Ram's powerful 2500 and 3500 Heavy-Duty (HD) trucks return for 2016 with even more to like. Across the HD range, there's a choice between gasoline engines in the standard 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi V8s; as well as three versions of the 6.7L Cummins inline 6-cylinder diesel that top the range. All engines include a 6-speed automatic transmission, although a 6-speed manual transmission is offered with the diesel engine. The 5.7L Hemi is rated at 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The 6.4L Hemi V8 makes 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. With the 6-speed manual, the Cummins is rated at 350 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque at just 1,500 rpm. When mated to the 6-speed automatic transmission, output jumps to 370 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. In Ram 3500 trucks with the top-duty Aisin automatic, it makes 385 horsepower and a staggering 865 pound-feet of torque. High-pressure common-rail fuel injection helps aid refinement and clean up emissions, and the Cummins is B20 biodiesel-blend compatible. The 5.7L, meanwhile, can be outfitted from the factory to run on compressed natural gas.

Diesel Rams employ a Ram Active Air intake system that draws more cool air from the front of the truck for more power in hot temperatures or at high altitude. Also thanks to a variable-geometry turbocharger, Ram HD trucks have good responsiveness and drivability no matter what the load.

Ram HDs can be ordered with either rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. In 4-wheel-drive models, a front-axle disconnect system can help improve fuel economy by up to 1 mpg. The Ram 3500 utilizes a Hotchkiss leaf-spring rear suspension, while 2500s have replaced leaf springs with a 5-link coil spring setup. Front suspension is now courtesy of a 3-link system. 2500s can be optioned with heavy-duty air suspension in place of the coil springs, which allow for driver-controlled load leveling with precise, individual adjustment. Leaf-sprung 3500 dual-rear-wheel trucks with maximum tow packages also feature the air suspension system.

Ram 2500 trucks benefit from an 11.5-inch rear axle, while the high-output Cummins includes an 11.8-inch axle. The result is best-in-class towing and payload ratings for the 3500 (up to 30,000 pounds and 7,320 pounds, respectively) and best-in-class towing for the 2500 -- up to 17,940 pounds. For the first time, Ram offers an optional fifth-wheel tow package.

Ram understands that its trucks must last a lifetime. As a start, the company offers a 5-year, 100,000-mile warranty on all of its powertrains. Each truck also has extended maintenance cycles for fuel filters and oil changes, including a 15,000-mile interval on the Cummins diesel.

Inside, Ram HD trucks have been reconfigured to allow for increased creature comforts. Available amenities include soft-touch instrument panels and door trim, 2-tone upholstery and contrasting stitching. Wood and metal inlays accent the interior and a largest-in-class 8.4-inch full-color touchscreen display serves as central command for the Ram HD. Heated and ventilated seating and a heated steering wheel are also available. Buyers can choose between bucket seats or a 40/20/40 bench configuration. In either case there's a multi-media port in the center with USB, SD and auxiliary inputs.

Seven trim levels are offered: Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn, Laramie, Outdoorsman, Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limited. These can be configured with either 2- or 4-wheel drive, 2-door Regular-cab, 4-door Crew-cab or 4-door Mega cabs. Two bed lengths are offered, a 6'4" or 8'. Ram's patented Ram Box can be equipped in several trims, adding a secure storage system in the sides of the bed.

Each Ram HD offers a different set of interior appointments and equipment that can be tailored to fit basic work needs or provide a relatively luxurious cabin. Two different Uconnect systems with the 8.4-inch touchscreen are offered both with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. The top system also provides wireless Internet connectivity, as well as HD Radio and SiriusXM compatibility.

Top Laramie models offer impressive luxury and convenience, including a power-sliding rear window, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone temperature control, an overhead console, a universal garage-door opener and special in-floor storage. Available features include an Alpine 10-speaker premium audio system, rain-sensing wipers and projector beam headlamps.

Best-in-class Features Across Multiple Categories

Impressive Powertrain Offerings

Tow Ratings Up To 30,000 Pounds

Luxury Options

Available Uconnect Technology

Excellent Powertrain Warranty

For 2016, the Ram HD pickup range changes only slightly. The top-trim Laramie Limited receives small exterior and interior updates, including a revised grille and an all-black interior. A new center console is standard across the Ram HD range. Finally, a compressed natural gas option is available on the 5.7L V8 when fitted in regular cab and crew cab rear-wheel-drive trucks.

Ram 2500 models are intended for the most extreme personal-towing needs, while the 3500 models are aimed at heavy commercial use by ranchers or construction crews. With the diesel model's gains in fuel efficiency, as well as other maintenance-related improvements, running costs should be down versus these trucks' predecessors.

Even compared to the other latest heavy-duty trucks, the Ram 2500 and 3500 HD models have some of the best-appointed, most luxurious and most attractive interiors, picking up much of the look and some of the high-line materials from the latest light-duty Ram trucks.

Chrome Appearance Group

Popular Equipment Group

Protection Group

Quick Order Package 22A Tradesman

1-Yr SiriusXM Radio Service

6 Speakers

AM/FM radio

Media Hub (USB, AUX)

Radio data system

Radio: 3.0

SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Air Conditioning

Power steering

Power windows

Rear Folding Seat

Remote Keyless Entry

Tip Start

Traction control

4-Wheel Disc Brakes

ABS brakes

Bright Front Bumper

Bright Rear Bumper

Dual front impact airbags

Dual front side impact airbags

Front anti-roll bar

Locking Tailgate

Low tire pressure warning

Occupant sensing airbag

Overhead airbag

Brake assist

Electronic Stability Control

ParkSense Rear Park Assist System

ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera

Delay-off headlights

Fully automatic headlights

Speed control

Electric Shift-On-The-Fly Transfer Case

180 Amp Alternator

Electronically Controlled Throttle

Next Generation Engine Controller

Black Exterior Mirrors

Bright Grille

Exterior Mirrors Courtesy Lamps

Exterior Mirrors w/Heating Element

Exterior Mirrors w/Supplemental Signals

Front Bumper Sight Shields

Heated door mirrors

Hemi Badge

Manufacturer's Statement of Origin

Power Black Trailer Tow Mirrors

Power door mirrors

Rear step bumper

Trailer Tow Mirrors

Vendor Painted Cargo Box Tracking

Carpet Floor Covering

Driver door bin

Front & Rear Floor Mats

I/P Mounted Auxiliary Switches

Rear seat center armrest

Rear View Auto Dim Mirror w/Display

Tachometer

Tilt steering wheel

Voltmeter

Transmission Oil Cooler

40/20/40 Split Bench Seat

Cloth 40/20/40 Bench Seat

Front Armrest w/Cupholders

Front Center Armrest

Heavy Duty Vinyl 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat

Manual Adjust Seats

Passenger door bin

Storage Tray

Trailer Brake Control

17" x 7.5" Steel Styled Wheels

Center Hub

Rear Wheel Spats

Wheels: 18" x 8.0" Steel Chrome Clad

Variably intermittent wipers

3.73 Rear Axle Ratio

Backup Camera

Clean CarFax

Engine: 5.7L V8 HEMI VVT

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic (66RFE)

3.73 Rear Axle Ratio

GVWR: 9,000 lbs

50 State Emissions

Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode

Manual Transfer Case

Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive

Transmission Oil Cooler

730CCA Maintenance-Free Battery w/Run Down Protection

160 Amp Alternator

Front Bumper Sight Shields

Tip Start

Trailer Wiring Harness

Class V Towing Equipment -inc: Hitch and Trailer Sway Control

2370# Maximum Payload

HD Shock Absorbers

Front Anti-Roll Bar

HD Suspension

Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering

Single Stainless Steel Exhaust

31 Gal. Fuel Tank

Auto Locking Hubs

Multi-Link Front Suspension w/Coil Springs

Solid Axle Rear Suspension w/Coil Springs

4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs, Brake Assist and Hill Hold Control

Wheels: 17" x 7.5" Steel Styled

Tires: LT245/70R17E BSW AS

Regular Box Style

Center Hub

Firestone Brand Tires

Steel Spare Wheel

Full-Size Spare Tire Stored Underbody w/Crankdown

Clearcoat Paint

Black Front Bumper

Black Rear Step Bumper

Black Side Windows Trim and Black Front Windshield Trim

Black Door Handles

Power Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding

Black Exterior Mirrors

Exterior Mirrors w/Heating Element

Fixed Rear Window

Variable Intermittent Wipers

Deep Tinted Glass

Fully Galvanized Steel Panels

Front License Plate Bracket

Black Grille

Hemi Badge

Tailgate Rear Cargo Access

Auto On/Off Reflector Halogen Headlamps w/Delay-Off

Cargo Lamp w/High Mount Stop Light

Rear Wheel Spats

Vendor Painted Cargo Box Tracking

Next Generation Engine Controller

Radio: 3.0

Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock and Radio Data System

6 Speakers

Fixed Antenna

Media Hub (USB, AUX)

Driver Seat

Passenger Seat

Manual Tilt Steering Column

Gauges -inc: Speedometer, Odometer, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure, Engine Coolant Temp, Tachometer, Oil Temperature, Transmission Fluid Temp, Engine Hour Meter and Trip Odometer

Power Rear Windows

Rear Folding Seat

Locking Tailgate

Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls

Manual Air Conditioning

HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts and Console Ducts

Glove Box

Full Cloth Headliner

Urethane Gear Shifter Material

Interior Trim -inc: Metal-Look Instrument Panel Insert and Chrome/Metal-Look Interior Accents

Heavy Duty Vinyl 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat

Day-Night Rearview Mirror

Partial Floor Console w/Storage and 2 12V DC Power Outlets

Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting

Full Vinyl/Rubber Floor Covering

Cargo Area Concealed Storage

Pickup Cargo Box Lights

Electronically Controlled Throttle

Instrument Panel Bin, Dashboard Storage, Driver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins and 2nd Row Underseat Storage

Delayed Accessory Power

Power 1st Row Windows w/Driver And Passenger 1-Touch Up/Down

Power Door Locks

Driver Information Center

Analog Appearance

Manual Adjustable Front Head Restraints and Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints

Rear Center Armrest

Manual Adjust Seats

40/20/40 Split Bench Seat

Sentry Key Immobilizer

2 12V DC Power Outlets

Used 2016 Ram 2500 Tradesman

Used 2016 Ram 2500 Tradesman

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