2019 RAM® 3500
SCHEDULE A TEST DRIVE
Overview
There’s little more frustrating than getting a new truck, only to realize it doesn’t stack up to your workload. Whether it struggles to haul due to insufficient torque or the suspension isn’t equipped to handle the payloads, many trucks just aren’t built for the truly hard worker (or hard player) anymore. That isn’t the case with the 2019 RAM® 3500. This beast is available in a range of configurations, including dual rear wheels or chassis cab. Powerful engines options, like the HEMI® V8 or Turbo Diesel, make this RAM an invaluable companion when there’s work to get done.
The Perfect Ride for...
The serious hauler. If you want the hardest working heavy-duty truck in the segment, you’ll want the 2019 RAM 3500. It can tow up to 35,100 pounds and handle payloads up to 7,680 pounds when properly equipped. There’s no job too big for this pickup truck. RAM didn’t just equip it with the power to get the job done, the automaker also ensured that the suspension could harness that power, and do it while passengers ride in comfort. If you want to take the boat out to the lake, haul a camper through the mountains, or add a gooseneck trailer to haul multiple vehicles across the country, this is the pickup truck you need.
Drive & Handling
They say you shouldn’t mess with perfection, but RAM decided to do it anyway. Now the 6.4-liter HEMI® V8 comes standard in the RAM 3500 and offers up to 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. This engine is strapped to a TorqueFlite 8-speed transmission for optimal gearing and smooth shifting that eases up fuel consumption. For more grunt when you need it, the 6.7-liter Cummins inline six-cylinder Turbo Diesel has received some upgrades that translate into 400 horsepower and an astonishing 1000 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission helps you get that power from the engine to the wheels, where all the heavy lifting can happen.
Contrasting the harsh suspension of most heavy-duty trucks, the 2019 RAM 3500 features a unique Frequency Response Damping system that adjusts to the vertical wheel input. The result is handling akin to a sports car, but in a tank that's fully capable of tackling tough terrain. In addition to the rear leaf-spring system, the 3500 also features optional air suspension, which softens the springs and creates better suspension movement.
Key Features
Technology
All that power is backed up by powerful technology. Thanks to the available Uconnect® 4C NAV, you can stay connected, no matter where the road takes you. The 12-inch touch screen gives you access to Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, SiriusXM® All Access Package, Navigation, and Bluetooth®. Whether you want to jam out to your favorite playlist or need a little help when you get lost, RAM has you covered. The available harmon/kardon® audio system goes even further with 17 speakers and an 8-inch subwoofer to produce rich sound for your premium passengers.
Five USB ports are available throughout the cabin to make sure your devices stay charged, and an optional wireless charging pad means you can forgo the cables. You can also add up to three 115-volt household plugs to make sure you always have power for your tools.
Safety
Safety is just as important on the road when you’re getting the job done, and that’s why the 3500 is available with an array of safety features. With available Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking ensures that your RAM hits the brakes when you don’t have time to react. A 360-degree camera gives you a birds-eye view of your entire rig, and a cargo-view camera lets you keep an eye on anything you’re hauling in the bed. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System ensures the tires on your truck are at the optimum pressure, and it can monitor up to 12 trailer wheels, so you can tow a trailer with more peace of mind than ever before.
Alternative Options
If you want the power of RAM but don’t see yourself utilizing all the power of the 3500, check out the RAM 1500. This truck is still powerful enough for most jobs, but it's more fitting for everyday driving (as well as hauling and towing). Need to do a different kind of work? Check out the RAM ProMaster City. This work vehicle is perfect when you need the power of a RAM but not the bed of a truck.
To see the full RAM lineup and learn more about the great vehicles available, please contact MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup today or visit us at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Image Credit: RAM