A Closer Look at the RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 Long Box

Truck-Front

Back in the old days, there was the term of a vehicle being a "working man’s truck." Today, this would also apply to a "working woman's" truck. Whichever label picked, the RAM 3500 equipped with the six-wheel dually tire setup and HD diesel engine is certainly a true work vehicle. It is the biggest and most powerful rig in the RAM lineup, can tow a small house, and do so in complete luxury that was not found in working trucks decades ago. But before you jump in and drive some familiarization helps.

Text and photos by Chad Haire

Truck-Side

Firstly, this truck is long, just a hair under 22 feet in length as a matter of fact. That length allows for plenty of room in the cabin for hauling people and gear. It provides lots of cargo carrying ability in the bed, about 5,100 pounds according to the spec sheet. However, there are some disadvantages. There is a wide 54-foot turning radius, which makes taking U-turns on city streets a very bad idea. Also, if your house is of recent build, chances are this Titanic rig will not fit in the garage. Well, that is if you are planning to close the garage door anyway. Backing out of a parking space can be a chore, especially if you are in a crowded public indoor parking garage. Behind the wheel of this big behemoth, you'd be better served finding a space on the rooftop or a desolate section of the lot! 

>>Join the conversation on the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 right here in Dodge Forum!

Truck-Rear

The RAM 3500 dually is eight feet wide at the rear to make room for the four-tire setup. This allows a large tow rating of up to 35,000 pounds in load pulling power. It also means your driving habits will have to change while playing pilot. Taking this rig into the fast-food drive-through lane isn't going to happen. Even if it fits on the driveway, you are likely to demolish the menu box and speakers along the way. Many automatic car washes will not allow entry, so better to ask before trying to send it in, as backing it out will not be as easy! Taking tight corners on the street requires caution to prevent the outside tires from hitting the curb. 

>>Join the conversation on the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 right here in Dodge Forum!

Engine

With a weight of about 8,800 pounds, a strong engine is required to pull this mass, so the RAM HD 3500 has three choices. First, is a standard gas 6.4 liter V-8 rated at 410 horsepower, and 429 lbs./ft. of torque. If this isn't enough, two Cummins turbo diesel engines are optional. A 6.7-liter inline-six makes 375 horsepower, and 850 lb,/ft. of torque. Or the ultimate high output version seen here is offered. It cranks 400 horsepower and a massive 1,000 lbs./ft of torque. Buyers will have to be true big spenders to get the latter, as the cost of going this route is a whopping $11,795 over the 6.4 gas motor. 

>>Join the conversation on the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 right here in Dodge Forum!

Gauges

The official EPA fuel economy rating for the HD 6.7 is not listed, as trucks in this weight class are not required to be tested. This, unfortunately, leaves potential buyers in the dark about real-world diesel consumption. After 500 miles we saw that the RAM 3500 mileage averaged 12 mpg in the city, and 15 cruising at 75 mph with an empty bed and no towing. These are impressive figures for such a heavy truck with this much power. By comparison, smaller diesel engines in the lighter 2500 series of trucks (regardless of make) usually average only slightly better at 13/16 mpg in the same drive conditions. 

>>Join the conversation on the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 right here in Dodge Forum!

Tow Hitch

Using the rear tow hitch, the ability to pull 23,000 pounds is there with the bigger diesel engine. 

>>Join the conversation on the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 right here in Dodge Forum!

Gooseneck

This truck had the gooseneck hitch located on the bed. It limits the cargo room but allows up to 35,130 pounds to be towed. This is part of the "Max Tow Package" that includes the gooseneck, 4.10 rear axle, cargo view camera, auto-level air suspension, and more for $3,695. 

>>Join the conversation on the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 right here in Dodge Forum!

Bed Cover

That gooseneck hitch is expensive to replace if stolen, so this protective tri-fold tonneau cover is a good idea, as it keeps the bed contents from prying eyes. At $695 it's a wise investment. 

>>Join the conversation on the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 right here in Dodge Forum!

Rear View Camera

A large touch screen operates the infotainment system with included navigation functions. It's also hooked to the rear camera setup making backing up to hook a trailer much easier. The quality of materials in the new RAM cabins is really nice, and far ahead of most competitors. The amount of leather trim supplied is more as well. Cabin quality is one area where FCA has put lots of effort and it shows. 

>>Join the conversation on the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 right here in Dodge Forum!

Price Sheet

The RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew cab 4x4 Long Box was loaded up with everything. This explains the long name, as well as the long list of options on the window sticker. This brings the base price from $60,750 to $86,300. This might seem like a lot, but when compared to many mid-sized SUV's on the market with a similar price tag, and less workability, the RAM 3500 seems like a better value. It's a small price to pay to be driving the king of trucks! 

>>Join the conversation on the Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 right here in Dodge Forum!

For help with service of your Dodge/Ram truck, check out the how-to section of DodgeForum.com