The Ram 3500 is one of the most capable heavy-duty pickups sold in Australia — a dual-rear-wheel workhorse built around the 6.7-litre Cummins turbo-diesel, rated to tow up to 8,000 kg on a gooseneck or fifth-wheel connection. It is sold through Ram Trucks Australia as a factory-backed right-hand-drive remanufacture, converted by American Special Vehicles (ASV) — a joint venture between Walkinshaw Automotive Group and ATECO Automotive — at a facility in Clayton, Victoria. The conversion is thorough and ASV-converted trucks are ADR-compliant. Even so, the 3500 is not trouble-free: its emissions systems, transmission, front-end geometry, and RHD-specific elements all carry documented vulnerabilities any buyer should understand.
6.7-litre Cummins diesel: emissions system issues
The 6.7L Cummins is a fundamentally robust engine, but its Tier 4 emissions hardware is consistently the most expensive headache on Australian-spec trucks. These problems are worse on vehicles used for short-trip or stop-and-go driving rather than sustained highway or towing work, which is the operating cycle the engine needs to stay healthy.
EGR cooler failure
The EGR system routes hot exhaust gas back into the intake via a coolant-fed cooler. When the cooler fails internally, coolant enters the cylinders — producing white smoke and risking serious engine damage if unaddressed. EGR cooler and valve replacement runs roughly $800–$2,500.
DPF clogging
A blocked diesel particulate filter is one of the most frequently reported 6.7 Cummins complaints, especially on trucks used mostly around town rather than sustained highway or towing work. Symptoms include power loss, frequent regen cycles, fault codes, and reduced-power mode. A DPF clean costs roughly $400–$900; full replacement is significantly more.
DEF/AdBlue system faults
Post-2013 trucks use an AdBlue (DEF) system to control NOx emissions. Short-trip use crystallises the DEF doser, and the DEF heater and quality sensor are known fault points. Left unresolved, a failed DEF system can trigger a start-count countdown that eventually prevents the engine from starting. Doser and SCR repairs run roughly $500–$1,800.
Turbo actuator
The 6.7 Cummins uses a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) controlled by an electronic actuator — a documented weak point, particularly on 2013–2016 trucks. FCA issued a US warranty extension covering actuator replacements. Symptoms include sluggish spool-up, poor boost under load, and limp-mode fault codes once the engine reaches operating temperature. Actuator replacement runs roughly $900–$2,500 fitted.
Transmission: 68RFE versus AISIN
Australian-delivered Ram 3500 trucks come with one of two automatic transmissions: the 68RFE six-speed (more common on standard-output Cummins) or the AISIN AS69RC six-speed (paired with the High Output Cummins). The difference matters significantly for used-car buyers.
The 68RFE has a reputation for premature failure under sustained heavy towing or in tuned trucks. Common failure points are the valve body, torque converter, and clutch packs. Symptoms include delayed shifts, converter shudder, and slipping. A rebuilt 68RFE in Australia can cost $3,500–$6,000 or more, making it worth paying extra for a truck with the AISIN.
The AISIN AS69RC is widely regarded as the stronger option and a better match for the Cummins's torque output, especially in gooseneck and agricultural-towing use. AISIN trucks command a premium on the used market and are generally worth it for buyers who will use the truck hard. Regardless of gearbox, check the transmission fluid colour and ask for fluid-change history.
Steering: death wobble and front-end wear
The Ram 3500's solid front axle makes it susceptible to death wobble — a violent shimmy through the steering wheel triggered at highway speeds by a bump. It is not a single-part failure: worn track bar bushings, a degraded steering damper, loose tie rod ends, or worn ball joints can all contribute. The track bar and its bushings are the most common root cause on the Ram HD platform. On trucks that have seen rural or corrugated-road use, a thorough front-end inspection is essential. A full rebuild can run $1,500–$3,500.
RHD remanufacture-specific considerations
The ASV conversion introduces hundreds of new components — a revised steering column, new dash, relocated HVAC, new pedal box, and RHD-specific wiring. Build quality from the Clayton facility is generally solid, but a few remanufacture-specific points are worth knowing:
- Parts lead times: Some RHD-specific components (steering column parts, ASV-sourced dash elements) are not stocked at mainstream auto factors. Expect longer lead times and higher prices for anything unique to the conversion.
- Servicing network: ASV's authorised network is smaller than mainstream brands. Specialist workshops exist in major cities but regional buyers may face difficulty getting warranty or recall work done locally.
- Water ingress on 2014–2015 builds: Some owners have reported leaks around the rear window seals and cab corners — a known issue on that generation. Check the headliner and B-pillar trim for staining.
- Verify RHD compliance paperwork: Confirm the vehicle has its ASV compliance plate and documentation. Informally converted grey imports do exist and may not meet ADR requirements.
Water pump fire risk
A recall (Australian recall REC-001162) covered 2013–2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. A Concentric-brand water pump bearing could overheat and leak coolant onto hot engine components, creating a fire risk. Any 2013–2017 Ram 3500 you inspect should have this recall completed — the remedy is a pump replacement at no cost.
Recalls & safety
The Ram 3500 sold in Australia has been subject to multiple safety recalls issued by American Special Vehicles through the Australian vehicle recall register. The following are the most significant for the 2015 and 2018 model years:
- 2015–2017 (REC-001166): A defective tailgate latch that may disconnect while the vehicle is in motion, potentially ejecting cargo onto the road and creating a hazard for other vehicles.
- 2017–2018 (REC-001164): Certain MY 2017 and early MY 2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks were fitted with a power steering hose that may fail, causing loss of hydraulic assistance to both the steering and brake systems — significantly increasing crash risk.
- 2013–2017 (REC-001162): Water pump bearing fire risk, described above.
Check the Ram 3500 2015 recall page and the 2018 recall page on Carify for year-specific records, or browse the Carify recalls hub for the full picture.
Buying a used Ram 3500? What to check
The Ram 3500 attracts buyers who need genuine heavy-duty capability — treat the inspection accordingly.
- Towing history: Ask directly and look for signs of hard gooseneck or fifth-wheel use — tray wear, hitch-plate modifications, and transmission condition all indicate how hard the truck has worked.
- Emissions service records: Confirm the AdBlue/DEF system has been serviced and check whether the DPF has ever been cleaned or replaced.
- Turbo response: The turbo should build boost cleanly from a warm idle. Hesitation, smoke, or limp mode after warm-up points to the actuator.
- Gearbox condition: Test drive under load — look for shudder, gear flare, or hesitant shifts, especially on 68RFE-equipped trucks.
- Front-end play: Have the track bar, tie rod ends, and steering damper inspected by a workshop familiar with solid-axle Ram trucks.
- Outstanding recalls: Verify that the water pump, tailgate latch, and power steering hose recalls have been rectified by an authorised ASV dealer.
- History check: Run a VIN check through Carify to confirm no finance owing, write-off flags, or odometer discrepancies — particularly important given the commercial use these trucks typically see.
The verdict
The Ram 3500 is hard to beat for heavy-duty towing in Australia, and the ASV RHD conversion is a credible, factory-backed product. The 6.7L Cummins at stock tune with a good service history is a long-lived engine. The weak links are well-known: the emissions hardware (EGR cooler, DPF, DEF system, turbo actuator), the 68RFE gearbox under sustained load, and front-end steering wear on higher-kilometre examples. Buyers who prioritise the AISIN variant, have full service history, and budget for periodic emissions maintenance will find the Ram 3500 a capable and rewarding used truck. Those buying blind into examples with heavy towing history and no records face genuine exposure to expensive repairs.