The Big Horn trim level delivers the well-rounded option in the Ram 1500 lineup by balancing everyday affordability with high-value comfort features, essential driver-assist technologies, and optional access to both the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and high-output twin-turbo powertrains while remaining more accessible than luxury-tier models. Positioned just above the entry-level work truck, it provides the ideal baseline for truck buyers who want modern convenience, strong utility, and flexible equipment packages without paying top-tier luxury prices.
Choosing the right full-size pickup comes down to matching real-world capability with daily driving comfort. While entry-level trucks provide essential towing and hauling hardware, the Big Horn adds key cabin upgrades, polished exterior styling, and access to advanced infotainment displays that transform the truck into an enjoyable daily driver. Truck shoppers visiting our showroom in Anderson often explore the Big Horn right after reviewing the base work truck specs, noting how much extra refinement it introduces for a modest price increase.
For drivers who need serious work capability alongside weekend family comfort, the Big Horn trim includes standard alloy wheels, chrome grille accents, full carpet flooring, keyless entry, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also unlocks full availability of active safety features, four-wheel-drive configurations, and expanded towing tech. Whether configured with a Quad Cab or Crew Cab, it provides a well-rounded foundation that adapts easily to job sites, family road trips, and highway cruising. Give our sales team a quick call to learn more about current model availability on our lot.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Price Difference Between the Tradesman and Big Horn, and Which Packages Are Recommended?
- What Engine Options, Horsepower Ratings, and High-Output Hurricane Trims Are Available?
- What Is the Maximum Towing Capacity, and How Does the Rear Suspension Compare to the Ford F-150?
- What Interior Technology, Screen Features, and Premium Audio Systems Are Available?
- Common Questions About Ram 1500 Features, Specs, and Capabilities
- Test Drive and Finance Your Ram 1500 at Piedmont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
What Is the Price Difference Between the Tradesman and Big Horn, and Which Packages Are Recommended?
The Big Horn trim typically requires an investment of for current pricing compared with the base Tradesman, upgrading the truck from a fleet-oriented work vehicle to a fully equipped personal vehicle with refined exterior trim, keyless entry, standard carpeted floors, and enhanced interior upholstery. To get the maximum value out of this step up, adding the Big Horn Level 2 Equipment Group is worth considering, as it adds winter comfort features, upgraded infotainment, and driver-assist parking technology.
The base Tradesman trim is built for utility, featuring vinyl seating, black synthetic bumpers, manual climate controls, and easy-clean surfaces. While perfect for commercial fleets, retail buyers usually prefer the cabin comfort of the Big Horn. The price step unlocks key factory options that cannot be added to the base truck, allowing owners to customize their build around specific towing, commuting, or technology needs. If you are replacing a current vehicle, our team can evaluate your trade-in to help you sell us your vehicle and apply its market value directly toward an upgrade.
The Big Horn Level 2 Equipment Group adds tremendous daily functionality to the truck. This option package equips the cabin with:
- Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel
- A large 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen display with navigation support
- Remote engine start and power-adjustable pedals
- Front and rear ParkSense park assist with automatic stop
- Dual-zone automatic climate control and a power-sliding rear window
Combining these package additions creates a full-size truck that approaches luxury-level comfort while keeping overall costs well below top-tier trims. Explore our current new Ram 1500 lineup to compare available packages on the lot today.
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What Engine Options, Horsepower Ratings, and High-Output Hurricane Trims Are Available?
The Ram 1500 engine lineup offers power options ranging from a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque to twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engines delivering 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque in Standard Output, or 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque in High-Output configuration. Select configurations also offer a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 rating at 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The High-Output Hurricane engine comes standard on premium and performance trims, including the Limited, Limited Longhorn, and flagship Tungsten.
Every engine pairs with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission designed to optimize power delivery whether accelerating onto the highway or hauling heavy cargo. The base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 utilizes the eTorque mild-hybrid system to maximize low-end throttle response and fuel efficiency, earning EPA ratings up to 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway. For drivers who require muscular passing power and higher trailering limits, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engines deliver sports-car acceleration along with smooth operational refinement.
Powertrain availability breaks down by trim level across the lineup:
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 ( 305 hp, 269 lb-ft): Standard on Tradesman and Big Horn
- 3.0-liter Hurricane I6 Standard Output ( 420 hp, 469 lb-ft): Standard on Laramie and Rebel; available on Big Horn
- 3.0-liter Hurricane I6 High-Output ( 540 hp, 521 lb-ft): Standard on Limited, Limited Longhorn, and Tungsten
- 5.7-liter HEMI V8 ( 395 hp, 410 lb-ft): Available on select trims for traditional V8 performance
For local truck owners heading out to Lake Greenwood with a heavy ski boat or camper, the twin-turbo Hurricane engines provide continuous torque across the entire rpm range. The High-Output variant utilizes forged aluminum pistons, dual fuel injection, and twin low-inertia turbochargers to maintain effortless pulling power under heavy engine loads. Drivers seeking pre-owned options can also browse our pre-owned vehicle selection for late-model trucks equipped with legendary V8 or twin-turbo powertrains.
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What Is the Maximum Towing Capacity, and How Does the Rear Suspension Compare to the Ford F-150?
When properly configured, the Ram 1500 delivers a maximum towing capacity of 11,610 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 2,360 pounds. Unlike the traditional leaf-spring rear suspension used on the Ford F-150, the Ram 1500 utilizes a multi-link rear coil-spring suspension—with available four-corner air suspension—that provides superior ride comfort, enhanced rear-end tracking, and reduced cabin bounce over uneven road surfaces.
The fundamental mechanical difference between these full-size trucks lies in how rear axle movement is controlled. Traditional leaf springs found on competitive trucks like the Ford F-150 are designed primarily for stiffness under full load, which can result in a firmer ride when the truck bed is empty. The Ram 1500 multi-link coil setup isolates axle motion more effectively, allowing each rear wheel to react independently to bumps while maintaining solid lateral control.
Adding the optional four-corner active air suspension enhances towing performance even further. This system automatically adjusts vehicle height based on speed and load, offering distinct operational modes:
- Normal Ride Height: Provides 8.7 inches of ground clearance for standard driving
- Aero Mode: Lowers the chassis automatically at highway speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag
- Off-Road Modes: Raises the ride height by up to 2 inches to clear trail obstacles
- Entry/Exit Mode: Lowers the truck for easier passenger entry and bed loading
- Active Load Leveling: Automatically levels the rear suspension when a heavy trailer is hitched
This suspension engineering makes a noticeable difference when navigating the rolling hills and varied commuter terrain around Greer. The rear suspension keeps the chassis composed over rough asphalt, while maintaining complete stability when towing livestock trailers, boats, or equipment. Shoppers interested in factory-backed coverage on pre-owned models can inspect our certified pre-owned trucks to find air-suspension-equipped models.
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What Interior Technology, Screen Features, and Premium Audio Systems Are Available?
The interior of the Ram 1500 features up to 50 inches of combined digital display space, anchored by an available 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a class-exclusive 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display. Flagship luxury models like the Tungsten trim come standard with an ultra-premium 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system powered by a 1,228-watt amplifier and a 12-inch subwoofer.
The technology infrastructure is designed around driver awareness and passenger convenience. A standard 12.0-inch touchscreen or optional 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen uses split-screen functionality, allowing drivers to manage navigation, climate controls, and media settings simultaneously. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, paired with available dual wireless charging pads that keep smart devices powered without cable clutter.
The interactive front passenger display gives co-pilots their own dedicated 10.25-inch screen. Fully invisible to the driver to prevent distraction, this passenger display allows the occupant to:
- View live exterior vehicle camera angles
- Manage navigation waypoints and pass directions to the main screen
- Connect external devices via HDMI to stream video and audio content
For audiophiles, the 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system in the Tungsten trim delivers studio-quality sound. It places titanium dome tweeters, high-excursion cast-basket drivers, and four ceiling-mounted speakers throughout the cabin, delivering crisp highs and deep bass response. Combined with a digital rearview mirror and a full-color head-up display, the cabin represents a benchmark in truck cabin technology.
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Common Questions About Ram 1500 Features, Specs, and Capabilities
Q: Which Ram 1500 engine is best for daily driving and light towing?
Ram 1500 owners frequently ask about fuel efficiency and towing capabilities, especially regarding the popular 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque. Drivers who plan to pull heavier recreational trailers or utility loads regularly will benefit from upgrading to the 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six, which boosts horsepower to 420 horsepower and unlocks maximum trailering limits up to 11,610 pounds.
Q: What warranty coverage comes with a new Ram 1500 purchase?
Every new Ram 1500 comes backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty on select models, alongside a standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Roadside assistance coverage is also included for 5 years or 60,000 miles, providing flat-tire changes, towing service, and emergency fuel delivery backed directly by factory-trained technicians.
Q: Is four-wheel drive available across all Ram 1500 trim levels?
Four-wheel drive is available across the entire lineup, from the entry Tradesman up to the Tungsten. Work-oriented trims offer a part-time electronic transfer case with 4-High, 4-Low, and 2-High modes, while upper trims feature an active full-time transfer case with an automatic 4WD setting that engages front-axle traction instantly when rear wheel slip is detected.
Q: How does the front passenger display work on higher trim levels?
The available 10.25-inch front passenger display uses a specialized polarized filter that prevents the driver from viewing the screen while the vehicle is in motion. The front passenger can view exterior camera feeds, manage music playlists, enter navigation destinations, or plug in a media device through a dedicated HDMI port to watch video content directly from their seat.
Q: What safety and driver-assistance features come standard on the Ram 1500?
Standard driver-assist technology on the Ram 1500 includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic detection. Higher trim levels add Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with active lane-centering for driver-assist highway steering support.
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Test Drive and Finance Your Ram 1500 at Piedmont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Choosing your ideal Ram 1500 comes down to experiencing its quiet cabin, responsive twin-turbo powertrains, and smooth coil-spring ride quality in person. Our knowledgeable truck team is ready to walk you through trim comparisons, demonstrate the latest Uconnect 5 touchscreen features, and set up a comprehensive test drive tailored to your towing and driving requirements.
Our finance center offers flexible purchase solutions to fit your needs. You can save time at the dealership by submitting our secure online finance application to get pre-approved before your visit. We also offer competitive trade-in valuations to help maximize your purchasing power.
Visit our showroom today at 4015 Clemson Blvd, Anderson, SC 29621 or give us a call at (864) 305-4173 to speak directly with our team. At Piedmont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we look forward to helping you drive home in a full-size truck built for all of your towing, work, and family adventures.
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