Is RAM 2500 Good for Overlanding?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Generally, overlanding is not the most accessible hobby out there unless you have a reliable off-roading truck, a good plan and the necessary equipment to spend nights and days outdoors. RAM 2500 is one of the best trucks for overlanding out there. Even a stock 2500 is ready to go on an adventure with you any moment, but we have a better idea.

Why set for good if you can make your RAM a perfect overlanding vehicle with a few practical modifications? There are plenty of wonderful builds you can find browsing the forums and overlanding community blogs. However, someone else's experience isn't necessarily going to match your own. In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular overlanding upgrades that can help you come up with your unique build ideas. We know that a perfect RAM 2500 build for overlanding is a personal thing that must reflect the preferences, goals and driving style of the owner.

Some modifications listed below can be expensive and require engineering expertise. Do not attempt to alter crucial parts responsible for your safety and vehicle performance without enough experience and professional guidance. But do not get discouraged just yet! There are going to be enough simple plug-and-play options for beginners and builds on a budget.

RAM 2500 Is a Great Platform for Overland Builds

The fact that RAM 2500 is purposefully built for hardcore off-roading and heavy-duty tasks makes the truck a perfect base for overlanding builds. It has a sturdy construction, ample storage space and impressive performance. RAM 2500 also demonstrates wonderful payload and towing capacity if you plan to pull a trailer along. It is much easier to make an overland rock star out of an already reliable and capable platform that is relatively simple to customize.

With a few mods, you can transform your stock RAM 2500 into a comfortable camper or a hardcore off-road rig, according to your preferences. And this part is really important. Any build is only good if it helps you achieve your goals. So, before you decide on the build, make sure you have your plans, preferences and possible routes figured out. The terrain, weather conditions and difficulty are what you build your truck for.

Potential Limitations of the RAM 2500 for Overlanding

This truck is amazing for some heavy-duty tasks and harsh environments, but it can not be perfect for everything. Some limitations of RAM 2500 can become serious issues during overlanding if you don’t include them during your planning. Keep in mind that these three drawbacks can spoil your experience:

1. Fuel efficiency. As with any other heavy-duty truck, RAM 2500 has a good appetite. The problem with its fuel efficiency can become dire since there are not so many gas stations in the middle of a desert or forest. The fuel consumption only increases during off-roading and hauling.

2. Maneuverability. RAM 2500 is a bulky truck, its size does not make it easy to maneuver on a narrow, winding path.

3. Suspension. The stock suspension is okay, but it can wear out too fast during overlanding. It would be better to change it to a more robust aftermarket option.

What is the Most Off-road Capable RAM 2500 Trim?

All RAM 2500 trims are good for off-roading and overlanding alike. However, RAM 2500 Power Wagon is the best for overlanding. This trim is entirely in a different league compared to the other trims in terms of improved off-road performance. 

The Power Wagon is not offering a balance between towing and off-roading. Instead, it has lighter steering, cleverly tuned suspension and also extra features like electronically locking differentials to provide superior traction and an electronic sway bar disconnect. It also comes with a 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, which provides plenty of power and torque for tackling rough terrain.

Overlanding Upgrades for RAM 2500

Usually, exterior modifications are cheaper and easier to install than the upgrades that you can do to the interior. Here is what you can add to make your RAM 2500 even better equipped for overland traveling:

Suspension lift kit

If you can put some more distance between the truck belly and sharp rocks then do it. Improved ground clearance is an amazing mod for overlanding with RAM 2500.

Heavy-duty shocks and springs

Your RAM 2500 will need some better and durable options to survive rough terrain. Here are some decent options:

• Old Man Emu (OME) Suspension

• Bilstein 5100 Series

• Fox 2.0 Performance Series

Skid plates

This modification is amust for hardcore off-roading. You need a good skid plate to protect your RAM while overlanding.

Off-road bumpers

When you go overlanding, no extra safety feature is really extra. A high-quality bumper can safe you from some costly repairs if you run into a particularly challenging situation.

• ARB Off-Road Bumpers

• Fab Fours Off-Road Bumpers

• Road Armor Off-Road Bumpers

Winch

Recovering a stuck truck as big and heavy as RAM 2500 can be very exhausting. And this task can become nearly impossible without a durable winch. If you feel like you need a more sturdy option, check these suggestions:

• Warn Zeon Winch

• Smittybilt XRC Winch

• Superwinch Tiger Shark Winch

Off-road tires

These parts of the vehicle are exposed to all elements and rough terrain during overlanding. Getting sturdier rims and wheels that offer more traction can be a good idea. Here are some popular suggestions for you.

Locking differentials or limited-slip differentials

If you have a RAM 2500 in other trim then Power Wagon, we would recommend considering this upgrade. You will need every tiny bit of traction you may get when overlanding.

Snorkel

A snorkel is the only thing that will help you avoid being “dead in the water” during your overland journey. This is a must if you want to travel in areas with a lot of water bodies and lowlands. Make sure to check specifications before you buy:

• ARB Safari Snorkel

• Airflow Snorkels

• Ironman 4x4 Snorkels

Rock sliders

Rocks will be hammering at your truck all the time. A high-quality set of rock sliders is a reasonable thing to add to RAM 2500 before going off-road:

• White Knuckle Off Road Products

• CBI Offroad Fab

• N-Fab

Look for reputable brands, quality metals and anti-corrosion coatings. They are supposed to get damaged all the time, but rust will most likely destroy them too soon.

Roof rack

This one is not absolutely necessary for every driver. But if you are planning to take a lot of equipment for a long overland journey, think about getting solar panels or just like to put a rooftop tent for a night out, then yes, you need this mod.

A good roof rack is lightweight, durable and designed for off-roading. Don’t go looking for cheap models, the quality of materials is crucial here. These three brands are a good place to start:

• Rhino Rack

• Yakima

• Thule

Awning

This is another feature that contributes little to tackling the wild trails. Installing an awing is a comfort feature you can add to stay in shade while camping. Pick light materials that can block the sunlight, are resistant to fading and waterproof. The three most popular brands:

• ARB

• Rhino Rack (Batwing/Foxwing)

• Tepui

Roof-top tent

Roof-top tents will protect you from snakes, insects and other unpleasant thing during the night outdoors. These tents have their perks and disadvantages, so don’t rush this choice.

• Tepui Explorer Series

• Yakima Skyrise

• Thule Tepui Foothill

Recovery gear

Let’s be real, it is very likely that your RAM 2500 might get stuck. To get it out of mud, deep sand, snow and other places, you will need recovery gear:

• ARB Recovery Kit

• Smittybilt XRC Recovery Kit

• Maxtrax Recovery Boards

Off-road lighting

Low visibility in challenging conditions can be extremely dangerous. Try upgrading your car lighting to improve visibility or add some more light for the campsite with a light bar:

• Rigid Industries - Radiance Plus LED Light Bar

• Baja Designs - Squadron Pro LED Lights

• KC HiLiTES - Pro6 Gravity LED Light Bar

Storage solutions

Rough terrain can make a mess inside your storage area. A good solution can be getting an organizer, adding bagage straps or a drawer system:

• Front Runner - Wolf Pack Drawer System

• ARB - Cargo Drawer System

• Goose Gear - CampKitchen 2.3 with Fridge Slide

Dual battery system

Finding yourself stranded in the desert with no power can be frustrating. If you feel like you need a backup plan for powering your equipment in the camp and the vehicle itself, check these:

• National Luna - Dual Battery System

• Redarc - Manager30 Dual Battery System

• CTEK - D250SA Dual Battery System

Air compressor

Tires can fail you sometimes and having a trusty air compressor can save you from lots of trouble:

• ARB Portable High-Performance 12-Volt Air Compressor

• VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor

• Smittybilt 2781 5.65 CFM Universal Air Compressor

Navigation system

Maps are great, make sure to have one on you when overlanding for extreme situations, but a GPS would still be your go-to option. Start your search with these options:

• Garmin Overlander

• Magellan TRX7

• Gaia GPS App

We hope this guide will help you prepare your RAM 2500 for overlanding. Stay safe and have fun!

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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