2025 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab
Our VerdictThe 2025 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab is built to handle serious workloads, pairing immense hauling power with updated tech for the job site. It’s strong diesel engine and new 8-speed transmission provide excellent towing and upfitting versatility, although its sheer size and thirst for fuel mean it’s best reserved for those who truly need its capabilities.
Construction companies, towing services, and fleet operators who need maximum hauling capacity
Casual drivers or small businesses with light-duty needs
The Case For
- Massive towing & payload
- Upfitter-friendly design
- Improved diesel power & transmission
- Modern tech & safety options
Considerations
- Very thirsty under load
- Stiff ride & large dimensions
- Bare-bones base trim
Who It's For
The Ram 4500 Chassis Cab is a purpose-built commercial truck for buyers who need more muscle than a conventional pickup. It’s a medium-duty Class 4 workhorse designed for daily job-site use. Contractors, fleet managers, and small business owners choose it for massive capability and an upfitter-ready platform. Since it’s sold as a cab-and-chassis (no factory bed), it’s ready for a flatbed, service body, dump bed, or other specialized upfit. What sets it apart is Ram’s blend of durability and modern comfort, with available Cummins diesel power, stout underpinnings, a 12-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety tech for long workdays.
Choose Your Specification
Tradesman
~$55,370The Workhorse
If your priority is getting the job done at the lowest cost, the Tradesman is the right choice. It’s a no-frills work truck focused on utility and durability. You still get the same capable engine options—the standard 6.4L HEMI V8 or available Cummins diesel—paired with a heavy-duty 8-speed automatic, so performance isn’t compromised. Outside, black bumpers, a black grille, and steel wheels are easy to maintain on rough job sites. Inside, vinyl seats and flooring, manual windows and locks, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen keep things simple. It’s tough, easy to clean, and built for maximum uptime.
Big Horn
~$58,660Added Comfort & Tech
Step up to the Big Horn for added comfort and convenience without crossing into luxury pricing. It includes all Tradesman capabilities but adds features that make long workdays easier. Exterior upgrades include chrome bumpers, a chrome grille, and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels. Inside, cloth upholstery replaces vinyl, paired with a 40/20/40 split bench, plus power windows and door locks for frequent entry and exit. A 7-inch color gauge display and overhead console add usability. Tech upgrades include a 6-speaker audio system and available 12-inch touchscreen with navigation. Heated, power-adjustable towing mirrors and a high-mounted rear camera improve trailering ease and productivity.
- The Cummins diesel delivers the full 800 lb-ft of torque for max towing, and 4x4 ensures you won’t get stuck on rough construction sites
- The Big Horn adds worthwhile upgrades like power accessories, cloth seats, and an improved 6-speaker stereo
- It's an ideal balance of power, durability, and driver-friendly amenities
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | Tradesman | Big Horn |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.4L HEMI V8 / 6.7L Cummins I6 Diesel | 6.4L HEMI V8 / 6.7L Cummins I6 Diesel |
| Horsepower | 375 (gas) / 360 (diesel) | 375 (gas) / 360 (diesel) |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | N/A | N/A |
| Seating | 3-6 | 3-6 |
| Payload Capacity | ~9,390 lbs | ~9,390 lbs |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| MSRP | ~$55,370 | ~$58,660 |
| Car Type | Medium-Duty truck | Medium-Duty truck |
The Cost of Ownership
Here is the Ram 4500 Chassis Cab's annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Estimates assume ~12,000 miles/year with a diesel engine at ~$4.00/gallon, good driving record.
From Every Angle
Exterior
4Brute Utility with Modern Touches
The Ram 4500 Chassis Cab has a no-nonsense, utilitarian look designed for construction sites and rural work. For 2025, each trim gets a refreshed grille, and LED headlights are now standard, improving visibility and giving the front end a more modern appearance. Tradesman models feature black bumpers and grille for easy repairs, while the Big Horn adds chrome accents for a cleaner look. The cab shares its design with Ram’s heavy-duty pickups, with muscular hood lines and large towing mirrors. Every exterior element prioritizes function, including tow hooks and multiple cab and axle configurations for custom upfits.
Interior
3.5Practical & Upgradable
Inside the Ram 4500, durability and simplicity come first, especially in Tradesman trims. Vinyl seats and flooring are easy to clean, and large controls work well with gloves. The straightforward cabin design, shared with Ram 2500/3500 trucks, offers smart ergonomics and plenty of storage. Regular Cab seats up to three, while Crew Cab seats five to six and adds a flip-up rear bench for secure interior cargo. Big Horn models add cloth upholstery, a center armrest, power windows and locks, and a larger driver display. All trims include Uconnect 5 with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with an available 12-inch screen adding advanced control and connectivity.
Safety
4Modern Aids Now Available
Heavy-duty trucks aren’t known for advanced safety, but the 2025 Ram 4500 offers many modern driver aids. Standard features include airbags, stability control, and a rear backup camera—especially important when upfitted. Optional safety tech includes forward collision warning with active braking, adaptive cruise control with stop, lane keep assist, and front and rear parking sensors. A 360-degree surround-view camera is available for easier maneuvering with trailers, and Big Horn adds a high-mounted cargo camera for hookups. While not IIHS or NHTSA tested, the truck’s strong ladder frame, LED headlights, trailer sway control, and integrated brake controller provide solid safety support for its class.
Warranty
4Solid Coverage
Ram offers a strong warranty package for the 4500 Chassis Cab, comparable to other heavy-duty trucks. Coverage includes a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty on gas models. Choosing the Cummins diesel extends powertrain coverage to 5 years/100,000 miles. A 5-year/100,000-mile corrosion warranty protects the body and frame, and roadside assistance is included for the same term. Warranties apply to commercial use, though limits should be confirmed. While competitive with Ford and GM, Ram scores slightly lower only because longer powertrain coverage arrives with the 2026 models.
Fuel Economy
3.5Thirsty But More Efficient Than Before
The Ram 4500 Chassis Cab is naturally fuel-hungry due to its heavy-duty role. EPA MPG ratings don’t apply, but real-world estimates put the 6.7L Cummins diesel at about 10–12 mpg unloaded, dropping to single digits under heavy towing. The 6.4L HEMI gas engine delivers slightly lower mpg but costs less upfront. For 2025, efficiency improves with a stronger Cummins diesel, optimized fuel delivery, and a new 8-speed automatic that keeps RPMs lower. Intake and fuel-system updates also help. Expect $4,500–$6,000 yearly fuel costs, offset by a large 52-gallon tank and competitive efficiency for its class.
Tech & Infotainment
4Surprisingly High-Tech Work Truck
Ram ensures the 4500 Chassis Cab delivers modern tech rarely seen in commercial trucks. Available Uconnect 5 with a 12-inch touchscreen (Big Horn) supports split-screen navigation, camera views, and PTO monitoring. All trims include an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice control. For 2025, faster processing and UI updates reduce lag and allow customization. Upfitter switches and the VSIM module simplify equipment integration. Optional digital rearview mirror, multiple USB and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and fleet telematics add convenience. Basic audio limits the score, but overall tech is class-leading.
Performance & Handling
4.5Unstoppable Hauling Power
Performance is the Ram 4500’s strongest suit. The available 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel produces 360 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque, delivering effortless towing up to about 29,000 lbs. Torque comes on low, making steep grades manageable. The standard 6.4L HEMI V8 offers 375 hp and suits lighter heavy-duty needs. For 2025, both engines gain an 8-speed automatic, improving acceleration, responsiveness, and cruising efficiency. The truck feels stable thanks to its wide axle, dual rear wheels, and firm suspension. Steering is steady, and the diesel exhaust brake boosts downhill control under heavy loads.
New This Year
- New Cummins diesel & 8-speed: 360 hp, 800 lb-ft, smoother, more efficient
- Left and right PTO ports for hydraulic upfits
- Updated styling & lighting: New grilles and standard premium LED headlights
Cars Similar to the 2025 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab
The Ram 4500 Chassis Cab competes with other heavy-duty chassis trucks, notably the Ford F-450/F-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab and the Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD. Each offers its own mix of power and features aimed at commercial buyers.
2025 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab
2025 Ford F-450 Chassis Cab
2025 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD| Aspect | 2025 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab | 2025 Ford F-450 Chassis Cab | 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 360-hp Cummins I6 diesel (800 lb-ft); ~29,000 lbs max tow | 330-hp Power Stroke V8 diesel (950 lb-ft); ~30,000 lbs max tow | 350-hp Duramax V8 diesel (750 lb-ft); ~23,000 lbs max tow |
| Tech & Interior | 12″ touchscreen with Uconnect; full suite of driver aids | Updated Sync 4 infotainment with available 12″ screen | Smaller infotainment screen (~8″) with fundamental connectivity |
| Practicality | Multiple cab-to-axle length options, and dual-side PTO | Broad range of configurations. Slightly higher GVWR options (up to ~19,500 lbs) | Best-in-class maneuverability. High GVWR ~16,500 lbs |
| Comfort & Space | Functional work-oriented cabin; Big Horn adds more tech | Larger interior with better ergonomics and adjustability | More utilitarian interior; strong durability |
| Who's It For? | Contractors, fleet buyers, service businesses who want power + upfit flexibility | Buyers needing maximum towing/payload and broad dealer support | Buyers wanting dependable heavy-duty work truck with solid fundamentals |
| Best Choice For | Versatile fleets Upfit intensive jobs Modern tech | Maximum towing & power Broad service network | Duramax/Allison loyalists City use Durability |
Asked & Answered
How much can the 2025 Ram 4500 tow?
When properly equipped, the Ram 4500 Chassis Cab can tow about 29,000 pounds with the Cummins diesel using a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch. The standard 6.4L HEMI gas engine lowers towing capacity to roughly 20,000–22,000 pounds due to its 28,500-lb GCWR. Actual limits depend on configuration, axle ratio, drivetrain, and hitch type, so factory towing charts should always be consulted. Compared to a Ram 3500, which tops out near 22,000 pounds, the 4500 handles significantly heavier loads. For towing beyond 30,000 pounds regularly, the Ram 5500 is the better choice, but the 4500 easily covers most heavy-duty hauling needs.
Does the Ram 4500 Chassis Cab come with a bed or what upfits are possible?
The Ram 4500 is sold as a chassis cab, meaning it comes with a cab and bare frame rails but no pickup bed. This allows buyers to install a wide range of upfits, including flatbeds, dump bodies, service bodies, box trucks, tow trucks, and specialty equipment. Industry-standard frame dimensions and multiple cab-to-axle lengths (60, 84, 108, or 120 inches) support many body sizes. Upfitter-friendly features include a flat frame surface, integrated electrical connectors and switches, and dual-side PTO capability for hydraulic equipment. Buyers typically work with a dealer or upfitter to install the body, making the Ram 4500 a true commercial customization platform.
Gas vs. Diesel: Which engine is better for the Ram 4500?
Both Ram 4500 engines suit different needs. The 6.7L Cummins diesel is favored by commercial buyers for its 800 lb-ft of torque, better fuel efficiency under heavy loads, proven longevity, PTO capability, and 5-year/100k-mile warranty. It’s ideal for frequent towing, hills, and high mileage. The 6.4L HEMI gas V8 offers more horsepower, lower upfront cost, and cheaper maintenance, making it better for lighter-duty use, short trips, or long idling. However, it uses more fuel when loaded and delivers less low-end torque. For regular heavy work, diesel offers better long-term value; gas suits lighter, budget-focused use.
What is the fuel tank size and how far can a Ram 4500 go on a full tank?
The 2025 Ram 4500 Chassis Cab comes standard with a 52-gallon rear-mounted fuel tank, with an optional ~22-gallon mid-ship auxiliary tank available on certain configurations. With both tanks, total capacity reaches about 74 gallons, ideal for long-distance work. At roughly 10 mpg with the diesel engine, a 52-gallon tank delivers around 520 miles of range, extending past 600 miles at lighter loads. With the auxiliary tank, range can exceed 700 miles. Heavy towing lowers mileage, while the gas engine burns more fuel. Tank size may vary with upfits, but capacity remains a major advantage for job-site efficiency.