Need a bit more payload on Ram 2500.

tcamper wrote:
Thanks guys for all the helpful information.

Just some facts: there is absolutely no difference in the 3500 and the 2500 SRW Ram …… except the rear suspension. The 2500 uses new coil spring technology for a smoother ride (obviously this is the problem) and the 3500 still uses the standard leaf spring technology. Both have the same GCWR, same chassis, same wheels/tires, same tranny/axel ratio, same Cummings diesel…..same everything. Payload on 2500 is 2600 lbs and payload on 3500 is 4100 lbs..

I have driven the 3500 and the 2500 SRW and there is a lot of difference in the ride comfort.

I had fully planned to go with the 3500, until DW did a test ride with me…..and in the new Dodge it was night and day.

I ask the question on this board because I’ve had a few discussions (dealer, friends that have done it and the guys at Kelderman) that all say it works just fine.

If both trucks are exactly the same….except for the rear suspension…..and I lose the new coil spring and add an air suspension system rated at 2700 lbs. each……how does this not get me where I need to be with plenty of room to spare?

I’m really not naive about what is right and safe for my family, just turning to you guys for debate since I’ve done enough research to cause me to ponder.

Get an Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection in aluminum. Instead of a hitch that consumes 150-300 lbs of your payload, it will only consume 32 lbs plus the weight of the turnover ball setup.

tcamper wrote:
Thanks guys for all the helpful information.

Just some facts: there is absolutely no difference in the 3500 and the 2500 SRW Ram …… except the rear suspension. The 2500 uses new coil spring technology for a smoother ride (obviously this is the problem) and the 3500 still uses the standard leaf spring technology. Both have the same GCWR, same chassis, same wheels/tires, same tranny/axel ratio, same Cummings diesel…..same everything. Payload on 2500 is 2600 lbs and payload on 3500 is 4100 lbs..

I have driven the 3500 and the 2500 SRW and there is a lot of difference in the ride comfort.

I had fully planned to go with the 3500, until DW did a test ride with me…..and in the new Dodge it was night and day.

I ask the question on this board because I’ve had a few discussions (dealer, friends that have done it and the guys at Kelderman) that all say it works just fine.

If both trucks are exactly the same….except for the rear suspension…..and I lose the new coil spring and add an air suspension system rated at 2700 lbs. each……how does this not get me where I need to be with plenty of room to spare?

I’m really not naive about what is right and safe for my family, just turning to you guys for debate since I’ve done enough research to cause me to ponder.

Sounds like you've already made up your mind...and you post about needing more payload with a Ram 2500...most here, with quite a bit of experience also have made suggestions, but again, just buy the 2500, beef it up some and go camping....'nuff said.....I'd personally want to speak to my wife about what would be more safe, whether one believes it or not, especially if one is wanting to purchase a heavier 5er....

Most of us in here aren't naive either, but simple math and some common sense can go a long way when matching a truck with what one is going to tow. There IS a difference in payload with OEM tires on the RAWR between the 2500 & 3500 SRW truck, but again just spend more money for something to beef up a 2500 suspension....and go camping and forget what most have suggested in here, no matter the experience of others from "learning the hard way"...been there, done that, got the T-shirt...:)

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Asian only available with the 3500 along with the higher HP/TQ. Heavier duty rear air assist. Heavier duty tires.

As you know, the air assist is an option on the 3500's. So is the Aisin Transmission and slightly higher rated engine. Tires and wheels can be the same on 2500/3500 SRW trucks, frames slightly different in the rear because of the coil suspension on the 2500. Rear axles the same on 2500HD and 3500HD SRW's. Brakes also. You can get a 2500 with the Hemi that has close to the same payload as the Cummins 3500 SRW with only 500lbs less axle weight capacity so the limiting factor is not the frames or running gear.

Now if buying new, I agree, just get the 3500. But there really isn't much difference between the two.

Thanks guys for all the helpful information.

Just some facts: there is absolutely no difference in the 3500 and the 2500 SRW Ram …… except the rear suspension. The 2500 uses new coil spring technology for a smoother ride (obviously this is the problem) and the 3500 still uses the standard leaf spring technology. Both have the same GCWR, same chassis, same wheels/tires, same tranny/axel ratio, same Cummings diesel…..same everything. Payload on 2500 is 2600 lbs and payload on 3500 is 4100 lbs..

I have driven the 3500 and the 2500 SRW and there is a lot of difference in the ride comfort.

I had fully planned to go with the 3500, until DW did a test ride with me…..and in the new Dodge it was night and day.

I ask the question on this board because I’ve had a few discussions (dealer, friends that have done it and the guys at Kelderman) that all say it works just fine.

If both trucks are exactly the same….except for the rear suspension…..and I lose the new coil spring and add an air suspension system rated at 2700 lbs. each……how does this not get me where I need to be with plenty of room to spare?

I’m really not naive about what is right and safe for my family, just turning to you guys for debate since I’ve done enough research to cause me to ponder.

I have to chime in and add my thoughts to skip right past the 2500 and buy a 3500. You came here looking for suggestions on how to get more capacity....and the best long term answer is a 1 ton. SRW or DRW is up to you based on your expected rv.

Please give this suggestion some serious thought, a new truck is a huge investment and trading it in will mean you take a serious hit if you find yourself overloaded.

Daryll

lynndiwagon wrote:
Ok now, just for the flip side, not making ANY recommendations: If the 3500 is "a completely different animal" why does it only cost $600.00 more than a 2500? Maybe because it's the same frame, just one more spring and bigger tires? Do you really think there is that much difference between a 2500 and 3500 series that can't be handled by heavier tires and air lifts? I'm not talking DRW here, just SRW.

Why spend the money on heavier tires ($1100) and airlifts ($350) when for $725 you can have the real deal? It's one thing to make do with what you have, but starting new is a different deal IMO.

Asian only available with the 3500 along with the higher HP/TQ. Heavier duty rear air assist. Heavier duty tires.

2oldman wrote:

donn0128 wrote:
Why is it? People look for absolute minimum tool for the job at hand!

Money.

And ride comfort, and garage size, and driveway size

Ok now, just for the flip side, not making ANY recommendations: If the 3500 is "a completely different animal" why does it only cost $600.00 more than a 2500? Maybe because it's the same frame, just one more spring and bigger tires? Do you really think there is that much difference between a 2500 and 3500 series that can't be handled by heavier tires and air lifts? I'm not talking DRW here, just SRW.

Based on experience, 25 + years and practical observation, get the 3500! If you don't, you will wish you had. Better to keep the family safe and be able to stop, then hurt after realizing Yep, it could pull it but that is not the issue. CAN YOU STOP IT?