Three Things to Know Before Buying a Ram Truck

So you’ve decided that you’re going to purchase a Ram truck. Good choice! However, the decision isn’t that cut and dry. There are several decisions you’ll have to make regarding your new pickup, and it’s important to understand how these choices will impact your new purchase.

For instance, you’re going to want to understand the differences between a heavy duty and light duty truck, and it’s in your best interest to understand terms like “payload” or “Cross Combined Vehicle Weight.” Each of these factors will influence how your vehicle operates, and you’ll be doing yourself quite the disservice by ignoring these various factors.

Luckily, we’ve helped answer some of those confusing questions. When you’ve finished reading, you’ll be fully prepared to pursue Ram trucks in Miami …

Heavy Duty vs Light Duty

This is a rather obvious difference, as a heavy duty truck is predictably better able to tow hulking, heavy cargo. However, we’re certainly not implying that the light duty isn’t still a capable pickup. The Ram 1500 is a perfectly competent vehicle, pumping out 1,900-pound max payload and a 10,650-pound towing capacity.

Still, as we mentioned, the Ram 2500 and 3500 offer the best specs. With a 7,390-pound max payload and a 31,210-pound max towing capacity, these heavy duty trucks are the perfect option for the worksite. You’ll be able to haul anything behind your pickup, whether it be a horse trailer or even an RV.

Know Your Desired Weight

The Cross Combined Vehicle Weight (CCVW) will clue you into how much the vehicle can hold. It takes into account the curb weight (how much your vehicle weighs), the cargo weight, and the passengers’ weight. If you’re going to be hauling something, it will also calculate the weight of your trailer and cargo.

This is when those payload numbers come into play. The payload accounts for the passengers and the cargo, while the Gross Vehicle Weight accounts for the vehicle’s overall weight. You’ll want to make sure these numbers match or fall below the CCVW, or else you’ll be eyeing an uneven, bumpy ride.

Axle Ratio

Do you value maximum fuel efficiency or maximum towing power? Those are the attributes you’ll have to juggle as you choose your truck’s ideal axle ratio.

Essentially, a higher ratio will result in better towing power and acceleration, factors that may be important if you have short, time-sensitive commutes. Meanwhile, a lower axle will improve the vehicle’s fuel economy, while also reducing the amount of cabin noise. If you have a lengthy commute, this may be the better option.

Regardless of whether you’ll be utilizing your new truck for personal use or for work, it’s important to understand what each of these terms means. While you may be inclined to deemphasize these truck attributes, you’ll eventually learn that they play an important role in your vehicle’s operations.

So, if you’re going to be purchasing a Ram truck, do yourself a favor and understand the differences between heavy duty/light duty, CCVW and GVW, and axle ratios. Trust us, you’ll be happy that you took the extra time to do the research in the interest of finding your perfect Ram truck.

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