Ram 5500 Review: Specs, Performance & Work Truck Value

Ram 5500 Work Truck Deep Dive

For contractors and fleet managers researching heavy-duty options, the Ram 5500 represents a significant investment. After analyzing this hands-on review, I’ve identified critical factors that matter most when evaluating this commercial chassis. Unlike consumer-focused reviews, we’ll dissect how its 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel, 19,500 lb GVWR, and work-oriented design translate to real-world functionality.

Power & Drivetrain Specifications

Powering the Ram 5500 is a 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (a $1,000 upgrade from the base 6-speed). This combination delivers 360 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. Notably, the engine is de-tuned from consumer versions for enhanced long-term reliability in commercial applications. The part-time four-wheel drive system includes a two-speed transfer case and diesel exhaust brake – essential for heavy towing.

Key drivetrain observations:

Power Take-Off (PTO) capability comes standard with the 8-speed transmission
Five auxiliary switches pre-wired for aftermarket equipment
Dual-range transfer case provides flexibility for worksite terrain

Exterior & Chassis Design

Built on a solid front axle with coil springs and heavy-duty leaf springs in the rear, the 5500 features:

80-inch cab-to-axle measurement (confirmed via window sticker)
19.5-inch wheels with commercial-grade 225/70R19.5 tires
Blacked-out grille, LED headlights, and recovery points
52-gallon fuel tank and dual rear wheels (DRW)
Unpainted door handles and black fender flares for scratch resistance

The absence of a bed in this chassis cab configuration significantly impacts ride quality when unloaded. As noted in testing, adding even a flatbed dramatically improves stability by weighting the rear suspension.

Interior & Workspace Functionality

The cabin prioritizes durability over luxury:

Vinyl bench seats designed for easy cleaning and long-term wear
Manual seat adjustments and basic steering wheel controls
Single-zone climate control and analog-dominated gauge cluster
Flooring materials chosen for stain resistance and easy maintenance

Surprisingly, the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system responds quickly despite its smaller size. The column shifter frees up console space for critical work features: trailer brake controller, tow/haul mode switch, and driveline selector. Storage includes an overhead compartment and underseat space, though the latter is compromised when using the full bench configuration.

On-Road Performance Insights

Driving the unloaded chassis cab reveals important characteristics:

Torque delivery is immediate thanks to the Cummins’ 800 lb-ft, making empty acceleration surprisingly brisk
Ride quality is noticeably stiff without payload, but this improves significantly under load
Braking feels confident despite initial pedal softness common in HD trucks
The 8-speed transmission holds gears longer than expected, likely optimized for heavy towing scenarios

Compared to rival Ford commercial models, the Ram’s coil-front suspension provides marginally better unloaded ride compliance. However, both platforms require substantial weight to achieve optimal ride characteristics.

Commercial Buyer Considerations

Payload capacity approaches 10,000 lbs in the crew cab configuration reviewed. At $79,645 MSRP (as tested), the 5500 positions itself as a premium work platform. Three critical factors often overlooked:

CDL requirements: Vehicles over 26,000 lb GVWR require commercial licenses
Upfit costs: Factor $15,000-$30,000+ for service bodies or flatbeds
Resale value: Cummins-powered Rams retain 15-20% better value than competitors

The trend toward simplified, durable interiors – preferred by younger commercial buyers – makes this Tradesman trim particularly relevant. As noted in the review, this philosophy may eventually influence consumer trucks seeking reliability over gadgets.

Verdict & Operational Checklist

For serious commercial use, the Ram 5500 delivers where it counts: powertrain robustness, functional interior, and massive capability. Its higher upfront cost versus Ford alternatives may be justified by superior resale and drivetrain reputation.

Pre-purchase verification checklist:

Confirm local CDL requirements for your planned GVWR
Test drive with approximate work weight in the bed
Compare upfitting quotes before finalizing chassis options
Verify dealer support for PTO equipment integration
Inspect frame rail prep for aftermarket body mounting

Would you prioritize the 8-speed transmission’s $1,000 premium for improved towing control? Share your heavy-duty truck requirements below.