When Ram Trucks invited automotive journalists to Las Vegas to test the 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, the message was clear: heavy duty capability no longer means sacrificing comfort or technology. For building contractors who depend on these trucks daily, the 2019 lineup delivers improvements across powertrain, ride quality, braking, and onboard technology. From the Tradesman work truck to the luxurious Limited model, Ram aimed to cover every segment of the construction market. This article examines what the 2019 Ram HD pickups offer builders and site supervisors, drawing on first drive impressions across towing, payload, and off-road courses near Red Rock Canyon. For context on where the broader pickup market is heading, see our coverage of Electric Work Trucks for Builders New Generation Pickups.
Powertrain Options and Performance for Heavy Duty Work
The most significant powertrain development in the 2019 Ram HD lineup is the optional 6.7-liter Cummins High Output turbodiesel. This engine produces 1,000 lb-ft of torque, available from first gear on the Ram 3500 when paired with the Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. In practical terms, this translates to a maximum towing capacity of 35,100 pounds on properly equipped 3500 models. During the first drive event, loaded trailers weighing up to 35,100 pounds were pulled behind the 3500, and the truck responded with confident, smooth pulling power from the first press of the pedal.
For contractors who prefer gasoline power or operate in regions where diesel is less accessible, the standard engine is a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides ample power for most construction site applications while offering a lower upfront cost compared to the diesel option.
Engine Comparison at a Glance
| Specification | 6.4L Hemi V8 | 6.7L Cummins Diesel | 6.7L Cummins High Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 410 hp | 370 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft | 850 lb-ft | 1,000 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic | Aisin 6-speed automatic |
| Max Towing (3500) | ~16,000 lbs | ~30,000 lbs | 35,100 lbs |
| Max Payload | ~4,000 lbs | ~6,500 lbs | 7,680 lbs |
| Best For | Light duty, lower cost | Regular heavy towing | Maximum capability jobs |
The diesel torque curve is what sets the Cummins apart for construction use. With peak torque arriving low in the rev range and sustained across a wide band, the 2019 Ram 3500 can maintain highway speeds under heavy load without constant downshifting. This matters on the job site when hauling heavy equipment, materials, or towing dump trailers across uneven terrain. For comparison with other heavy duty options, read about the Hybrid Gm Heavy Duty Pickups and Key Construction trends and see how the market is evolving.
Payload Capability and Braking System Upgrades
Payload capacity is often more important than towing for contractors who carry tools, materials, and crew equipment in the bed. The 2019 Ram 3500 with the Cummins High Output achieves a maximum payload rating of 7,680 pounds. During the test event, Ram set up trucks loaded to this capacity to demonstrate real-world performance. Carrying this much weight changes the handling dynamics of any pickup, and Ram addressed this with significant braking upgrades.
Braking System Enhancements
Increased load capacity creates confidence issues if the brakes do not feel up to the task. To address this, Ram designed a completely revised braking system for 2019 that includes:
- Larger calipers with increased clamping force for heavy-load stopping
- Upgraded brake booster providing higher hydraulic pressure
- Revised master cylinder tuned for consistent pedal feel under load
- Larger rotors front and rear for improved heat dissipation on long downgrades
These upgrades shortened stopping distances significantly compared to the previous generation. For a contractor hauling a fully loaded trailer down a highway grade, the improved brake feel and reduced fade provide greater safety and driver confidence. The braking system was calibrated to work optimally across the full payload range, meaning the truck stops predictably whether empty or at maximum capacity.
Payload Configurations by Model
- Ram 2500: Maximum payload approximately 4,000 lbs with gas engine, ideal for lighter construction loads and daily site runs
- Ram 3500 SRW (single rear wheel): Payload up to approximately 5,000 lbs, suitable for most contractor needs
- Ram 3500 DRW (dual rear wheel): Maximum payload of 7,680 lbs with Cummins High Output, designed for heavy equipment transport
The 2019 Ram HD chassis was engineered with stronger frame rails and upgraded suspension mounting points to handle these increased payloads reliably over the life of the truck. For more on how pickup capability is evolving, see our analysis of Half Ton Pickups Power Efficiently Toward the Future.
Suspension and Ride Quality Innovations
Heavy duty pickups have long carried a reputation for stiff, unforgiving ride quality when unladen. In the past, contractors accepted this as the price of payload and towing capability. Ram has been working to eliminate this tradeoff, and the 2019 models represent a significant step forward.
Rear Suspension Design
The Ram 2500 uses a five-link coil spring rear suspension that replaced the traditional leaf spring setup in the previous generation. This coil spring design provides superior axle location and allows for greater suspension articulation off-road. The Ram 3500 retains a Hotchkiss rear leaf spring configuration necessary for its higher payload capacity, but adds an optional air suspension system that dramatically improves the unladen ride.
By adding supplemental air bags, Ram engineers were able to use softer leaf springs for the primary load-bearing structure. The air bags then provide additional support when the truck is loaded, maintaining ride height and preventing sag. When the truck is empty, the air bags deflate partially, allowing more suspension movement and a smoother ride.
Frequency Response Damping Shocks
For 2019, Ram introduced Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks on all four corners of the HD pickup lineup. The valves inside an FRD shock automatically adjust according to the type of vertical wheel input. When encountering small, high-frequency bumps such as expansion joints or gravel roads, the shock valving softens to absorb the impact. On large, low-frequency inputs like potholes or loading dock transitions, the damping firms up to control body motion.
This technology is paired with progressive springs that offer a soft initial rate for comfort when unladen, with increasing stiffness deeper in the spring travel to support heavy loads. During the drive event, nearly an hour of twisty, bumpy two-lane canyon roads demonstrated that the trucks isolate passengers from rough surfaces well while remaining planted and stable in corners. The ride quality approaches automotive levels of comfort, the kind where you could drive on rough roads all day and not feel fatigued.
Cabin Noise Reduction
Perhaps the most notable impression from driving the 2019 Ram HD pickups was the noise level or rather the lack of it. Road noise was almost nonexistent. There were no rattles or squeaks. Engine noise remained minimal until heavy throttle application, and even then it was pleasantly muted. Ram claims active noise cancellation, anti-vibration devices, and acoustic glass in the front and side windows reduce interior noise by 10 dB compared to the previous generation. This makes a meaningful difference for contractors who spend hours behind the wheel traveling between job sites.
Technology and Camera Systems for Job Site Productivity
The technology revolution in pickup trucks has changed owner expectations, and Ram responded aggressively with the 2019 HD lineup. The centerpiece is a massive 12-inch touchscreen mounted in the center console running the Uconnect 4C NAV system. This fully configurable display can show one application such as the navigation map across the entire screen, or split into halves to run two applications simultaneously such as camera view and audio controls.
Camera Views for Trailer Connection and Maneuvering
The camera system is particularly useful for construction professionals who frequently connect and disconnect trailers. Key camera features include:
- Rear cab camera with grid lines for gooseneck and fifth wheel alignment, allowing the driver to back directly under the pin without a spotter
- Tailgate camera with zoom and grid lines for tag trailer hookup using pintle or ball hitches
- Side mirror cameras for extended view down the length of a trailer, with split-pane display showing both sides simultaneously
- 360-degree surround view for tight maneuvering on congested job sites
- Panning trailer view that can be adjusted left or right to see where the trailer is headed during backing
Safety and Convenience Systems
Safety features that originated on half-ton trucks have migrated to the heavy duty lineup. The 2019 Ram HD includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control with braking that works even when towing a 35,000-pound trailer, and blind spot warning that monitors vehicles alongside the truck and trailer combination. Spotter lights in the mirrors shine light down the sides of the trailer during backing maneuvers, improving visibility at night or in low-light conditions common on early morning job sites.
Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System
One of the most practical innovations for construction fleets is the trailer tire pressure monitoring system. The system can accept up to 12 sensors per trailer and support up to four different trailers, allowing a single truck to monitor the tires of multiple trailers in the fleet. When tire pressure drops 10 percent below the programmed threshold, the system issues a warning. This helps prevent blowouts on the highway and extends tire life, both significant concerns for contractors who haul heavy loads over long distances. To see how heavy duty pickups have evolved over the years, check our review of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Hd and Gmc Sierra Hd Pickups Refined Capability for Construction Professionals.
The 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 represent a meaningful evolution of the heavy duty pickup for construction professionals. With up to 35,100 pounds of towing capacity, 7,680 pounds of payload, a 1,000 lb-ft Cummins diesel option, and ride quality that redefines expectations for a heavy duty truck, these pickups offer genuine productivity gains for builders who depend on their trucks as mobile workshops. The technology package, particularly the camera systems and trailer monitoring features, addresses real pain points that contractors face daily. Whether spec’ing a basic Tradesman model for the crew or a fully loaded Longhorn for the fleet foreman, the 2019 Ram HD lineup delivers capability matched with comfort that lets drivers arrive at the job site ready to work.