2012Coleman wrote:
Make sure you come back and tell us about the decision.
I think your right though at less than 12 k your good with the 2500 but it’s nice to have the extra and not have to worry for the next camper
Thanks, I will! I re-ran a TON of numbers last night using more specific vehicle choices and a 12K GVWR fifth wheel. Number are good across the board (2014 through 2019) on axle ratings for both 4x2 and 4x4, of course payloads are off on 2500 but all in-spec on 3500's. A full 25% kingpin of 12K GVWR is just a couple hundred pounds over axle ratings of a 2500, but not 3500. But 20% is good across the board.
Lantley wrote:
If shopping for a new truck to tow a fiver why not get the one with the most capacity, towing options, stiffer suspension, higher ratings?
Be it real or imagined the 1 ton provides more margin for the same cost.
Why buy marginally capable vs. fully capable....when they are both the same price?
People buy the wrong truck because they mistakenly believe the more capable truck cost more, the truth is the difference in price difference is negligible
This is good wisdom, @Lantley, thanks. It does seem like they are largely the same truck, with the diff possibly in tires+suspension alone, is that right? Maybe some other nuances that largely don't matter..
I keep reading how much more comfortable the coil springs are in the 2500 though, as compared to the 3500. This will be a daily driver for someone (DW or myself).
MFL wrote:
What the difference is when comparing 3/4-1T SRW, is about 1,500 lbs of GVWR 10K, to about 11.5K. Yes, class 2 to class 3. If you are shopping, unless you find a GREAT DEAL on the class 2, you may as well get the class 3. The 3/4 can be used to do the same job, for a cost, and many upgrade their 3/4, since they already own it.
Thanks @MFL for reminding me... I've read a few things online about CDL and other requirements if going class-3, depending on certain states, which gives me pause. We live in the southeast but do plan on eventually doing a lower-CONUS tour eventually, maybe summer 2020-2021?
I don't think I'm ruling out a 3500 at this point, aside from feeling it might be less smooth as a daily driver. But I'm also not ruling out a 2500 of which there are a TON more available for purchase.
rvshrinker wrote:
right but once you compare apples to apples there is a very small price differential going from 2500 to 3500 RAM.
Yeah, that's what I'm seeing, @rvshrinker. I think at the end of the day both are going to be on my list, and pray the Lord will open and close the doors along our journey. There are a lot more 2500's available, and *slightly* lower cost, than equiv. year 3500's.
I think I need to spend some time understanding what the potential DOWNFALL's there are to a 3500 to help me decide.
cheers,
..dane
