Ram 3500 trim comparison
2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman vs Big Horn
The 3500 Tradesman starts at $46,255 while the Big Horn is $53,515. That $7,260 gap buys 3 meaningful differences.
$7,260 more is ~$127/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
Stay with the Tradesman if keeping roughly $127/month in your budget matters. Step up to the Big Horn only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty. That is the real decision hiding inside this $7,260 trim jump.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Big Horn adds about $127/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $7,620 more overall with interest.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
Both the Tradesman and Big Horn share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $7,260 for 2 measurable differences, which works out to about $3,630 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 3 specification differences, 4 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Tradesman | Big Horn |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $46,255 | $53,515 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 6.4L V8 | 6.4L V8 |
| Horsepower | 410 hp | 410 hp |
| Torque | 429 lb-ft | 429 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| Fuel Tank | 32.0 gal | 31.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 6,056 lbs | 6,485 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 140.0" | 149.5" |
| Length | 232.0" | 237.4" |
| Width | 79.4" | 79.4" |
| Height | 77.8" | 78.4" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Regular Cab | Crew Cab |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman vs Big Horn Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Ram 3500 lineup, the Ram brand hub, the Full-Size Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 3500 Big Horn cost than the Tradesman?
The Big Horn starts at $53,515 compared to $46,255 for the Tradesman (both Regular Cab RWD). That is a $7,260 difference, or approximately $127/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman and Big Horn have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 6.4L V8 producing 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do both the 2024 3500 Tradesman and Big Horn come in 4WD?
Both trims start with RWD as standard. 4WD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current 4WD pricing. This comparison uses the base RWD configuration.
What warranty does the 2024 Ram 3500 come with?
All 2024 Ram 3500 trims, including both the Tradesman and Big Horn, come with Ram's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $7,260 Gap
The 3500 Big Horn costs $7,260 more but shares the same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy as the Tradesman. The differences are mostly cosmetic or marginal, so the practical jump is limited.
What Both Trims Share
The 3500 Tradesman and Big Horn share the same engine, drivetrain, and transmission. The $7,260 difference comes down to 2 feature and equipment changes, not mechanical differences.
The Short Version
$7,260 more for the 3500 Big Horn gets you 2 real differences. At $127/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Ram 3500 Tradesman
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Tradesman best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ram 3500 Big Horn
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Big Horn when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ram or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.