Ram 3500 Vs. 4500 (In-Depth Comparison)
The Dodge Ram series is a line of pickup trucks that breeds elegance and class.
It also maintains the enormous output that makes it endearing to many heavy-duty drivers. Ram 3500 and 4500 are two popular pickup trucks in this series.
However, how do the two compare with each other? A comprehensive look at crucial details of both help to answer that question.
It’s interesting to see how preferential differences will affect the choice of many Ram lovers.
Three categories focus here; Ram 3500 regular cab, chassis cab, and Ram 4500 chassis cab. Each class offers a high level of output that a driver would expect from such a category of powerful trucks. However, Ram 4500 offers much more than Ram 3500.
Ram 3500 vs. 4500 MPG
One of the essential features of any truck is its fuel efficiency. So it is no surprise that the fuel economy of both Ram engines ranks high in search criteria.
Both trucks model have a similar fuel economy. There are slight differences between the Ram 3500 regular cab and the Ram 3500 Chassis cab.
The Ram 3500 series regular cab has a city fuel economy of 11 mpg. This figure is the same for the Ram 3500 Chassis cab.
The 11 mpg value of a vehicle’s fuel economy is what you expect to experience in the city and when you have off-road adventures.
The Ram 4500 series, in comparison, have a fuel efficiency of about 9.6 mpg when in the city and on off-road duties.
The figure is higher on the highway for the three classes: Ram 3500 regular cab has 19 mpg, Ram 3500 Chassis cab has 18 mpg, and the Ram 4500 Chassis cab has 14mpg.
The overall fuel efficiency for the three is 14 mpg, 13 mpg, and 11 mpg, respectively.
Additionally, efficiency is not the only difference between these series when discussing fueling parameters.
There is also a difference in fuel capacity. Fuel efficiency is important, no doubt.
However, the fuel capacity also determines how many miles each vehicle can cover before needing a refill.
The Ram 3500 Regular Cab has a fuel tank capacity of 32 gallons.
This capacity is relatively low compared to the Ram Chassis cab version, which has a capacity of 52 gallons.
That is 20 gallons more and more 200 miles extra drive before refill.
The Ram 4500 Chassis Cab also has a capacity of 52 gallons. This capacity compensates for its lower value in mpg.
In addition, it is a capacity that makes it possible to continue on heavy-duty for a prolonged time.
Ram 3500 vs. 4500 Turning Radius
The turning radius is another feature to consider in the two trucks.
The turning radius gives the distance required by the vehicles to make a complete 180° turn (U-turn).
The different models in both series have varying turning radii. However, the difference is within a close range.
For both regular cab and chassis cab in the 2020 Ram 3500 category, the range is between 20.8 and 26.9 feet.
This range is about 6.3 and 8.2 meters. The 2020 Ram 4500 has a wider range due to numerous models and trim levels.
The turning radius ranges from 6.3 to 8.7 feet ( 20.8 to 28.6 meters).
Many assume that the size of the rims is the major contributing factor to the turning radius.
However, studies show that the geometry of the front suspension and the wheelbase are the major contributing factor to this radius.
Generally, for a pickup truck with many on-road and off-road uses, the smaller the turning radius, the better you can turn quickly in small spaces.
Twists and turns are part of driving when on rugged terrains. With the other trim levels, you will have an optimal turning radius.
Ram 3500 vs. 4500 Towing Capacity
Dodge Jeep Ram is a powerful automobile with incredible towing capacity lbs. All three categories in focus have great towing capacity.
There is every chance that you won’t exceed the towing capacity in your daily activities.
The towing capacity lbs for Ram 3500 regular cab is 14,970
The towing capacity lbs for Ram 3500 chassis cab is 16,080
The towing capacity lbs for Ram 4500 chassis cab is 19,040
Ultimately, the Ram chassis cab for the 4500 model offers the highest towing capacity among the three types.
However, it is essential to note that the vehicle’s engine should be in optimal working condition before using it for towing.
While there is a stipulated limit, it is safer to tow weights a couple of pounds lighter than the limit.
Ram 3500 vs. 4500 Payload
A vehicle’s payload is the maximum weight it can carry at a single drive. It is pretty different from towing capacity, and it is significantly lower.
Since the Ram 4500 chassis cab has a more powerful turbo diesel engine, it has a higher payload. This carrying weight is 9,690 pounds.
There are two different payload capacities for the Dodge Ram Jeep 3500 series.
The regular cab payload is 4,640 lbs, while the chassis cab payload is 4,930 pounds.
Many Ram users wonder what the payload entails. It is more than just the weight loaded at the back of the truck.
The Ram trucks have ample room in the cabin and all of the space in the cargo bed.
Note that the payload includes all the cabin and the cargo bed weight. That consists of the weight of the driver and any passenger in the car.
This inclusion should help you determine the maximum weight of carriages you can carry on each cab.
Ram 3500 vs. 4500 Brakes
A burning odor or a squealing sound when braking is an indication that there is a need to change your brake pads.
Cars with good brake pads get excellent mileage before needing a replacement. It is interesting to note that the mile range for both Ram 3500 and 4500 is the same.
Both trucks’ brake pads will travel between 30,000 and 70,000 before requiring a replacement.
The driving pattern and habit largely determine the exact figure for each driver in this range.
A safe driving pattern ensures you get close to the upper range before changing your brake pads.
The cost of changing each brake pad is quite different for the truck types.
Generally, for a Ram 3500, brake pad replacement costs between $240 and $290. This cost includes the cost of labor and the cost of brake pads.
For a Dodge Jeep Ram 4500, the cost for both front and rear brake pads is the same.
The purchase cost is between $150 and $250, depending on the model and trim level. The labor cost ranges between $70 and $120.
The conditions of the rotors depend on how swiftly a driver changes the worn-out brake pads.
When changes are swift, it has little or no effect on the rotors. However, prolonged use of worn-out brakes adversely affects the rotors.
Ergo, there is a need for swift replacement when the pads are bad.
Ram 3500 or 4500 for Hot Shot
Hot shot trucking involves delivering heavy goods from one point to another. This type of delivery service involves more than just payload capacity.
It involves towing a flatbed that contains the delivery goods or equipment.
Such tasks require a vehicle with great power, an attribute both Ram 3500 and 4500 have abundantly.
However, the Dodge Ram Jeep 4500 is more suited to hot shot trucking than the 3500. Several factors contribute to this superiority.
One major factor is the towing capacity of the truck. The higher value of Ram 4500 puts it safely in Class 4 hot shot trucks. (there are three levels, classes 3, 4, and 5)
Another factor that contributes to the suitability of Ram 4500 for hot shot trucking is the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
This weight rating increases the car’s balance when performing heavy-duty such as towing a loaded flatbed. Ram 4500 gross vehicle weight is 16,500 pounds.
This weight is significantly higher than Ram 3500 chassis cab.
Here is a summarized chart that compares the different features of the three categories of cabs.
| Features | 3500 Regular Cab | 3500 Chassis Cab | 4500 Chassis Cab |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | 14 mpg | 13 mpg | 11 mpg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 gallons | 52 gallons | 52 gallons |
| Horsepower | 410 | 410 | 370 |
| Turning Radius range | 6.3ft to 8.2ft | 6.3ft to 8.2ft | 6.3ft to 8.7ft |
| Towing Capacity | 14,970 lbs | 16,080 lbs | 19,040 lbs |
| Payload | 4,640 lbs | 4,930 lbs | 9,690 lbs |
| Brakes | 30,000 – 70,000 miles | 30,000 – 70,000 miles | 30,000 – 70,000 miles |
| GWVR | 10,700 lbs | 10,700 lbs | 16,500 lbs |
Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs
Conclusion
Ultimately, Ram 4500 offers you so much more compared to 3,500.
However, both truck types from Dodge offer much power and productivity that easily handles your daily activities.
In addition, the purchase price can help determine your budget. Whichever Dodge Ram a road user chooses, elegance is a guarantee.
