Used 2014 Ram 3500 Crew Cab

Although half-ton pickups sell in notably higher numbers, it’s the three-quarter-ton and 1-ton models that do most of the heavy lifting. In the relatively small world of heavy-duty trucks, the 2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD reign supreme in terms of all-out capability. For instance, the Ram 3500’s available Cummins turbodiesel cranks out a colossal 850 lb-ft of torque for a class-leading 30,000-pound tow rating. 2014’s Ram 2500 models benefit from a new segment-exclusive multilink coil rear suspension for better on-road comfort than the outgoing leaf-spring setup. Rival pickups like the Chevy Silverado HD (or its GMC clone) and Ford’s Super Duty offerings come close, but when it comes to blending harmonious levels of capability and refinement, the Ram 2500/3500 HD remains our top pick.

As is the case with every heavy-duty pickup, the Ram HD’s capability story begins with its potent powertrains. We found the standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8 powerful enough to tow up to 14,000 pounds without issue, while loads pushing the 20,000-pound mark were best left to the new 6.4-liter Hemi V8. We recommend choosing the torque-rich Cummins turbodiesel for loads exceeding 10 tons. Perhaps the most remarkable trait of the 2014 Ram HD is its civilized road manners. In town, the Ram 2500’s new coil-spring rear suspension provides a surprisingly smooth, compliant ride, while generous use of sound-deadening materials gives an upscale feel to the interior of both the 2500 and 3500. Those in need of a heavy-duty truck designed to withstand the most demanding off-road situations should consider the Ram Power Wagon. This purpose-built variant treads through the rough stuff by way of 4-wheel drive, locking front and rear differentials and electronically disconnecting sway bars.

Climb into a 2014 Ram heavy-duty pickup and you’ll find a very unworkman-like interior. Even base trims seem relatively polished, while upper-crust Laramie models evoke a near-luxury feel with leather-lined and climate-controlled seats, a heated steering wheel, high-quality interior materials – the list goes on. The massive center console is long and deep enough to swallow a larger laptop or multiple tablets; it can even hold a set of hanging files. Reclining rear seats are one of the perks to be had with the Mega Cab, while Crew Cab owners enjoy convenient under-floor storage compartments.

Ram heavy-duty trucks are available in three cab configurations: 2-door Regular Cab, 4-door Crew Cab and 4-door Mega Cab. Bed lengths vary between 6 feet, 4 inches and 8 feet, depending on cab style, while the rear-axle configuration can be had with choice of the standard 2-wheel or heavy-duty 4-wheel dually setup. Visually separating the Ram 2500/3500 HD trucks from the basic Ram 1500 truck are a larger grille, a taller hood with stamped louvers, and large chrome or black bumpers. Keep in mind that all heavy-duty trucks are sizable vehicles. If you plan to park one in a garage, measure accordingly.

UCONNECT ACCESS
High technology doesn’t need to be highly complicated. Case in point, the Ram’s available Uconnect Access is one of the most intuitive full-featured infotainment systems on the market. From its large 8.4-inch touch screen to its conversational voice-recognition software, Uconnect Access is the new benchmark in vehicle connectivity.

CLASS-LEADING POWER AND TOWING
Whether you’re really using all that might or just boasting, it’s hard not to be impressed with these figures: 30,000 and 850. The first represents the maximum towing capacity of Ram 3500 models, while the latter designates the torque produced from the optional 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine.

In base Tradesman form, the 2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD come equipped with a 40/20/40 split front bench seat with rear storage, air conditioning, vinyl flooring, cruise control, a driver information center, automatic on/off headlights, a tilt steering wheel, manual windows and door locks, and a 6-speaker audio system with a USB port for digital music players. Safety features include six airbags and a full complement of electronic stability aids.

The Ram HD lineup is as tech-savvy as it is tough, with an options list consisting of touch-screen navigation, conversational voice recognition, Sirius Backseat TV (offering Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network), a 10-speaker premium sound system by Alpine, backup sonar proximity sensors, and a rearview camera for easier trailer hookups. The 2014 Ram HD also offers an integrated trailer brake as standard equipment on SLT, Outdoorsman, Laramie and Power Wagon models.

The 2014 Ram Heavy Duty is available with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, a new 6.4-liter Hemi V8, or a considerably more powerful 6.7-liter Cummins inline-6 turbodiesel. The diesel engine is available in two power outputs, with the upgraded version available exclusively in the 3500. The 5.7-liter V8 is standard issue in the 2500 and 3500. Though costly, the standard Hemi engine can be retrofitted to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of gasoline. The sole transmission for gasoline-powered models is a 6-speed automatic. Diesel models can be linked to a segment-exclusive 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. Diesel models also feature exhaust braking for added stopping power.

5.7-liter V8
383 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
400 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

6.4-liter V8
410 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
428 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

6.7-liter turbocharged diesel inline-6
350 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm (manual transmission)
370 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm (automatic transmission)
660 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm (manual transmission)
800 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm (automatic transmission)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA

6.7-liter turbocharged diesel inline-6
385 horsepower @ 2,800 rpm
850 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: NA