The 2025 Ram HD truck lineup was recently introduced at Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, but discussing performance is one thing—putting it to the test is another. We were invited to Laughlin, Nevada, to evaluate Ram’s latest HD trucks on the challenging Davis Dam Grade.
Why the Davis Dam Grade?
This demanding stretch of road is a key performance benchmark for trucks, featuring an 11-mile incline with a gradient of 5 to 6%. Trucks must tackle this ascent while completely loaded and in temperatures exceeding 100°F, all while running the HVAC system at maximum. The objective is to maintain a speed of at least 40 MPH without overheating or triggering any warning alerts. Although we faced unusually cool weather during our test, hovering around 40°F, Ram assures us that high temperatures will not pose a challenge. Let’s start testing.
Gas vs. Diesel: Real-World Tests
Our initial test was conducted in the Ram 2500 Tradesman, which features a 6.4-liter gas HEMI V8 and an eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission. With a weight of 8,450 lbs. behind us, the Tradesman provided a responsive and assured driving experience. Dave Sowers, the Director of Ram Professional Operations, describes the Tradesman as representative of what the company expects its fleet customers will use for their professional needs.
The standout of the day, however, was the Ram 3500 dually featuring the newly designed high-output diesel engine, which delivers an impressive 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque. This power rating, along with the updated eight-speed automatic transmission, is now standard across the 2025 Ram HD lineup.
Performance Up and Down
Ensuring safety on the descent is as important as successfully climbing the grade. During the descent, the truck’s advanced exhaust braking system and transmission control adeptly handled the loaded trailer’s weight. According to Sowers, “the sophisticated engine control strategy and transmission management work in harmony to regulate speed without relying solely on one or the other.”
We also evaluated Ram’s chassis cab model, which highlighted the versatility of the lineup. Even when fully loaded with over a ton of donated dog food, this truck demonstrated excellent handling and control, showcasing its practicality for commercial fleet applications.
2025 Ram HD Trucks: A Range of Capabilities
Ram’s revamped Heavy-Duty series provides an extensive range of capabilities, from the rugged Power Wagon to the adaptable 3500 Chassis Cab. With the new eight-speed transmissions and 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque now standard across the board, users can expect improved power, control, and overall driving experience. As Ram emphasizes, these enhancements are designed to provide practical power catering to commercial requirements.
For a complete experience and to see the 2025 Ram HD trucks in action, be sure to watch this episode of Medium-Duty at Large.
