What To Know
- One of the key decisions you’ll need to make when choosing a Ram 3500 is whether to get a long bed or a short bed.
- If you need a truck with a high towing capacity and payload capacity, or if you need more cargo space, then the long bed is a good choice.
- The Tradesman is the base trim level, and it offers a variety of features, such as a 5-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker audio system.
The Ram 3500 is a versatile and capable pickup truck that offers a variety of configurations to suit different needs. One of the key decisions you’ll need to make when choosing a Ram 3500 is whether to get a long bed or a short bed. In this blog post, we’ll compare the two bed lengths and help you decide which one is right for you.
Key Differences
The main difference between the Ram 3500 long bed and short bed is the length of the truck bed. The long bed measures 8 feet long, while the short bed measures 6 feet 4 inches long. This difference in length has a few implications for the truck’s capabilities.
Towing and Payload Capacity:
The Ram 3500 long bed has a higher towing capacity and payload capacity than the short bed. The long bed can tow up to 35,100 pounds when properly equipped, while the short bed can tow up to 31,900 pounds. The long bed also has a higher payload capacity, with a maximum of 7,680 pounds compared to the short bed’s 6,570 pounds.
Cargo Space:
The Ram 3500 long bed offers more cargo space than the short bed. The long bed has a total cargo volume of 85.7 cubic feet, while the short bed has a total cargo volume of 67.4 cubic feet. This extra cargo space can be useful for hauling large items, such as furniture, appliances, or building materials.
Maneuverability:
The Ram 3500 short bed is easier to maneuver than the long bed. The shorter length makes it easier to park and navigate tight spaces. The short bed is also easier to turn around, which can be an advantage in tight quarters.
Appearance:
The Ram 3500 long bed has a more traditional pickup truck appearance. The long bed gives the truck a more balanced look, and it can be more appealing to buyers who want a classic pickup truck look.
Price:
The Ram 3500 long bed is typically more expensive than the short bed. The extra length of the truck bed adds to the cost of the vehicle.
Which One is Right for You?
The best way to decide which Ram 3500 bed length is right for you is to consider your needs and preferences. If you need a truck with a high towing capacity and payload capacity, or if you need more cargo space, then the long bed is a good choice. If you value maneuverability and a lower price, then the short bed is a good choice.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the key differences listed above, there are a few other factors you may want to consider when choosing between the Ram 3500 long bed and short bed.
Cab Size:
The Ram 3500 is available with a variety of cab sizes, including the Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab. The Regular Cab is the smallest cab size, and it offers seating for three people. The Crew Cab is the largest cab size, and it offers seating for five or six people. The Mega Cab is a unique cab size that offers seating for six people and extra storage space behind the rear seats.
Engine Options:
The Ram 3500 is available with a variety of engine options, including a 6.4-liter V8 engine, a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, and a 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine. The 6.4-liter V8 engine is the base engine, and it offers 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. The 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is the most powerful engine available, and it offers 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine offers 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.
Trim Levels:
The Ram 3500 is available in a variety of trim levels, including the Tradesman, Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited. The Tradesman is the base trim level, and it offers a variety of features, such as a 5-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker audio system. The Laramie trim level adds features such as leather seats, heated front seats, and a sunroof. The Longhorn trim level adds even more features, such as a 12-inch touchscreen display, a premium audio system, and a wood-trimmed interior. The Limited trim level is the top-of-the-line trim level, and it offers all of the features of the Longhorn trim level, plus additional features such as a heads-up display and a surround-view camera system.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Ram 3500 Bed Length
The Ram 3500 is a versatile and capable pickup truck that offers a variety of configurations to suit different needs. When choosing between the long bed and short bed, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences. If you need a truck with a high towing capacity and payload capacity, or if you need more cargo space, then the long bed is a good choice. If you value maneuverability and a lower price, then the short bed is a good choice.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What is the difference between the Ram 3500 long bed and short bed?
A: The main difference between the Ram 3500 long bed and short bed is the length of the truck bed. The long bed measures 8 feet long, while the short bed measures 6 feet 4 inches long.
Q: Which Ram 3500 bed length is better for towing and hauling?
A: The Ram 3500 long bed has a higher towing capacity and payload capacity than the short bed. The long bed can tow up to 35,100 pounds when properly equipped, while the short bed can tow up to 31,900 pounds. The long bed also has a higher payload capacity, with a maximum of 7,680 pounds compared to the short bed’s 6,570 pounds.
Q: Which Ram 3500 bed length is better for everyday use?
A: The Ram 3500 short bed is easier to maneuver than the long bed. The shorter length makes it easier to park and navigate tight spaces. The short bed is also easier to turn around, which can be an advantage in tight quarters.