When you need a heavy-duty pickup capable of moving massive loads without flinching, the 2018 Ram 3500 dually stands out as a workhorse built for serious towing. Equipped with the legendary 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine, this truck delivers up to 930 lb-ft of torque and a maximum towing capacity reaching 31,210 pounds. It balances brute commercial-grade strength with surprisingly refined cabin options, making it a practical choice for farm work, heavy construction, or full-time RV hauling.
Choosing a dual-rear-wheel setup means prioritizing stability under heavy loads over tight-space maneuverability. Let's break down what makes the 2018 model tick, how its configurations stack up, and what you should watch out for when shopping for one today.
Performance and Engine Lineup
Under the hood, the 2018 Ram 3500 offered choices tailored to different working demands. While single-rear-wheel configurations could be had with gas engines, dually models were overwhelmingly paired with heavy-duty powertrains built to handle persistent stress.
The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel
The crown jewel of the lineup is the inline-six Cummins diesel. Paired with the heavy-duty Aisin six-speed automatic transmission, it churns out 385 horsepower and a massive 930 lb-ft of torque at lower RPMs. This setup gives the dually its legendary pulling power. The exhaust brake system is a standout feature for mountain driving, using turbo geometry to slow heavy loads safely without burning through your wheel brakes.
Transmission Options
Depending on the specific configuration you choose, you'll encounter a few different transmissions:
- Aisin AS69RC HD Automatic: Built for the high-output diesel variants, handling extreme torque loads effortlessly.
- 68RFE Six-Speed Automatic: Standard on the regular output Cummins, reliable for standard towing duties.
- G56 Six-Speed Manual: A rare find in 2018 models, appreciated by purists who prefer complete control over gear selection.
Towing and Payload Capabilities
The primary reason to buy a dual-rear-wheel truck is payload stability and maximum towing ceiling. The extra tires on the rear axle distribute heavy pin weights from fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers across a wider footprint, reducing sway and boosting rear-end load ratings.
A properly equipped 2018 Ram 3500 dually achieves a max towing capacity of 31,210 pounds when configured with the diesel engine and appropriate axle gearing (such as the 4.10 rear axle ratio). Payload capacities for the dually platform push past 6,000 pounds depending on cab size and trim level, meaning you can load the bed with heavy equipment or slide-in campers without hitting hazardous weight limits.
To get a better idea of how these towing capabilities stack up across different model years and configurations, you can review the official details on the Ram Trucks Official Website.
Interior Comfort and Trims
Heavy-duty trucks used to feature Spartan, utilitarian cabins, but the 2018 Ram lineup bridged the gap between job site toughness and long-haul comfort.
Tradesman
The base Tradesman trim keeps things functional with heavy-duty vinyl flooring, manual adjustments, and durable cloth or vinyl bench seats. It's built for fleet use and muddy boots, though it still includes essential power accessories and a functional infotainment screen.
Big Horn and Lone Star
Stepping up to the mid-tier trims introduces comfort upgrades like steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, premium cloth seating, remote start options, and upgraded Uconnect infotainment systems with larger touchscreens.
Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited
For buyers using their dually as a daily driver or a luxury tow vehicle for cross-country RV trips, the upper trims offer leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheels, wood interior accents, and premium Alpine audio systems. The ride quality in these upper trims benefits from multi-link coil rear suspension setups or available auto-level rear air suspension, which smooths out the empty-bed bounce typical of heavy-duty live-axle trucks.
For broader automotive specs, pricing histories, and maintenance insights, checking resources like Edmunds can help you evaluate fair market values for used models.
Common Practicality Concerns and Real-World Trade-Offs
Owning a dually involves unique compromises that go beyond fuel economy—which is unrated by the EPA for Class 3 heavy-duty trucks, though expect lower double-digit MPG when towing heavy.
Dimensions and Daily Driving
With wide rear fenders and dual rear wheels, parking lots become a puzzle. Drive-thrus are generally out of the question, and standard home garage doors might not clear the mirrors or width.
Tire Maintenance Costs
Replacing tires on a dually means buying six tires instead of four. Furthermore, rotating rear inner and outer tires requires specific patterns or dismounting, adding to routine maintenance overhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 2018 Ram 3500 dually run on gas?
While the Ram 3500 platform offered a 6.4L HEMI V8 gas engine, the vast majority of dually models on the market were ordered with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine because heavy towing applications demand low-end diesel torque.
What is the difference between a Ram 2500 and a 3500 dually?
The Ram 2500 features coil rear springs geared toward a softer ride and lower payload limits. The 3500 dually features leaf springs in the rear paired with dual outer wheels, drastically increasing max towing capacity, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and fifth-wheel stability.
Does the 2018 model have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, 2018 models equipped with the 8.4-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen infotainment system feature native support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
How do I check if a used 2018 Ram 3500 dually has a fifth-wheel prep package?
Look inside the truck bed for factory-installed mounting pucks and a center gooseneck hitch hole under a flip-up cover. If these are present, the truck is pre-configured to accept direct-mount fifth-wheel hitches without drilling into the frame.
