2018 Ram 5500: The Heavy-Duty Workhorse
The 2018 Ram 5500 stands as a formidable contender in the heavy-duty pickup truck segment, engineered for the most demanding vocational and commercial applications. Built on a robust chassis and capable of handling extreme payloads and towing capacities, this truck is designed to be a reliable partner for businesses and individuals who require uncompromising strength and utility.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The heart of the 2018 Ram 5500 is its 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 Engine. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 325 horsepower and a colossal 750 lb-ft of torque, providing the muscle needed for heavy hauling, towing, and operating demanding vocational equipment. This engine is renowned for its durability and its ability to perform under sustained, high-stress conditions.
- Safety Features: While primarily a work truck, the 2018 Ram 5500 incorporates a suite of safety features designed to protect occupants and aid the driver:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This system helps prevent rollovers and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when it detects a loss of steering.
- Trailer Sway Control: Working in conjunction with ESC, this feature detects and corrects trailer sway, ensuring more stable towing.
- Hill Start Assist: Prevents the truck from rolling backward when stopped on an incline, providing confidence when starting from a standstill with a heavy load.
- Airbags: Front airbags for driver and passenger are standard, offering crucial occupant protection in the event of a collision.
- Trim Summary: The 2018 Ram 5500 was offered in several robust trims, each catering to different levels of functionality and comfort:
- Tradesman: The no-nonsense, entry-level trim focused on pure functionality and durability for the most demanding work environments.
- SLT: Offers a step up in comfort and convenience features while retaining its work-ready capabilities.
- Big Horn: Adds more premium amenities and styling elements, providing a more comfortable experience for longer hauls or when representing a business.
- Laramie: The most feature-rich option, boasting luxurious interior appointments and advanced technology for those who demand comfort without sacrificing capability.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Exceptional Towing and Payload Capacity: The Ram 5500 is designed for maximum work capacity, easily handling fifth-wheel towing, gooseneck trailers, and substantial payloads.
- Rugged Chassis and Suspension: Built with a heavy-duty frame and robust suspension components, it's engineered to withstand the rigors of commercial use and challenging terrain.
- Various Cab and Bed Configurations: Available in Regular Cab and Crew Cab, and with different chassis lengths to accommodate a wide range of vocational upfits, from utility bodies to flatbeds.
- Ram Heavy Duty Chassis Cab Flexibility: The chassis cab design is a significant advantage, allowing for extensive customization with specialized body configurations to suit specific business needs.
What to Expect
Owning a 2018 Ram 5500 typically means embracing a life of hard work and reliability. Owners can expect a truck that is built to last and perform under pressure.
- Ownership Experience: The Ram 5500 is primarily a tool for work. The driving experience is characterized by its powerful torque, capable of effortlessly pulling heavy loads. The ride, while improved over older heavy-duty trucks, will still be firmer than a light-duty pickup due to its robust suspension designed for payload. Interior comfort varies significantly by trim, with higher trims offering more amenities for extended periods behind the wheel.
- Maintenance: Like any heavy-duty diesel truck, the 2018 Ram 5500 requires regular and diligent maintenance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. This includes:
- Oil Changes: Frequent oil changes with the correct diesel-specific oil are crucial for engine health.
- Fuel Filter Replacement: Diesel fuel filters need timely replacement to prevent injector issues.
- DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) Refills: For its emissions system, regular refills of Diesel Exhaust Fluid are necessary.
- Fluid Checks: Regular checks of coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid are important.
- Tire Rotation and Maintenance: Given the significant weight it carries, proper tire maintenance is essential for safety and longevity.
- Scheduled Service Intervals: Following Ram's recommended maintenance schedule for all components is vital.
- Insurance: Insurance for a vehicle like the Ram 5500 will generally be higher than for a standard passenger vehicle or light-duty truck. Factors contributing to this include its higher purchase price, powerful engine, specialized capabilities (towing/hauling), and its classification as a commercial or heavy-duty vehicle. Commercial insurance policies often factor in the business use of the vehicle, potential for accidents with heavy loads, and repair costs associated with such a robust machine.
Potential Considerations
While the 2018 Ram 5500 is a highly capable machine, potential buyers should be aware of a few things:
- Size and Maneuverability: This is a large truck. Navigating tight city streets, parking garages, or crowded lots can be challenging. Its turning radius is also considerably wider than smaller vehicles.
- Fuel Economy: The powerful 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, while incredibly capable, is not designed for fuel efficiency. Expect significantly lower MPG compared to light-duty trucks, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads.
- Comfort on Unladen Travel: When not under load, the ride can feel quite stiff and bouncy due to the suspension's design for carrying heavy weight.
- Maintenance Complexity: While diesel engines are generally durable, their maintenance can be more complex and potentially more expensive than gasoline engines, requiring specialized knowledge and parts.
- Upfitting Costs: The true value of the Ram 5500 lies in its chassis cab flexibility. However, the cost of the specific vocational upfit (e.g., utility body, dump bed, service body) can be substantial and needs to be factored into the overall investment.
Overall Summary
The 2018 Ram 5500 is a purpose-built powerhouse, excelling in applications where brute strength and unwavering reliability are paramount. It's the ideal choice for businesses and individuals who require a heavy-duty truck capable of handling the most demanding tasks, from commercial towing and hauling to specialized vocational uses. While its size and operating costs require consideration, its robust engineering and formidable capabilities make it an exceptional investment for those who demand the best in heavy-duty performance.