If you love hitting the bush, towing a camper, or heading off on a weekend 4×4 adventure, picking the right RAM can make all the difference. The 1500, 2500 and 3500 each bring their own mix of power, comfort and load-carrying ability – here’s a look at how they stack up.

RAM 1500: The all-rounder for touring and towing

The RAM 1500, now powered by the 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane engine, is a versatile pickup for those who want a capable vehicle for towing and touring.

It handles highways, gravel tracks and light bush trails with ease, making it perfect for towing small campers or trailers while carrying gear.

Key specs and features:

  • Engine: 3.0L Hurricane I6 (313kW/635Nm)
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 4500 kg braked
  • Payload Capacity: Up to 1100 kg
  • Suspension: Coil-spring rear

RAM 2500: The pick for heavy-duty 4x4ing and towing campers and caravans

The RAM 2500 is built for serious trips and heavy loads. With its Cummins turbo-diesel engine and reinforced leaf-spring rear suspension, it can handle long overland journeys and haul large slide-on campers and heavy trailers through the toughest Australian tracks.

Key specs and features:

  • Engine: 6.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (276kW/1152Nm)
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Towing capacity: Up to 8000 kg braked
  • Payload capacity: Up to 1500kg
  • Suspension: Coil-spring rear
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RAM 3500: Extreme overlanding with massive towing capacity

The RAM 3500 is the go-to choice for extreme overlanding and expedition-style trips. Dual-rear-wheel options, reinforced suspension, and the high-output Cummins diesel make it capable of hauling massive campers or fully loaded expedition rigs safely across remote Australian terrain.

Key specs and features:

  • Engine options: 6.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (Standard & High Output)
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Towing capacity: Up to 8000kg braked
  • Payload capacity: Up to 1759kg
  • Suspension: Reinforced leaf-spring rear

Specs compared

FeatureRAM 1500RAM 2500RAM 3500
Engine Options3.0L EcoDiesel V66.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel6.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel (Standard & High Output)
Transmission8-speed automatic6-speed automatic6-speed automatic
Power OutputUp to 395 hpUp to 370 hpUp to 420 hp (High Output)
TorqueUp to 410 lb-ftUp to 850 lb-ftUp to 1,075 lb-ft (High Output)
Towing CapacityUp to 4,500 kg brakedUp to 8,000 kg brakedUp to 8,000 kg braked
Payload CapacityUp to 1,100 kgUp to 1,500 kgUp to 1,759 kg
SuspensionCoil-spring rearCoil-spring rearReinforced leaf-spring rear
Rear WheelsSingle rearSingle rearSingle or dual rear (dually)
Best UseLight towing, weekend overlandingHeavy-duty towing, remote tripsExtreme towing, full expedition setups

Choosing the Right RAM for Australian Adventures

  • RAM 1500: Weekend trips, light towing, overlanding with small campers.
  • RAM 2500: Serious off-road towing, large caravans, remote trips.
  • RAM 3500: Expedition-grade overlanding, extreme towing, maximum payload adventures.

FAQs 

Q: What is the towing capacity of a RAM 1500 in Australia?
A: Up to 4500 kg braked, enough for small campers or trailers.

Q: Can the RAM 2500 handle remote overlanding trips?
A: Yes. With 8000 kg braked towing and up to 1500 kg payload, it’s built for heavy-duty trips.

Q: Which RAM is best for heavy-duty camping setups?
A: The RAM 3500, especially with dual rear wheels and a max 1759 kg payload.

Q: How much payload can a RAM 3500 carry off-road?
A: Up to 1759 kg, depending on configuration.

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