Randy Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Nov 8, 2024
A grey 2022 Ram 1500 is shown from the side after leaving a used Ram dealer.

When it comes to seriously-capable trucks from brands that focus exclusively on trucking, there is only one option that should come to mind: Ram. With the unique advantage of producing only trucks and vans, Ram pours all of its blood, sweat, and tears into producing the most impressive and capable trucks possible. Anyone who’s ever owned or driven a Ram knows that it’s hard to beat the durability and capability of a Ram 1500. If your life or work requires that you have a truck with some next-level capability, it may be time to make the move on the Ram 1500. But, if you’re trying to be conscious of budget, and the new Ram prices just aren’t a fit for you right now, visiting a used Ram dealer will show you that you don’t need to buy a new one in order to have the capability you need in the truck that you want.

When purchasing a used vehicle, you always want to approach it strategically; if you blindly get the first one you see, it may be more worn than you realize, or it may not have all of the features you want. But, if you do some research upfront and seek out a recent model year, you’ll likely find an option without much wear and tear, with many new and up-to-date features but a significantly lowered price. That’s the ideal combination right there. So, to help you as you consider going for that used Ram 1500, let’s cover some of the high-level basics of what to know when shopping for a used Ram 1500.

A blue 2022 Ram 1500 is shown in close-up while loading a boat.

An Overview of the Ram 1500

Maybe you’ve heard of Ram, but what does 1500 mean? Most brands’ truck lineups have multiple size options, ranging from midsize to heavy-duty. Full-size trucks are usually indicated by some variation of the number “1500,” whereas heavy-duty trucks are indicated by some variation of the numbers “2500” and “3500.” The numerical rating system originally comes from the truck’s weight capacity, with a 1500 full-size truck having a half-ton capacity. Heavy-duty pickups with the 2500 title are three-quarter-ton trucks, while the 3500 nametag indicates it’s a one-ton truck. As such, the Ram 1500 is Ram’s standard full-size, half-ton pickup truck.

The Ram 1500 makes its standing in the industry as a leading truck in terms of heftiness and capability. While some trucks can lean more toward “trucking for non-truckers,” the Ram is a true trucker’s pickup, with its focus being durability, performance, capability, and convenience. If you’re looking at a used Ram, you’re in for a quality trucking experience no matter what model year you purchase. However, it is important to be aware of significant model years. So, let’s cover some key models.

2019 Ram 1500

Used vehicles sometimes have a stigma of being abused and worn out; however, this is often not the case. In fact, many models on the used market are from recent model years and were previously used for industrial purposes, meaning they are in great condition with low mileage. When it comes to the Ram 1500 specifically, we suggest looking at the 2019 model and later. Not only does this guarantee that the vehicle is from a recent model year, increasing the likelihood that you find one of the previously-mentioned “great condition” models, but the 2019 model year was significant for the Ram 1500.

Whenever a vehicle’s new model year comes with the title “All-New,” it’s worth paying attention to because it means that that year’s improvements far exceed standard year-to-year updates; this terminology suggests that the car has received a significant makeover or advancement, usually capturing architecture, design, capability, and technology all at once. As you may have guessed by now, the 2019 Ram 1500 was released as “All-New.” 

The 2019 model restructured the vehicle to emphasize its performance capability. Taking the vehicle’s weight down by almost 225 lbs compared to the 2018 model, this newly improved Ram 1500 doesn’t get in its own way. With this restructuring came a new frame made with 98% high-strength steel, leaning even more directly into the truck’s acclaimed durability and making it the strongest version of the truck produced up to that point. 

On the note of strength, 2019 introduced the updated performance specs which have wowed the market for the last five years, with the truck offering a maximum payload capacity of up to 2,300 lbs and a towing capacity of up to 12,750 lbs. That’s the capability that has earned the Ram its place in the market as a workhorse champion.

With significant powertrain advancements in the 2019 model year, the Ram 1500 added the eTorque mild hybrid system to its offerings. Not only does this hybrid system offer tremendous efficiency, but it also significantly increases the truck’s horsepower and torque specs by a significant amount. With all of this in addition to seriously-improved technology and huge steps forward in terms of luxury design, the 2019 Ram 1500 set up the truck for a new decade of a heavily-improved trucking experience, whether you’re trucking for pleasure or for work. 

a black 2022 Ram 1500 is shown from the front at an angle.

2022 Ram 1500

If you’re looking for an even more recent Ram 1500 model, we highly suggest the 2022 model. With the 10th anniversary of the Limited Trim, Ram released a special edition to celebrate. With an exclusive Blue Shade exterior and unique features on the interior, including Indigo and Sea Salt quilted leather seats, anybody who can get their hands on the Limited 10th-anniversary edition will have the ride of a lifetime.

Regardless of whether you can get the Limited 10th anniversary edition or if you get a standard 2022 Ram 1500, you’ll have the new Uconnect 5 system, which makes the vehicle’s 12-inch touchscreen a hub to keep you connected for the whole ride, whether you’re cruising, towing, or hauling cargo. 

More significantly to the vehicle’s performance, the 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine truly crushes the competition with 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. That’s the benefit of going with a brand that focuses exclusively on trucks; Ram has been honing their craft for years now, and this model year is a prime example of the huge leaps of progress the celebrated manufacturer has made. Ram has perfected the skill of trucking, and you’ll reap the benefit in the 2022 model. 

A Pre-Owned Ram 1500 is a Great Investment 

Ram delivers trucking performance like no other brand. If you compare the vehicle’s capability to that of its competitors in any given model year, you will see consistent and clear advantages in Ram’s vehicles. With Ram’s single-minded focus on trucking performance, the brand is able to provide more than the others. If you’re looking for a beast of a truck, whether for work or play, with a singular goal towards greatness, there is only one brand that can deliver that like nobody else, and it’s Ram. A well-kept used Ram 1500 still has a lot of value left in it, so truckers should not hesitate to seek one out. Visit Randy Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today and explore our great selection of pre-owned Ram 1500 models.