Bettenhausen CDJR of Lockport
Some loads simply belong behind a one-ton. If you pull a three-axle fifth-wheel, haul a gooseneck full of hay or equipment, or run a crew truck that never gets a day off, the Ram 3500 is the pickup built for that life. At Bettenhausen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Lockport, we help Will County owners sort through single- and dual-rear-wheel trucks, gas and diesel engines and hitch packages so the truck matches the trailer, not the other way around.
Check the one-tons on our lot above, and let this page help you narrow things down before a visit to 16471 W. 159th St.
The 3500 shares its cab, interior and engines with the 2500, then beefs up the parts that carry weight. A Hotchkiss leaf-spring rear suspension, heavier axles and available dual rear wheels let it shoulder far more payload and pin weight, and an available auto-leveling rear air suspension keeps the truck sitting flat when a big trailer is hitched. Ram has also raised the rated GVWR on select HEMI 4×4 single-rear-wheel trucks, which gives regular and crew cab owners extra carrying capacity.
The trade-off is ride and size. Empty, a 3500 rides firmer than a 2500, and a dually is wide in a tight parking lot at Orland Square. If your trailer fits comfortably within 2500 ratings, that truck may be the better daily companion; if you’re close to its limits, the 3500 is the safer choice.
The High-Output Cummins delivers 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft through the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed. That is the engine for the 3500’s headline tow rating, for long hauls on I-80 toward Iowa and for anyone who tows heavy week after week. Exhaust braking makes long downhill stretches more relaxed with a loaded trailer behind you.
The 6.4L HEMI V8, with 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft, costs less up front, fires up without fuss on the coldest January morning and gives you the 3500’s highest payload numbers. It suits plow trucks, local hauling and owners who load the bed more than they tow.
Hooking up a 15-ton trailer is a different experience from towing a jet ski, and the 3500 offers equipment to match:
Before you buy, write down your trailer’s loaded weight and pin or tongue weight. Our team will compare those numbers to the door-jamb sticker of the exact 3500 you’re considering, so there are no surprises at the boat launch or campground.
Heavy-duty doesn’t mean bare-bones. Upper trims bring leather and real wood accents, while a large Uconnect 5 touchscreen, wireless phone projection and a premium sound system keep long hauls to Starved Rock or the Wisconsin Dells comfortable. On a February job site in Joliet, remote start and a warm wheel and seat make the first hour bearable. Explore the infotainment details on our Uconnect page.
The 3500 lineup mirrors the 2500 in many trims, with choices that vary by cab, bed and rear-wheel setup. These are the ones most Lockport-area buyers compare.
Powertrain: 6.4L HEMI; HO Cummins available
A tough work interior, single or dual rear wheels and access to the 3500’s top tow ratings. A fleet and farm favorite.
Powertrain: 6.4L HEMI; HO Cummins available
Adds comfort and tech without moving into luxury pricing, making it a natural pick for RV owners.
Powertrain: 6.4L HEMI; HO Cummins available
Leather-trimmed seating and power tow mirrors for owners who spend hours on the highway with a trailer.
Powertrain: 6.4L HEMI; HO Cummins available
The top of the heavy-duty range, with premium leather and wood, advanced towing tech and Western-themed Longhorn styling.
| Engine / Powertrain | Output | Max Towing / Payload | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI V8, 8-speed automatic | 405 hp / 429 lb-ft | Up to 18,140 lbs / up to 7,580 lbs | Most payload, easy cold starts |
| HO Cummins 6.7L diesel I6, TorqueFlite HD 8-speed | 430 hp / 1,075 lb-ft | Up to 37,020 lbs / up to 6,460 lbs | Top tow rating requires a specific dually configuration |
Our service department takes care of fuel filters, DEF systems, brakes and hitch inspections, and the Express Lane handles routine oil changes.
Order gooseneck balls, fifth-wheel hitches, bed liners and running boards through parts and accessories, or call parts at 815-552-1261.
Farms, contractors and fleets can ask about BusinessLink and our commercial team, and value a current truck with Value Your Trade.
With the Cummins and the right setup, Ram’s rating reaches 37,020 lbs; gas trucks max out at 18,140 lbs. That peak number requires a particular cab, axle, dually and gooseneck setup, so let us check the rating of the truck you want.
Four tires on the rear axle steady the truck under a big pin load and raise its capacity. If your trailer is moderate or you park in tight spaces often, a single-rear-wheel 3500 may be easier to live with every day.
Start with the camper’s loaded pin weight. Large fifth-wheels can push a 2500 near its payload limit, and the 3500’s added capacity gives you breathing room. For mid-size campers, the 2500 often works well and rides more softly.
Yes, for the right owner. It delivers the 3500’s best payload ratings and simpler ownership, so it’s popular for plow trucks and bed-heavy work. If you tow heavy loads often or far, the Cummins is the better tool.
Yes. If the truck you want isn’t on the lot, our team can help you order one or use our vehicle finder service to locate it.
Ask about our BusinessLink program for commercial customers. Whether a vehicle qualifies for business tax treatment depends on your situation, so check with your tax professional.
Trucks that tow often or idle on job sites usually fall under the severe-duty schedule in the owner’s manual. Book service online and we’ll set up a plan for oil, filters and brakes.
Lenders weigh more than a single score, including income, down payment and the term you choose. Start with What’s My Buying Power or apply online, and our finance team will walk through your options.
Whether you farm acreage in Homer Glen, tow a show trailer out of New Lenox or run a contracting business from Joliet, Romeoville or Crest Hill, our Lockport showroom is a quick drive along 159th Street or I-355. Owners from Lemont, Plainfield, Naperville, Orland Park and the rest of Will County count on Bettenhausen CDJR for heavy-duty Ram trucks.
Bring your trailer numbers, pick a truck above and we’ll match the configuration before your test drive.
16471 W. 159th St.
Lockport, IL 60441
Sales: 815-524-0642
Service: 815-552-1427
Parts: 815-552-1261
