We’ve had our truck for over six months now, and while we thought it would be paired with our dreamer camper at this point, we’re grateful to have had a nice, long time to grow accustomed to driving without it.
Like any new vehicle, it took some time to adjust to the driving experience, quirks, and joys of our 2024 Ram 3500. After half a year, however, we feel like we have a pretty strong grasp of its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the things we like and dislike about it.
There’s no doubt that some of these pros and cons come down to personal preference, so don’t take our word as gold. With that in mind, let’s dive into what we love about our Ram 3500 Big Horn.
Things to know:
We’ve had our 2024 Ram 3500 Big Horn for over six months, and there are a handful of things that we absolutely love about it. Here, we’ll share our opinion on the best features of Ram trucks.
The best features of our Ram 3500
Is Cummins the best diesel engine?
We can’t say for sure, but we know we absolutely love it. Our Ram came equipped with the high-output 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, which is good for 420 horsepower and 1,075 pound-feet of torque. Yeah, that’s a lot!
Our truck has no shortage of power, that’s for sure.
The power is noticeable, especially on grades and when passing at highway speeds. The turbo spools, you hear that trademark diesel whistle, and next thing you know, you’re off like a rocket ship. It is addictive, and we love how it gives us a little extra boost on the highway to drive defensively and get out of questionable situations before they devolve.
While we don’t have the camper yet, we know that’s when we’ll truly appreciate the power of the Cummins. We can’t wait to experience it under load!
What gas mileage does a Ram 3500 get?
When people see our big ol’ truck and hear about our plans to travel full-time, one of the first questions is, “What kind of gas mileage do you get?”
This is a loaded question because it is affected by a variety of factors ranging from elevation and load to tire type and pressure. So, we can only give you our findings so far with the caveat that they are likely to change once we have the camper.
As is, we average between 18.5 and 20 miles per gallon on the highway. With mixed driving, we are around 15 to 16 mpg.
You don’t buy a big truck for the gas mileage, but we’re happy with our Ram’s efficiency so far.
What factors should you be aware of when interpreting those numbers? Our truck is factory height, but is equipped with aggressive all-terrain tires that are slightly larger than 35”. Most of our driving has been mostly unloaded, and we are on the East Coast where highway speeds are around 70 miles per hour.
While we did decrease our gas mileage by around 10% when we opted for much more aggressive tires, we are very happy with our Ram 3500 fuel economy so far, especially after driving Jeeps for so long!
Vehicle storage galore
Forget, for a moment, the 8’ bed this behemoth of a truck is equipped with. The interior alone has enough storage to transport a one-bedroom apartment, and we’re hardly exaggerating.
The cabin of our Ram 3500 has a generous center console, upper and lower glove boxes, in-floor storage boxes, underseat storage, and even a fold-flat floor (which we bought used). While we do have some complaints (looking at you, center console), the sheer volume of storage available in the cab is shocking.
Not only does this give us ample opportunity to transport all of Chowder’s very necessary and not at all excessive belongings, but it also gives Riley the opportunity to do what he loves–organize our lives. When we’re fully nomadic, all of this organized storage will be truly invaluable.
Interior comfort and styling
While we’re on the topic of the interior, we love both the design and functionality the cabin of the Ram 3500 offers. From silly things like loving the column shifter to more practical features like the adjustable headrests, there is a lot to like inside the Ram.
A few of the highlights are:
The seats are phenomenal. They’re exceptionally comfortable, and make long drives more than bearable.
The adjustable headrests contribute to the overall comfort of the seats.
The interior is spacious and doesn’t feel claustrophobic, even after hours on the road.
The dash is nicely appointed, and we appreciate the analog dials.
The auxiliary switches allow for easy wiring and control of accessories.
How does the Ram 3500 drive?
Looking at the Ram from the exterior, you would assume it is cumbersome and difficult to drive thanks to its size and long wheelbase. In some ways, you would be correct.
Smooth enough to enjoy a Baconator on the go.
In many respects, however, the 3500 is a joy to drive. On the highway, it simply glides, making the miles fly by without beating you up over the course of hours. The visibility from the driver’s seat is also superb thanks to the redesigned mirrors, large windows, and suite of cameras.
Contributing to our positive driving impressions–particularly on the highway–is the exhaust brake. This feature provides additional braking power, helps hold your speed on steep descents, and should be a game-changer once the truck is equipped with a camper. It’s one of the top highlights of the truck overall.
The best-looking HD truck
Here’s where things get really subjective. We strongly feel that Ram makes the best-looking trucks in the HD segment. There, we said it–let the debate commence.
The exterior design of the Ram 3500 is aggressive and bold, with tall, strong shoulders, a looming grille, and a stance that appears ready to pounce. Factor in the new mirrors, and we think the styling is nearly perfect.
The Ram stylish is top-notch, if you ask us.
Shockingly, we even prefer the long bed. In the past, we thought they looked a little silly, but after experiencing the functionality of an 8’ bed and seeing the side profile of the 3500 every day, we’ve grown to adore it. Now, standard beds just don’t look quite right!
If it isn’t apparent by now, allow us to say it plainly–we LOVE our new Ram. While we do have a list of things we wish were different (tune in next week for that one), we are ecstatic about our choice and have no regrets so far. You can also check out the video below for a more in-depth look at everything we like (and dislike) about the truck.
With our camper nearing completion, the Ram will soon fulfill its purpose of being the foundation for our home on wheels. We can’t wait to see the finished product and share the results with you. It’s going to be epic!
Until then, feel free to drop your thoughts below, check out our adventures on Instagram and YouTube, and otherwise join us on this exciting journey of full-time travel we are about to embark on.
All our best,
- Riley + Hanna