An overview of the most powerful pickup on Earth
2014 Ram 3500 Overview + What's New
College football has the Heisman trophy, music has the Grammy Award and the world’s biggest, baddest class of pickup trucks has the coveted king of towing. Every year or so one or all of the major players ups the ante, increasing power output and beefing up componentry to the ludicrous stratosphere of towing prowess that we’ve arrived at. Towing your boat is so 2003. Always wanted a better view from your bedroom window?
Throw some wheels on your house and tow it! You’re looking at the 30,000 lb.-capable 2014 Ram 3500—the final word, the grand champion of consumer-level pickup strength…for the moment.
What’s New
As budgets change and needs grow, pickup trucks have also evolved. The same Colossus on the job now needs to double duty as the more refined, comfortable cruiser that’s ready for a night on the town. With that in mind, Ram has thrown a few surprises into the 2014 3500 to add a more civil side to the beast, ahead of another boost in power slated for 2015.
For starters, the new load-leveling rear air suspension that debuted on the 2013 Ram 1500 is modified to now be an option for the Ram 3500, augmenting the rear leaf springs with airbags to level the truck under heavy loads and further smoothing out ride quality.
Those who don’t need the extra expense or torque of the I6 Cummins turbodiesel will be pleased to see the addition of the new 6.4-liter V8 HEMI engine. The new 6.4 delivers more power than the base 5.7-liter V8 HEMI, but stops short of the additional range of power of the thirster and more expensive Cummins diesel inline-6.
Additional convenience comes from new features like a cargo-view camera and a flat-load floor option for crew cab models.
Competitors to the 2014 Ram 3500 include the Ford F-450 Super Duty (a serious competitor to the Ram’s towing throne for 2015), Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD.
2014 Ram 3500 Bodystyles, Engines + Powertrains
Body Styles, Engines and Powertrains
The 2014 Ram 3500 comes served in 3 different cab styles: regular, crew cab and Mega Cab. Regular cabs seat 3 passengers and come only with the long (8-foot) cargo bed. Crew cab-equipped models accommodate 6 and can be ordered with either the long cargo bed or the short (6-foot 4-inch) one. Mega Cabs, a larger version of the crew cab, come only with the short bed.
Ram’s Goliath begins life with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivers 383 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. When properly equipped, the 5.7-liter can tow a maximum load of 13,850 lbs. and tote 4,480 lbs. of payload.
The new 6.4-liter V8 turns up the volume to 410 hp (370hp in Mega Cab models) and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. Tow capacity rises to 16,450 lbs. with the 6.4-liter and maximum payload is upped to 7,320 lbs.
Both the 5.7 and 6.4-liter HEMIs come mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Last is the monstrous Cummins turbodiesel I6, churning out 350 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque when tied to a 6-speed manual transmission, 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft. of torque when mated to the standard 6-speed automatic and 385 hp and 850 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with the optional heavy-duty Aisin automatic transmission. With a manual transmission, the Cummins will tow a maximum of 18,5000 lbs..Opting for the burly Aisin transmission increases that number to 30,000 lbs. Regardless of transmission choice, diesel-equipped Ram 3500s can carry a maximum payload of 6,720 lbs.
Every 2014 Ram 3500 is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
Trim Levels
Ram’s 2014 3500 can be served up in four different ways: Tradesman, SLT, Laramie and Longhorn. Regular cab-equipped 3500s come only in Tradesman and SLT models, crew cabs are available in every trim selection and Mega Cabs come only in the more upscale SLT, Laramie and Longhorn styles.
Tradesman models get straight to business with basics like vinyl upholstery and flooring (a free upgrade to cloth upholstery is available), a tilt-only steering wheel, cruise control and a 6-speaker sound system with auxiliary and USB inputs, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, air conditioning, 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights and a locking tailgate.
Crew cabs also get a folding rear bench seat as well as power windows and locks.
SLT versions add in conveniences like power windows/locks/mirrors, a power-sliding rear window, keyless entry, an integrated trailer-brake controller, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen for the sound system with satellite radio, along with a touch of flash from chrome exterior trim and 17-inch alloy wheels.
A step up to the Laramie trim brings a serious dollop of luxury in the form of leather upholstery, an 8-way power adjustable heated driver and a 6-way power adjustable heated front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, the Uconnect Access system with voice control, streaming Internet radio (delayed availability), text-to-speech messaging capability and 3G WiFi capability (via an extra-cost contract), a rearview camera and an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface. Functional upgrades include a limited-slip rear differential and rear parking sensors.
The Longhorn further expands on the Laramie’s posh attitude with a navigation system, HD radio, heated rear seats, remote starting, front bucket seats, power-adjustable pedals and a spray-in bedliner.
Safety
The 2014 Ram 3500 comes standard with front and front-seat side airbags, cabin-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, hill start assist and trailer sway control.
Optional safety features on some models (where they aren’t included as standard) include a rearview camera, a cargo camera, power-adjustable pedals and front/rear parking sensors. Models with Uconnect Access have an emergency telematics system that connects you with 911 operators at the touch of a button and provides stolen vehicle tracking.
Although the 2014 Ram 3500 has not been crash tested by the NHTSA, the similar 2014 Ram 2500 crew cab earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. The Ram 2500 garnered 4 out of 5 stars in frontal crash testing and 5 out of 5 stars in side crashes. Rear-wheel drive models scored 4 out of 5 stars in rollover testing, while four-wheel drive models earned 3 out of 5 stars for the same tests.
College football has the Heisman trophy, music has the Grammy Award and the world’s biggest, baddest class of pickup trucks has the coveted king of towing. Every year or so one or all of the major players ups the ante, increasing power output and beefing up componentry to the ludicrous stratosphere of towing prowess that we’ve arrived at. Towing your boat is so 2003. Always wanted a better view from your bedroom window?
Throw some wheels on your house and tow it! You’re looking at the 30,000 lb.-capable 2014 Ram 3500—the final word, the grand champion of consumer-level pickup strength…for the moment.
What’s New
As budgets change and needs grow, pickup trucks have also evolved. The same Colossus on the job now needs to double duty as the more refined, comfortable cruiser that’s ready for a night on the town. With that in mind, Ram has thrown a few surprises into the 2014 3500 to add a more civil side to the beast, ahead of another boost in power slated for 2015.
For starters, the new load-leveling rear air suspension that debuted on the 2013 Ram 1500 is modified to now be an option for the Ram 3500, augmenting the rear leaf springs with airbags to level the truck under heavy loads and further smoothing out ride quality.
Those who don’t need the extra expense or torque of the I6 Cummins turbodiesel will be pleased to see the addition of the new 6.4-liter V8 HEMI engine. The new 6.4 delivers more power than the base 5.7-liter V8 HEMI, but stops short of the additional range of power of the thirster and more expensive Cummins diesel inline-6.
Additional convenience comes from new features like a cargo-view camera and a flat-load floor option for crew cab models.
Competitors to the 2014 Ram 3500 include the Ford F-450 Super Duty (a serious competitor to the Ram’s towing throne for 2015), Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD.
2014 Ram 3500 Bodystyles, Engines + Powertrains
Body Styles, Engines and Powertrains
The 2014 Ram 3500 comes served in 3 different cab styles: regular, crew cab and Mega Cab. Regular cabs seat 3 passengers and come only with the long (8-foot) cargo bed. Crew cab-equipped models accommodate 6 and can be ordered with either the long cargo bed or the short (6-foot 4-inch) one. Mega Cabs, a larger version of the crew cab, come only with the short bed.
Ram’s Goliath begins life with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivers 383 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. When properly equipped, the 5.7-liter can tow a maximum load of 13,850 lbs. and tote 4,480 lbs. of payload.
The new 6.4-liter V8 turns up the volume to 410 hp (370hp in Mega Cab models) and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. Tow capacity rises to 16,450 lbs. with the 6.4-liter and maximum payload is upped to 7,320 lbs.
Both the 5.7 and 6.4-liter HEMIs come mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Last is the monstrous Cummins turbodiesel I6, churning out 350 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque when tied to a 6-speed manual transmission, 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft. of torque when mated to the standard 6-speed automatic and 385 hp and 850 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with the optional heavy-duty Aisin automatic transmission. With a manual transmission, the Cummins will tow a maximum of 18,5000 lbs..Opting for the burly Aisin transmission increases that number to 30,000 lbs. Regardless of transmission choice, diesel-equipped Ram 3500s can carry a maximum payload of 6,720 lbs.
Every 2014 Ram 3500 is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
Trim Levels
Ram’s 2014 3500 can be served up in four different ways: Tradesman, SLT, Laramie and Longhorn. Regular cab-equipped 3500s come only in Tradesman and SLT models, crew cabs are available in every trim selection and Mega Cabs come only in the more upscale SLT, Laramie and Longhorn styles.
Tradesman models get straight to business with basics like vinyl upholstery and flooring (a free upgrade to cloth upholstery is available), a tilt-only steering wheel, cruise control and a 6-speaker sound system with auxiliary and USB inputs, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, air conditioning, 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights and a locking tailgate.
Crew cabs also get a folding rear bench seat as well as power windows and locks.
SLT versions add in conveniences like power windows/locks/mirrors, a power-sliding rear window, keyless entry, an integrated trailer-brake controller, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen for the sound system with satellite radio, along with a touch of flash from chrome exterior trim and 17-inch alloy wheels.
A step up to the Laramie trim brings a serious dollop of luxury in the form of leather upholstery, an 8-way power adjustable heated driver and a 6-way power adjustable heated front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, the Uconnect Access system with voice control, streaming Internet radio (delayed availability), text-to-speech messaging capability and 3G WiFi capability (via an extra-cost contract), a rearview camera and an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface. Functional upgrades include a limited-slip rear differential and rear parking sensors.
The Longhorn further expands on the Laramie’s posh attitude with a navigation system, HD radio, heated rear seats, remote starting, front bucket seats, power-adjustable pedals and a spray-in bedliner.
Safety
The 2014 Ram 3500 comes standard with front and front-seat side airbags, cabin-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, hill start assist and trailer sway control.
Optional safety features on some models (where they aren’t included as standard) include a rearview camera, a cargo camera, power-adjustable pedals and front/rear parking sensors. Models with Uconnect Access have an emergency telematics system that connects you with 911 operators at the touch of a button and provides stolen vehicle tracking.
Although the 2014 Ram 3500 has not been crash tested by the NHTSA, the similar 2014 Ram 2500 crew cab earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. The Ram 2500 garnered 4 out of 5 stars in frontal crash testing and 5 out of 5 stars in side crashes. Rear-wheel drive models scored 4 out of 5 stars in rollover testing, while four-wheel drive models earned 3 out of 5 stars for the same tests.