Today, I’m going to do a 2-year owner review on my Ram 3500 dually. It’s got the Cummins engine. It’s actually been over two years, almost two and a half years, but I figured now’s a good time to do a 2-year owner review. I’ve put about 22,000 miles on the truck, and I bought this primarily for towing—you can see my fifth wheel over there in the background.
The format for today’s article is going to cover my likes and dislikes that I’ve had over the last two years. I’ll talk about some issues I’ve had and then conclude by answering the question: Would I buy it all over again?
If you didn’t catch my initial build article on the truck and you’re curious about the options I ordered, check that out first. I’ll put a card up and include a link in the description below.
Let’s start with the likes. I’ve got the hood open because when I think about all the likes I have on my truck, the Cummins 6.7 turbo diesel paired with the AISIN transmission is by far my favorite feature. This thing is an absolute towing monster. It really shines when you’ve got it hooked up to something like my big fifth wheel in the background.
My favorite thing about this setup is that when you’re towing heavy—whether driving down the highway or descending steep grades—at the end of the day, you don’t feel fatigued or exhausted, like you’ve been fighting to get the trailer to its destination. The way the engine and transmission work together, the exhaust brake, and the overall design centered around this engine make it a very comfortable towing experience.
My second like is the Night Edition package. This was a bit of a splurge when I ordered the truck, but I’m really glad I did it. The package deletes all the chrome on the truck and includes really nice black wheels. This is the first truck I’ve owned without chrome everywhere—chrome bumpers, chrome wheels, chrome mirrors, chrome door handles, etc. I love the monochrome look with everything painted. Even moving to the front of the truck, it looks sharp and very pronounced with the Night Edition package.
Next, let’s talk about the bench seat. Many people are surprised that I ordered my Laramie trim-level truck with a bench seat. But what I like about this option is that it’s not a true bench going all the way across. It adds a center jump seat, so you still have captain’s chairs with the same bucket seats, bolstering, comfort, and adjustability as you would with a center console. You get a sixth seat with a seatbelt, and when folded down, it serves as a console. RAM’s version leans more toward a console than a true bench seat, which I appreciate since I mostly use it in the down position.
Another feature I like is the 8.4-inch Uconnect screen. I opted out of the 12-inch screen and have been completely satisfied with the 8.4-inch version. The buttons below are easier to operate for me, and the screen size is more than enough. I primarily use Android Auto, and I find the Uconnect system very intuitive and easy to use. If RAM offered a wider landscape screen, I might appreciate that more, but the 8.4-inch size has been perfect for me.
I also appreciate all the safety features. I’m glad I ordered them with my truck—everything from adaptive cruise control to lane warning, the 360-degree camera, the rearview camera mirror, and collision avoidance. RAM’s approach to safety features, especially lane warning centering, is subtle and non-obtrusive. It’s particularly helpful with a large truck like a dually, providing greater visibility and ease of maneuvering in tight spaces.
The lighting package on this truck is another big plus. At night, everything is well-lit—headlights, mirror lights, and even additional lights that illuminate when turning at slower speeds. It makes a big difference in visibility and safety. I appreciate the attention to detail with the lighting, and the LEDs throughout the truck, including the rear taillights, add a sharp look.
Another big like is the EVIC cluster with the gauges and display. I prefer having an analog speedometer and RPM gauge on either side with a digital display in the center. It’s clean, simple, and intuitive. The digital display provides a wealth of information, and I find it very functional.
Finally, the air suspension is a feature I debated on before ordering but am glad I chose. It works seamlessly to level the truck, especially when towing a heavy load like my fifth wheel with 4,400 pounds of pin weight. It’s quiet, efficient, and offers control over the load, ensuring the truck stays level. It also improves ride comfort because there are fewer leaf springs in favor of airbags, which makes the unloaded ride more comfortable.
Now, let’s move on to the dislikes. The first one is the mirrors. I have to confess, when I first ordered the truck, I didn’t mind these mirrors because I was used to them from my previous RAM trucks. But after seeing the new mirrors on the 2024 models, I think they are a significant improvement over these older ones.
The next dislike is the DPF system, a common issue with all modern diesel trucks. The need to add DEF fluid and maintain the emissions system feels like a ticking time bomb—these systems are designed to fail at some point. It’s frustrating because it detracts from what would otherwise be a very reliable diesel truck.
Another dislike is the additional maintenance required, such as the dual fuel filters. I’ve gotten pretty efficient at replacing them, but it’s still another task to do compared to a gas truck. While it’s not extremely difficult, it is an extra maintenance item specific to diesel engines.
I also dislike the camera resolution. While I appreciate the 360-degree surround view for better visibility, the resolution is lacking. It feels like watching standard definition TV when you want 4K. I hope the next generation of RAM trucks addresses this by upgrading to higher-resolution cameras.
The last dislike is the missing step in the bumper. My previous Chevy dually had an integrated step in the bumper, which was very convenient. RAM does offer a fold-out step on one side of the truck, but I miss having that simple integrated step that provides easy access, especially to the fifth-wheel hitch.
As for issues, I’ve had a couple. The first is related to the check engine light and the DPF system. I mentioned earlier how these systems are bound to fail, and I did encounter some check engine lights related to the DPF system. I managed to sort it out on my own without going to the dealer, but it’s something to be aware of.
The second issue was an alignment problem. From the factory, the Nexen all-terrain tires I ordered wore unevenly, and it turned out the truck needed an alignment. I’ve heard that RAMs might be more prone to alignment issues from the factory, so it’s worth getting the alignment checked around 5,000 miles if you get one of these trucks. This issue was relatively easy to fix but did require a new set of tires.
Other than those two main issues and a few recalls handled under warranty, the truck has been very reliable. I haven’t experienced any electrical, transmission, or engine issues, and the build quality has held up well.
Would I Buy it Again?
So, would I buy the Ram 3500 all over again after owning it for two years? Absolutely, yes. When I ordered the truck in 2021, RAM had significant advantages over the competition, especially in terms of design, both inside and out. This is my fourth RAM truck, so I’m familiar with the brand’s design and build quality.
Even today, I’d choose the RAM 3500 again, especially in the dually diesel category. I think the Cummins engine paired with the AISIN transmission is a strong selling point. Ford and GM have caught up in some areas, but when it comes to towing heavy loads with a dually, RAM still holds its own.
If I were considering a single rear wheel truck or a gas truck, I might have different opinions, but for now, in the dually diesel category, I’d definitely buy this truck again.
In conclusion, I’m very satisfied with my Ram 3500 after two years of ownership. It’s not perfect, but it performs exceptionally well for heavy towing and offers a comfortable ride. RAM is likely to introduce some exciting updates in the next year or two, but even in its current form, this truck stands strong against the competition.
If you have any questions about the truck, feel free to drop a comment below. And if you haven’t subscribed yet, hit that subscribe button. Thanks for watching!
