2016 Ram 3500 – Miami, FL

The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine comes with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology to provide enhanced fuel-efficiency without sacrificing power. It also helps with the performance of the engine, and provides optimal torque over a large RPM range. That way, regardless of what RPM the truck is at, it has the best towing and acceleration possible. The horsepower is 383, and the torque is 400 lb-ft, which is decent for a truck this size. When the 3500 is equipped with this engine it has a max towing capacity of 13,910 pounds.

You’d think that being caught in the middle means it would provide mediocre performance, but the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine actually provides best-in-class gas horsepower and torque. The 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft torque this engine puts out results from the two spark plugs per cylinder configuration, which provides a boost to both of them. Fuel saver technology is also on board, and shuts down four cylinders when cruising or driving downhill with a light load. Then when the power is needed again, the four cylinders will automatically activate. That way, the engine is efficient when you want it, and powerful when you need it. It has a max towing capacity of 16,520 pounds.

The final engine is the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, and when it’s paired to the AISIN AS69RC six-speed automatic transmission, the 2016 Ram 3500 gets a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 31,210 pounds. This engine puts out 385 horsepower and a massive 900 lb-ft of torque, which is an amount of torque only modified super cars are able to beat. If it’s heavy-hauling you’re looking to do, then the 6.7-liter Cummins engine and AISIN transmission are the way to go.

Apart from the rugged and iconic Ram truck look, the design itself is also extremely tough, which is expected, especially in order to tow this type of weight. The strong design all starts with the frame, which is made out of 50 KSI hydroformed steel, with additional crossmembers for strength and mass efficiency. It also has front and rear rail contours that provide a more secure placement of suspension components and mounts.

In order to enhance their strength, the tow hooks are mounted directly to the 50 KSI steel frame, and offer a solid grip for towing. If you are really doing some heavy hauling though, the fifth wheel and gooseneck prep package is available. This package incorporates some heavy-duty hardware, and it all starts with a factory-installed rear axle structural cross member. This cross member seamlessly connects to the trailer with the frame of the heavy duty truck, and the tow-ball sits directly in the center of the truck-bed. This set-up is what provides the extra strength that’s needed to haul close to 30,000 pounds, and is what sets it apart from the rest of the Heavy-Duty trucks on the market.

On the inside of the 2016 Ram 3500, the trim ranges from high-quality cloth to supple leather. It’s available in either single-tone or two-tone colors, and soft-touch materials and tasteful stitching run rampant throughout the cabin. Metallic accents almost feel out of place in this truck, and are typically found on luxury sedans. But, when you sit down and realize how plush the leather-trimmed seats are, it all makes sense. A wide dashboard and large console with cupholders provide plenty of in-cabin storage, but if that isn’t enough then there is built-in storage underneath some of the seats. All of these elements come together, ultimately creating the nicest cabin found in any Heavy-Duty pickup truck.

On the technology side of things, the Ram 3500 boasts some great features. Uconnect is an option, and can be operated on the largest-in-class full-color 8.4-inch touchscreen. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is also available, providing over 200 music channels to choose from. If you are looking for a more personalized listening experience, then connect your smartphone via a Bluetooth connection and play the files on your phone. Or, use the available WiFi Hotspot to play music on the Pandora app on your phone without eating up data.

The Uconnect system and touchscreen isn’t just for entertainment purposes, either. It’s also practical. Voice Command is available for certain functions, and keeps your hands and eyes on the road. Navigation is available if SiriusXM TravelLink is installed, and you can even check the weather and traffic with it. The optional cargo camera and back-up camera is also displayed through the screen, each giving you a crisp clear view of two of the most difficult areas to see when driving a truck.