The Dodge RAM 3500 is a one-ton pickup truck introduced in 1994 as an extension of the Dodge RAM line. Though the Dodge RAM 1500 was introduced in 1981, the Dodge RAM 3500 didn’t appear until the beginning of the 1500’s second generation. This guide covers the truck’s three generations through the 2010 model year, when Dodge spun off the Ram name into its own truck-specific brand. We cover the model years after this branding and marketing change in a separate buying guide. For some years, the Dodge RAM 3500 was also available as a chassis cab, intended for customization or upfitting for specific applications.
Over the years covered in this guide, the RAM 3500 paled in popularity not only compared to the regular full size Dodge RAM 1500, but compared to heavy duty trucks from competing brands, particularly Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC. On the whole, trucks from Chrysler brands, such as Jeep, were not as popular as competitors’ brands, even though they were competitive in terms of MSRP, horsepower, towing capacity, and other similar factors. That means shopping for a good used version of this truck may be more challenging than shopping for one of its rivals.
Compared to the Dodge RAM 1500, the RAM 3500 is pretty straightforward. Since it was more work- and fleet-focused than consumer-focused, it typically lacked the special editions and optional features that take some navigating. That means finding a used RAM 3500 can be as simple as finding an example you like that meets your budget, without numerous complicating factors. Available Ram 3500 trim levels from these years had a tradesman-like approach, with basic upholstery such as cloth seats. However, you won’t find luxurious features like you’ll find in more current Ram 3500 Big Horn or Ram 3500 Laramie models, or even in Ram 1500 models with trims such as the Ram 3500 Limited Longhorn and features such as air suspension, off-road packages, upgraded aluminum wheels, and appearance package choices.
Dodge RAM 3500 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Dodge RAM 3500 Pros and Cons
- Dodge Ram 3500 Generations
- Third Generation (2010-2010)
- Second Generation (2003-2008)
- First Generation (1994-2001)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Dodge RAM 3500 years are the best?
Experts suggest that the second-generation Dodge RAM 3500 is the best if you’re looking for an older truck. That’s because this generation is available with a 5.9-liter Cummins engine that has a great reputation for reliability, particularly with its fuel injection system. It also has good towing capability and payload capacity and a well-designed cabin. That said, there are some exceptions, so see below. Keep in mind that if you’re looking for features such as a 12-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Uconnect infotainment, nav, and safety features such as blind spot monitoring, you’ll want to visit a dealership to test drive a new Ram truck, or at least a newer one. These features were not available on the model years covered in this guide.
What are the worst Dodge RAM 3500 years?
The 2003 and 2006 Dodge RAM 3500 are known for specific issues. In particular, the 2003 model is prone to dashboard cracking, so carefully inspect the interior of any 2003 model you consider buying, and ask the owner if the dashboard has been replaced. Owners of 2006 RAM 3500s have complained of faults in the HVAC system, generally related to the power supply for the air conditioner pump. Again, ask the owner of any 2006 model if it’s been an issue. For first-generation versions of the Dodge RAM 3500, the issues are numerous: they’re prone to rust, electric problems, and unreliable speedometers and odometers.
Is a used Dodge RAM 3500 a good deal?
Yes, if you shop carefully. The Dodge RAM 3500 is not as popular as other heavy duty trucks from competition truck brands, which means they may be less expensive. If you avoid model years with known issues, or are comfortable with those potential issues, you may be able to find a good deal. Models with the high-output Cummins turbo diesel engine can be a particularly good find.
Dodge RAM 3500 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong engines and competitive specs
- Good towing capability
- May be overlooked by other buyers
Cons:
- Not as many examples on the market as competing brands
- Limited configurations
- Scarce parts
Dodge Ram 3500 Generations
Third Generation (2010-2010)
Though the fourth generation of the Dodge RAM 1500 was induced for the 2009 model year, as you’ll see, the heavy-duty versions tended to run on a slightly different schedule. That means the Dodge RAM 3500 pickup truck was redesigned for its third generation for the 2010 model year (alongside the Dodge RAM 2500), and the chassis cab version went on sale for 2011 (alongside 4500 and 5500 versions). Notably, the 2011 model year marked Ram’s spinoff as a separate brand, which we review separately. That means we cover only one year, 2010, of the Dodge RAM 3500’s third generation here.
The RAM 3500 is available with rear- or four-wheel drive. It is powered by a 6.7-liter six-cylinder diesel engine and driven by the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
The 2010 Dodge RAM 3500 was available in regular cab, all-new Crew Cab, and Mega Cab configurations, with 6’3” or 8ft beds, depending on the configuration. Mega Cab models had reclining rear seats, some versions of the Dodge RAM 3500 were available with dual rear wheels, and if you’re looking for a dually version, check out a long-wheelbase or Mega Cab configuration. The 2010 RAM 3500 is available in ST, SLT, and Laramie trims, though not all trims were available with all bed and cab combinations.
The 2010 Dodge RAM 3500, the last year before dropping the Dodge name, is prone to several problem areas that should be examined by potential buyers. There have been recalls for problems with the brake lights, so ensure that recall work has been performed. The power steering system and transmission are also prone to failure.
Our pricing trend data shows the 2010 Dodge RAM 3500 sells for an average of about $28,000, which has declined over the past year. There are plenty of 2010 Dodge RAM 3500s currently for sale on the used market, at a wide variety of price points. If you come up short in your search, however, keep in mind that this generation, and model, continued on in 2011, just marketed under the Ram name instead of being branded as a Dodge RAM.
Second Generation (2003-2008)
The second generation of the Dodge RAM 3500 coincides with the third generation of the Dodge RAM 1500. The RAM 3500 featured a new frame, suspension, body panels, interior design, and powertrain lineup from its predecessor, with a distinctive grille and bumpers. The 3500 had a live-axle suspension system, and the rear-wheel drive version had a rack and pinion steering system that was exclusive to its class. The lineup was refreshed for the 2006 model year, with updated exterior styling and an updated infotainment interface with Bluetooth. The chassis cab 3500 model was introduced in 2007, suitable for upfitting and customization. In 2008, it was joined by 4500 and 5500 versions.
The Dodge RAM 3500 was available in regular, Club Cab, Mega Cab (introduced in 2006), and Quad Cab configurations. Engine options were a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, 5.9-liter Magnum V8, and a 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six, with the V8 engine options being more popular. Depending on the model year, transmission options were a four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic, five-speed manual, or six-speed manual. The chassis cab version was available in regular and Quad Cab versions. It was available with rear- or four-wheel drive, 5.7-liter Hemi V8 or 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines, with standard six-speed manual or five-speed (Hemi) or six-speed (diesel) automatic transmissions. Powertrains were offered with rear- or four-wheel drive.
Trim levels include base, ST, SLT, and Laramie trim levels, though not all trims are available with all bed, cab, and powertrain configurations. Options included regular, Club Cab, Mega Cab, and Quad Cab, which could be paired with 6’4” or 8ft beds.
Though this generation of the Dodge RAM 3500 is generally well regarded for its reliability, there are a few exceptions in terms of problems. If you’re looking at a 2003 model, slide into the front seats and carefully check the cabin to inspect for cracks in the dashboard, including behind the steering wheel, because this is a well known issue with these model years. If it’s crack-free, ask the owner if it’s been repaired or replaced. As for 2006 models, again, you’ll want to ask the seller if the a/c pump has issues with the power supply, and if it’s been repaired.
If you’re shopping for a second-generation Dodge RAM 3500, budget at least $22,000. That’s about average for most model years, with a low average value of $18,000 for the 2004 model and a high of $24,000 for the 2002 model. Pricing data also shows lots of value fluctuations, both year over year and recently. As of this writing, there's a good selection of used RAM 3500s nationwide, generally listed at prices that correspond to our pricing trend data.
First Generation (1994-2001)
Since heavy-duty generations of the Dodge RAM weren’t introduced along with the Dodge RAM 1500, the first generation of the 2500 and 3500 coincided with the second generation of the full size light duty truck. The 2500 and 3500 were noted to be the first pickup trucks available from the factory with a V10 engine.
Engine options were a 5.9-liter Magnum V8, 8.0-liter Magnum V10, and 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six. Depending on the model year, transmission options were a four-speed automatic, a five-speed automatic, or a six-speed manual. Powertrains were offered with rear- or four-wheel drive.
The first generation Dodge RAM 3500 was available with regular, Club Cab, and Quad Cabs, but only with an 8ft bed. Trim levels included base, DRT, LT, SL, SLT, and Laramie. Regular and dual rear wheel configurations were available.
Shop carefully for first generation versions of the Dodge RAM 3500. They’re old and tend to be used hard in work or commercial environments. Furthermore, they’re prone to some specific issues. It’s unlikely, for example, that you’ll find a rust-free version of a work truck of this age, but you should still carefully inspect the body of any truck to determine the extent and severity of rust damage. These versions of the RAM 3500 were also prone to problems with the electrical systems and wiring, transmission failure, and inaccurate or unreliable instrument clusters, particularly the odometer and the speedometer. An unreliable speedometer is a safety and potentially legal issue (if you get pulled over) while odometer problems may cause problems when you register the vehicle, because it be get flagged for fraud.
Our data shows prices vary widely for first generation examples of the Dodge RAM 3500. The most affordable version based on sales data is the 1995 model, which sells for an average of about $16,000, and the most expensive model year is the 1997, which has sold for an average of just over $33,000. Generally, prices have increased significantly year over year, well into double digits, though average values have fluctuated more recently. There is a wide variety of this generation currently listed on the used market, so it pays to shop around.
