2027 Ram HD First Look: More Payload for HemiRamWe're well past the halfway mark of 2026, and that means 2027 model-year details are starting to emerge from brands like Ram, which has just announced updates to its Ram HD lineup. The biggest update for its heavy-duty pickups is a new Payload Upgrade Package for 2500 models with the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, boosting max payload to 4,580 pounds, up as much as 650 pounds over standard versions. Other changes for 2027 mostly focus on appearance packages and new standalone options for trims including the Rebel and Power Wagon.Payload and Towing Capacity IncreasesThe biggest increase is for the 2027 Ram 2500 equipped with the Hemi and the new payload upgrade option package. Standard payload for this combination ranges from 2,730 to 3,930 pounds, depending on cab, bed (also called "cargo box" by Ram) length, and drive configuration. With the upgrade option, maximum payload rises to 4,580 pounds and towing capacity increases to 17,740 pounds.The package swaps in the 3500 frame and leaf springs in place of the standard 2500 chassis with its five-link, coil spring setup. It also includes a limited-slip rear differential configured to work with the leaf spring suspension. The $835 option is available on Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Limited, and Limited Longhorn trims.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 3500 equipped with the 6.4-liter Hemi and configured with an 8-foot cargo box and Regular Cab or a 6.3-foot box and Crew Cab will also get a 400-pound payload and towing-capacity increase. That means these 3500 configurations will be able to tow up to 11,440 pounds, up from 11,040 pounds for 2026.RamNew Standalone OptionsA major option opening up for 2027 2500 Tradesman pickups is the availability of a limited-slip rear differential. Previously, the anti-spin differential, as Ram calls it, required the Level 1 Equipment Group, but it is now a standalone option.Another functional standalone option coming to Rebel and Power Wagon trims with the 6.4-liter Hemi is the availability of the Warn winch. It had been limited to the Level 1 Equipment Group for those trims, but now buyers can order it outside that package.Rebel and Power Wagon models will now offer a sport performance hood as a standalone option, and Big Horn trims will get it when equipped with the Night Edition or Sport Appearance packages.AdvertisementAdvertisementFinally, Laramie models will gain the RamBox option and the availability of body-color fender flares.Otherwise, It's a Carryover From 2026Aside from the payload and standalone updates joining the 6.7-liter turbodiesel I-6 Cummins option announced earlier this year for the 2027 2500 Power Wagon, the 2027 Ram Heavy Duty lineup remains mechanically the same as 2026. Configurations still range from the Regular Cab with an 8-foot bed to the Mega Cab with a 6.3-foot bed, with the choice of RWD or 4WD for all but the Mega Cab, which comes standard with 4WD. Ram 2500s also still offer automatic-leveling rear air suspension in place of the standard five-link rear suspension, and the Ram 3500 offers a supplemental air suspension system to assist the rear leaf springs.Returning trims for the 2027 model year include Tradesman, Black Express, Warlock, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Power Wagon, Limited, and Limited Longhorn. The standard interior includes an analog instrument cluster, a 5.0-inch Uconnect infotainment screen, and a four-speaker system in Regular Cab models, plus a six-speaker sound system in Crew Cabs. Higher trims in the Ram Heavy Duty lineup offer a 14.5-inch Uconnect infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch passenger screen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.Pricing will be announced soon, but the 2027 Ram Heavy Duty lineup should arrive at your local Ram dealer in August.Photo credit: RamPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamPhoto credit: RamAdvertisementAdvertisement