2019 Ram 3500
The 2019 Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for serious work and impressive towing/hauling capabilities. It represents a significant leap forward for Ram's heavy-duty lineup, offering a combination of robust power, advanced technology, and a refined interior that rivals many luxury vehicles. This generation introduced a redesigned chassis, an upgraded powertrain, and a host of innovative features aimed at making tough jobs easier and more comfortable.
Highlights
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Powertrain Excellence: The 2019 Ram 3500 offered two formidable powertrain options:
- 6.4L HEMI V8: This gasoline engine delivered robust power for everyday tasks and capable hauling.
- 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6: The legendary Cummins diesel engine was the star for those needing extreme towing and hauling. It provided exceptional torque for pulling large trailers and managing heavy payloads, making it ideal for commercial use or demanding recreational activities.
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Advanced Safety Features: Ram equipped the 2019 3500 with a suite of available safety and driver-assist technologies to enhance confidence and protect occupants:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go: This system maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically slowing down or stopping the truck when necessary and resuming speed when traffic clears.
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking: Warns the driver of an impending frontal collision and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid impact.
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage: Monitors blind spots, including the area alongside a trailer, alerting the driver to vehicles in their blind spots.
- Lane Keep Assist: Helps the driver stay centered in their lane by providing gentle steering inputs.
- ParkView® Rear Back-Up Camera with Trailer View: Provides a clear view of what's behind the truck, with an optional trailer-specific camera view for easier hitching and maneuvering with a trailer.
- Surround View Camera System: Offers a 360-degree view around the vehicle, aiding in parking and navigating tight spaces.
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Impressive Trim Levels: The 2019 Ram 3500 was available in several well-appointed trim levels, each catering to different needs and preferences:
- Tradesman: The workhorse trim, focusing on durability and essential functionality for demanding job sites.
- Big Horn: Offers a balance of capability and comfort with upgraded interior and exterior features.
- Laramie: Elevates the experience with premium materials, advanced technology, and more comfort-oriented amenities.
- Longhorn: The epitome of luxury in a heavy-duty truck, featuring premium leather, unique badging, and upscale appointments.
- Limited: Tops the range with the most luxurious and technologically advanced features, offering a truly premium truck experience.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Superior Towing and Hauling: The 2019 Ram 3500 boasts class-leading towing and payload capacities, particularly with the Cummins diesel engine, making it a go-to choice for towing fifth-wheel campers, large gooseneck trailers, and heavy equipment.
- Refined Interior: For a heavy-duty truck, the interior of the 2019 Ram 3500 was remarkably quiet and comfortable, with high-quality materials and available features like heated and ventilated seats, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and ample storage solutions.
- Heavy-Duty Frame and Suspension: Built on a strong, redesigned frame and equipped with a robust suspension system, the Ram 3500 provides exceptional stability and control when under load or towing.
What to Expect
Owning a 2019 Ram 3500 is an experience geared towards those who need serious capability. The typical ownership experience involves using the truck for its intended purpose: towing, hauling, or navigating challenging environments. Fuel economy, especially with the diesel engine, will be a consideration, but it's generally expected for a vehicle of this size and power.
Maintenance: Routine maintenance will involve standard oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations. However, given its heavy-duty nature, owners can expect more frequent or more robust maintenance for components related to towing and hauling, such as transmission fluid changes, differential fluid checks, and potentially more frequent brake inspections due to heavier loads. The Cummins diesel engine is known for its longevity and durability, but it will require proper care, including regular fuel filter changes, to maintain optimal performance and emissions control.
Insurance: Insurance premiums for a 2019 Ram 3500 are generally higher than for lighter-duty trucks or passenger vehicles. This is due to its higher replacement cost, increased repair costs, and the potential for higher liability claims due to its powerful nature. Factors like your driving record, location, coverage choices, and the specific trim level will significantly impact insurance costs.
Potential Considerations
While the 2019 Ram 3500 is a highly capable and impressive truck, there are a few potential drawbacks or things buyers should be aware of:
- Size and Maneuverability: This is a large and heavy truck, which can make it challenging to maneuver in tight city streets, parking lots, or off-road trails. Its turning radius is larger than smaller vehicles, and parking can require more space and awareness.
- Ride Quality When Unloaded: When not carrying a load or towing a trailer, the heavy-duty suspension can result in a firmer and less forgiving ride compared to lighter-duty trucks or SUVs. This is a common characteristic of heavy-duty vehicles designed for work.
- Fuel Consumption: While the Cummins diesel is efficient for its class, it still consumes a significant amount of fuel, especially when towing or under heavy load. The gasoline V8 will have even higher fuel consumption.
- Cost of Diesel Fuel: If opting for the Cummins diesel, the price of diesel fuel can fluctuate and may be higher than gasoline in some regions, impacting the overall operating cost.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Ram 3500 stands as a testament to American heavy-duty truck engineering. It offers an unparalleled combination of raw power, advanced towing and hauling capabilities, and a surprisingly refined and technologically sophisticated interior. Whether for demanding professional use or serious recreational adventures, the Ram 3500 excels in its primary mission. While its sheer size and robust nature necessitate some practical considerations regarding maneuverability and ride comfort when unloaded, for those who require uncompromising capability, the 2019 Ram 3500 delivers an exceptional ownership experience.