Ram 2500 4th Generation (DS/DJ/D2) 2011-2018 Review

For the 2013 model year facelift, the 4th-gen Ram 2500 is substantially changed with many of the changes, such as a more powerful diesel engine and a stronger frame, not visible to the eye. There are plenty of obvious exterior alterations, however.

At the front, the old dual headlights are dropped completely, and even the base trims now have the quad headlights previously installed on only the upper trims. These now come with a clear lens for the turn signal, no longer an amber one. Flagship trims gain new projector headlights underlined by LED daytime running lights¹. The grille is larger, and the new bumper beneath it now contains a cutout to accommodate it². Said bumper's lower section is changed too, with a lower grille opening on either side in place of the previous long, continuous lower opening ³. Where fitted, the foglights on either side are now vertically oriented⁴.

The rear stays largely the same as before, but eagle-eyed onlookers will notice that, in line with the rebranding to "Ram" only, the "Dodge" script is removed from the tailgate logo¹. On the top trims, there are new LED taillight clusters framed in silver².

The profile view stays mostly the same, although some new wheel styles are evident. What's more, the changes to the front bumper¹ and lights can be spotted from the side too², as can the new taillights on top trims³.

Inside, the updated infotainment system with its larger screen sizes can clearly be seen in the center stack¹, and the air vents on either side of it have been restyled to sit in their own pods, separate from the controls below them². The gauge cluster is new, too, with a far bigger driver-information display between the two main gauges, and the smaller auxiliary gauges also moved further apart. On the diesels, the battery-voltage gauge is replaced with one showing the level of the diesel emissions fluid³.

The 4th-gen 2500 range launches with one gas and one diesel powertrain. The standard engine is a 5.7-liter Hemi gas V8 with 383 hp connected to a five-speed automatic transmission, and the diesel option is a Cummins 6.7-liter inline-six with 350 hp with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed auto 'box is made standard on the 5.7 in 2012, and in 2013, a CNG-capable version of the engine became available. The outputs of the diesel engine are incrementally increased over the years to top out at 370 hp and 800 lb-ft with the auto 'box. However, the manual's outputs are limited to a maximum of 350 hp and 660 lb-ft. An in-between 6.4-liter gas V8 is added in 2014 with 410 hp and a six-speed auto 'box.

The EPA does not test heavy-duty trucks such as the Ram 2500 and provides no fuel-economy estimates for it. However, many truck owners share their real-world results with various independent websites, so we can get a fair indication of what the Ram 2500 is capable of. In the consumption ranges provided, the best figures are usually achieved on the highway and the worst ones about town and when hauling or towing. With the 5.7-liter naturally aspirated gas V8, average fuel consumption hovers between a best of 16 mpg and a worst of 9 mpg. The 6.4-liter gas engine is not noticeably heavier on fuel and has similar figures as the 5.7, with most owners dotted around the 13-14-mpg mark. The 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine fares substantially better with best and worst figures of 18 and 12 mpg, respectively. Models with a six-foot-four box have a fuel-tank capacity of 34 gallons, and models with the eight-foot box can hold 35 gallons.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

The only standard safety features on the 2010 Ram 2500 are automatic halogen headlights, all-disc brakes with ABS, tire-pressure monitoring, and six airbags, including side curtains. All trims from SLT and up have remote keyless entry, but it was optional on the ST. All trims but the ST had access to an optional rearview camera, so check whether this is fitted. The Lone Star/Big Horn and Laramie have an auto-dimming rearview mirror as standard, and the Laramie also adds a security alarm and rear parking sensors. The security alarm was optional on all trims but the ST. A trailer-brake controller was optional on all trims but the Lone Star/Big Horn, TRX, and Power Wagon, on which it was standard. For the 2011 model year, the Ram 2500 sheds its Dodge branding and gains more safety features, notably that trailer-brake controller, which becomes standard on all trims save the ST, on which it remains optional, while the auto-dimming rearview mirror becomes standard on all trims from Lone Star/Big Horn and up, and optionally available on SLT.

The 2012 Laramie Longhorn has a rearview camera and rear parking sensors as standard, and the entire 2012 lineup has standard stability control on all trims. All 2013 Laramie trims have a backup camera and automatic high beams as standard and gain access to optional rain-sensing windshield wipers. A backup camera becomes available on all trims, whereas it was previously unavailable on base trims. Both the Outdoorsman and Laramie trims gain auto-dimming side mirrors in 2013 as well. The 2015 Power Wagons have standard hill-descent control, and the 2015 Laramie Limited has standard rain-sensing wipers and automatic high beams. All 2016 Laramie trims have front and rear parking sensors. As per federal regulations, a backup camera is standard on all 2018 trims.

The 2010-2012 Ram 2500 fared rather poorly in crash testing, garnering only two stars out of five for the frontal crash and three stars overall. The side crash resulted in a full five stars and the 2WD scored four out of five for the rollover test, one star more than the 4WD. Things improved considerably with the 2013 facelift's stronger structure, and frontal crash was now rated a far more acceptable four stars, hoisting the overall score to four stars as well.

The trims in the 2010 Dodge Ram's launch range are ST, SLT, Lone Star/Big Horn, TRX, Power Wagon, and Laramie. Sometimes seen as a trim, the Lone Star/Big Horn package can be applied to the SLT trim only. TRX and Power Wagon are also essentially packages for certain SLT configurations. The Regular Cab comes with an eight-foot box only, and the Crew Cab offers a choice of eight-foot or six-foot-four boxes. The Mega Cab comes with the shorter box only. The Ram 2500 was badged a Dodge for the 2010 model year, before it was rebranded as a Ram only from 2011, dropping the Dodge name and the TRX trim at the same time while gaining the Outdoorsman trim. A more luxurious Laramie Longhorn arrives for 2012, and the Power Wagon package is also made available on the ST and Laramie trims. The Tradesman trim arrives for 2013, but is basically just a renamed ST.

The below trim descriptions should be read with the understanding that each successive trim already has all the equipment listed under the previous trim, unless otherwise indicated. Keep in mind that there is a multitude of optional packages available and these changed annually, so carefully check out a used Ram 2500 to see what exactly it is equipped with.

There were a few limited editions, if not as many as were offered on the Ram 1500:

• 2017 Night edition. Launched on both Ram 2500 and 3500 HD trucks, the Night edition features black for the grille surround, light bezels, badging, 20-inch alloys, and (optional) running boards. The only paint colors are silver, white, black, red, and Granite Crystal. Inside, it gets black leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable pedals. They were only available as Crew Cabs and with any of the three available engines.
• 2018 Limited Tungsten edition. Based on the flagship Laramie Limited, the Tungsten has everything the Limited has, in addition to special Natura Plus two-tone Frost/Indigo leather upholstery, a suede headliner, genuine wood trim, and the Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system with smartphone integration and SiriusXM Guardian. On the outside, it has black headlight bezels, color-coded exterior trim, 20-inch Satin alloy wheels, and a Tungsten Chrome grille with large RAM lettering.
• 2018 Laramie Longhorn Southfork edition. Essentially an appearance package applied to the Laramie Longhorn, the Southfork edition adds wheel-to-wheel sidesteps, 20-inch alloy wheels, two-tone exterior paintwork, two-tone Nature Plus Frost/Canyon Brown leather seats, a Light Graystone suede headliner, metal accents, leather-trimmed grab handles on the A and B pillars, and ashwood trim.
• 2018 Lone Star Silver edition. Essentially an appearance package based on the Lone Star, the Silver edition gets a unique wire-mesh grille, chrome finish for the mirror caps, 20-inch alloys, door handles, and full-length side steps. It came in all three engine choices and in either 2WD or 4WD, but only in the Crew Cab body.

Because there are so many model years and ever-changing trims, here are the most important annual 4th-generation Ram 2500 changes:

2010:

• Launches as a Dodge Ram 2500

2011:

• Loses the Dodge branding and becomes a Ram 2500 only
• TRX trim dropped
• Outdoorsman trim added
• A spray-in bedliner becomes optionally available for all trims

2012:

• 5.7-liter gas V8s get a new six-speed automatic transmission
• RamBox bed-side compartments made available for the six-foot-four bed
• Stability control becomes standard
• Laramie Longhorn trim launched
• Power Wagon package available on ST and Laramie trims

2013:

• Facelift applied to the entire lineup
• The stronger frame from the Ram 3500 is now used on the 2500
• Power of Cummins turbo-diesel engine increased, and DEF system added
• Next-generation Uconnect radio/infotainment systems fitted
• Tradesman base trim added; it's essentially a renamed ST
• Power Wagon Tradesman and Power Wagon Laramie added

2014:

• Coils replace the leaf springs previously used on the rear axle
• Auto-leveling rear air suspension made available on all trims except the Power Wagons
• Arrival of new 6.4-liter Hemi gas V8 engine
• Integrated fifth wheel/gooseneck trailer preparation newly available

2015:

• Laramie Limited trim launched

2016:

• 5.7-liter CNG V8 availability expanded to more trims and body styles

2017:

• Sport Appearance Group package becomes available
• Limited Tungsten edition becomes available
• 4x4 Off-Road package becomes available on all trims
• A five-micron cabin air filter becomes standard on all trims
• Night Edition launched

2018:

• A backup camera is now standard on all trims
• Uconnect 8.4 infotainment touchscreen updated with better resolution
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot optional on Uconnect 8.4
• Limited Tungsten Edition launched
• Longhorn Southfork Edition launched
• Lone Star Silver Edition launched
• Last model year

Here is a breakdown of all the separate trims:

The fourth-gen Ram 2500 is a cut above the average HD truck in terms of its comfortable, plush cabin constructed from high-quality materials. Flagship models are positively sumptuous with all the wood, leather, and metallic finishes on offer. Addressing a shortcoming of the 3rd-generation model, the Mega Cab is a properly spacious double-row truck with seating for up to six and stretch-out space, even in the rear. The Mega Cab was huge when it launched in 2010, and its rear legroom of 43.3 inches is only narrowly beaten by even the latest fourth-generation F-250 Crew Cab's 43.6 inches. However, one of the biggest factors affecting the quality of life inside the cabin is the 2014 Ram 2500's coil-sprung rear axle, which adds that bit of polish to the ride quality that other HD trucks lack.

The 4th-gen Ram 2500 is not the cheapest HD truck to run, and it's expected to cost around $25,500 to maintain and repair over the first ten years of its life - some $11,000 more expensive than the average for HD trucks, partly due to the 80-odd percent chance of it requiring a major repair during that ten-year period. Minor lube services happen every 4,000-6,000 miles, but consider reducing that to 3,000-5,000 miles if your truck is subjected to severe use, such as in dusty or sub-zero conditions, towing, or idling for prolonged periods of time. Under no circumstances should the intervals be longer than 8,000 miles.

Fuel filters must be replaced every 15,000 miles, air filters every 30,000 miles, the brake fluid every 45,000 miles, the fluids for the clutch (manual), transmission (automatic), and axle/transfer case every 60,000 miles, the coolant every 75,000 miles, and the spark plugs and auxiliary drive belt every 100,000 miles. We would halve all of these distances under severe use or conditions. The gas engines have hydraulic lifters, but the diesel's valve clearances should be adjusted every 150,000 miles - or sooner if they start to make ticking sounds. Don't defer maintenance, and remember the importance of fresh fluids and filters on schedule. Failing to replace the air filter until the arrival of the "service air filter" message on a Dodge Ram 2500 is looking for problems; the fuel filter may simply impede the fuel flow, but a blocked air filter can cause a diesel engine to run too hot and overheat. A dirty air filter may also be accompanied by the P0299 OBD-II error code.

Keep in mind that, from 2013, the diesel requires its DEF to be replenished every 7,500 miles, whereas pre-2013 diesels under the old federal regulations make do without the DEF after-treatment system. The DEF tank takes five gallons, and its level is indicated by a dedicated gauge to the left of the gauge cluster. DEF typically costs around $50-$65 for a 2.5-gallon container, and you'll need two of them.

A basic lube service should cost around $280 at a Ram dealer or $180 at an independent dealer on the gas models. A lube service and DEF replacement will likely exceed $700 and $500, respectively, on the diesel. If you are going to do the lube service yourself, you'll have to buy seven quarts of the 5W-20 oil type for the gas engine, which will set you back around $70, plus another $15 or so for the oil filter. The Cummins 6.7 has a huge oil capacity of 12 quarts and, together with the filter, the total cost comes to around $210, all in.

A set of spark plugs on the gas engines is expensive because these engines use two spark plugs per cylinder, for a total of 16 that must be replaced at a time. They would cost you around $305 to buy if you're going to do the job yourself. An air filter on the gas engines costs around $50 and on the Cummins 6.7, it's about $90.

Here are all the 2010-2018 Dodge Ram 2500 5.7/6.4 Hemi and 6.7 Cummins recalls:

• There were a few brake-related recalls:
• 2010 and 2011 Ram 2500 were recalled to replace a power steering reservoir cap that may allow excessive vent pressures, causing the brake pedal to return slowly after it was depressed.
• 2010 Rams were recalled to replace a faulty brake-booster input-rod retaining clip that may fail and lead to brake failure.
• 2010 Dodge Ram 2500s were recalled to replace a faulty Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) module that may allow the key to be removed from the ignition, even if the gear shifter is not in Park. This was the only serious ignition switch problem on the Dodge Ram 2500 worth a mention.
• 2010-2018 Ram 2500s with a column shifter were recalled to replace the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin and update the vehicle's software because the BTSI may stick in the open position and allow the vehicle to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake, causing it to roll away.
• 2010-2014 Ram 2500s were recalled to repair a faulty fuel heater that may leak and cause a fire.
• Various 2010-2018 Dodge Ram 2500 power steering problems led to recalls:
• 2010-2012 Ram 2500s were recalled the replace the steering system's left tie rod assembly, which may break and lead to a loss of vehicle control.
• 2013-2018 Ram 2500s were recalled to replace an incorrectly manufactured steering knuckle that may fracture and lead to a loss of steering control.
• 2014-2018 Ram 2500s were recalled for repairs to the steering linkage because the drag link may separate and cause a loss of steering control.
• 2014 Ram 2500s were recalled to install a reinforcement bracket over the front track bar's bracket because a weld failure may cause it to separate, leading to a reduction in steering control.
• There were various restraint system-related problems with the Dodge Ram 2500's front and rear factory airbags and Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) programming issues:
• 2012-2016 Ram 2500s were recalled to remove aftermarket Mopar seat covers and refund owners because the covers may impede airbag deployment.
• 2013-2016 Ram 2500s were recalled to update their ORC software, which may register a fault during rough off-road driving and consequently disable the curtain airbags.
• 2013-2015 Ram 2500s were recalled for exactly the opposite reason - the side airbags may deploy inadvertently due to incorrect ORC programming and impact-sensor calibration.
• 2012-2014 Ram 2500s were recalled to repair and secure the steering wheel's wiring harness, which may short out and cause inadvertent deployment of the driver's airbag.
• 2015-2016 Ram 2500s were recalled to replace curtain airbag assemblies because inflators may rupture or their end caps may separate.
• 2013-2018 Ram 2500s with the power-locking tailgate were recalled to repair the tailgate latch, which may cause the tailgate to open uncommanded.
• 2013-2018 Ram 2500s were recalled to have a clogged fire extinguisher replaced.
• 2013-2017 Ram 2500s with the Cummins diesel engine were recalled to replace a coolant pump that may leak and cause a fire.
• 2013-2017 Ram 2500s equipped with Katla 8.5" alloy wheels were recalled because these wheels may crack and let out the tire's air very quickly.
• 2013 Ram 2500s with the 220A alternator were recalled to replace the alternator because the original one may suddenly fail, causing a stall or even a fire.
• 2013-2015 Ram 2500s were recalled as part of a wider recall involving over 1.4 million FCA vehicles to update the radio software that might allow third parties to gain unauthorized access to networked vehicle systems.
• There were several recalls related to the lights:
• A small number of 2013 Ram 2500s were recalled to have the Central Body Controller reconfigured to correct improper functioning of the premium headlights' high-beam shutter, which may cause a loss of illumination or blind oncoming traffic.
• This controller also had to be reprogrammed in a far larger number of 2013 models with the premium LED taillights because the turn signal fails to flash at double the speed to notify the driver when there is a turn-signal malfunction.
• 2013 Ram 2500s were recalled to replace the engine cover with a different design because the original can trap excess heat and cause a fire. The recall does not specify the engine.
• As part of an enormous FCA recall involving nearly five million vehicles, problems with the 2014-2018 Ram 2500's cruise control that will not switch off led to a recall of hundreds of thousands of units. P1593 is a possible OBD-II error code that may accompany a stuck cruise-control switch.
• 2014 Ram 2500s were recalled because important warning lights in the gauge cluster may fail.
• Only 41 2016 Ram 2500s with the Cummins diesel engine were recalled to replace a defective Engine Control Module (ECM) that may short circuit and cause a stall.
• 2018 Ram 2500s with mirror-mounted backup camera displays that may fail were recalled to have their interior rearview mirrors replaced.

If there are excess OBD2 codes that don't fit in anywhere in the relevant problems sections, they can be bullet listed here:

• P000b on 2010-2018 Ram 2500 models is an error code for the camshaft's position in relation to the crankshaft.
• Here are some error codes particular to the Cummins 6.7 ISB diesel engine:
• P0087 and P0191 on a 2010-2018 Ram 2500 with the Cummins 6.7 diesel engine means there is a problem with the fuel pressure.
• P00af is an error code particular to the 6.7 ISB diesel engine and is a turbo boost-control error code.
• P026a means the charge-air cooler is not operating correctly.
• P02e3 and P02e7 mean there are problems with the intake-airflow measurement.
• P0381 is a glow-plug error code.
• P0471 is an exhaust pressure-sensor error code.
• P04db is a crankcase ventilation system error code.
• P1c54 and P1c55 are error codes generated by the NOx sensors.
• P0102 and P2281 are mass airflow (MAF) sensor error codes.
• P0141, P014c, and P0420 on 2010-2018 Ram 2500s are all error codes associated with the oxygen sensors and relate to problems with the engine's fueling, mixture strength, fuel trim, and catalyst efficiency.
• The evaporative emissions (EVAP) control system may produce error codes such as P0452, P0456, P0457, and P1456.
• P0463 is a fuel-level error code.
• P020c and P0281 on any 2010-2018 Ram 2500 indicate problems with a fuel injector or the fuel-injection timing.
• P0308 means that cylinder number eight is misfiring.
• P0505 is for an idle-air control system malfunction.
• P0542 in 2010-2018 Ram 2500s indicates an intake-air heater (IAH) malfunction.
• P1193 is an intake-air temperature (IAT) sensor error code.
• P0520 is an oil-pressure sensor error code.
• P0602 and P0606 are engine control module (ECM) failure error codes.
• P0218, P0707, P0721, P0729, P0730, P0735, P0740, P0750, P0871, P0935, and P09e0 are automatic transmission error codes. P0218 means the transmission's high-temperature operation has been activated. P0707 is a range-sensor error code, and P0721 is an output-speed sensor error code. P0729, P0730, and P0735 are gear-ratio error codes. P0740 is a torque-converter clutch (TCC) error code. P0750 is a shift-solenoid error code. P0971, P0935, and P09e0 are transmission fluid-pressure error codes.
• P0704 is a clutch-switch error code on the six-speed manual transmission.
• P0513 is an immobilizer-key error code.
• P061a, P063d, and P0652 on 2010-2018 Ram 2500s are powertrain control module (PCM) error codes.
• P0699 is an accelerator pedal position sensor error code.
• P1004 indicates a problem with the variable intake manifold's runner-valve control system.
• P1524 on a 2010-2018 Ram 2500 is an oil-pressure error code.

Although it has not yet been escalated to a recall, some defective TRW crash sensors and airbag control units (ACUs) may cause an overvoltage to be supplied to the ACU, in turn shutting down the airbags and preventing them from deploying. 2010-2012 Ram 2500s are affected, so be sure that there are no airbag warning lights aglow on the dash. Since this is not a recall item, you will be liable for the costs of any repairs.

The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is a central processing module that controls a huge array of the vehicle's electrical systems, such as the ABS, horn, starter, power windows, and cooling fan. It is notorious for failing on Chrysler products of this era, though not a very common source of complaints in the 4th-gen Ram 2500. There was never a recall for it, so replacing it will be for your account. Look out for random, unpredictable, and intermittent electrical problems that may point to a duff TIPM. The TIPM itself costs in the region of $500 and with labor added, the replacement job comes to nearly $900. The bill can increase to between $1,500 and $2,000 if additional work has to be done to restore the electrical system to good working condition.

In common with some other brands, a bad smell is one of the most common problems with the 2010-2018 Dodge Ram 2500's climate control/HVAC - heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning - system, but the heater core/AC itself isn't the issue. Rather the evaporator and other places where water may become trapped are to blame. The system may occasionally emit a foul, mildewy smell that results from bacteria growing in damp areas where moisture become trapped, like the evaporator. Buy an AC disinfectant spray and use as directed periodically to kill the bacteria and remove the odor.

In 2017 and 2018, there was an uptick in ABS braking and brake-controller problems on Dodge Ram 2500 5.7/6.4 Hemi and diesel models, so check for dash warning lights because this item costs around $900 to replace. If the hydraulic control unit (HCU) has to be replaced as well, this will amount to around $1,500 in total.

There were various recalls for the steering system and front suspension, so make sure those recalls have been attended to. Even so, there were reports from Ram 2500 owners of failing tie rods, ball joints, and other power-steering issues, so it's best to avoid the pre-2013 models that were more prone to these issues.

While the list of problems is dishearteningly long, these systems are quite reliable:

• Besides the recall for correcting the problem with warning lights not displaying correctly in the gauge cluster and the potentially troublesome TIPM, there were actually very few electrical problems with the 2010-2018 Dodge Ram 2500's instrument panel, headlights, defroster, park sensors or wires, left & right windows, driver & passenger power seats, remote starting function, or fuse box, so, when random electrical issues present themselves, always check the TIPM first.
• In terms of the body and external fittings, there might have been recalls for the tailgate opening inadvertently, but there don't seem to be any problems with the Dodge Ram 2500's RamBox storage system or door locks.
• While there aren't any specific problems recorded with the 2010-2018 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 6.7's throttle or throttle pedal, some owners have complained of a slow accelerator response.
• The 4th-gen Ram 2500 has few hub problems, but Spyntec does provide upgraded aftermarket hub conversions for owners wishing to strengthen these components.
• The interior is quite durable, and there aren't many long-term problems with the Dodge Ram 2500's seat upholstery, carpets, or other fittings. Extra-heavy-duty vinyl seat trim was a desirable option for 2500s used for serious work.
• There are no more recorded front or rear brake problems on the Ram 2500 than on other HD trucks.

The ST/Tradesman trims are rather bare-bones, and they are meant as work trucks, not family transportation. For a semblance of comfort and a decent feature count for weekends away with the family, they're best avoided. In terms of problems, the earlier models had the most glaring design flaws and are especially prone to the dreaded death wobble in the front suspension/steering, which was redesigned in 2013. For this reason - and for their considerably worse crash-test results - we would avoid the pre-2013 models altogether. The 6.4-liter gas engine is more finicky than the 5.7, too, as it is equipped with MDS, which can fail and bring on valvegear problems earlier. A meticulous maintenance record, frequent oil changes, and a complete lack of ticking noises or dash warnings are recommended if you are going to consider this engine, or else you're better off with the 5.7.

For hauling huge loads and towing massive rigs, there is nothing like the 6.7 ISB Cummins turbo-diesel engine. It offers better mileage than the gas engines, and it's available with a manual transmission. It can work and haul hard, but it is critical that it must be looked after well, as all repairs are expensive. If you don't need all that torque, the simplest and most reliable engine is probably the 5.7 gas V8, as it lacks the trouble-prone MDS cylinder-deactivation system of the 6.4. As long as the engine is quiet and well-maintained, it can do hundreds of thousands of miles. In terms of comfort and convenience features, go no lower than the SLT to get a decent standard of luxuries, but one of the Laramie trims would be even better if your budget stretches that far.

In terms of safety, only 2012+ models have standard stability control. Counting in favor of the Laramie is the fact that this trim has a standard backup camera from 2013. A 2014 Laramie turns out to be the sweet spot of the fourth generation 2500, not the 2013 model, as it benefits not only from the facelift improvements, better safety equipment, better crash results, and redesigned steering/suspension, but also from the new-for-2014 coil-sprung rear axle, which gives it better ride quality than any other HD truck without sacrificing any of its hauling or towing capabilities. It's the one to have.

There seems to be a theme with Chrysler products from this era being excellent in many ways but suffering from too many problems along the way. The 4th-gen Ram 2500 is a case in point, with way too many recalls, a poor front suspension and steering design that took too long to (partially) fix, and too many engine and electrical issues compared to other HD trucks. Our guide should help you tread carefully between problem areas and select the best trim and drivetrain for you. Just make sure it has been properly looked after, and do not settle for a truck without a full service history and frequent oil changes, regardless of how attractive the price may be - especially on the expensive-to-repair diesel.