Pondering between Ram 2500 or 3500
Hi guys and gals, I've finally decided to trade in my 2011 Ram 1500 for either a 2500 or 3500. I have an older heavy TT that has a tongue weight of 1,050 lbs. When loaded, we have about 7,500 to 8,...
Forum Discussion
I have the same type of trailer and the nearly the same truck the OP was looking at (6.4L 3500).
You don't NEED a diesel to tow a 10,000 lb travel trailer. My trailer is the same weight (10k GVW) and my truck pulls it just fine, even up over the mountains. I was 8500 on the trailer axles (I stopped at a closed weigh station) and I know my trailer tongue ranges in the 1200 to 1400 lb range. It had to rev up, but it did so with ease. Get the diesel ONLY IF YOU WANT IT or PLAN TO UPGRADE LATER to a bigger 5th wheel trailer. A 6.4 with 4.10 is rated to tow up to 15k, by the way, and I haven't seen a travel trailer yet that mine can't pull while staying within ratings. Don't let other people spend your money for you. Make the decision yourself.
I'm not opposed to diesels. The absolutely have their place and they are great towing machines. But get it for the right reasons, not because somebody on a forum told you that you must have one. It's your money, after all.
Unless you get a truck with the air ride, there isn't much ride difference between the 2500 and 3500. Now, this is just a personal opinion having ridden in my friend's truck and driven my truck. But I honestly couldn't tell the difference. The trucks even sit at the same height. My friend bought a 2500 6.4L Laramie and his payload is north of 3000 lbs. Payload with a 6.4 isn't going to be your limiting factor towing a travel trailer.
You don't NEED a diesel to tow a 10,000 lb travel trailer. My trailer is the same weight (10k GVW) and my truck pulls it just fine, even up over the mountains. I was 8500 on the trailer axles (I stopped at a closed weigh station) and I know my trailer tongue ranges in the 1200 to 1400 lb range. It had to rev up, but it did so with ease. Get the diesel ONLY IF YOU WANT IT or PLAN TO UPGRADE LATER to a bigger 5th wheel trailer. A 6.4 with 4.10 is rated to tow up to 15k, by the way, and I haven't seen a travel trailer yet that mine can't pull while staying within ratings. Don't let other people spend your money for you. Make the decision yourself.
I'm not opposed to diesels. The absolutely have their place and they are great towing machines. But get it for the right reasons, not because somebody on a forum told you that you must have one. It's your money, after all.
Unless you get a truck with the air ride, there isn't much ride difference between the 2500 and 3500. Now, this is just a personal opinion having ridden in my friend's truck and driven my truck. But I honestly couldn't tell the difference. The trucks even sit at the same height. My friend bought a 2500 6.4L Laramie and his payload is north of 3000 lbs. Payload with a 6.4 isn't going to be your limiting factor towing a travel trailer.
