What type of vehicle is a Dodge RAM?
A Dodge RAM is a full-size pickup truck built by Ram Trucks. The lineup spans light-duty Ram 1500 and heavier Ram 2500/3500, with commercial variants such as Ram 4500/5500. The RAM branding separated from Dodge in 2010 and continues today under the Stellantis umbrella.
Overview of the RAM pickup family
RAM pickups are traditional body-on-frame trucks designed for payload, towing, and off-road capability. They come in multiple cab configurations and bed lengths, with 4x4 drivetrain options and a range of engines, from inline/six-cylinder to V8s and diesels in certain years. The 1500 is the standard half-ton model, while the 2500/3500 handle heavier loads, and 4500/5500 are commercial-grade chassis-cab variants.
Brand history and naming
The RAM name originated with Dodge Ram models within the Dodge lineup. In 2010, RAM became its own brand, and since then the trucks have been marketed as Ram rather than Dodge Ram. In recent years, Ram Trucks has remained part of the Stellantis family, with the RAM badge continuing to denote the entire pickup lineup.
Current RAM pickup lineup
The RAM pickup family is organized into three main capability families. The following sections summarize the core models in each group.
Light-duty: Ram 1500
The light-duty Ram 1500 is designed for everyday use with a balance of comfort and capability. Engines have included V6 and V8 options, with a mild-hybrid eTorque system in some generations, plus multiple cab configurations and bed lengths to suit different needs.
- Core light-duty full-size pickup in the RAM lineup
- Available with V6 and V8 powertrains, including mild-hybrid variants
- Multiple cab configurations and bed lengths
- Advanced tech and interior comfort features
The Ram 1500 emphasizes on-road manners, daily practicality, and versatile towing and payload for a half-ton class pickup.
Heavy-duty: Ram 2500 and Ram 3500
The 2500 and 3500 models occupy the heavy-duty end of the RAM pickup family, built for higher payload and towing capacity. They offer stronger frames, more robust suspension options, and can be configured for both work and everyday use.
- Heavy-duty lineup with 2500 (3/4-ton) and 3500 (1-ton) configurations
- Powerful diesel and gasoline options tailored for heavy payloads
- Sturdier frames and upgraded suspension systems
- Various cab styles and bed lengths for fleet and personal use
These models are favored by buyers who require greater towing and payload capacity than a typical half-ton pickup.
Commercial/Chassis variants: Ram 4500 and Ram 5500
Ram 4500 and 5500 are primarily chassis-cab builds used for vocational fleets, service bodies, and heavy-duty conversions. They emphasize durability, high GVWR, and a platform designed for upfits rather than traditional pickup beds.
- Commercial-grade chassis-cab trucks built for fleets and upfitters
- High gross vehicle weight ratings and robust frames
- Widely used for service bodies, tow trucks, and other vocational configurations
In fleet and commercial contexts, these variants provide the reliability and adaptability needed for specialized applications.
Summary
In short, a Dodge RAM is a full-size pickup truck that today is marketed under the Ram brand. The current RAM lineup includes the light-duty Ram 1500, the heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500, and the commercial Ram 4500/5500 chassis-cab variants, each offering different levels of capability, configuration options, and technologies to meet consumer and fleet needs.
