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Used 2017 Ram 3500 Mega Cab Trims Comparison

Trim level differences

Like many heavy-duty pickups, the 2017 Ram 3500 is available in multiple configurations. There are three cab styles, two bed lengths, three engines, two transmissions, and six trim levels: Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited. At one end of the spectrum is the Tradesman, a minimal-frills workhorse. At the other, the Limited, which widens the boundaries of big-truck luxury.

Cab styles include a two-door regular cab, a four-door crew cab, and a four-door jumbo crew cab called Mega Cab. The regular cab comes with an 8-foot bed only, while the crew cab has either the long bed or a short bed (6 feet 4 inches). The Mega Cab rides on the same wheelbase as the crew-cab long bed but combines an even bigger cabin with the short bed.

Most 3500s come with a 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engine (383 horsepower, 400 pound-feet of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A modified version of this engine runs on compressed natural gas and produces identical power figures to the gasoline version.

The 3500 is available with either rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. There are two optional engines: A 6.4-liter V8 (410 hp, 429 lb-ft of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel six-cylinder. The latter makes 350 hp and 660 lb-ft when matched to a six-speed manual transmission. When paired with a six-speed automatic, those numbers are 370 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque. There's even a heavy-duty six-speed auto that churns out 385 hp and 900 pound-feet.

Tradesman and SLT trims are available with all three cabs, while the Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited versions can only be ordered with crew and Mega cabs.

The Tradesman is the most basic trim and comes with 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, black grille and bumpers, a locking tailgate, a 40/20/40-split front bench, a tilt-only steering wheel, and a six-speaker stereo with a USB port and an auxiliary audio input. Vinyl upholstery and flooring are standard, but a cloth bench seat is a no-cost option. Power windows and locks (including the locking tailgate) are standard on crew-cab models, as are power heated mirrors. Regular cabs have manual controls and non-heated mirrors by default. Available for the Tradesman and geared toward commercial users is Work Grade heavy-duty vinyl upholstery.

The SLT adds chrome exterior trim, 18-inch steel wheels, an integrated trailer brake controller, power heated mirrors, a power-sliding rear window (manual on regular cabs), keyless entry, an overhead console, cloth upholstery, carpeted floors, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen interface and satellite radio.

The Big Horn (Lone Star for shoppers in Texas) adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, chrome grille slats, foglights, remote ignition, a 115-volt power outlet, a 10-way power driver seat (with power lumbar adjustment), premium cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

The Laramie builds off the Big Horn/Lone Star and adds a standard 6.4-liter V8, two-tone paint, more chrome trim (including the bumpers), projector headlights, LED taillights, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, driver-seat memory settings, a six-way power front passenger seat (with power lumbar adjustment), heated and ventilated front bucket seats, a heated steering wheel and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system. The limited-slip differential is dropped as standard equipment but is available as an option.

The Laramie Longhorn adds to the Laramie's substantial features list by including a chrome mesh grille, cream-colored bumpers, running boards, a spray-in bedliner, remote ignition, a full center console, upgraded leather upholstery, wood interior and steering wheel trim, power-adjustable pedals (with memory settings), heated rear seats, a navigation system and HD radio.

The Limited trim adds monotone paint, color-keyed bumpers, 20-inch wheels, additional chrome exterior trim, automatic high-beams, automatic wipers, the RamBox cargo management system (includes bedside storage compartments, an adjustable bed divider and tie-downs), keyless entry and ignition, and special black leather upholstery.

Many upper trim features are available on lower trim levels as options. Other option highlights include a load-leveling suspension, a cargo-view camera, fifth-wheel trailer preparation, off-road tires, a CD player and a sunroof.

Which 3500 trim does Edmunds recommend?

Given the multiple ways to configure a Ram 3500, it's tricky to recommend any single trim. Need a dependable daily truck that doesn't require much fuss? The Tradesman with a split bench seat and power accessories. Need something comfortable to take clients to job sites or pull the toy hauler in style? The Laramie Longhorn or Limited with the 5th Wheel/Towing Prep pack will do. A daily driver that can do weekend dirty work? The SLT Crew Cab with a short bed. Whatever your needs, there's likely a Ram 3500 to suit it.

Compare trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Spring, TX
Vehicle
3500 SLT
3500 Lone Star
3500 Big Horn
3500 Laramie
3500 Laramie Longhorn
3500 Limited
Vehicle
SLT
5.7L 8cyl 6A
See all 3500 SLT for sale
Lone Star
5.7L 8cyl 6A
See all 3500 Lone Star for sale
1 for sale near you
Big Horn
5.7L 8cyl 6A
See all 3500 Big Horn for sale
Laramie
5.7L 8cyl 6A
See all 3500 Laramie for sale
2 for sale near you
Limited
5.7L 8cyl 6A
See all 3500 Limited for sale
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Section Title

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Bluetooth
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Navigation
optional
optional
optional
optional
standard
standard
Satellite radio
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Keyless Ignition
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
optional
optional
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Parking assistance
optional
optional
optional
standard
standard
standard
Upholstery
cloth
cloth
cloth
leather
premium leather
premium leather
Heated seats
optional
optional
optional
standard
standard
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
standard
standard
standard
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Sunroof
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Drivetrain
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
Engine power
383 hp @ 5,600 rpm
383 hp @ 5,600 rpm
383 hp @ 5,600 rpm
383 hp @ 5,600 rpm
383 hp @ 5,600 rpm
383 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Engine torque
400 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
400 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
400 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
400 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
400 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
400 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine displacement
5.7 l
5.7 l
5.7 l
5.7 l
5.7 l
5.7 l
Engine configuration
v8
v8
v8
v8
v8
v8
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automatic
6-speed shiftable automatic
6-speed shiftable automatic
6-speed shiftable automatic
6-speed shiftable automatic
6-speed shiftable automatic
Tire size
275/70R18
275/70R18
275/70R18
275/70R18
275/70R18
285/60R20
Wheel size
18 X 8.0-in
18 X 8.0-in
18 X 8.0-in
18 X 8.0-in
18 X 8.0-in
20 X 8.0-in
Wheel type
steel wheels
polished alloy wheels
polished alloy wheels
polished alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
31.0 gal.
31.0 gal.
31.0 gal.
31.0 gal.
31.0 gal.
31.0 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
Fuel Type
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
50.7 ft.
50.7 ft.
50.7 ft.
50.7 ft.
50.7 ft.
50.7 ft.
Curb weight
6,720 lb.
6,720 lb.
6,720 lb.
6,670 lb.
6,720 lb.
6,720 lb.
Ground Clearance
7.3 in.
7.3 in.
7.3 in.
7.3 in.
7.3 in.
7.3 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
Overall Width without Mirrors
79.1 in.
79.1 in.
79.1 in.
79.1 in.
79.1 in.
79.1 in.
Height
78.3 in.
78.3 in.
78.3 in.
78.3 in.
78.3 in.
78.3 in.
Length
248.4 in.
248.4 in.
248.4 in.
248.4 in.
248.4 in.
248.4 in.
Bed Length
6'4”
6'4”
6'4”
6'4”
6'4”
6'4”
Wheelbase
160.0 in.
160.0 in.
160.0 in.
160.0 in.
160.0 in.
160.0 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
Front Head Room
41.0 in.
41.0 in.
41.0 in.
41.0 in.
41.0 in.
41.0 in.
Front Leg Room
41.0 in.
41.0 in.
41.0 in.
41.0 in.
41.0 in.
41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room
66.0 in.
66.0 in.
66.0 in.
66.0 in.
66.0 in.
66.0 in.
Rear Head Room
40.3 in.
40.3 in.
40.3 in.
40.3 in.
40.3 in.
40.3 in.
Rear Leg Room
43.3 in.
43.3 in.
43.3 in.
43.3 in.
43.3 in.
43.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
65.7 in.
65.7 in.
65.7 in.
65.7 in.
65.7 in.
65.7 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Average Cost Per Mile
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Depreciation
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Financing
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Taxes & Fees
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Insurance
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Maintenance
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Repairs
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Section Title

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Interior
Canyon Brown/Light Frost Beige, cloth
Canyon Brown/Light Frost Beige, premium cloth
Black/Diesel Gray, cloth
Black/Diesel Gray, premium cloth
Canyon Brown/Light Frost Beige, cloth
Canyon Brown/Light Frost Beige, premium cloth
Black/Diesel Gray, cloth
Black/Diesel Gray, premium cloth
Canyon Brown/Light Frost Beige, cloth
Canyon Brown/Light Frost Beige, premium cloth
Black/Diesel Gray, cloth
Black/Diesel Gray, premium cloth
Black, leather
Canyon Brown/Light Frost Beige, leather
Canyon Brown/Light Frost Beige, premium leather
Black/Cattle Tan, premium leather
Black, premium leather
Exterior
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat
Low Vol Detonator Yellow Clear Coat
Low Vol Bright Green
Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat
Low Vol Bright Red
Low Vol Light Cream
Low Vol Hills Green
Low Vol Construction Yellow
Low Vol Midnight Blue Pearl Coat
Low Vol School Bus Yellow
Low Vol Omaha Orange
Low Vol National Safety Yellow
True Blue Pearl Coat
Low Vol Tree Green
Low Vol Yellow
Low Vol Timberline Green Pearl Coat
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Bright White Clear Coat
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Blue Streak Pearl Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat
Low Vol Power Tan
Low Vol Robin Egg Blue
Low Vol Light Green
Low Vol Holland Blue
Low Vol Agriculture Red
Flame Red Clear Coat
Low Vol Black Clear Coat
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat
Low Vol Detonator Yellow Clear Coat
Low Vol Bright Green
Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat
Low Vol Bright Red
Low Vol Light Cream
Low Vol Hills Green
Low Vol Construction Yellow
Low Vol Midnight Blue Pearl Coat
Low Vol School Bus Yellow
Low Vol Omaha Orange
Low Vol National Safety Yellow
True Blue Pearl Coat
Low Vol Tree Green
Low Vol Yellow
Low Vol Timberline Green Pearl Coat
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Bright White Clear Coat
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Blue Streak Pearl Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat
Low Vol Power Tan
Low Vol Robin Egg Blue
Low Vol Light Green
Low Vol Holland Blue
Low Vol Agriculture Red
Flame Red Clear Coat
Low Vol Black Clear Coat
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat
Low Vol Detonator Yellow Clear Coat
Low Vol Bright Green
Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat
Low Vol Bright Red
Low Vol Light Cream
Low Vol Hills Green
Low Vol Construction Yellow
Low Vol Midnight Blue Pearl Coat
Low Vol School Bus Yellow
Low Vol Omaha Orange
Low Vol National Safety Yellow
True Blue Pearl Coat
Low Vol Tree Green
Low Vol Yellow
Low Vol Timberline Green Pearl Coat
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Bright White Clear Coat
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Blue Streak Pearl Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat
Low Vol Power Tan
Low Vol Robin Egg Blue
Low Vol Light Green
Low Vol Holland Blue
Low Vol Agriculture Red
Flame Red Clear Coat
Low Vol Black Clear Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat
Blue Streak Pearl Coat/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat/Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Bright White Clear Coat/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Flame Red Clear Coat/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
True Blue Pearl Coat
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Pearl White/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
True Blue Pearl Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Bright White Clear Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Pearl White/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Pearl White
True Blue Pearl Coat/Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Bright White Clear Coat
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Blue Streak Pearl Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat
Flame Red Clear Coat
True Blue Pearl Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat
Bright White Clear Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Pearl White/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat/RV Match Walnut Brown Metallic Clear Coat
True Blue Pearl Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat/White Gold Clear Coat
Pearl White/White Gold Clear Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat/White Gold Clear Coat
Bright White Clear Coat/White Gold Clear Coat
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat/White Gold Clear Coat
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat/White Gold Clear Coat
Pearl White
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Bright White Clear Coat
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat
Flame Red Clear Coat
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat
Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat
True Blue Pearl Coat
Luxury Brown Pearl Coat/White Gold Clear Coat
Pearl White/White Gold Clear Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat/White Gold Clear Coat
Bright White Clear Coat/White Gold Clear Coat
Delmonico Red Pearl Coat/White Gold Clear Coat
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat/White Gold Clear Coat
Pearl White
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Bright White Clear Coat
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat
Flame Red Clear Coat