Ram’s Heavy-Duty 2500 Pickup Unlocks a “Best in Class” Payload for $835

Ram’s heavy-duty Power Wagon trucks are benefiting from a host of changes this year. From the availability of the 6.7‑liter Cummins High-Output (HO) turbo-diesel to the debut of some new appearance options, the brand isn’t holding back.

However, there is one upgrade that stands out because of the implications it has for rivals in Detroit and Dearborn. In a break from the headline-grabbing street truck wars, Ram has fired a shot laced with real-world utility.

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Working above its pay grade

And that would be through the Payload Upgrade Package. It’s a new $835 option available on most Ram 2500 trucks with the 6.4-liter Hemi V8, and it raises the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating from 10,000 pounds to 11,040 pounds.

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In practice, this also results in a sizable payload bump from 3,990 pounds to some 4,580 pounds. Ram says that figure is good to give it “best-in-class” 2500 credentials, as the likes of the Silverado HD 2500 and F-250 trail it at 4,081 pounds and 4,302 pounds, respectively.

The increase isn’t without good reason. Per the announcement, Ram’s Payload Upgrade results in the addition of beefier 3500 frame, leaf-springs and an anti-spin rear differential.

All things considered, that seems like a pretty good bang for your buck on paper. It’s also made better by the fact that Ram won’t require spending up for the Limited and Limited Longhorn trims; buyers will even be able to get in on the action with the entry-level Tradesman.

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An all-out pickup offensive

Now, it’s worth noting that Ram hasn’t yet revealed full pricing for its Power Wagon lineup. At this stage, the brand has only shared that the Cummins turbo diesel models will run from $89,560.

As such, this does mean that the Hemi-equipped versions could arrive with a price hike that’ll tack on a lot more than a mere $835 (especially considering tariffs). Mind you, the Power Wagon already comes with the highest cost of entry compared to its Chevy and Ford rivals.

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Still, total pricing considerations aside, the package does amount to another statement for Ram as part of an ongoing offensive.

After all, beyond the V8 Power Wagon’s incorporation of the ‘symbol of protest badge,’ it joins the company of trucks like the TRX and the Rumble Bee as a brand superlative. Each of those pickups stands at the top of its respective segment.

However, where those trucks took the fight to the competition through all-out power and noise, Ram’s new proposition instead comes armed with meaningful potential. Just imagine what you could do with all the extra payload allowance in the case of pop-up tents and other overlanding conversions.

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Availability and pricing

According to Ram’s announcement, the Payload Upgrade Package will be available for $835 on V8-equipped trucks in Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Limited and Limited Longhorn spec.

While Ram hasn’t revealed full pricing for the 2500 as of this writing, the brand has stated that 2027 Power Wagons will be rolling into dealers starting in August. In that case, we’d expect more details to be coming soon.

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2027 Ram 2500 HD

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