Overview of the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab
What is a Chassis Cab Truck?
A chassis cab truck is essentially a blank canvas for commercial use. Unlike standard pickup trucks, a chassis cab has no bed—just a flat frame ready to be outfitted with dump beds, service bodies, box trucks, or tow rigs. It’s designed for flexibility, offering businesses the freedom to tailor the truck to specific job site needs.
Key Features That Define the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab
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Reinforced Frame: Designed to accommodate heavy payloads and aftermarket upfits.
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Multiple Engine Options: Offers gas and diesel choices for diverse applications.
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Heavy-Duty Axles: Built for long-term durability under stress.
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Upfitter-Friendly: Comes pre-equipped with electrical connections, body builder interface modules, and flat mounting surfaces.
Performance and Powertrain
Engine Options (Gas vs. Diesel)
The Ram 3500 Chassis Cab comes with two main engine options:
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6.4L HEMI® V8 Gas Engine: Delivers 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque—ideal for lighter-duty configurations.
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6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6: Offers up to 360 horsepower and a monstrous 800 lb-ft of torque, great for heavy hauls and frequent towing.
Horsepower, Torque & Towing Capacity
Power varies depending on the engine and configuration. The diesel engine, paired with the AISIN® 6-speed automatic transmission, is the go-to for those needing top-tier torque and towing.
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Max Towing: Over 35,000 lbs when properly equipped
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Max GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Up to 43,000 lbs
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Max Payload: Over 7,500 lbs depending on trim and body
Transmission and Drivetrain Options
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Automatic Transmissions: Available with both 6-speed and 8-speed gearboxes
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Drivetrains: Choose between 4x2 for efficiency and 4x4 for rugged terrain and snow
Payload & Towing Capabilities
Max Payload Ratings
Depending on the configuration, the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab can handle:
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Up to 7,570 lbs of payload in certain dual rear-wheel setups.
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This makes it perfect for upfitting with dump beds, utility boxes, or flatbeds for hauling construction materials or equipment.
Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck Towing Specs
For towing heavy machinery or trailers:
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Fifth-wheel towing: Up to 35,220 lbs
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Gooseneck towing: Similar capacity with factory-installed prep kits
Exterior Design and Configurations
Cab Configurations: Regular, Crew, Mega
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Regular Cab: More space for upfitting
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Crew Cab: Adds rear seating for work crews
Upfit-Friendly Frame and Utility
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Straight Frame Rails: Easy mounting for commercial bodies
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Available PTO (Power Take-Off): Supports hydraulic tools and lifts
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Custom Rear Axles: Optimize for towing or payload as needed
Interior Comfort and Technology
Infotainment System (Uconnect)
The Uconnect system adds productivity and convenience:
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Touchscreen Sizes: From 5-inch to 12-inch options
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Navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
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Wi-Fi Hotspot: Keeps teams connected on the road
Cabin Materials and Seat Comfort
Even Tradesman trims come with supportive seats and durable surfaces. Upper trims like Laramie and Limited add:
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Leather upholstery
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Heated and ventilated seats
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Noise-canceling insulation for quieter rides
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Standard and Optional Safety Tech
Safety features help minimize risks for both driver and cargo:
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Standard: Stability control, hill start assist, rear backup camera
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Available: Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with active braking
How Ram Ensures Driver and Cargo Safety
Ram integrates smart design choices like:
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High-strength steel frame
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Multiple airbag systems
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Advanced braking systems with trailer sway control
Upfitting and Commercial Use Cases
Most Common Upfits
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Dump trucks
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Refrigerated vans
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Tow rigs
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Flatbed haulers
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Mobile service units
How It Fits Various Industries
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Construction: Heavy equipment transport
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Farming & Agriculture: Tool and material haulers
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Public Safety & Utilities: Outfitted as mobile workshops or rescue units
Fuel Efficiency and Operating Costs
MPG Estimates for Diesel and Gas
Though official EPA ratings aren’t required for chassis cab trucks, owners can expect:
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Gas Engine: ~10–13 MPG (depending on load and terrain)
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Diesel Engine: ~12–17 MPG under similar conditions
Diesel engines typically deliver better fuel economy during long hauls and heavy towing.
Long-Term Maintenance Overview
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Durability: Ram’s heavy-duty trucks are built for years of reliable service
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Service Intervals: Extended intervals on diesel models reduce downtime
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Parts & Service Network: Widely available parts and certified dealers simplify upkeep
Comparison With Competitors
Ram 3500 vs Ford F-350 and Chevy Silverado 3500
Feature Ram 3500 Chassis Cab Ford F-350 Chassis Cab Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Chassis Cab Max Towing 35,220 lbs 32,500 lbs 31,400 lbs Max Payload 7,570 lbs 7,850 lbs 7,442 lbs Diesel Torque 800 lb-ft 825 lb-ft 910 lb-ft Interior Tech Uconnect 12” screen SYNC 4 Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Pros and Cons of Each Model
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Ram 3500: Excellent upfitting ease and best-in-class tech
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Ford F-350: Slightly higher payload but less infotainment polish
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Chevy 3500: Strong diesel output but limited tech features in base trims
Warranty and Reliability
Factory Warranty Coverage
Ram offers solid coverage:
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3-year / 36,000-mile basic warranty
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5-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty on diesel
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Roadside assistance included during the powertrain period
Ram's Reputation for Durability
Thanks to high-strength frames, proven powertrains, and engineering tuned for stress, Ram trucks routinely log over 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Owner Reviews and Testimonials
Real-World Experiences
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John M. (Construction Business Owner): “The Ram 3500 Chassis Cab replaced two of my older trucks—more power, more space, and less downtime.”
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Carla R. (Towing Service Operator): “This truck handles my daily loads with ease. The diesel engine is a beast.”
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Dale T. (Fleet Manager): “Our crews love the Ram's cab comfort and tech. We’ve reduced fuel costs switching from gas to diesel models.”
Pros and Cons of the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab
Top Strengths
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Versatile and easy to upfit
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High towing and payload ratings
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Modern and tech-rich interior
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Durable diesel engine performance
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Multiple trim levels to match budget
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
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Base model lacks some creature comforts
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Fuel efficiency lower when heavily loaded
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Size may be cumbersome for city use
Buying Tips and Dealer Considerations
What to Ask at the Dealership
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What upfit options are available or compatible?
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Does the dealer offer PTO prep packages?
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Is there factory financing for commercial fleets?
New vs Used Purchase Advice
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New: Best for warranty protection, latest tech, and upfitting deals
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Used: Good for budget-conscious buyers, especially if mileage and condition are verified
FAQs About the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab
1. What makes the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab different from a standard pickup?
Unlike a traditional pickup, the Chassis Cab has no bed and features a customizable frame for upfitting.
2. Can I install a dump bed or box truck body on a Ram 3500 Chassis Cab?
Yes. The flat frame design and upfitter modules are built to accept a wide range of commercial bodies.
3. Is the Cummins diesel engine standard in the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab?
No, it’s optional. The base engine is a 6.4L HEMI® V8, while the 6.7L Cummins® diesel is an upgrade.
4. How long do Ram 3500 Chassis Cab trucks typically last?
With proper care, these trucks can exceed 300,000 miles, especially the diesel versions.
5. Can the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab be used for RV conversions?
Yes. Many owners use it as the base for custom RVs or mobile homes due to its strength and modularity.
6. Are there incentives or tax benefits for buying a Ram 3500 Chassis Cab?
Yes. Businesses may qualify for Section 179 tax deductions and Ram often offers commercial incentives.
Conclusion: Is the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab Right for You?
If your work demands a truck that combines unrivaled power, flexible upfitting, and lasting durability, the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab is a top-tier contender. Whether you're managing a fleet, building a custom tow truck, or just need serious capability, this chassis cab offers performance where it matters most.
Investing in a truck like this isn’t just about getting from point A to B—it’s about building a mobile work solution that saves time, increases productivity, and keeps your business moving.
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