Date Published: July 06, 2026 |  4 minute read | FAQ Article by Jarod Rosin at Redwater Dodge

Apples to Apples: How to Properly Compare Two Ram Trucks

The Powertrain: Engine Options and the Hidden Axle Ratio

Most truck buyers know to check what is under the hood. Whether you are leaning towards the legendary power of a HEMI V8 or the modern, high-torque efficiency of an inline-six Hurricane engine, the base engine choice is usually obvious.

The hidden trap that catches many Albertan drivers off guard is the axle ratio. 

Expert Tip: Two trucks can feature the exact same engine but have completely different axle ratios. A higher axle ratio (e.g., 3.92 vs. 3.21) provides more towing power and better off-the-line acceleration, which is ideal for hauling heavy loads through rolling hills. However, a lower axle ratio is optimized for highway cruising and delivers significantly better fuel economy. 

If you do not check the axle ratio, you might buy a truck that looks perfect but struggles with your trailer or consumes far more fuel than anticipated during your daily commute.

The Payload Capacity: The Cost of Luxury Options

Payload is the total amount of weight your truck can carry in the cabin and the bed, including passengers, gear, and the tongue weight of your trailer. A common misconception is that choosing a higher trim level automatically increases your capabilities. In reality, the opposite is often true.

Every single feature added to a vehicle, such as a panoramic sunroof, power-deployable running boards, or premium sound systems, adds physical weight to the chassis. Because the truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) remains fixed, every kilogram of luxury options directly reduces your available payload.

To find the absolute truth about a specific truck's capacity, disregard the generic marketing brochures. Instead, open the driver’s side door and locate the safety compliance sticker positioned directly inside the doorjamb. This sticker gives you the exact, unalterable payload capacity for that specific vehicle as it rolled off the assembly line.

The Towing Package: Factory Specs vs. Aftermarket Parts

The final pillar of a true comparison is the towing package. Just because a truck has a hitch receiver on the bumper does not mean it is fully equipped for heavy trailering. A factory-installed towing package is a comprehensive system designed to protect your powertrain under stress.

When comparing two vehicles, verify if they include:

• Integrated electronic trailer brake controllers.
• Heavy-duty engine cooling systems and transmission oil coolers.
• Class IV or Class V hitch receivers.
• Specialized wiring harnesses (4-pin and 7-pin connectors).

Choosing a truck without a proper factory tow package means risking mechanical overheating and potentially voiding your manufacturer warranty if you haul beyond the vehicle's standard cooling limits.

Get the Right Truck for the Job Today

Do not guess when it comes to capability. Shop for the mechanical factors that fit your actual lifestyle demands rather than just choosing a trim level off the shelf. If you need expert assistance navigating axle ratios, payload limits, or towing configurations, the team at Redwater Dodge is here to help.

Give us a call today at 780-942-3629 or visit our showroom to find your next Rig Ready Ram.

Additional Relevant Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I upgrade my Ram truck's axle ratio after purchase?

A1. While it is mechanically possible to change an axle ratio by replacing the ring and pinion gears in the differential, it is an expensive aftermarket modification that can alter your factory warranty. It is highly recommended to select the correct axle ratio from the factory floor to ensure optimal system integration and performance.

Q2. Why does a sunroof decrease my truck's towing payload?

A2. A panoramic sunroof adds significant weight to the highest point of the vehicle's frame. Because payload capacity is calculated by subtracting the empty weight of the vehicle (curb weight) from its maximum allowable weight (GVWR), the weight of the glass and motor mechanisms directly subtracts from the amount of gear and passengers you can legally carry.

Q3. How do I know if a used Ram has a factory tow package?

A3. The most reliable method is to check the original window sticker or request a build sheet using the vehicle's unique VIN. At Redwater Dodge, our team can pull the exact OEM build sheet for any new or Rig Ready Used truck to confirm precisely what cooling and braking systems were installed at the factory.