When you really need to tow a heavy load, the Ram 3500 DRW (dual rear wheel) truck can’t be beat. In fact, it’s top-in-class among 1-ton 3500 trucks on the U.S. market today. The regular cab 4×2 Ram 3500 DRW is rated at a full 30,000 lbs towing and max load capacity of 7,390 lbs. The Crew Cab was slightly less capable at 29,010 pounds, but the Crew Cab’s added weight is likely to be the reason for this. Our Ram was still able to haul between 4,160 and 8,500 lbs.
Towing was easy with the Ram 3500 2015. The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel paired with the 6-speed AISIN auto had more than enough power to pull our load over the steepest hills. The OEM tow/haul, engine brake and hill descent control features all worked well. With just two buttons, we were able to improve the hill-decent controls. The RAM came with an integrated trailer brake controller. However, this time we weren’t able to test it because our test trailer had surge brakes instead of electric brakes. However, in past testing, we have found the RAM’s OEM brake controller to be as good or better than anything we’ve tried from the aftermarket.
Better yet, all this capacity is wrapped in enough comfort to make you feel like you’re in a luxury car, not a hard-working truck. To be honest, you’re in a hard-working, luxury truck when you step into the cab of a Longhorn Laramie Ram: Amenities included in our package tester vehicle were a heated leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, and heated towing mirrors, including a memory system for more than one driver. In-mirror rearview cameras are ideal for backing up, and help keep your eyes on both the mirror and the camera view. The entertainment features made the ride feel as if you were driving an entertainment system around the town. Ram is also equipped with what we consider to be the best NAV system in a vehicle in all of our testing.
Ram 3500 DWR is a great truck to drive unladen. It’s amazing how much luxury and technology have been interwoven and introduced to the general truck market in the last 15-plus years. Ram’s seats are more comfortable than most recliners found in living rooms. The interior noise level is very low, even when a diesel is rumbling under the bonnet. The only regret we had with the Ram 3500–was having to give it back. DW
1 The Ram 3500 2015 is not the truck most people would consider an off-road vehicle. We can assure you that this truck, with the 4×4 package, is capable of tackling dirt roads. The transfer case is equipped with enough reduction to allow this beast to move along even in less-than ideal conditions. The rig is not suitable for running forest tracks, but can be used to drive forest roads under most conditions.The 3500 DRW diesel engine with AISIN transmission and the massive rear axle of 11.8 inches is the only vehicle that offers this option. The diesel engine’s torque allows it to tow with ease.Our Ram 3500 had the standard leaf-type rear suspension. The main leaves are shown here, along with the load assister and lower main overload leaf. It is possible to order a Ram 3500 with an air suspension at the rear. While not available on this truck, we’ve tested it and it worked well.5 The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel, when paired with the 6-speed AISIN heavy-duty automatic, produces 385hp, and 865 lb.-ft. of torque. This package is only available in the Ram 3500.The new 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel runs on a CP4 Fuel Pump and this pre-filter has been placed on its frame to ensure it is fed with clean Diesel fuel. Mopar sells the fuel filter and aftermarket suppliers will soon have it too.7 The Ram was shipped out on NEXEN Rodian Pro RA8 tires in size LT235/80R17. These load range E tires are M&S rated.The Ram 3500 we purchased came with OEM features for towing/hauling and engine braking. Engine brakes are only available with Cummins engines. Both are excellent for better control of heavy loads. Due to the surge brakes on our test trailer, we were not able to test this built-in brake controller.Dash clusters are easy to read and have both analog and electronic information. All of the analog gauges, including DEF fluid levels, fuel levels, tachometers, engine temperatures, oil pressures, and speedometers, are available. The analog speedometer can be paired with a digital display that shows the speed in large numbers. The digital display also features a turbo boost gauge as an analog readout.Ten Self-wash booths that are large enough to fit an 18 wheeler and trailer, will also accommodate your dually truck and trailer. You’ll never get your dually into a drive through car wash.Our test truck had a rear-view mirror backup camera. Although not as big as a dash screen, you can still see the backup camera while looking in the rear view mirror. This makes backing up a little safer, but don’t forget to use your side mirrors too.12 All new diesel trucks now require DEF, diesel exhaust fluid. Ram 3500’s DEF filler is located next to fuel in the fuel doors. The DEF is a blue filler, which is required.Dual-view side mirrors let you see what’s behind you as well as in the lanes next to you. It is useful when towing and driving in traffic.The interior of the Ram3500 is spacious, comfortable and easy to use.The rear seat is almost as comfortable as the seats in front.
