Forum Discussion

humblerb's avatar
humblerb
Explorer
Nov 03, 2021

Upgrade from 2500 to 3500 Question

Currently towing a Grand Design Reflection with a RAM 2500.
My truck is a HEMI and the truck is within specs for towing the 5th.
We are getting ready to start spreading our wings and take some long trips in order to see the country.
I recently retired and my TV is no longer a daily driver.
I want to upgrade from my 2018 2500 to a similar 3500.
Have been looking at used vehicles for a few months now - they are scarce.
I had about talked myself in to my first diesel.
Today, I see a truck that has become available that is identical to my 2500 HEMI, except in 3500. It is SRW. It has almost 6,000# cargo capacity. Basically, exactly what I was looking for when I first started looking, before I started considering diesels.
Knowing that I am currently towing with a HEMI, can anyone convince me that I need to zero in on a diesel and forget the HEMI?
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Nov 03, 2021
    Go DIESEL and DON'T LOOK BACK........ There are soooooooo many reasons

    just to name 2 biggies in my book -
    The torque with the diesel is great
    The exhaust brake is fantastic to have especially if travelling in mountains or even to just save your brake pads....
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Nov 03, 2021
    Without more details, we can only speculate. Better if you provide:
    - Model Years
    - Full drivetrain (including transmission)
    - Payload per the door sticker
    - SRW or Dually for the 1 ton

    Assuming the current truck is in good condition and the alternative is the same drivetrain and your current truck is within ratings, there is pretty much nothing to gain pulling the same trailer.
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Nov 03, 2021
    My 2015 Ram 6.7 Cummins diesel crew cab long box SRW has a net payload of 4300. To get to the 6k you need a dually.

    Truck weighs about 8000 lbs empty with a GVWR of 12,300.

    It's a moot point now, that truck will be sold by tomorrow anyway.... :(
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Nov 03, 2021
    op wrote:
    Today, I see a truck that has become available that is identical to my 2500 HEMI, except in 3500. It is SRW. It has almost 6,000# cargo capacity.

    There is no one ton SRW any brand gas or diesel that can carry 6000 lbs in the bed as pin weight/5th wheel hitch/load of mill feed/etc.
    A gas or diesel 3500 srw Ram rear axle (7000 rawr) weighs close to 3400 lbs leaving approx 3600 lbs for a in the bed payload.

    Payload stickers are gvwr based and come from both truck axles.

    You have the same engine in a 2500 truck so the engine in the 3500 srw won't have any more pulling performance. Just more payload capacity.
  • wowens79's avatar
    wowens79
    Explorer III
    Nov 03, 2021
    If the 3500 is a 19, it goes to the 8spd, and everyone is raving about how much better the Hemis pull with the 8spd.
    Look at the new Ford 7.3 gas with the 10spd. It is the king of the gassers.
  • MNRon's avatar
    MNRon
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2021
    The 3500 hemi will tow just like your 2500 hemi, except more payload. Same power (or lack there of in mountains), same gas mileage (or lack there of again). Etc

    Get a diesel and you’d have a smile on your face when pulling…but maybe not when buying :(

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