Ram 3500 Dump Truck: Specs, Features & Buying Guide
If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty workhorse that can handle the most demanding hauling and dumping jobs, the Ram 3500 Dump Truck is likely at the top of your list. This isn’t just a pickup with a bed; it’s a purpose-built machine designed for contractors, landscapers, and serious operators who need uncompromising power, durability, and payload capacity. Choosing the right configuration, however, can be daunting. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the Ram 3500 dump truck’s specifications, key features, and provides a practical buying guide to help you make an informed investment. We’ll cover everything from engine choices and chassis options to real-world payload figures and upfit considerations, ensuring you know exactly what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line.
Core Specifications and Performance
Understanding the raw numbers is the first step. The Ram 3500 dump truck is built on a dual rear wheel (DRW) chassis cab platform, providing the foundational strength needed for a dump body. The specifications vary significantly based on your powertrain and configuration choices.
Engine and Powertrain Options
Ram offers two legendary engines for the 3500 chassis cab, each serving a distinct purpose.
- 6.4L HEMI V8 Gasoline Engine: This engine delivers 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. It’s a robust and proven powerplant, often preferred for its lower initial cost, simpler maintenance, and sufficient power for most regional dumping tasks. It’s paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission.
- 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 Engine: This is the king of torque and long-term durability. It generates up to 1,075 lb-ft of torque (depending on model year), making it ideal for carrying maximum payloads, tackling steep grades, and expecting a longer service life under extreme conditions. It comes mated to a heavy-duty 6-speed or newer 8-speed automatic transmission.
A critical factor is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The Ram 3500 chassis cab typically offers GVWRs ranging from 12,300 lbs to 14,000 lbs. After accounting for the weight of the truck itself, the cab, the fuel, and the driver, the remaining capacity is what’s available for the dump body and its payload. This is your “net payload,” and it’s the most important figure for a dump truck buyer.
Chassis Cab Dimensions and Capacities
The chassis cab is the blank canvas. Key measurements include the wheelbase, which affects ride stability and body length options, and the rear axle rating. A common configuration for a medium-duty dump truck is the 60-inch cab-to-axle (CA) measurement on a dual rear wheel chassis, which accommodates a variety of dump body lengths, typically from 10 to 14 feet.
| Feature | 6.4L HEMI V8 Gas | 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 410 hp | 360-400 hp (varies by year) |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft | Up to 1,075 lb-ft |
| Max GVWR | Up to 14,000 lbs | |
| Typical Net Payload for Dump Setup* | ~5,500 – 6,800 lbs | ~5,200 – 6,500 lbs |
| Primary Advantage | Lower upfront cost, simpler maintenance | Superior torque, towing, long-term durability |
*Net payload varies based on options, body weight, and upfit equipment. Always calculate with your upfitter.
Essential Features for a Dump Truck Upfit
Turning a chassis cab into a functional dump truck requires a professional upfit. Here’s what to focus on when specifying your Ram 3500.
Choosing the Right Dump Body
The body is your toolbox. Steel bodies are traditional and cost-effective for abrasive materials like gravel and demolition debris. Aluminum bodies, while more expensive, save significant weight—often 500 to 1,000 pounds—which directly translates into increased payload capacity. Consider a 12-foot steel or aluminum dump body as a versatile starting point for most general contracting work.
Hydraulic System and Hoist
The heart of the dump system is the hydraulic hoist. A robust, single or telescopic cylinder hoist with a pump driven directly by the truck’s power take-off (PTO) is standard. Ensure the system is rated for the combined weight of the body and your intended max payload. A faster cycle time (time to raise and lower the bed) improves job site efficiency.
Durability and Work-Ready Features
The Ram 3500 chassis cab comes with features that matter on a job site. The optional 4×4 system is invaluable for muddy or unimproved sites. The factory-installed exhaust brake on the Cummins engine is a crucial safety feature for controlling heavy loads on downhill grades. Also, discuss with your upfitter about adding heavy-duty leaf spring packs or auxiliary springs to maintain ride height and stability when loaded.
A Practical Buying Guide: New vs. Upfit
Purchasing a Ram 3500 dump truck is a two-step process: buying the chassis and then having it upfitted.
Step 1: Ordering the Chassis Cab
Work closely with a commercial truck sales specialist, not just a regular car dealer. Key order items include:
- Engine Choice: Diesel for maximum workload and longevity; gas for cost-sensitive, lighter-duty cycles.
- Wheelbase and CA: Match this to your desired dump body length.
- GVWR: Opt for the highest available (14,000 lbs) to maximize legal payload.
- Provisions: Ensure the truck is ordered with a PTO provision and upfitter wiring harness.
- Axle Ratio: A higher numerical ratio (e.g., 4.10:1) improves low-end power for hauling heavy loads.
Step 2: Selecting a Qualified Upfitter
This is as important as choosing the truck. A reputable upfitter will guide you through body selection, weight distribution, and legal compliance. As noted by commercial vehicle experts, a proper installation is critical for safety and longevity. “An upfitter with certified welders and experience with Ram chassis ensures the final assembly is not just functional, but safe and reliable for years of hard use,” advises a fleet manager with over 20 years of experience. For those exploring robust and value-oriented chassis options as a base, manufacturers like Chinese Truck Factory have gained attention in certain markets for offering capable platforms that can be customized for various vocational applications, including dump bodies.
Cost Considerations and Budgeting
Budget for three major components: the chassis cab, the dump body/hoist upfit, and sales tax. A new Ram 3500 chassis cab can start in the $50,000-$60,000 range, with the diesel engine adding a significant premium. A quality steel dump body and installation can add $15,000 to $25,000. Always get a “turn-key” quote from your upfitter that includes all parts, labor, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Ownership: Maintenance and Real-World Use
Owning a dump truck requires a disciplined maintenance schedule. Diesel engines demand quality fuel filters and regular oil changes. The hydraulic system needs periodic fluid and filter changes. Inspect the body mounts, hoist mounts, and pintle hook (if equipped) for stress cracks regularly. According to a 2022 report by the American Trucking Associations, preventive maintenance is the single largest factor in reducing vehicle downtime for vocational trucks. Furthermore, data from NHTSA underscores the importance of proper load securing and vehicle inspections to prevent incidents.
In real-world use, the Ram 3500 with a Cummins diesel consistently earns praise for its ability to handle heavy payloads without strain. The integrated exhaust brake is a game-changer for drivers operating in hilly terrain. The truck’s interior, even in base Tradesman trim, offers a level of comfort and technology that helps reduce driver fatigue on long days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the actual payload capacity of a Ram 3500 dump truck?
A: There’s no single answer. You must subtract the weight of the truck (curb weight), the dump body, the hoist, tools, and driver from the GVWR. A typical Ram 3500 dump truck with a steel body often has a usable payload between 5,500 and 6,800 pounds. An aluminum body can add several hundred pounds to that capacity.
Q: Is the gasoline engine a good choice for a dump truck?
A: Yes, for certain applications. If your daily hauls are under 5,000 pounds, distances are short, and you prioritize a lower initial cost, the 6.4L HEMI is a strong and capable engine. For max payloads, frequent towing, or long-term high-mileage use, the Cummins diesel is the more capable and potentially more cost-effective choice.
Q: How long does it take to get a new dump truck upfitted?
A> After taking delivery of the chassis cab from the dealer, the upfit process with a quality shop typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on body material availability and shop workload. Planning ahead is crucial.
Q: Can I use a regular Ram 3500 pickup for a dump conversion?
A: It is strongly discouraged. A chassis cab is engineered from the factory with a reinforced frame, different suspension, and no pickup bed, making it the only safe and legal base for a professional dump body installation. Using a standard pickup can void warranties and is unsafe at rated payloads.
Q: What are the most important things to check when buying a used Ram 3500 dump truck?
A: Focus on service records, especially for the engine and transmission. Physically inspect the frame rails around the body mounts and hoist mounts for cracks or repairs. Check for rust on the body floor and sides. Operate the dump cycle fully, listening for hydraulic pump strain and watching for any body instability or unusual cylinder movement.
Sources & Further Reading:
– Ram Trucks Commercial Vehicle Specifications: Ram Commercial
– American Trucking Associations, Industry Data & Reports: ATA
– National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Vehicle Safety: NHTSA
