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So you’ve got your eye on a RAM 3500 Heavy Duty truck. Can’t blame you – these aren’t your average pickups. When you need to tow something massive or haul serious payload, these beasts are built for the job.

We’ve been helping folks around Ohio find the right truck setup for decades here at Paul Sherry, and we’ve noticed most buyers have the same questions. Before you pull the trigger on that shiny new RAM 3500, here’s what you should be thinking about.

1. How Much Are You Really Towing?

Be honest with yourself here. We’ve all got plans and dreams about what we might tow someday, but what are you actually going to hook up to that hitch next week?

If you’re regularly pulling a 15,000+ pound trailer, your needs are different than someone who occasionally tows a boat. The RAM 3500 comes in so many configurations because not everyone needs the same capability.

Ask yourself:

• What’s the heaviest thing you’ll tow regularly?
• Will you be using a regular hitch or a fifth-wheel/gooseneck?
• Do you haul on flat highways or tackle mountain passes?

There’s no shame in admitting you don’t need the absolute max towing capacity. Better to get the right truck for your actual needs than pay extra for capabilities you’ll never use.

2. One Set of Rear Wheels or Two?

This one’s pretty straightforward but makes a big difference in your day-to-day life with the truck.

Single rear wheel (SRW) might be better if:

• You drive in the city or tight spaces a lot
• You want to spend less on tires
• You usually park in normal-sized spots
• Your trailer isn’t pushing the upper limits

Dually (DRW) makes more sense when:

• You’re towing the big stuff regularly
• You want the most stable towing experience possible
• You need maximum payload capacity
• You don’t mind the wider turning radius

I had a customer last year who was dead-set on a dually until he realized he couldn’t fit it in his garage. Small details matter!

3. Gas or Diesel Engine?

This isn’t as simple as “diesel is better for towing” anymore. Both options have their place:

The 6.4L HEMI V8 gas engine works great if:

• You want to save several thousand dollars upfront
• Your heavy towing is occasional rather than constant
• You make lots of short trips
• You hate the idea of dealing with DEF fluid

The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel makes sense when:

• You tow heavy loads regularly and for long distances
• You put tons of miles on your trucks
• You appreciate that mountain-moving torque
• You’re thinking about resale value down the road

Don’t just automatically check the diesel box because someone told you it’s what “real truck guys” do. Be practical about your actual needs and driving habits.

4. How Many People Are Usually in Your Truck?

The RAM 3500 gives you three cab choices:

Regular Cab: Just you and maybe one passenger? This no-frills option maximizes your bed length and payload capacity.

Crew Cab: Need to haul a work crew or family? Four full-sized doors and decent back seat space.

Mega Cab: Got basketball players for kids or spend hours with your crew in the truck? This thing’s got living room-like space in the back.

Remember that as cab size goes up, either bed length or maneuverability has to give. No free lunch here – just trade-offs based on your priorities.

5. Are You Adding Any Special Equipment?

Thinking about customizing your truck? Consider:

• Adding a gooseneck hitch? There’s a factory prep package for that.
• Planning to mount a service body or flatbed? Chassis cab might be your answer.
• Need to run hydraulic equipment? PTO capability matters.
• Considering a snowplow? Make sure to get the plow prep package.

It’s always cheaper and easier to get the right factory options than to retrofit things later. Trust me on this one – I’ve seen plenty of people learn this lesson the expensive way.

6. How Hard Will You Actually Work This Truck?

Be realistic about your truck’s daily life:

• Putting 40,000+ miles a year on it? Prioritize comfort and durability features.
• Using it primarily as a weekend warrior? You might be fine with simpler options.
• Spending hours idling at job sites? Engine cooling capacity matters.
• Driving mostly highway miles? Cruise control and comfort features are worth it.

The person who uses their truck to tow a camper three weekends a year has different needs than someone who pulls a heavy trailer daily for work. No judgment either way – just different trucks for different jobs.

7. What’s the Real Budget (Not Just the Purchase Price)?

This is where folks sometimes get themselves in trouble. That sticker price is just the beginning:

• Insurance might jump more than you expect, especially for higher-priced models
• Fuel costs vary significantly between gas and diesel
• Six tires cost more to replace than four (dually owners know this pain)
• Maintenance schedules and costs differ between engines

We’ve seen people stretch their budget to get the fanciest RAM 3500 on the lot, then struggle with operating costs. Sometimes, a well-equipped lower trim level is the smarter financial move in the long run.

Come Talk Trucks With Us

At Paul Sherry, we’re not interested in selling you just any RAM 3500. We want to sell you the RIGHT RAM 3500 for YOUR needs.

Bring your questions, your towing specs, and even your skepticism. We’re truck people who speak plain English, not salespeople with rehearsed pitches.

Stop by our dealership in Piqua to check out what we have in stock, or give us a call at (937) 778-0830 if you’re looking for something specific. We’ve been helping Ohio find the right trucks since 1968, and we’d be happy to help you too.

Check Out Our Current RAM 3500 Inventory

Want to talk through your specific situation? Our truck specialists don’t bite – give us a call or stop by the dealership. No pressure, just straight talk about great trucks.