What Is the Difference Between Ram 1500 and 2500 Frame?

If you’re trying to decide between the Ram 1500 and 2500, you’ll want to know the difference between the frames. 

So, how do the trucks compare? 

Ram 1500 and 2500 frames are similar in a lot of ways since they consist of almost identical materials, and most of their exterior components are interchangeable. However, since the 2500 is a more heavy-duty truck, it has certain frame components that differ from the 1500, such as a more powerful engine. 

In this article, I will discuss whether 1500s and 2500s have the same frame and exterior components. 

Then, I will detail the different generations of Ram pickup trucks. 

I will end this article by sharing the lengths, towing capacities, and payload capacities of Ram 1500s and 2500s.

Are Ram 1500 and 2500 Frames the Same?

In the following sections, I will discuss the different parts of the frame and chassis of the Ram 1500 and 2500.

Frame Material

In both the Ram 1500 and 2500, the majority of the frame consists of high-strength steel. 

And the percentages are almost identical, with 98% of the 2019 Ram 1500 and 97% of the 2019 Ram 2500 made from steel. 

The remaining portion is almost entirely aluminum.

Suspension

The suspension in the Ram 2500 is more heavy-duty than the one in the 1500.

Engine

The Ram 1500 and 2500 do not have the same engine, as the 2500’s engine is always more powerful. 

As an example, here are the engine options you can find in the 2022 Ram 1500 and 2022 Ram 2500. 

Engine options in the 2022 Ram 1500: 

• 6.2 L supercharged HEMI V8 
• 5.7 L HEMI V8 
• 5.7 L HEMI V8 with eTorque 
• 3.6 L Pentastar V6 with eTorque 
• 3.0 L EcoDiesel V6

Engine options in the 2022 Ram 2500: 

• 6.7 L Cummins turbo diesel I6
• 6.4 L HEMI V8

Fuel Tank

The fuel tank in the Ram 2500 is a bit larger than the one in the 1500. 

The Ram 2500 can hold between 31 gallons (117 L) and 32 gallons (121 L) of gas, depending on the trim. 

Meanwhile, the Ram 1500 can only hold between 23 gallons (87 L) and 26 gallons (98 L).

Rims

In some cases, the rims on the Ram 1500 and 2500 are the same, but usually, they are not. 

For example, the most common rim sizes you will find on the Ram 1500 are: 

• 18 x 8 inches (46 x 20 cm)
• 20 x 9 inches (51 x 23 cm)
• 18 x 7.5 inches (46 x 19 cm)
• 18 x 9 inches (46 x 23 cm)
• 17 x 7 inches (43 x 18 cm)

Comparatively, the most common rim sizes on the Ram 2500 are: 

• 18 x 8 inches (46 x 20 cm)
• 20 x 8 inches (51 x 20 cm)
• 17 x 8 inches (43 x 20 cm)
• 17 x 7.5 inches (43 x 19 cm)

As you can see, there is some overlap here, but not much.

Are the Exterior Components of the Ram 1500 and 2500 the Same?

In the following sections, I will discuss some of the exterior components of the Ram 1500 and 2500 and whether they are the same.

Doors

For the most part, Ram 1500 and 2500 doors are interchangeable as long as they are of the same generation and cab style. 

(Information about generations below)

So, for instance, a 2009 Ram 1500 door should fit a 2013 Ram 2500 as long as they share the same cab style. 

There may be some slight differences between the doors, though, such as variations in the interior style. 

So, if you want to swap one door for another, your best bet is always to get a door from the exact same truck.

Fenders

In most cases, the fenders on the 1500 and 2500 match pretty well as long as you ensure the trucks are of the same generation. 

However, you should keep in mind that even within the same generation, the fenders may not match perfectly.

Particularly, the 2500 fenders tend to be a bit bigger than the ones on the 1500. 

Yet, for the most part, the fenders will be close enough that you shouldn’t have a significant problem swapping them out. 

But, just like with doors, if you plan to swap out your fenders, you should use ones from the same truck.

Tires

Since the Ram 1500 and 2500 share similar rim sizes, sometimes the tire sizes match up. 

However, the tire size you’ll find on each truck depends heavily on the year and trim. 

Just as an example, here are the tire sizes for the 2021 Ram 1500s and 2500s: 

• 275/65R18 
  • Big Horn 1500 
  • Laramie 1500 
  • Tradesman 1500 
• 275/55R20 
  • Big Horn 1500 
  • Laramie 1500 
  • Limited 1500 
  • Limited Longhorn 1500 
  • Tradesman HFE 1500
• 265/70R17 
  • Classic Express 1500 
  • Classic Tradesman 1500 
  • Classic Warlock 1500
• 275/60R20 
  • Classic Express 1500 
  • Classic Tradesman 1500 
  • Classic Warlock 1500 
• 285/45R22
  • Laramie 1500 
  • Limited 1500
  • Limited Longhorn 1500 
• 275/70R18 
  • Rebel 1500
  • Big Horn 2500
  • Laramie 2500
  • Limited Longhorn 2500
  • Tradesman 2500
• 285/60R20 
  • Laramie 2500
  • Limited 2500
  • Limited Longhorn 2500
• 285/70R17 
  • Power Wagon 2500
  • Tradesman 2500

Tailgates

The tailgates on the Ram 1500 and 2500 are the same size for trucks in the same generation.

Bumpers

Ram 1500 and 2500 bumpers are of the same size as long as the two trucks are of the same generation. 

In some cases, though, there are differences in the bumper styles.

What Are the Ram 1500 and 2500 Generations?

Since the Ram 1500 and 2500 change over the generations, I will give you the years for each generation, so you can easily determine to which a particular Ram belongs. 

Generation years for the Ram 1500 and 2500 pick-up: 

• First Generation: 1981 to 1993 
• Second Generation: 1994 to 2001 
• Third Generation: 2002 to 2008 
• Fourth Generation: 2009 to 2018 
• Fifth Generation: 2019 to present

Are Ram 1500s and 2500s the Same Length?

No, the Ram 1500 and 2500 are not the same length. 

The 2023 Ram 1500 is between 228.9 inches (5.8 m) and 241.8 inches (6.1 m) long. 

The 2023 Ram 2500 has a length between 232 inches (5.9 m) and 260.8 inches (6.6 m).

Do Ram 1500s and 2500s Have the Same Towing Capacity?

No, Ram 1500s and 2500s do not have the same towing capacity. 

The 2023 Ram 1500 has a towing capacity between 6,180 pounds (2,803 kg) and 8,330 pounds (3,778 kg). 

Meanwhile, the Ram 2500 has a higher towing capacity as it is a more heavy-duty truck. 

The towing capacity of the 2023 Ram 2500 ranges from 10,520 pounds (4,772 kg) to 15,220 pounds (6,904 kg).

Do Ram 1500s and 2500s Have the Same Payload Capacity?

No, Ram 1500s and 2500s do not have the same payload capacity. 

The 2023 Ram 1500 has a payload capacity of 1,225 pounds (556 kg) to 2,325 pounds (1,055 kg). 

The 2023 Ram 2500 has a payload between 2,719 pounds (1,233 kg) and 4,012 pounds (1,820 kg).

Conclusion

The frames in the Ram 1500 and 2500 are mostly the same except for some differences in certain components, like the engine and suspension.