The 2026 RAM Chassis Cab, available in 3500, 4500, and 5500 configurations, is the upfit-ready commercial workhorse built to tackle the toughest jobs. Maximum payload, serious towing, and a purpose-designed frame engineered to carry whatever body your operation demands.
Every 2026 RAM Chassis Cab comes standard with the legendary 6.4L HEMI V8, with the available 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel ready when your job demands maximum towing muscle. Both pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and are engineered for commercial upfit reliability from day one.
Built from a 50,000 psi steel rear frame up, the 2026 RAM Chassis Cab is engineered for the most demanding commercial applications, with upfit-ready architecture, class-exclusive PTO technology, and a full suite of advanced driver assist systems to keep operators safe and productive on every job.
Payload, towing, PTO & upfit-ready architecture
The Chassis Cab's straight flat frame rails, predrilled mounting holes, and nine available wheelbase options make it the most configurable commercial platform in the RAM lineup, ready for virtually any custom body or upfit application.
Onboard power, infotainment & driver assistance
From a best-in-class available 2.4kW onboard power system to class-exclusive Adaptive Cruise Control and advanced towing displays, the 2026 RAM Chassis Cab brings serious job-site intelligence to every configuration.
The Chassis Cab lineup spans three models (3500, 4500, 5500) and two trim levels (Tradesman and Big Horn), giving you a wide range of payload ratings, axle configurations, and feature sets to match your specific commercial application.
| Model / Trim | Standout Features & Specs | Ideal Application |
|---|---|---|
| 3500 Tradesman® | Standard 6.4L HEMI V8 (375 hp), TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed automatic, Electronic Column Shifter, Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, class-exclusive standard Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, standard Snow Plow Prep, SiriusXM AM/FM/Satellite radio, vinyl flooring, upfit-ready frame; available in Regular Cab and Crew Cab with 60" or 84" cab-axle lengths, 4x2 and 4x4 | Light commercial upfitters, landscape and utility contractors, and owner-operators who need a proven 3500 chassis foundation with the lowest cost of entry and full powertrain flexibility |
| 3500 Big Horn® | All Tradesman features plus upgraded interior comfort and available technology packages, available Uconnect infotainment with touchscreen, available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display with Trailer Tow and Off-Road Pages, available dual wireless charging pads, available 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot, available Power Convex Trailer Tow Mirrors | Commercial operators and fleet buyers who want a more polished cab environment alongside the 3500's full upfit-ready chassis, with the right balance of comfort and commercial capability |
| 4500 Tradesman® | Increased GVWR over 3500, available 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (360 hp / 800 lb-ft), max gas towing 21,240 lbs (highest in Chassis Cab gas lineup), max GCWR of 28,500 lbs (gas) / 43,000 lbs (diesel), available Snow Plow Prep, PTO access left and right side, class-exclusive Active Air Grille Shutters, Electronic Front Axle Disconnect available | Medium-duty upfit applications including service bodies, flatbeds, crane trucks, and utility rigs that need a higher GVWR than the 3500 without stepping to the full 5500 payload tier |
| 4500 Big Horn® | All 4500 Tradesman features plus Big Horn interior and technology upgrades, including available Uconnect infotainment, available 12-inch Digital Cluster Display, available Front and Rear Park Assist, available Traffic Sign Recognition, available Drowsy Driver Detection, available LaneSense Lane Departure Warning | Fleet managers and owner-operators running medium-duty work bodies who need enhanced driver comfort and a fuller technology suite for long operating days on demanding commercial routes |
| 5500 Tradesman® | Highest payload in the Chassis Cab lineup: max gas payload 12,260 lbs, max diesel towing 34,540 lbs, max GCWR 43,000 lbs (diesel), 50,000 psi steel rear frame, largest-in-class available dual fuel tank (74 gallons combined), available 480-amp diesel dual alternator, Split-Shaft PTO mode available, best-in-class available 2.4kW onboard power system | The heaviest commercial upfit applications including dump bodies, refuse trucks, roll-offs, large service units, refrigerated bodies, and any build requiring maximum payload ratings and the highest available GCWR |
| 5500 Big Horn® | All 5500 Tradesman capability at the top of the Chassis Cab lineup, combined with Big Horn's full suite of available technology: 12-inch Digital Cluster, dual wireless charging, Ram Connect remote services, Power Convex Trailer Tow Mirrors, Front and Rear Park Assist, and best-in-class onboard power system (2.4kW) | Commercial operators who demand maximum payload and towing capacity without compromise on driver comfort, ideal for high-utilization fleet vehicles where operator experience directly impacts productivity |
What is the difference between the 3500, 4500, and 5500 Chassis Cab?
The three Chassis Cab models represent escalating tiers of payload and GVWR capacity. The 3500 is the entry point, suited for lighter upfit applications such as utility bodies and flatbeds. The 4500 steps up the GVWR for medium-duty builds like service bodies and crane trucks. The 5500 carries the highest payload in the lineup, up to 12,260 lbs gas payload and 34,540 lbs diesel towing, making it the right choice for the most demanding commercial builds including dump bodies, refuse trucks, and roll-offs.
What engine options are available on the 2026 RAM Chassis Cab?
The 2026 RAM Chassis Cab comes standard with the 6.4L HEMI V8 producing 375 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with the TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed automatic. The available 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 delivers 360 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque, the preferred choice for maximum towing and PTO-intensive work, paired with the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic. Both transmissions provide PTO access from both sides in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.
What makes the RAM Chassis Cab upfit-friendly?
The 2026 RAM Chassis Cab is purpose-built for upfitting with straight flat frame rails, predrilled frame mounting holes, and standard cab-axle lengths across nine wheelbase options and two cab types. The relocatable Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp Camera allows you to reposition the rear camera view to suit your specific body installation. Six auxiliary switches, including a dedicated PTO switch when equipped, and the best-in-class available 2.4kW onboard power system give upfitters and operators the electrical infrastructure they need right out of the box.
How does the Power Take Off (PTO) work on the RAM Chassis Cab?
Both automatic transmissions on the 2026 RAM Chassis Cab provide PTO access from the left and right side in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, which is critical for a wide range of upfit applications. With the available 6.7L Cummins Diesel, Split-Shaft Mode offers two PTO speed options and can deliver minimum split-shaft horsepower even when the truck is stationary, making it ideal for hydraulic cranes, aerial lifts, and other PTO-powered equipment that must operate at rest.
What fuel tank options are available on the 2026 RAM Chassis Cab?
The 2026 RAM Chassis Cab offers multiple fuel tank configurations to match your operating range. The standard setup is a 52-gallon rear-mounted fuel tank. An available 22-gallon midship tank can be added, bringing total combined capacity to 74 gallons, the largest-in-class available dual fuel tank. For diesel operators running extended routes across Florida or the southeast, this dramatically reduces fuel stops and total operating cost over high-mileage service cycles.
Can I find a 2026 RAM Chassis Cab at Jim Browne CDJR of Dade City?
Yes. Jim Browne Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Dade City carries 2026 RAM Chassis Cab models serving Pasco County, the Tampa Bay area, and surrounding communities. We stock Tradesman and Big Horn configurations across 3500, 4500, and 5500 variants, and our commercial vehicle team can assist with factory-ordered builds for specific cab-axle lengths, wheelbase requirements, and upfit needs. Contact us directly or browse current inventory online to find the right configuration for your operation.