RAM models we work on
| Model | Common engine | Typical use we see |
|---|---|---|
| RAM 1500 DS/DT | 5.7 HEMI V8 (with eTorque on later builds) | Family and tradie duty, light-medium towing |
| RAM 1500 TRX / Rebel | 6.2 supercharged HEMI / 5.7 HEMI | Off-road and enthusiast use |
| RAM 2500 | 6.7 litre Cummins I6 diesel | Caravan towing, heavy trailer, work fleet |
| RAM 3500 | 6.7 litre Cummins I6 diesel, SRW or DRW | Heaviest towing, gooseneck and fifth-wheel setups |
Trim levels across the range — Laramie, Limited, Big Horn, Warlock, Rebel, TRX — share the same core driveline within each model line, so servicing requirements are mostly about engine and drivetrain rather than trim badge. Most RAMs on Australian roads have been remanufactured to right-hand drive by an established converter; the mechanical fundamentals are the same as the US-spec truck, but steering, brake and some electrical components are converter-specific, which matters when sourcing parts.
Common RAM issues we see
- eTorque 48V battery, belt-starter-generator and idle-stop faults on the 1500
- HEMI lifter tick and camshaft wear on higher-kilometre petrol trucks, particularly if oil changes were stretched
- Cummins EGR cooler cracking, DPF regeneration failures and turbo actuator faults on 2500/3500
- Rear air suspension height sensor and compressor faults on air-suspension-equipped trucks
- Steering wander and front-end wear on lifted or heavily loaded trucks, worsened by the RHD steering conversion geometry
- Transmission shudder and flare from tired fluid under towing use, especially the 8HP in HEMI trucks
- Fuel system and injector wear on high-kilometre Cummins trucks run on lower-quality diesel
Service intervals
Most late-model RAM 1500s run a 12,000 km or 12-month interval. The 6.7 Cummins in the 2500/3500 is commonly also 12,000 km or 12 months, but we recommend shortening that to time-based servicing for any RAM that tows regularly, does mostly short trips, or works in dusty conditions — all of which are common on the Sunshine Coast.
Towing, GVM and GCM
RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks are the most common caravan tow vehicles we see. We weigh combinations against GVM and GCM (not just the advertised braked towing figure), fit and calibrate brake controllers, set up airbags or heavier springs for ball weight, and run pre-trip inspections before long runs. GVM upgrades are available on some RAM models where a customer needs more legal payload — this is a certified engineering process, quoted individually.
Parts availability
Common service items — filters, fluids, brake components, belts — are readily available through remanufacturer and aftermarket supply chains. Some electrical and RHD-conversion-specific parts can carry longer lead times; we'll always tell you upfront if a part isn't a same-week item rather than let a job stall silently.
Services for your RAM
Logbook & Fixed-Price Servicing
Diagnostics & Fault Finding
Suspension & Lift Kits
Airbags & Load Support
Towing Capacity & GVM Setup
Transmission Service & Repair
Tuning & Performance
Driveline, Diffs & Transfer Case
GVM & GCM Upgrades
DPF Cleaning & Diesel Emissions
Wheel Alignment & Tyres
Upgrades & Accessories
Frequently asked questions
- How much is a RAM 1500 service?
- A fixed $469 for a minor service, including Penrite Enviro+ oil, an OE-grade filter and a full safety inspection.
- How much is a RAM 2500 or 3500 service?
- HD-series RAM servicing is a fixed $599 for a minor service, reflecting the larger oil capacity and heavier components of the Cummins-equipped trucks.
- Do you work on Cummins diesels?
- Yes — the 6.7 Cummins in RAM 2500 and 3500 is one of the engines we see most, from routine servicing through to EGR, DPF and turbo diagnostics.
- Why does my RAM 1500 eTorque battery keep needing attention?
- The 48V eTorque system uses a separate battery and belt-starter-generator for stop-start and mild-hybrid assist. Faults here commonly show as rough idle-stop behaviour or reduced fuel economy — we can diagnose whether it's the battery, BSG or wiring.
- Are RAM parts hard to get in Australia?
- Routine service parts are generally straightforward. Some RHD-conversion-specific electrical or steering components can take longer — we'll quote realistic timeframes rather than guess.
- Can you set my RAM 2500 up to tow a caravan properly?
- Yes — weight assessment against GVM/GCM, brake controller fitment and calibration, and load support (airbags or springs) are all things we do regularly for Sunshine Coast tow rigs.
- How much can a RAM 2500 legally tow in Australia?
- Converted RAM 2500s are commonly rated around 4,500 kg braked, but your real usable limit depends on GCM and how loaded the truck itself is — we can weigh your combination and give you accurate figures.
- Will servicing here affect my RAM's warranty?
- No — under Australian Consumer Law, servicing at an independent workshop doesn't void warranty provided we follow the manufacturer's schedule with correct parts and fluids, which we document every time.