2017 Ram 3500 Big Horn

The 2017 Ram 3500 Big Horn with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel is a pure workhorse configuration. The Big Horn trim (known as the Lone Star in Texas) is highly sought after because it strips away the pricey, delicate luxury extras of the higher trims while keeping the heavy-duty mechanical hardware and the most popular driver comforts.
1. The Legendary 6.7L Cummins Inline-6
The absolute core of this truck is its commercial-grade powertrain. Unlike V8 diesels, the Cummins uses an inline-six design, meaning fewer moving parts, massive connecting rods, and a legendary reputation for reaching 300,000+ miles when properly maintained.
Massive Low-End Torque: Depending on the transmission, the 2017 Cummins generates up to 900 lb-ft of torque right at 1,700 rpm. This provides extreme pulling power without forcing the engine to scream at high RPMs.
Smart Diesel Exhaust Brake: A favorite feature for those hauling in hilly or mountainous terrain. It uses the engines turbocharger to slow down the truck, dramatically reducing wear on your service brakes and preventing them from overheating on downhill grades.
2. Best-in-Class "Max" Towing Potential
The Ram 3500 is engineered for extreme duty, utilizing a high-strength 50,000 psi steel frame.
Extreme Towing Capacity: When equipped with the High-Output Cummins and the heavy-duty Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2017 Ram 3500 features a maximum towing capacity of up to 31,210 lbs.
The Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) Advantage: If configured as a "dually," this truck offers exceptional stability against crosswinds and heavy tongue weights, making it the premier choice for large 5th-wheel campers, triple-axle horse trailers, or commercial goosenecks.
3. The Big Horn Trim: "The Working Man's Value"
The Big Horn is the ultimate value play in the Ram Heavy Duty lineup. It ditches the sensitive leather and easily-scratched wood trims of the Laramie/Longhorn for durable, premium cloth upholstery and practical everyday features:
Uconnect 8.4 Infotainment: Includes the large, highly-regarded 8.4-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics, Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated cargo-view or backup camera views (critical for hitching up a trailer alone).
Driver Amenities: Comes equipped with a power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls, 115V power outlet, and fog lights.
Chrome Exterior Accents: Features classic chrome bumpers, a chrome grille surround, and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, ensuring the truck looks sharp on the job site or in a driveway.
4. Severe-Duty Mechanical Foundations
Unlike the lighter-duty Ram 2500, which uses rear coil springs, the 3500 utilizes a heavy-duty rear leaf-spring suspension built to handle immense vertical payload pressure without sagging.
Many models were equipped with the optional factory rear auto-leveling air suspension, which pumps air into helper bags to perfectly level out the truck when a heavy pin-weight or payload is dropped into the bed.
Available dual alternators (up to 440 amps) provide plenty of juice for aftermarket upfits, dump beds, Winches, or commercial lighting.