Ram Cummins Diesel: Complete Buying Guide
Everything You Need to Know About the Ram Cummins
Everything to know before you sign, engine options, trim levels, towing numbers, and what to inspect on a used Cummins, from the team that's serviced them in the Yakima Valley for over a century.
The Numbers that Matter on the Job Site
The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel has been the heavy-duty benchmark for towing and hauling for nearly two decades. Here's what the current High-Output configuration brings to a Ram 2500 or 3500.
430 HP
Maximum Output from the High-Output 6.7L Cummins I6
1,075 lb-ft
Best-in-class base diesel torque, delivered low in the rev range
36,610 lb
Max diesel towing on a properly equipped Ram 3500
10-Year / 100,000
Limited powertrain warranty
Gas Hemi vs. Standard Output Cummins vs. High-Output Cummins
Heavy-duty Ram trucks are ordered with one of two Cummins tunes, or a gas V8. The right one depends on how much you're actually going to tow.
| Engine | 6.4L HEMI V8 (Gas) | 6.7L Cummins (Standard Output) | 6.7L Cummins (High Output) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 405 hp | ~370 hp | 430 hp |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft | ~850 lb-ft | 1,075 lb-ft |
| Transmission | TorqueFlite 8-speed | TorqueFlite HD 8-speed | TorqueFlite HD 8-speed |
| Best For | Lower upfront cost, no DEF/DPF upkeep, lighter-duty towing | Everyday diesel driving with meaningful towing headroom over gas | Gooseneck/5th-wheel trailers, fleet and commercial-grade towing |
Finding the Right Trim for How Youāll Use It
Cummins diesel is available across nearly the entire Ram HD lineup. Trim mostly changes interior finish and convenience tech, the drivetrain underneath stays the same.
- Tradesman: The work-truck base trim. Vinyl or cloth interior, steel wheels available, built for fleets and job sites that care about capability over comfort.
- Big Horn/Lone Star: The volume seller. Cloth or leather-trimmed seats, larger touchscreen, chrome or Black Appearance package ā daily-driver comfort with full towing capability.
- Laramie: Leather seating, dual-zone climate, upgraded infotainment and driver-assist tech. Where most Cummins buyers land who want the engine and the comfort.
- Longhorn/Limited: Top-of-line finish ā premium leather, wood-tone trim, 12-inch digital cluster, and the fullest driver-assistance suite Ram offers.
- Warlock: Appearance and off-road specialty packages layered on top of a base trim. ā Power Wagon's diesel pairing is limited to the Ram 2500.
Ram Cummins Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need the High-Output Cummins, or is Standard Output enough?
If you're regularly pulling a gooseneck or fifth-wheel near or above your truck's rated capacity, the High-Output's extra torque and reinforced driveline earn their keep. For a daily driver that tows a boat or a bumper-pull trailer occasionally, Standard Output usually covers it with a lower price tag.
Is a Ram 2500 or 3500 the right choice for me?
The 2500 rides more like a truck you'll drive every day unloaded. The 3500, especially in dual-rear-wheel form, is built around maximum stability and towing capacity ā the right call if your trailer weight regularly pushes past 20,000 lb.
What does Cummins maintenance actually cost to keep up?
Budget for diesel-rated oil and filter changes roughly every 7,500ā10,000 miles, periodic DEF top-offs, and occasional fuel filter service. It's more involved than a gas HEMI, but the engine is built for high-mileage, high-load service life.
Should I buy new or a used Cummins truck?
New gets you the current warranty and the latest emissions and towing tech. A well-documented used Cummins with clean maintenance history can be excellent value, just have our service department verify tune and emissions-system condition before you commit.
Negotiable $200 dealer documentary service fee is included in the total sale price or capitalized cost. All prices plus applicable sales tax, title, and licensing. One vehicle unless otherwise noted and subject to prior sale without notice. Photo for illustration purposes only. See dealer for details. Price expires today.
Courtesy Transportation Vehicles have more miles than a normal retail unit.
MPG estimates on this website are EPA estimates; your actual mileage may vary. For used vehicles, MPG estimates are EPA estimates for the vehicle when it was new. The EPA periodically modifies its MPG calculation methodology; all MPG estimates are based on the methodology in effect when the vehicles were new (please see the Fuel Economy portion of the EPA's website for details, including a MPG recalculation tool).
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ā”Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request.
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Payload and Towing Disclaimer: Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.
Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.
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