| United States:
Warren, Michigan (
Warren Truck Assembly);
Fenton, Missouri (
Saint Louis Assembly, 2009) | Mexico:
Saltillo (Saltillo Truck Assembly) | Australia:
Clayton, Victoria (
FCA Australia) }} | 2-door
regular cab | 4-door
extended cab (1500 only) | 4-door
crew cab | 4-door extended crew cab (2500/3500) }} |
Gasoline: |
Pentastar V6 |
PowerTech V6 |
PowerTech V8 |
Hemi V8 |
Hemi V8 |
Diesel: |
EcoDiesel turbo V6 |
Cummins ISB turbo
I6 }} | 4-speed
45RFE automatic | 5-speed
545RFE automatic | 6-speed
66RFE automatic | 6-speed
68RFE automatic | 6-speed
G56 manual | 8-speed
ZF 845RE automatic | 8-speed ZF
8HP75 automatic | 6-speed
Aisin AS68RC automatic | 5-speed
Tremec TR-4050 manual }} |
Ram 1500 (DT) |
Ram Heavy Duty (fifth generation) }} }} The fourth-generation Dodge Ram was introduced at the 2008
North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This generation was sold as the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 starting in Fall 2008. The 2500 and 3500 pickups were added for 2010, and the 3500, 4500, and 5500 chassis cabs were added for 2011. In 2010, the Ram Trucks brand was separated from Dodge starting with the 2011 model year.
Chrysler LLC attempted to keep the Ram competitive in the market through various developments for the 2009 model, including a new four-door cab style offering, new suspension, a new
Hemi engine option, and the Rambox, a new storage system that allows secure storage inside the truck's bed walls. Later models have the Rambox system tied in with the
remote keyless system. In 2010, Ram was separated from Dodge, and made a separate marque. This was supposedly done so Dodge could focus more on passenger and performance cars. Despite having split from Dodge in 2010, it was actually still marketed as one until the 2013 refresh. From 2011 through 2018, Ram 2500/3500 models were marketed as having a "class-exclusive"
manual transmission option, as General Motors and Ford had discontinued manual transmissions for North American models for 2007 and 2011 respectively. The Ram 1500 (2010–2018), Ram 1500 Classic (2019–2024), Ram 2500 through 5500, and Ram DX chassis cab (Mexican market) were assembled at Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico. From 2009 to 2018, the Ram 1500 (DS) was assembled at
Warren Truck Assembly in Warren, Michigan, and the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 was also assembled at
Saint Louis Assembly in
Fenton, Missouri, until its closure in 2009.
Cab and bed options The Ram was available with three bed lengths (5.5', 6.3', and 8') and four cab styles. Regular cab models offered a 6.3' or 8' bed (with the former exclusive to the 1500), Quad Cab models were now exclusive to the 1500 and were only available with the 6.3' bed, and the all-new Crew Cab was available with the 5.5' (1500 only), 6.3', or 8' bed (2500/3500 only). The Mega Cab option was still available, but only remained on the heavy-duty models, and had a 6.3' bed. Improvements made from the previous generation meant the rear seats in the Mega Cab were now able to recline. Dual rear wheels were available with long-wheelbase Ram 3500 pickups as well as the Ram 3500 Mega Cab. For 2013, the Crew Cab became available with the 6.3' bed.
Handling A coil spring five-link rear suspension replaces the leaf springs for the 1500. This was the first traditional full-size pickup truck with rear coil springs since the
1972 Chevrolet/GMC C10 and C20 (although the
Chevrolet Avalanche, an SUV-based pickup truck, used rear coil springs).
Payload capacities The 2009 model's towing capacity was originally rated at for 2WD Ram 1500 with regular cab, long-bed, Hemi engine, 3.92 differential and 17-inch wheels, but the rating increased to without changing the setup. For the 2010 model, payload was increased by to for the regular cab 2WD model with the 3.7-liter V6 engine. Towing capacity for the regular cab Ram 1500 with 3.21 differential is rated at with 17-inch wheels and with 19-inch wheels. Crew Cab and Quad Cab models are rated at and respectively. GCWRs are for all Ram 1500s with 3.21 axles; max for 2WD Ram 1500 with long bed, 5.7L Hemi engine, and 3.92:1 rear axle ratio.
Heavy Duty Chassis Cab Chassis Cab versions were available on 3500, 4500, and 5500 models. The 3500 Heavy Duty model debuted at the 2009
Chicago Auto Show for the 2011 model year. Engine choices include the Hemi V8 rated at at 5,600 rpm and at 4,000 rpm for Ram 3500, and the 6.7 L Cummins turbo diesel rated at at 3,013 rpm and at 1,500 rpm for Ram 3500 (optional), 4500, and 5500. Late-model 2011 diesel trucks were uprated to of torque. Transmission choices included a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed
Aisin automatic. Both transmissions support the power take-off option. The 3500 model has the regular or crew cab with single or dual rear wheels. Four cab-axle lengths (60, 84, 108, and 120 inches) for 4500/5500 or two cab-axle lengths (60 and 84 inches) for 3500, and three trim levels (ST, SLT, and Laramie). The Ram 3500 has three axle ratios (3.42, 3.73, and 4.10) and 17" wheels. Ram 4500/5500 has three axle ratios (4.10, 4.44, and 4.88) and 19.5-inch wheels. The 4500/5500 Rams rear axle is a
Dana S 110. The front axle on 4×4 models is manufactured by
Magna, while 2-wheel-drive models have a solid, non-drive axle.
Concept truck The Ram concept truck "Long Hauler" from 2012 is mostly based on existing Ram truck parts. The powertrain, frame, and wheels are all components of the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab. It is a "Mega Cab" which is optional on the lighter Rams. The
GCWR for this truck is 37,500 lb and the weight of the truck is 9,300 lb.
Model year changes 2013 changes The 1500 receives a minor restyling. It features a new front fascia, optional projector-beam halogen headlamps with LED turn signals/parking lamps, wheels, and interior, where the "DODGE" name was removed from the dashboard and replaced with "RAM". All models offered for 2012 continue to be available for 2013 with the addition of a new high-end trim, the Laramie Longhorn Limited. The base ST model also becomes the Tradesman model. Other trim levels for 2013 include Express, SLT, Big Horn, Lone Star, Sport, R/T, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn. The RamBox cargo management system continues to be available on most models for 2013. The 1500 Crew Cab model is now available with the 6.3' box, although only with the 5.7 L Hemi V8. 2013 models have revised engine and transmission options. The 3.7 L V6 is discontinued, and the 4.7 L V8 equipped with the 6-speed 65RFE automatic takes its place as the new base engine, still producing and . New to the lineup is Chrysler's corporate 3.6 L Pentastar V6, coupled to the new
ZF 8-speed Torqueflite8 automatic. It achieves best-in-class fuel efficiency and makes and . The Pentastar/ZF 8-speed is optional. Thanks to a new electric power steering system, the Hemi V8 no longer has a power steering pump, and gains 5 horsepower, now making and . It is still available with the 65RFE 6-speed automatic, with the new 8-speed Torqueflite8 automatic optional.
Air suspension is optional for 2013 models, offering four ride height settings.
Electronic stability control becomes standard on 2500 and 3500 models. For 2013, the Ram is also the first North American pickup truck to offer
keyless ignition. New infotainment systems are available for the Ram 1500 for 2013: • The base Uconnect 3.0 (RA1) radio includes an AM/FM radio, Radio Data System (RDS), a monochrome
LCD screen, a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack, and a single USB port for charging purposes only. • The "up-level" Uconnect 5.0BT (RA2) radio adds a full-color, 5.0-inch color touch-screen display, voice control for the phone, a microSD card slot, Bluetooth for the phone, and A2DP wireless stereo audio streaming capabilities, and vehicle customization options on-screen. • The "top-of-the-line" radios are the Uconnect ACCESS 8.4A (RA3) and Uconnect ACCESS 8.4AN (RA4). These radios add a full-color, 8.4-inch color touch-screen display, full voice control, SiriusXM satellite radio, the Uconnect ACCESS System, featuring roadside assistance and 911 emergency call buttons on the rearview mirror, mobile app compatibility, remote USB ports for the integration of compatible devices, enhanced in-vehicle customization options, automatic notification of airbag deployment, concierge services, remote control via an app installed on a compatible smartphone, and the ability to add GPS navigation from Garmin for vehicles not equipped with the option from the factory (it is activated by a dealership for a fee, however, does not include SiriusXM Travel Link or 3D mapping). The Uconnect ACCESS 8.4AN (RA4) adds GPS navigation from Garmin,
HD Radio SiriusXM Travel Link, 3D mapping, and enhanced mobile app compatibility. The system also includes a built-in 3G internet router, allowing for wireless connection to the internet while the vehicle is parked with a monthly service subscription. The system can also be updated to add features via a USB stick inserted into one of the remote USB ports. Remote steering wheel-mounted controls are also included with this system. • Options such as a CD player (mounted in the center console of the vehicle), SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rearview backup camera can be added to any radio. File:Ram 1500 DS Crew Cab facelift 01 China 2014-04-24.jpg|2013 Ram 1500 front in China File:Ram 1500 DS Crew Cab facelift 02 China 2014-04-24.jpg|2013 Ram 1500 rear in China
3500 The 2013 models move up to 18" standard wheels, with 18"
forged Alcoa wheels as an option. 3500 models offer a High Output package for the diesel. The rear
differential ring gear is increased from 11.5" to 11.8" on H.O. trucks. The 11.8 axle cover doubles as a
heat sink.
4×4 Ram installed the
center axle disconnect (CAD) system into the 3500 4×4 models. Ram trucks did not have a CAD system until the 2014 models. Ram states this technology improves fuel economy by 1 MPG, although EPA fuel economy tests do not include trucks over 8,500 pounds GVWR. The 4×4 saw additional changes with the
transfer case now being made by
BorgWarner instead of
New Venture Gear.
High Fuel Efficiency A new model offered for the 2013 Ram was the HFE (High Fuel Efficiency). Based on the SLT model, the HFE offered 18/25 MPG out of its
Pentastar V6 engine and eight-speed
TorqueFlite transmission. It was available only on the two-wheel-drive regular cab model with a 6.3-foot bed. Standard features included a 220-amp alternator and an 800-amp battery to assist with the
start-stop system. A 3.21:1 rear axle ratio was also standard.
2014 changes Ram 1500 models added the option of a 3.0L
EcoDiesel V6. The cast iron, flex-fuel, 4.7L V8
Chrysler PowerTech engine was discontinued, ending Corsair engine production, leaving the Ram 1500 with two engine choices. The aluminum, flex-fuel 3.6L V6 Pentastar is now the base engine, along with the 8-speed Torqueflite transmission. The 3.6L V6 was now available on Laramie and Longhorn trims. Also for 2014, the Outdoorsman trim (first available in 2011) became available, particularly intended for drivers who hunt, fish, and camp, while the Mossy Oak special edition (first available in 2012) also returned. The Ram heavy-duty series of trucks (2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500) received a new interior design and revised exterior styling from the Ram 1500, which was restyled in 2013. There were also several mechanical changes: 2WD models now received solid front axles and recirculating-ball power steering, while 2500 models received rear coil springs and a rear air suspension option became available on 2500 and 3500 pickups.
2016 changes For 2016, the all-new Ram 1500
Rebel debuted, offering off-road suspension with a higher ride height, larger tires, and a unique interior to add to the Ram 1500
Big Horn and
Lone Star trim levels. It features a unique blacked-out grille with
powder-coated front bumper and exclusive aluminum hood,
skid plates, and
tow hooks. It is available with either a and 3.6L Pentastar VVT flex-fuel capable V6 engine or a and 5.7L Hemi V8 engine. Four-wheel drive is available with either powertrain, but the two-wheel-drive model is V8-only. The sole body configuration offered is a crew cab with a 5.5' bed. In addition to a totally new front clip, the 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 received new frames and updated interiors that borrowed heavily from the new DT 1500 interior. The Hemi 5.7L engine was dropped (except only Mexico-market Ram 4000), and the Hemi 6.4L becomes the base engine. For 2500 and 3500 pickups with the 6.4L, a ZF 8HP75-LCV 8-speed automatic is mated. The 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel returns in both Standard and High-Output form, but with a new
compacted graphite iron (CGI) block. Only automatic transmissions are available (except on Mexico-market Ram 4000).
2020 changes Tradesman, Express, SLT (fleet only), Warlock, Big Horn, and Laramie trims are available. A Black Appearance Package becomes available for the Warlock trim, which adds 20-inch black-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, and other black accents to the exterior of the truck. Flex-fuel capability in the V6 engine was removed.
2021 changes For 2021, the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock trim receives an Off-Road Package, which includes all-terrain tires, as well as unique aluminum-alloy wheels. Base Tradesman and Express trims receive a newly available Infotainment Package, which includes the Uconnect 4C 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The base Uconnect 3.0 and Uconnect 3.0BT radios are discontinued, as the Uconnect 3 5.0BT touchscreen radio becomes standard equipment on all models, also adding the Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free phone system with audio streaming and steering wheel-mounted phone controls as standard equipment on all models.
2022 changes For 2022, all Ram 1500 Classic models receive an optional upgraded Uconnect 5 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which now includes wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, as well as a new Android operating system. The older Uconnect 4C GPS navigation radio, as well as the Uconnect 3 5.0BT touchscreen radio, both remain available.
2023 changes For 2023, the regular cab short bed configuration and Express trim were dropped. Newly optional on both models (Tradesman and Warlock) is the new Uconnect 5
infotainment system with an 8.4-inch
touchscreen display, featuring wired and wireless
Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto smartphone integration as part of the Electronics Group. Both models still include the Uconnect 3 5.0BT touchscreen radio as standard equipment, and buyers can also still opt for the older Uconnect 4C 8.4-inch touchscreen GPS navigation and infotainment system.
2024 changes For 2024, the
EcoDiesel option was dropped. In addition, all versions come standard with a tailgate ajar warning; the Warlock package returned for the Tradesman trim which comes with black exterior trim, rear-locking differential, 1-inch raised suspension, performance-tuned shocks, and off-road gear, such as 33-inch tires, skid plates, and Bilstein front and rear performance-tuned shock absorbers.
Engines Plug-in hybrid A two-mode hybrid version was planned to begin production in 2010, but Chrysler decided to cancel it in favor of a smaller test fleet of 140
plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Rams developed with support from a million grant from the
U.S. Department of Energy financed through the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Chrysler PHEV pickup project has an estimated total cost of million. The RAM 1500 pickup PHEV was introduced at the January 2011
Washington Auto Show. The vehicle is part of a three-year demonstration program intended to field test and evaluate battery performance across a wide range of drive cycles and temperature ambients, and also to evaluate customer acceptance. The PHEV demonstrator pick-up trucks are assembled at the
Warren Truck Assembly plant in Michigan and the plug-in hybrid conversion takes place at the Chrysler Technology Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The demonstrators are being allocated for field testing among local and state governments, utility companies, and a US Army base. Chrysler has no plans for a production version. in Washington, DC. The Ram 1500 PHEV demonstrator has a 345 hp
Hemi V8 gasoline engine mated to a two-mode hybrid transmission and a 12.9
kWh 355V
lithium-ion battery from
Electrovaya. This setup allows an all-electric range of more than , but as a
blended plug-in hybrid, the RAM PHEV does not run exclusively all-electric during
EV mode. The fully charged plug-in starts off with
charge depletion with limited regeneration at the high end of the
state of charge (SoC). That ramps up to a full regenerative capability somewhere in the 70 to 95% range and depletes down to about 20%. Once depleted, it comes into a narrow
charge-sustaining range.
Special editions •
Dodge Ram R/T – A concept truck with a blue body, 22" forged wheels, SRT stripes, and a new front bumper with chin spoiler. It was unveiled in 2008 at the
SEMA Show. Production of the Dodge Ram R/T began for the 2009 model year. It is a regular cab, short bed, 2WD 1500 Ram with 22" wheels, a 4.10 final drive gear ratio (the only way to get a 4.10 rear in a 1500), an R/T badge in the lower-right corner of the grille, and a Hemi. It also has the performance hood from the Sport Appearance Package on other Ram Sport models, but does not have the striping package that the concept had. •
2014 Ram 1500 Urban Concept – The 2014 Ram 1500 Urban Concept features a Hemi V8 producing and of torque. The engine comes from the Dodge Challenger SRT8 which is paired with a 5-speed automatic
W5A580 transmission or a 6-speed manual
Tremec TR6060 transmission. The concept features a regular cab painted in dark blue clear coat with an off-center light blue stripe. It sits on 22" wheels painted "hyper black." •
2016 Ram Rebel – The Ram Rebel is the Ram 1500's off-road trim. It is available with the Hemi and 3.6 L Pentastar. The Rebel was available in the third quarter of 2015. •
2019 Ram Warlock – The reintroduction of the "Warlock" nameplate on the Ram 1500 Classic marks its return, having last been used as a trim package for the Dodge D/W series during the years 1976–1979. It is available with the Hemi and 3.6 L Pentastar. The Warlock was available in the first quarter of 2019.
Issues Fire incident, Hybrid, 2012 In September 2012, Chrysler temporarily suspended the demonstration program. All 109 Ram 1500 Plug-in Hybrids and 23
Chrysler Town & Country plug-in hybrids deployed by the program were recalled due to damage sustained by three separate pickup trucks when their 12.9 kWh battery packs overheated. The carmaker plans to upgrade the battery packs with cells that use a different lithium-ion chemistry before the vehicles go back into service. Chrysler explained that no one was injured from any of the incidents, and the vehicles were not occupied at the time, nor any of the minivans were involved in any incident, but they were withdrawn as a precaution. The demonstration is a program jointly funded by Chrysler and the U.S. Department of Energy that includes the first-ever factory-produced vehicles capable of reverse power flow. The experimental system would allow fleet operators to use their plug-in hybrids to supply electricity for a building during a power outage, reduce power usage when electric rates are high or even sell electricity back to their utility company. The company reported that the demonstration fleet had collectively accumulated 1.3 million miles (2.1 million km) before the vehicles were recalled. Chrysler also reported that the plug-in pickups delivered peak average fuel economy of , while the plug-in hybrid minivans delivered .
Safety The Ram comes standard with four-wheel
anti-lock disc brakes, side curtain airbags, and an
electronic stability program or ESP. In
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, the 2009 Ram received a
Good overall score in the frontal crash test, and a
Marginal score in the
side impact test, as well as the roof strength test. :1 strength-to-weight ratio: 2.97 :2 strength-to-weight ratio: 3.17 It received a 5-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA, however under later testing methods it received an overall 3-star rating. In the side-pole test it was given a single star rating, because of excessive forces to the thoracic region. While the Ram 1500 features standard side-curtain airbags it does not include
side torso airbags. The vehicle was redesigned and retested, and received a 5-star rating.
Gallery File:2009 Dodge RAM 1500 ST 4-door pickup -- NHTSA 01.jpg|2009 Dodge Ram 1500 ST Quad Cab File:2009 Dodge Ram SLT Big Horn Quad Cab.jpg|2009 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Big Horn Crew Cab File:2011 Ram Pickup -- 2011 DC.jpg|2011 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn File:Ram 1500 Hemi 2011 (14424604826).jpg|2011 Ram 1500 Regular Cab File:2015 RAM 2500 Heavy-Duty Mega Cab Power Wagon Laramie in Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl (Belterra), Front Left, 04-05-2023.jpg|2015 Ram 2500 Laramie Mega Cab == Fifth generation (2019; DT) ==