Is a Ram Chassis Cab or Ram 2500/3500 Right for You?

It’s easy to say that picking the right truck simply comes down to looking at the specs, seeing what meets your needs, and choosing that one. The reality, however, is that there are a lot of different specs to consider: towing, payload, overall size, bed size, design, interior size, tech features, safety features, upgradeability, etc. All of that can make it really hard to compare different Ram commercial vehicles and figure out which one is right for you.

In particular, if you’re looking at something like the Ram Chassis Cab compared to more consumer-friendly models like the Ram 2500 and 3500, deciding on which one to buy can get pretty tricky. Fortunately, there are some key specs that you can use and some pretty straightforward considerations to help you decide on the perfect truck for your needs. Ultimately, it really does come down to figuring out some specific requirements you need to meet and then going with the truck that can get the job done.

Today, we’re going to look at a few of those considerations, give you some of these key specs, and help you decide on the right truck for your business. And if you still have questions, then we’re here at Dan Cummins CDJR to help with everything you need to know.

Basic Overview: Ram Chassis Cab vs. Ram 2500/3500

Before we get into any specs or features that you should consider, let’s take a moment to look at these different options and see what they’re all about. The Ram Chassis Cab is considered by many to be the ultimate solution for anyone looking at Ram commercial vehicles with the need for a truck. It’s a heavy-duty, full-size Ram cab with a bare rear frame that you can customize to get exactly what you need from your truck (we’ll look at this more later on). If you want something that works well as a consumer vehicle and a commercial truck, then this isn’t a great choice, but it’s an amazing dedicated work pickup.

The Ram 2500 and 3500 are heavy-duty models in Ram’s standard, consumer-focused lineup, though they are admittedly on the more niche end of Ram’s inventory. These are full-size trucks with standard boxes, though you can choose from different size configurations to get what you need, complete with very powerful engines that let them get a lot of work done. While a 2500 or 3500 can be a great choice for a dedicated work truck, they also are excellent options for taking your boat to the river for the day or going camping on the weekend.

Key Specs: Towing Capacity

When looking at trucks, especially Ram commercial vehicles, there’s no better place to start than with the towing capacity. Whether you plan on hauling a trailer full of drywall or lumber behind you, need something that can work hard and play hard, or simply want high towing as an option for future use, a Ram truck is a great choice. These are the strongest, most powerful trucks in Ram’s lineup, so they can handle tremendous amounts of weight, as you might expect.

Maximum towing capacities for these models are as follows:

• Ram 2500: 19,680 lbs
• Ram 3500: 37,100 lbs
• Ram 3500 Chassis Cab: 25,890 lbs
• Ram 4500 Chassis Cab: 29,770 lbs
• Ram 5500 Chassis Cab: 35,220 lbs

Just looking at those numbers, it might seem a little strange that the Chassis Cab has significantly lower maximum towing capacities than the Ram 3500. This makes sense, however, when you think about their design. The Chassis Cabs are not meant to be towing powerhouses – they are designed as a platform that you can customize to make into exactly the kind of work truck you need, and the reinforced structure needed for that will cut into towing capacity.

It’s also worth pointing out, however, that the 5500 Chassis Cab has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of up to 43,000 lbs. This means that for gooseneck towing in the right configuration, it can handle a tremendous amount of weight, much like the standard Ram 3500, which has the same maximum GCWR. So it’s not only about a max towing spec, but what kind of towing you need to handle.

Key Specs: Payload Capacity

The other spec that is quite important in choosing the right truck or any other Ram commercial vehicle is the payload. This indicates the amount of weight you can pile onto your truck, whether you have a standard box or a different compartment attached behind the cab. While towing capacities look a bit different than you might expect, the payload numbers are much more what you’d probably think they would be.

Maximum payloads for these models are:

• Ram 2500: 4,010 lbs
• Ram 3500: 7,680 lbs
• Ram 3500 Chassis Cab: 7,750 lbs
• Ram 4500 Chassis Cab: 9,690 lbs
• Ram 5500 Chassis Cab: 12,510 lbs

As you can see, it’s pretty much a direct increase as you go from one model to the next. The Chassis Cab design is clearly meant for impressive payload, so you don’t miss out on anything by choosing it. If you need about 7,000 lbs of payload, then either Ram 3500 variant will work well for you, as long as you choose the right configuration. For much greater amounts of weight, however, the Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab models are an excellent choice that can handle pretty much anything you throw at them.

Key Features: Box and Platform

There are a lot of different features and options to consider when looking at Ram commercial vehicles, but most of them are widely available across these different models. You can choose a Chassis Cab and not lose out on impressive technology, for example, including a large and easy-to-use infotainment display. The major feature to consider when looking at your options is the type of box or platform you want for your truck.

If you choose the Ram 2500 or standard 3500, then you’re getting a conventional pickup truck design. It has a cab, though you can choose from a few different sizes, and a box that’s either 6 feet or 8 feet long, depending on the configuration you pick. That gives you some flexibility, but ultimately you’re looking at a standard truck.

With one of the Chassis Cab models, however, you’re getting much more of a “blank canvas” that you can customize with what you need. The Chassis Cab is essentially an open platform, and you can modify it with a wide range of boxes. Available upfits can include a standard box, but you can also place a flatbed on the back of it, a high-walled dump container, or a multi-compartment storage unit that is perfect for different tools and supplies. In other words, a Chassis Cab lets you put together a more customized work truck that is perfect for the specific needs of your business.

Final Considerations

Ultimately, you’ll want to figure out what your business needs when considering different Ram commercial vehicles and choose the one that’s right for you. The most important decision is likely to be whether a standard box will meet your needs or if you want a Chassis Cab that you can customize with a flatbed or other upfit. Whether you have figured out exactly the right truck for your business or you still have a lot of questions, we’re here to help. Call or come visit us at Dan Cummins CDJR today to find out more and let us help you choose the perfect Ram commercial vehicle for your business.

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