Since Dodge offered the D350 way back in 1980, it has become widely recognized as a powerful, towing- capable beast. Setting the bar for heavy-duty 350/3500 level trucks, the D350’s towing ability was unmatched, and Dodge had developed a winner, especially after it unveiled the first generation of Cummins engine in 1989. Over the next 40 years, Dodge would see five generations, multiple special editions, and one brand redevelopment. However, the 350/3500’s ethos would remain consistent; a bare-bones work truck, capable of fancier options, with unmatched towing quality.

2022 saw the introduction of Ram’s fifth generation, otherwise classified as chassis code, DT, along with the best-in-class 3500. This is everything you’ll need to know about the Ram 3500 Regular Cab.

Ram 3500 Regular Cab Trims

Ram-3500-Regular-Cab-Trims
Via: Ram Trucks

Ram offers two trim versions of the 3500 Regular Cab largely identical to each other, the bare-bones Tradesman, and its sharp-dressed brother, Big Horn. Featuring virtually all the same capability, technology, and price point, the two see subtle differences in some styling cues, design features, and towing readiness for a difference of only a few thousand dollars.

From the factory, the Big Horn comes equipped with tow hooks, active noise-control system, courtesy lamps and lights, 18” wheels, while offering a ton more of available options than the Tradesmen is capable of.

With such similarity, its major differences can be classified whether the customer is looking for a durable work truck, or a nicely-optioned truck perfect for weekend adventures towing the track toy, family RV, or boat. Besides the obvious chrome cladding of the Big Horn, and the robust matte trim of the Tradesman, subtle differences are found in the niceties that Ram has to offer.

RELATED:Ranking The Best Ram Trucks Ever Made

Engine Options

6.4L-Hemi-V8 (1)
Via: Ram Trucks

Both the Tradesman and Big Horn feature Dodge’s legendary 6.4-liter V8 Hemi engine, standard from the factory. With the option of upgrading to two different types of the even more legendary, 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine. A regular variant, and a high output variant that not only offers a face-melting 1,075 lb-ft of torque, but it also the 3500’s highest available horsepower, at 420.

As we know from numerous applications across FCA’s performance cars, the 6.4-liter V8 Hemi is capable of some serious power, albeit in archaic technology. Introduced as early as 2005, the 392 Hemi has been revised and re-tuned to offer better fuel economy, and a more suitable power band for hauling and towing, rather than just plain hauling ass. Still featuring 410-hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, the Hemi is plenty capable of the towing needs of the average weekend warrior.

6.7L-Cummins turbo diesel
Ram Trucks

For those needing more than adequate towing capability there are the two versions of the Cummins, previously mentioned. The regular variant sees 370-hp with 850 lb-ft of torque, while extensively less compared to its high output sibling, it still makes for exceptional work truck duties.

Towing Capabilities

Ram-3500-Tow-Boat
Via: Ram Trucks

In what might be the most important factor for the heavy-duty truck segment, the Ram shines (as per usual) above the rest of its competitors in terms of sheer numbers, in addition to technology. Its Hemi engine sees a towing capacity over 18,000 pounds, with a max payload of 7,680 lbs in the bed. While the lower output Cummins is rated for 22,670 lbs towing, but sees a decrease to 6,840-pound max payload. Ram’s true towing star coming in the form of its high out Cummins, seeing a best-in-class 37,090 pounds of towing capability, and can handle another 6,570 lbs payload in the bed.

Ram-3500-Tow
Via: Ram Trucks

In addition to the utter power the 3500’s engine options are capable of, Ram also offers a bevy of technology meant to make the tedious task of towing, a breeze. Like the available trailer 360-degree surround view camera meant to provide a complete view around your trailer from the top down, or the rear. Ram also offers a digital rearview mirror with tow mode. An LCD screen that provides a live feed from a trailer camera mounted on the rear bumper.

The 3500 also has the option of upgrading to auto-leveling rear air suspension, which includes a bed lowering mode that drops the suspension to its lowest position for an easy trailer hook-up. Finally, the Ram 3500 is capable of hitching fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers by upgrading to the factory-installed rear-axle structural crossmember that offers integrated mounting hardware

RELATED:Looking Back At The First Generation Cummins-Powered Dodge Ram Truck

Safety And Technology

360-surround-view
Via: Ram Trucks

In addition to the trailer 360-degree surround view camera, the Ram sees a handful of upgrades to the enhanced visibility features. Available adaptive forward lighting system features bright LED lighting, providing the utmost visibility in even the darkest of conditions, while 15-degree turning headlamps are capable of maneuvering through the dim surroundings. As the final upgrade to the 3500’s enhanced visibility, the LED trailer hitch light makes hitching an easy task, day or night.

The Ram 3500 also offers a multitude of moving, stopping, and security features that align with the rest of the market. Forward collision warning with active braking, adaptive cruise control with a set stop distance, lane departure warning, and park assist are available options that only further ease the effort necessary when towing large capacities.

3500 Versus The Market

2021-ford-super-duty-chevy-hd-ram-3500-wars-1024x576
Via: Ford, Chevrolet, Ram

Offering some of the best towing capability, reliability, and safety and tech, the Ram 3500 sets itself apart from its direct competitors: Ford’s F-350, Chevy’s Silverado 3500, and GMC’s Sierra 3500 with ease. Not only is Ford the only other option for a regular cab 350/3500 series truck, it starts at about the same price as the Big Horn, but it more closely aligns with the cheaper Tradesman.

Like the Ram’s 1500 and 2500, the 3500 rules the market segment it represents. But the 3500 isn’t just the best in its class, it could very well be the best truck offered, period.