The Dodge Ram was the name of the trucks that preceded the Ram brand. Since 2009, Ram trucks have been on their own, without the Dodge name.
Although the two brands split and became unique individual names in the automotive world, many people still associate them together. Whether you want to enjoy a Dodge Ram from the past or a Ram truck of today, you’ll have a truck that delivers impressive power, performance, comfort, and towing abilities on any road.
Let’s take a quick look at the various models that wear the badging as Dodge or Ram pickup trucks.
Dodge Ram 1500
The foundational model of these trucks is the half-ton 1500-series model. Throughout the years, this truck has evolved beyond its basic roots to be one of the most impressive and useful pickups in the market. When you want variety, the half-ton truck class provides it. Today, you can find a Ram truck with the TRX badge for high-speed off-roading, the Rebel name for some on and off-road adventures, and the new Tungsten trim, which is now the top trim level and most luxurious version of this incredible pickup truck.
Going bigger never felt so good
Half-ton trucks continue to have limitations that are only bested by the heavy-duty models. The Ram 2500 HD and 3500 HD trucks are the three-quarter-ton and one-ton models, providing increased power offerings and impressive towing and payload capabilities. These bigger trucks range up to high-end luxurious models to give you some amazing features along with more than enough strength to handle your time at the job site. When you want big power and performance, look to the heavy-duty Ram pickup trucks that date back to the Dodge days.
Did the work van wear the Dodge name?
Before the Dodge and Ram brands became individual names, the Promaster and Promaster City were already part of the lineup. Work vans have been part of the market for several decades, with some dating back to the 1970s. The modern Promaster City utilizes an impressive powertrain that delivers good power, useful payload and towing figures, and reasonable fuel mileage to check all the boxes any small business or fleet operator might have on their list.
The Power Wagon is ready for some off-road fun
The half-ton Ram 1500 isn’t the only truck that’s ready for some off-road adventures. When you want to go bigger, the heavy-duty Ram 2500 Power Wagon has the right setup to take over the trails and deliver the goods. This big truck has an electronically-controlled locking differential, amazing wheel articulation courtesy of the front disconnecting sway bar, and a set of 33-inch all-terrain tires. This large truck sits higher off the ground than traditional models while using an impressive 5.7-liter V8 engine for power. Could this be the right truck for your off-road fun?
Ram delivers a power boost with eTorque technology
The evolution of the Ram trucks from the Dodge Ram days brings us the benefits of eTorque technology. This system is a mild-hybrid setup with a 48-volt power system that adds a boost of power for improved fuel mileage and better acceleration while towing. The eTorque system is found in Ram trucks using the Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engines. This system gives you the added boost you need for a smooth and powerful drive.
Big towing power in the one-ton truck
When you want the most power for towing heavy loads, you’ll be glad to see the impressive 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel 6-cylinder engine powers the Ram 3500. In the high-output models, you’ll enjoy up to 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque to deliver up to 37,090 pounds of towing capacity. To achieve this maximum tow rating, this truck must be equipped with a dual-rear-wheel setup and a fifth-wheel gooseneck trailer hitch. This powertrain also ensures the Ram 3500 can carry up to 6,560 pounds of payload.
What’s missing from the current lineup?
The former Dodge lineup had the Ram trucks and the midsize Dakota pickup. A new Ram Dakota is in the works and should be added to the mix over the next few years. This truck is hotly anticipated and could give the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado the challenger they need. The former Dodge Dakota was offered with various powertrains, including a V8 engine, which was unique for this truck class.
If you must have a Dodge Ram truck, you’ll need to find one that’s dated prior to 2009, but if you’d rather have the benefits of modern-day technology and features, the current Ram truck line could be right for you.
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