How Long Do Ram 2500 Last? (Solved and Explained)

The Ram 2500 is built to carry the heaviest of loads and tackle any terrain you can throw at it.

This full-size heavy-duty pickup truck is available in a wide variety of configurations and trims.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how many years of service you can expect from the Ram 2500.

Here is the short answer to how long do Ram 2500 last:

The Ram 2500 is a very durable vehicle and is expected to last between 230,000 to 250,000 miles which is approximately 15 years of service, based on the national average driving mileage. The longevity of this truck is dependent on regular maintenance and good driving habits.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Ram 2500?

The former Dodge Ram boasted an impressive 15-year average life expectancy. The Ram 2500 is relatively new to the road, however, it is expected to maintain the solid longevity of its predecessor.

If you drive the national average of 15,000 miles per year, then you should be looking at around 250,000 miles over the span of the truck’s service life before expensive repairs are required or the vehicle breaks down. 

As with most vehicles, case-to-case reports of longevity can vary based on a number of factors. These include maintenance, driving habits, frequency of off-road use and generally the amount of stress the engine is put under. 

Given the nature of the Ram 2500 as a heavy-duty truck, it would not be reasonable to expect conservative use of this vehicle. Keep in mind that frequent heavy hauls, off-roading, and towing will affect how often maintenance will be required. 

Whatever you intend to do with your Ram 2500, make sure to stay up to date with maintenance, servicing, and fluid changes to ensure you get as many years of service as possible. 

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Ram 2500? 

Unfortunately, despite offering excellent all-terrain usability, the Ram 2500 carries the rust problems of its Dodge predecessor.

Owners of both Dodge Rams and the Ram 2500 report severe undercarriage, exhaust system, and brake rotor rust, even in models as recent as 2019. Although the Ram 2500 still has its share of rust, there has been a noticeable improvement over the Dodge Ram which was almost guaranteed to rust.

Ram trucks have been historically known to have rust problems, whether it’s on the 1500, 2500, and even the 3500. 

As a result, owners of these trucks often advise anyone purchasing a Ram truck to invest in at least undercoating. 

Residents of areas particularly prone to rust such as the Salt Belt states, or coastal and snowy regions should take extra precautions to avoid rust.

Salt buildup on vehicle surfaces is corrosive, and the sand, dirt and snow that accumulate can trap moisture in wheel wells and underbody structures.

Standard rust proofing measures include:

• Regular washes
• Rustproofing sprays and treatment
• Keeping the interior dry
• Ceramic coatings
• Keeping the vehicle stored in a garage

How Long Does the Ram 2500 Last Compared to Similar Models?

The Ram 2500 is often referred to as the “Rolls Royce of trucks”, and given the luxury options offered at higher trim levels, it’s easy to see why this truck has such a reputation. With immense load-bearing abilities and enough torque to push through any terrain, the 2500 is a hard beast to match. 

In this segment, we’ll see how the Ram 2500 stacks up to its competitors. 

Ram 2500 vs. Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra may be a heavy-duty truck, but the brand’s signature reputation for making long-lasting vehicles can still be found.

With an average life expectancy of 300,000 miles, the Toyota Tundra is set to last up to 20 years compared to the 15-year life expectancy of the Ram 2500.

Toyota once again blows away the competition in the cost efficiency department. With an annual maintenance cost of $606, the Toyota Tundra is a whopping $464 cheaper than the Ram 2500 which costs $1070 a year to maintain. 

Although the Ram 2500 is clearly the bigger burden on your wallet, it outperforms the Tundra in some of the most vital areas. 

The Ram 2500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 17,980 pounds compared to just 10,500 pounds in the Tundra. This means that with the 2500, you’ll be able to tow trailers, boats, and smaller cars with ease. 

The Toyota Tundra also has a noticeably lower maximum payload of 2080lb compared to the 3061lb capacity of the Ram 2500.

Ram 2500 vs. Ford F-250

In the full-size pickup truck market, few trucks match the Ram 2500 as closely as the Ford F-250. Both trucks are some of the best in their class at hauling, off-roading, and towing. 

The Ford F-250 and Ram 2500 share an identical life expectancy of 250,000 miles. Regardless of which truck you choose, you can trust both to offer 15 or more years of service. 

Despite sharing the same average lifespan, the Ram 2500 costs less to maintain on a yearly basis. With an annual maintenance cost of $1070, the Ram 2500 costs $171 less than the $1,241 yearly maintenance of the Ford F-250.

The Ram 2500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 17,980 pounds compared to just 12,500 pounds in the F-250. This means that the 2500 will be able to tow objects 5,480 pounds heavier than the Ford F-250 is capable of. 

Ram 2500 vs. GMC Sierra 2500HD

The GMC Sierra 2500HD boasts an impressive advantage over the Ram 2500 in the longevity department. With an average of 300,000 miles, and several consumer reports of reaching 400 and even 500,000 miles.

While the Ram 2500 has an impressive life expectancy on its own, the Sierra 2500HD, and GMC trucks in general, are capable of considerably more years of service.

Although the GMC Sierra offers a longer service lifetime, it also comes with higher yearly maintenance costs. With the Sierra and 1500 costing $912 and $1070 in annual maintenance cost respectively, the difference between the two trucks is $158.

Despite both trucks starting off at a near-identical MSRP ($35,600 for the Sierra, $35,000 for the Ram) – The GMC Sierra 2500HD may offer more value for money in the long run, considering superior longevity and more affordable maintenance. 

How Reliable is a Ram 2500?

The Ram 2500 is unmatched when it comes to sheer torque and towing capabilities. Trailers, boats, smaller cars, and many other heavy objects can be moved with ease. The 2500 also features luxury options never before seen in this category.

Unfortunately, this truck is not the most reliable. 

RepairPal gives the Ram 2500 a poor reliability score of 2.5 out of 5. Faulty reliability coupled with high annual maintenance costs means that the Ram 2500 may set you back more money than you were originally expecting to spend.

Reliability Compared to Other Trucks

The Best and Worst Years of the Ram 2500

According to CarComplaints’ extensive database, the Ram 2500 has struggled since its debut in 2012. Model years 2012-2016 show a consistently high number of complaints, with gradual correction occurring in the 2017 model year onwards. 

Although the Ram 2500 has had several complaint-filled years, 2013 ranks as the worst model year in the truck’s history. Owners report a suspension problem known as the “Death Wobble”, with an average mileage of 34,000 when the problem occurs.

Other problems associated with the first five years of this truck include:

• Engine failure
• Faulty transmission 
• Electrical problems
• Interior accessory problems
• Body/pain problems

As it stands, the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years are the best and safest option when purchasing a Ram 2500.

Related: 14 Best & Worst Ram 2500 Years (With Facts & Stats)

What About Recalls?

Here is the full list of recalls:

• 2012: 5 recalls
• 2013: 16 recalls 
• 2014: 16 recalls
• 2015: 14 recalls
• 2016: 12 recalls
• 2017: 10 recalls
• 2018: 7 recalls
• 2019: 4 recalls
• 2020: 3 recalls
• 2021: n/a

Ram 2500 Model Year List:

Here is a full list of model years for the Ram 2500:

• 2012 Ram 2500
• 2013 Ram 2500
• 2014 Ram 2500
• 2015 Ram 2500
• 2016 Ram 2500
• 2017 Ram 2500
• 2018 Ram 2500
• 2019 Ram 2500
• 2020 Ram 2500
• 2021 Ram 2500

Is the Ram 2500 Expensive to Maintain? 

The Ram 2500 will cost an average of $1,070 a year to maintain, with an expected cost of $6,426 over a 5 year period.

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

Ram 2500 brake pads usually last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Note that driving habits and off-road usage are a big factor in the longevity of the brakes.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

Ram 2500 tires last up to 3 years, which means an average of 45,000 miles given the 15,000 miles driven per year. 

Factors affecting the longevity of your tires include roadway conditions, driving and braking habits, weather conditions and frequency of driving. 

How Long Does the Transmission Last?

The transmission on the Ram 2500 is built to last between 130,000 to 180,000 miles without ever needing replacement, so long as a proper servicing schedule is followed.

How Long Do Spark Plugs Last?

Ram 2500 spark plugs are built to last between 30,000 and 35,000 miles before needing replacement.

What About Insurance Cost?

The average insurance costs for a Ram 2500 is $151 per month or $1,812 annually according to Finder.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Ram 2500

• Keep up to date with fluid changes and maintenance.
• Avoid aggressive driving, use controlled acceleration and braking
• Keep your interior dry at all times.
• Check your tire pressures at regular intervals
• Check engine oil every two weeks
• Invest in a ceramic coating to protect against contaminants and minor scratches
• Consider all rust-proofing options
• Wash the vehicle regularly particularly when encountering salt and snow
• Confirm the weight of objects before attempting to tow.

Resources

https://www.edmunds.com/ram/2500/2019/cost-to-own/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ram/2500/

https://repairpal.com/reliability/dodge/ram+2500

https://enginepatrol.com/how-long-ram-1500-last/