2019 Ram HD: Towing Big and Heavy with the New Truck (First Drive Review)

2019 Ram HD 3500 Laramie 4×4

What is it like to tow a 39-foot 5th-wheel toy-hauler trailer with the new 2019 Ram HD 3500? Here is our first drive review.

The truck pictured above is a 3500 HD Laramie crew cab 4×4 long bed single rear wheel. It’s equipped with the new high-output 6.7L Cummins I6 turbo-diesel with 400 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of torque and a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission. While the base Tradesman truck starts at $33,395 before destination charges – the final M.S.R.P. on this Laramie truck is over $79,000.

The Attitude triple-axle trailer we towed weighs 12,400 lbs according to Ram (we were not able to independently verify this).

One things is immediately evident once setting off in the new Ram HD with the trailer behind. The cabin is quiet and the ride is exceptionally good and stable under load. I used the automatic exhaust brake and the tow/haul mode on the way down a 6% grade. The truck easily maintained 40-45 mph and the transmission shifts were quick and almost unnoticed.

On the way up, the truck’s power delivery can only be described as smooth. I expected a harder punch from the high-output diesel, but the acceleration was not urgent. It was more like riding a wave of torque. The truck and trailer accelerated up the grade in a linear and gentle fashion. We did not get a chance to tow long distance with the new truck at highway speeds yet.

Overall, the first towing experience was stable and easy. The truck’s 360-degree surround camera, adaptive cruise control, and the comfortable suspension made towing a large camping trailer a breeze.

Please stay tuned for more MPG and Ike Gauntlet towing test with the new 2019 Ram HD trucks coming up very soon.

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov is an Automotive Enthusiast, Producer, Reviewer, Videographer, Writer, Software Engineer, Husband, Father, and Friend.