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 8,000 lbs. The TT has a GVWR of 10,000 and its UVW is 6,600.We really like the TT but it's been a white knuckle ride pulling it with the 1/2 ton truck. The trucks payload is only 1354 and I'm afraid of breaking something on the truck if I continue pulling this load. With my wife, myself, two dogs, and all my junk in the back, I'v already gobbled up 800 lbs. of the payload before dropping the trailer on the hitchAnyway, The 2500 has the same type of coil spring rear suspension as my current truck and I'm nervous about dropping 1,000 lbs on the back. The 3500 has leaf springs on the rear and it's much stiffer. The thing is with both trucks set up the same, the cost difference is only 300 bucks. Logic tells me to go with the 3500 but I'm wondering if I'm overlooking something about the two trucks that I should know before placing an order.I'm going with the 6.4 HEMI and 4.10 axel ratio regardless of the truck I decide to go with. Can't afford the added cost of a diesel or the maintenance costs. Had no problem with power using the 5.7 HEMI in my 1500.Any thoughts on this would be helpful. I'd like to place an order for my new truck in the next couple of days.Thanks,Smokeylew

Go with the 3500 and the diesel. Diesel is cheaper then gas and I don't have any higher maintenance costs.

The added cost of the diesel is the 8k pop over the cost of a HEMI. My wife and I are retired and we'll be stretching things as it is going with the gasser. Thanks for your suggestion.

corvettekent wrote:Go with the 3500 and the diesel. Diesel is cheaper then gas and I don't have any higher maintenance costs.I too would do the same. When we upgrade our TTIto a 5th next year my next truck will have the diesel combo in it. Hopefully Toyota will make one by then if not Im going dodge. As for maintenance the cost isn't much more than gas engines. imho its worth the extra cost.

If you shop around you can get a 3500 cheaper than a 2500, a lot cheaper if you want to give up some bells and whistles.and a Diesel on top of that

The added cost of the diesel is the 8k pop over the cost of a HEMI. My wife and I are retired and we'll be stretching things as it is going with the gasser. Thanks for your suggestion. Go with the 3500. The diesel option is $8000 more than the basic 5.7 hemi. It is not $8000 more than the 6.4 as that engine is also an option ($1395) more than the basic 5.7 hemi. With the diesel you will get the exhaust brake, twice the torque, the ability to option the Aisin medium truck transmission, and better fuel mileage. Both have a 100,000 mile engine warranty; neither will likely need any engine warranty work in the first 100,000 miles. The diesel will have better resale when that time comes. Getting the 6.4, I definitely would go with the 4.10 axles for towing. One tow with the diesel and you will wonder why you even looked at the gas engine. Diesels for towing are really that impressive!Go on line and check out the prices at Dennis Dillon in Boise Idaho. That will give you a good base price to negotiate with any local dealer.

Pondering between Ram 2500 or 3500 | Good Sam Community

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Apr 29, 2016
3500 Cummins with Aisin you will be good to go towing up to 14K. Also get the rear air ride!
bbaker2001
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
thanks coolbreeze.
we went from 1500 to 3500 diesel.. from 24 TT to 30 5th.
love how it pulls.
yes the diesel pulls great, but I never had issues with being a little slower uphill. always got to where I was headed.
with the 3500 found out we pay an additional 260 weight fee. what a joke.
took in for oil change. 103 for diesel daughter took her GMC with synthetic it was 82.

if you think you might go bigger, diesel IF you can. but you can always trade up later.
Smokey_Lew
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
You guys have great suggestions. Love the feedback.

If I went with 6.7 diesel engine and the heavy duty AISIN trans, it would have to be in a 3500. Seems it's only offered that way. That being the case, would the standard 3.42 rear axel ratio be a hinderance for grades? I was considering the 6.4 HEMI with a 4.10 axel ratio. Never pulled with a diesel before.
bbaker2001
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
I pull my 30' uphill no problem, doesn't break a sweat
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
As others have said, go with the 3500 and get Diesel. You will NOT regret it towing! Not at all!
TurnThePage
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
I'm not made of money like most of these other posters appear to be, so I too would lean toward the gas engine. Even though it has coils, the 2500 is a stout truck. Its payload is artificially low to satisfy the 10,000 lb class limit. Either one would be more than enough truck and not a bad choice.
spoon059
Explorer II
Apr 29, 2016
2500 will work fine for those needs. We have about 1100 lbs in tongue weight, often carry firewood, bikes, bike trailer, chairs, coolers, etc in the bed and have very little squat when towing. The rear axle is rated at 6500 lbs, though the artificial GVWR is 10K lbs...
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
Smokey Lew wrote:
You guys have great suggestions. Love the feedback.

If I went with 6.7 diesel engine and the heavy duty AISIN trans, it would have to be in a 3500. Seems it's only offered that way. That being the case, would the standard 3.42 rear axel ratio be a hinderance for grades? I was considering the 6.4 HEMI with a 4.10 axel ratio. Never pulled with a diesel before.

I test drove a SRW 3500 with the AISIN today. Lots of power. Sorry, I didn't notice the axle ratio, but I bet 3.42's would do just fine.
Smokey_Lew
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
If it didn't have duel rear wheels then it was the 3.42 axel ration. Thanks for the info.
Smokey_Lew
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
Is a diesel equipped truck okay for short hops to store, etc. on a daily basis when not towing? I usually go out on the road with the trailer for a couple of week every 4 to 6 weeks and then use the truck for errands while at home. Any thoughts?

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