2018 RAM 3500

First, choose from a regular, crew, or mega cab. Then, take your pick from a truck bed ranging from 6 feet 4 inches to 8 feet in length. Third, decide whether you want a model with two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Once you've done that, you'll find it much easier to choose from a lineup boasting trims such as the Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited. Among these standard trims, elements such as automatic headlamps and trailer tow mirrors are basic inclusions. The exterior is further accented with a body-color fuel filler door and a fixed long mast antenna. Don't forget to browse the optional accessories, too. Test out a set of fog lamps or LED bed lighting. Or, how about decking out the back with a pickup box or spray-in bed liner.

Pick your ideal hardware from a list of three highly capable engines. The first is a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 pushing out 383 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The second is a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 outputting 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The biggest engine is a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel producing 385 horsepower and 930 pound-feet of torque. All are nicely matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. However, a six-speed manual and Aisin six-speed automatic are optional. The latter can handle a higher output and is ideally suited for the turbo-diesel unit.

As a heavy-duty vehicle, you bet the 2018 Ram 3500 has what it takes to haul trailers and equipment like a boss. For one, it comes with a seven-pin wiring harness and a top diesel towing capacity of 31,210 pounds. Second, its maximum gas payload of 7,350 pounds is also impressive. Let's not forget what makes this pickup a pro over uneven terrain: a strong suspension system. The Ram 3500 boasts a three-link front suspension and leaf-spring rear suspension. Performance is further enhanced with a front stabilizer bar and front and rear heavy-duty shock absorbers.

Need ample passenger seating? The Ram 3500 seats up to five with a crew or mega cab configuration. Want to keep sun exposure to a minimum? Enjoy the perfect protection via a tinted windshield and tinted glass windows. How about a modern multimedia hub? You'll find a remote USB port and audio jack input for your iPod or smartphone as standard, while a nine-speaker Alpine sound system with sub woofer, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity are optional.

The 2018 Ram 3500 is equally equipped to handle passenger safety as it does demanding workloads and road conditions. It features basics such as supplemental side-curtain air bags, a rear back-up camera, and a speed control system. Not satisfied just yet? Perhaps the available security alarm and rear park assist are enough to change your mind. Not to mention the Department of Transportation even offers Ram 3500 owners a roadside safety kit designed to help in emergency situations. Its tools include a fire extinguisher, red vinyl flags, reflecting triangles, and spare fuses.