What is the difference between a Ram 3500 tradesman and a Big Horn?
The Ram 3500 Tradesman is the base work-truck trim, emphasizing value and rugged practicality. The Big Horn is a mid-range upgrade that adds comfort, styling, and tech features without stepping up to the top-end trims. In short, Tradesman = value-focused utility; Big Horn = more comfort and convenience at a modest price premium.
Both the Tradesman and Big Horn occupy the entry-to-mid tier of the Ram 3500 lineup and share the same heavy-duty platform and available powertrain options, including gasoline and diesel engines. Availability of specific features depends on model year and option packages, so exact equipment can vary. The Big Horn generally moves up from the Tradesman by adding interior upgrades, exterior styling cues, and enhanced tech, while preserving strong towing and payload capabilities.
Exterior styling and features
Below is how the exterior presentation and standard features typically differ between the two trims.
- Tradesman: utilitarian appearance with functional styling—likely black or body-colored bumpers and a more rugged, work-oriented grille; steel wheels or basic wheel options; fewer chrome accents.
- Big Horn: more premium look with chrome or bright trim, a bolder grille, brighter exterior accents, and often alloy wheels; fog lamps and enhanced lighting are more commonly available or included.
In practice, the Big Horn presents a more polished, street-ready look while Tradesman emphasizes durability and simplicity for work use. The choice often comes down to whether you prioritize a tougher aesthetic or a more refined appearance for day-to-day driving.
Interior, comfort and technology
Interior ambiance and tech features are major differentiators between the trims, with the Big Horn generally offering more comfort and connectivity options.
- Tradesman: interior focuses on durability—vinyl seating in many configurations, fewer soft-touch surfaces, and a more basic instrument cluster; available tech may include a smaller touchscreen or standard features that prioritize essential connectivity.
- Big Horn: upgraded cloth or leatherette seating, more supportive driver seating options, and a larger or more capable infotainment system; commonly includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a larger touchscreen, and additional convenience features such as power accessories and enhanced climate control in some packages.
Overall, the Big Horn offers a more comfortable cabin and richer tech experience suited for daily driving and longer trips, while the Tradesman keeps costs down with more utilitarian interior materials and fewer frills.
Prices, packages and ownership considerations
Pricing and available packages typically reflect the trim ladder, not strict year-by-year numbers. The Tradesman starts lower in price and can be a lean, budget-friendly choice for fleets or buyers who want to maximize utility. The Big Horn commands a modest premium for its interior upgrades and additional features, without reaching the higher-end Laramie or Limited trims. Engine and drivetrain options (gas or diesel) are generally shared, but the exact combination of options and packages can affect overall cost.
- Tradesman: lowest starting price among Ram 3500 trims; emphasis on value and capability with fewer features as standard.
- Big Horn: higher base price than Tradesman due to added interior comfort, enhanced tech, and styling cues; more feature availability included or optional.
When budgeting, consider what you truly need for work vs. daily use. Options and packages can shift both trims closer together or push them apart, depending on the configuration and year.
Which Ram 3500 trim is right for you?
When to choose Tradesman
Opt for the Tradesman if you prioritize pure capability, a lower purchase price, and straightforward utility. It’s well-suited for fleets, contractors, and buyers who plan to customize the truck with aftermarket gear or who simply want a no-nonsense workhorse.
When to choose Big Horn
Choose the Big Horn if you want a more comfortable daily driver with enhanced infotainment, better interior materials, and a more finished exterior look—without stepping up to the top-tier Laramie or Limited trims. It’s a good middle ground for owners who value both practicality and a bit of extra refinement.
Summary
The Ram 3500 Tradesman and Big Horn sit on the same heavy-duty platform but target different buyers. The Tradesman is the value-focused work truck, prioritizing rugged capability with minimal frills. The Big Horn adds interior comfort, improved tech, and a more premium exterior appearance, offering a balanced upgrade without reaching the high-end trims. Your choice depends on how much you value interior comfort and tech versus keeping the price and complexity to a minimum.
Summary
Bottom line: Tradesman = rugged, cost-conscious utility; Big Horn = more comfort and tech for a modest price premium. Both deliver serious towing and payload capability, with features and finishes that reflect their positioning in Ram’s lineup.
What is the RAM 3500's highest trim level?
Regarding the trims for a RAM 3500, your 2024 lineup has seven unique models, including the Tradesman, Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited Longhorn, and Limited. Your top-tier RAM 3500 is the Limited, while the Tradesman is your entry-level model.
What is the difference between a tradesman and a bighorn?
The main difference is that the Tradesman is a basic, work-focused trim, while the Big Horn is a more upgraded, comfort-oriented trim that includes many features as standard that are optional on the Tradesman. The Tradesman prioritizes utility with basic features like vinyl flooring and a focus on affordability, whereas the Big Horn adds features like upgraded cloth seats, chrome exterior accents, and more available technology for a better driving experience.
You can watch this video to see a detailed comparison of the interior features of the Tradesman and Big Horn trims: 1mVagabond BuildsYouTube · Mar 29, 2024
Tradesman
- Focus: Utility, work, and fleets.
- Interior: Basic and durable with vinyl or durable cloth seats and rubber flooring.
- Exterior: Minimalist and functional with black bumpers and a black grille.
- Technology: Includes essential safety features but has more limited standard technology and fewer optional packages.
Big Horn
- Focus: A balance of work and comfort.
- Interior: More refined, with cloth seats, upgraded interior trim, and available features like a larger touchscreen and wireless charging.
- Exterior: More stylish with chrome accents, upgraded wheels, and available appearance packages.
- Technology: Offers more standard and available technology, such as optional blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and parking assist systems.
What is the tradesman package on a RAM?
The Ram Tradesman package is the entry-level trim for Ram trucks, designed for work and value by including standard features like a HEMI engine and essential utility. It is a work-oriented, basic trim that can be enhanced with various optional packages, such as the Towing Technology Group for advanced towing features or the Sport Appearance Package for a more aggressive look.
Core features and purpose
- Work-focused: The Tradesman trim is designed for tradespeople and commercial use, emphasizing durability and reliability.
- Value-oriented: It provides essential truck features at a more affordable price point, with standard equipment like vinyl flooring and an AM/FM radio.
- Standard powertrains: The standard engine for the 1500 is the 3.6L Pentastar V6, and for the 2500 is the 6.4L HEMI V8, both paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Optional packages to customize the Tradesman
- Towing Technology Group: Adds features like a trailer brake controller, larger tow mirrors, and trailer hitch line-up assist to enhance towing capabilities.
- Sport Appearance Package: Includes cosmetic upgrades like a blacked-out look, larger wheels, and potentially heated and cooled leather seats.
- Trailer-Tow Group: Focuses on towing safety and convenience, including power-folding mirrors, trailer tire pressure monitoring, and trailer light check.
- Tradesman Level 1 Equipment Group: Adds comfort and convenience features like a rear power-sliding window, heated seats, and dual-zone climate control.
- Warlock Package: Offers a combination of off-road features like enhanced suspension and skid plates, and is only available on the Tradesman trim.
Are big horns and tradesmen the same?
What is the Ram 1500 Big Horn® Package? The Ram 1500 Big Horn® Package is a step up from the base Tradesman® trim. It blends work-ready performance with upgraded comfort, technology, and style, making it one of the most popular and well-rounded trim levels in the Ram 1500 lineup.
