbox and a rear-wheel drive are the configurations that can be upgraded with an AWD. The maximum towing capacity of the truck with a gasoline engine is 16,500 pounds.
A turbodiesel Cummins can double the figures. The 2021 RAM 3500 is available with the high-output version of the 6.7-liter inline-six unit that produces 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of twist. That is enough for 35,000 of towing capacity. However, special acquisitions are needed to handle such potential. First of all, there is a six-speed automatic transmission, delivered by AISIN. The latest rumors are mentioning big changes in this segment. According to reports, FCA is considering a replacement in the power router, having in mind that Allison made a new 10-speed gearbox, while the AISIN is not updating its system. If this happens, the Ram 3500 HD could beat 1,050 lb-ft coming from Powerstroke engines for the Ford F-350 Super Duty model.
Versions: Cab Configurations, Trim Levels, Accessories
There are three cabs available for the 2021 RAM 3500. The base version, Tradesman, besides a petrol engine, will also use Regular cab. Only Big Horn will offer you such a possibility. The standard package includes a long box, 17-inch wheels and Bluetooth. The infotainment system is about to be upgraded to the Uconnect 5.0 version. Larger screens and more speakers will be highlights. Besides the Regular Cab, the truck is also available in the Crew Cab version, with a short and long bed. The Big Horn adds Mega Cab as well. That is not the only upgrade, since there are also larger wheels and various other cab accessories. For the current truck, the multimedia system is getting a significant boost with Apple CarPlay integration and an 8-inch display.
Unfortunately, the off-road specialist, Power Wagon package, is available only with the Series 2 model. There are rumors the 4×4 truck will be available with the 2021 RAM 3500, but these are only speculations. We can also mention the TRX version with a high-output Hellcat engine, which became part of the Ram 1500 lineup. Well, this is another long shot. The HD segment needs practicality, not high outputs for showing off.
Two premium editions for the RAM 3500 HD are Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The first one packs the pickup with the navigation, advanced sound system and ventilated seats. LED lamps and bedliner are standard. Leather upholstery and heated steering wheel are boosting the overall impression. That is not all, since the Limited package is throwing everything FCA has to offer. Largest screens, advanced safety and infotainment features trailering assist accessories, cameras, wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and many other upgrades will make this version cost more than $80,000 with a diesel unit.
2021 RAM 3500 Prices
Speaking of prices, not all versions are so expensive. The base truck starts at $35,000. All-wheel drive adds nearly $3k, and an upgrade to the Crew Cab is $3,500-4,000, depending on if you want a short or long bed. The mid-range offer is usually the best one. Laramie package with 4×4, Crew Cab, and short bed will cost $54,000. If you are after premium features from Longhorn and Limited editions, be ready to splash more than $50k for base versions of these packages.