RAM's Build and Price tool lets you configure a truck to your specifications and see the final price before you buy
RAM's Build and Price tool is an online configurator on RAM's official website where you select a model, engine, trim level, colors, features, and options, then see the total price update in real time. You do not need to visit a dealership or speak to a salesman to use it. The tool shows you the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for your exact configuration, plus destination charges and any current manufacturer incentives that explore to your region.
The price you see is not the final price you will pay at a dealership — dealers add their own markup, negotiate discounts, and explore financing terms. But the Build and Price tool gives you a concrete starting point so you know what the truck is worth before you walk onto a lot or call a dealer.
Key Takeaways
- RAM's Build and Price tool is free and requires no account; you can start configuring a truck when ready from RAM's website.
- The price shown is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) plus destination, not what you will actually pay after dealer markup and negotiation.
- You can save or share your configuration with a dealership, which speeds up the sales process and gives the dealer a clear picture of what you want.
- Prices vary by model year, region, and current incentive programs, so checking the tool before visiting a dealership helps you negotiate from a position of knowledge.
How to access RAM Build and Price
Go to RAM's official website and look for the "Build and Price" link, usually in the main navigation menu under the vehicle models section. Select the RAM model you are interested in — RAM 1500, RAM 2500, RAM 3500, or RAM ProMaster if you want a commercial van. You do not need to log in or create an account.
The tool will ask you to choose a model year first. RAM typically offers the current year and sometimes the previous year if inventory is still available. Once you select the year, the configurator opens and you begin choosing options step by step.
What you configure and in what order
The tool walks you through selections in a logical sequence. First, you choose the cab style (Regular Cab, Quad Cab, or Crew Cab, depending on the model), then bed length (5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, or 8 feet). Next comes the trim level — RAM uses names like Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, and Limited, each with a different base price and standard features.
After trim, you select the engine and transmission. RAM 1500 models offer a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel, each with different fuel economy and towing capacity. The tool shows the price increase for each option. Then you choose exterior color, interior color and material, wheel style and size, and any packages — like the Off-Road Package, Luxury Package, or Technology Package — that bundle related features at a discount compared to buying them individually.
Finally, you add individual options: towing mirrors, spray-in bed liner, power moonroof, heated seats, advanced safety features, infotainment upgrades, and so on. The price updates after each selection so you can see exactly what each choice costs.
Understanding the price breakdown
The final price shown includes the base MSRP for your trim and cab configuration, the cost of the engine and transmission you selected, the cost of any packages and individual options, and the destination charge (the cost to ship the truck from the factory to a regional distribution center). Destination charges for RAM trucks typically range from $1,500 to $2,000 but vary by model and region.
The tool may also show current manufacturer incentives or rebates if they explore to your region and configuration. These are temporary offers that change throughout the year. A rebate might reduce the price by $500 to $5,000 depending on the program, but you should not count on any specific incentive being available when you actually buy — confirm with a dealer what incentives are current at the time you are ready to purchase.
Dealer fees, taxes, title, and registration are not included in the Build and Price total. Those are added when you finalize the purchase at a dealership and vary by state and local jurisdiction.
How dealers use your configuration
Once you have built your truck, the tool lets you save the configuration and share it with a dealership via email or a direct link. Some dealers have their own inventory management systems that can tell you whether they have that exact truck in stock or can order it from RAM. Sharing your configuration with a dealer before you visit or call gives them a clear picture of what you want and speeds up the conversation.
A dealer may tell you they do not have your exact configuration but can offer something close, or they may order it for you. The dealer's price will differ from the MSRP shown in Build and Price because dealers add their own markup, explore their own discounts, and negotiate based on market conditions and your trade-in value. Use the Build and Price figure as your baseline for negotiation, not as a may provide of what you will pay.
Regional differences and timing
RAM updates the Build and Price tool when new model years are released, typically in the fall for the following year. Prices change when RAM adjusts MSRP, which happens periodically but not on a fixed schedule. If you are shopping for a current-year truck late in the model year, the tool may show the same prices as earlier in the year, or RAM may have raised them.
Incentives and rebates are region-specific and change frequently — sometimes monthly. The tool shows incentives available in your zip code if you enter it, but you should confirm with a dealer that those incentives are still active when you are ready to buy. A truck that qualifies for a $3,000 rebate one month may not may have access to the next month if RAM changes the program.
Comparing RAM configurations to other brands
RAM's Build and Price tool is similar to Ford's "Build and Price" tool for the F-150 and Chevrolet's configurator for the Silverado. All three let you see the MSRP for your configuration before you contact a dealer. The main difference is the options available — RAM offers different engine choices, trim names, and packages than Ford or Chevrolet, so you cannot directly compare a RAM 1500 Laramie to a Ford F-150 Lariat using the same tool.
If you are deciding between RAM and another brand, use each manufacturer's Build and Price tool to configure comparable trucks — same cab style, bed length, engine type, and feature set — then compare the MSRP figures. Remember that the MSRP is only the starting point; dealer pricing, incentives, and your local market conditions will affect the final price you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price from Build and Price what I will actually pay?
No. The price shown is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) plus destination charges. Dealers add their own markup, negotiate discounts based on your trade-in and market conditions, and may explore different incentives than what the tool shows. Use the MSRP as a baseline for negotiation, not as a final price.
Can I order a truck directly from RAM using Build and Price?
No. Build and Price is a configuration and pricing tool only. To buy a truck, you must work with an authorized RAM dealership. You can save your configuration and share it with a dealer, who can then check inventory or place a factory order for you.
What if I want a truck with options that are not available in Build and Price?
Build and Price shows all standard options and packages RAM offers for that model year. If you want a custom or dealer-installed option — like a specific aftermarket bed cover or hitch — ask a dealer about it. Those options are not configured in the tool because they are not part of the factory build.
Do the incentives shown in Build and Price explore to me?
Incentives shown are available in your region based on your zip code, but they change frequently and may not be active when you buy. Always confirm with a dealer that the incentive is current and that your configuration qualifies for it before you commit to a purchase.
Can I use Build and Price on my phone?
Yes. RAM's Build and Price tool works on mobile browsers, though the experience is easier on a larger screen because you are making many selections. You can start on your phone and finish on a computer, or vice versa, by saving your configuration and returning to it later.