What is a RAM chassis cab?
A RAM chassis cab is a cab-and-chassis commercial truck built for body installations, delivered without a cargo bed so fleets can fit a custom body.
In RAM’s lineup, these trucks pair a rugged cab and frame with an upfit-ready platform and are commonly used by contractors, utilities, and fleets that require specialized bodies such as dumps, flatbeds, or service bodies.
RAM chassis cab variants and what they’re used for
RAM classifies its chassis cabs by weight class and upfit potential. The three main variants cover a spectrum from light to heavy vocational work.
The RAM chassis cab lineup centers on three primary models, each tailored to different load ratings and uses:
- RAM 3500 Chassis Cab — the lightest option in this family, typically available with single or dual rear wheels and a heavy-duty frame designed for upfits such as dump beds, flatbeds, or service bodies.
- RAM 4500 Chassis Cab — a medium‑duty chassis with higher-rated GVWR and robust upfit potential for larger cargo bodies, tow trucks, or utility configurations.
- RAM 5500 Chassis Cab — the heaviest standard RAM chassis cab, built for larger vocational bodies such as big box trucks, larger dump bodies, or crane installations.
In short, these chassis cabs provide the structural backbone for customized commercial bodies, with the 3500 aimed at lighter upfits and the 5500 handling heavier, job-site demanding configurations.
Popular body configurations
Body builders install a range of bodies on RAM Chassis Cabs to meet specific trades and workloads. Common upfits include:
- Dump and tipper bodies for construction and municipal work
- Flatbeds and rollback beds for hauling and specialty transport
- Utility/service bodies with tool racks and compartments
- Box or cargo bodies for regional delivery fleets
- Crane, lift, or mixer packages for heavy-duty operations
These upfits leverage the chassis cab’s durable frame, proven powertrains, and compatibility with RAM’s upfitting ecosystem to deliver purpose-built machines.
Choosing a RAM chassis cab for your fleet
Decision-makers weighing a RAM chassis cab should consider the job at hand, the required payload, and the environment. Key factors include engine choice (diesel vs gasoline), transmission, wheelbase length, cab configuration, available 4x4, and whether dual rear wheels are needed for heavier loads.
- Powertrain: diesel engines (such as Cummins) for torque and fuel efficiency, or gasoline options for customers who prioritise response and maintenance costs.
- Drivetrain: 4x4 vs 4x2, depending on terrain and use case.
- Chassis size: wheelbase and frame length to fit the intended body and maneuverability constraints.
- Upfit compatibility: availability of certified body builders and factory-backed upfit programs.
- Safety and technology: features like modern driver aids, payload management, and wiring provisions for upfits.
Before purchasing, fleets typically engage with RAM Commercial and approved upfitters to ensure the chosen chassis cab aligns with the planned body and workload.
Summary
RAM chassis cabs are purpose-built cab-and-chassis trucks designed for a wide range of commercial bodies. The 3500, 4500, and 5500 models offer progressively higher payload and upfit capability, with powertrain choices spanning diesel and gasoline and configurations that support four-wheel drive and dual rear wheels. They are a foundational tool for fleets in construction, utilities, delivery, and service sectors needing durable, customized work trucks.
