Ram 4500 vs Ram 5500: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Upfit
Ram’s chassis cab lineup offers two Class 4–5 platforms — the Ram 4500 and Ram 5500 — that look nearly identical from the outside but serve different work requirements. Choosing between them comes down to GVWR, payload needs, and the specific truck body you’re planning to mount.
At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we regularly spec and install flatbeds, service bodies, crane bodies, and mechanics trucks on both Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs for Texas and Louisiana fleets.
Ram 4500 vs Ram 5500: Core Specifications
| Spec | 2025 Ram 4500 | 2025 Ram 5500 |
|---|---|---|
| GVWR | 14,000–16,000 lbs | Up to 19,500 lbs |
| Max Payload | ~5,790–7,150 lbs | ~7,200–7,410 lbs |
| Engine Options | 6.4L HEMI gas / 6.7L Cummins diesel | 6.4L HEMI gas / 6.7L Cummins diesel |
| Transmission (diesel) | Aisin AS69RC 6-speed auto | Aisin AS69RC 6-speed auto |
| Rear Axle | Dana 80 | Dana 110 |
| DRW | Yes (standard) | Yes (standard) |
The key difference: the Ram 5500’s Dana 110 rear axle and higher GVWR enable meaningfully higher payload capacity — critical when body + tools + equipment add up fast on service and crane body applications.
Cab-to-Axle (CA) Lengths
| Configuration | Ram 4500 CA | Ram 5500 CA |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cab, Short CA | 60″ | 60″ |
| Regular Cab, Long CA | 84″ | 84″ |
| Crew Cab, Short CA | 60″ | 60″ |
| Crew Cab, Long CA | 84″ | 84″ |
Pro tip: For service bodies and crane bodies, always order the 84″ CA. This supports a 9-foot body — the industry sweet spot for compartment space vs. weight. A 60″ CA limits you to an 8-foot body, which is workable for flatbeds but cramped for service compartment builds.
Which Applications Favor the Ram 4500?
The Ram 4500 is the right choice when:
- Your body + tools + payload stays comfortably under ~5,500 lbs
- You’re running an 8-foot service body for lighter trade work (HVAC, plumbing, pest control)
- You want a lower initial vehicle purchase price
- Your operation doesn’t need CDL-level GVWR management
- Fleet standardization with Class 4 commercial requirements
Which Applications Favor the Ram 5500?
The Ram 5500 is the better choice when:
- You’re mounting a crane body — body, crane, and toolbox weight alone can push 4,000–5,000 lbs before any load
- You run heavy service loads — oilfield parts, pipe fittings, heavy tools
- You’re spec’ing a mechanics truck or lube body with compressor, welder, and fluid systems
- 9-foot service body with full compartment loadout (common for utility and pipeline contractors)
- You need the full 19,500 lb GVWR for gooseneck towing while loaded
Popular Body Combos at Star Truck Equipment
Ram 4500 + 8-ft CM or RKI service body — Common setup for trade contractors: plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs running lighter tool kits.
Ram 5500 + 9-ft STI crane body with Tiger Crane — Standard build for utility and telecom line crews needing a crane and heavy tool storage.
Ram 5500 + 11-ft Bedrock flatbed with gooseneck — Working ranch and construction flatbed with towing capability and legitimate payload for material hauling.
Get Your Ram 4500 or 5500 Upfitted Right
Star Truck Equipment installs service bodies, flatbeds, crane bodies, and mechanics trucks on Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs at our Wharton, TX shop. We’ll help you pick the right platform and body combination before you order — no surprises after delivery.
Call (979) 532-1486 or stop by 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488. Browse our inventory: Service Bodies | Flatbeds | Crane Bodies | Mechanics Trucks