Segment:
Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Market
Target Audience:
Owner-operators, fleet managers, DIY mechanics, professional technicians
Key Competitors:
Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD
Manual Strength:
Exceptional detail for heavy-duty applications, including towing and hauling specific repairs.
Value Proposition:
Cost-effective solution for maintaining and repairing the Ram 2500 HD, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (4x2/4x4)
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Glass, Seats, Bumpers
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelts, ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Top-offs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Component Removal and Installation Procedures with Torque Specifications
Specifications:
Torque Values, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine 1 Code:
3.6L Pentastar V6
Engine 1 Type:
Naturally Aspirated Gasoline
Engine 1 Displacement:
3604 cc (220 ci)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6350 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
269 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Code:
6.4L HEMI V8 (392)
Engine 2 Type:
Naturally Aspirated Gasoline
Engine 2 Displacement:
6424 cc (392 ci)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
410 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
429 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Code:
6.7L Cummins I6 Turbo Diesel
Engine 3 Type:
Turbocharged Diesel
Engine 3 Displacement:
6700 cc (409 ci)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
350-385 hp @ 2800-3000 rpm (varies by year/configuration)
Engine 3 Torque:
660-800 lb-ft @ 1400-1800 rpm (varies by year/configuration)
Gasoline Injection:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for 3.6L; Direct Injection for 6.4L
Diesel Injection:
High-Pressure Common Rail (HPCR)
Transmission 1 Type:
6-speed automatic (e.g., 68RFE for diesel, 62TE for gasoline)
Transmission 2 Type:
6-speed manual (less common on HD models, typically older generations or specific trims)
Tow Haul Mode:
Included on automatic transmissions for optimized towing performance
Transfer Case:
Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system
Wheelbase:
Approx. 140.5" (Regular Cab), 160.5" (Crew Cab/Mega Cab)
Overall Length:
Varies by cab and bed configuration (e.g., ~237" for Crew Cab Short Bed)
Bed Lengths:
6'4" (short bed), 8'0" (long bed)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 6,000 - 7,500 lbs (varies by configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Over 10,000 lbs (typically 10,000 - 11,500 lbs range)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 17,000+ lbs (properly equipped)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to 4,000+ lbs (properly equipped)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4-star typical for HD trucks of this era
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (often with Trailer Sway Control integration)
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Standard, with integrated trailer brake controller option
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side curtain and front seat airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point active restraint system
Structure:
High-strength steel frame and cab construction
Uconnect System:
Available Uconnect infotainment system with touchscreen displays (various sizes), navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity.
Media Options:
USB ports, SD card reader, AUX input
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking sensors and rearview camera
Trailer Control:
Integrated trailer brake controller available on select trims
Bluetooth:
Standard on most trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first) with quality synthetic oil and filter (refer to manual for specifics).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or per manual recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Gas:
Inspect periodically, service typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on usage and fluid type (check manual).
Transmission Fluid Diesel:
Inspect periodically, service typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on usage and fluid type (check manual).
Engine Oil Gasoline:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification)
Engine Oil Diesel:
SAE 15W-40 Heavy Duty Synthetic (meeting Cummins CES 20081 or API CK-4 specification)
Coolant:
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, Mopar OAT
Transmission Fluid Auto Gas:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Auto Diesel:
68RFE requires specific fluid, often Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9224
Common Issue Diesel Emissions:
Potential issues with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration and DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system sensors for Cummins engines.
Common Issue Transmission Diesel:
68RFE transmission can exhibit wear issues if frequently used for heavy towing or not properly serviced.
Common Issue Fuel System Diesel:
High-pressure fuel system components can be sensitive to fuel quality.
Common Issue Suspension:
Wear on ball joints and tie rod ends due to heavy load capacity and rugged use.
Manufacturer:
Dodge / Ram Trucks (divested from Dodge in 2009 as a separate brand)
Fourth Gen Updates:
Introduced for 2009, significant updates in 2013 included new exterior styling, interior redesign, updated powertrains (new HEMI and Cummins options).
Assembly Locations:
Saltillo, Mexico; Warren, Michigan
Motor Trend Truck Of The Year:
Ram 1500 (similar platform) has won multiple times, indicating strong competitive positioning for the brand.
Kbb Best Towing Capacity:
Often recognized by automotive publications for its class-leading towing and payload capabilities.
Emissions Standards:
Meets all applicable EPA emissions standards for the model years covered.
