2005 ram 2500 4x4 quad vs. 2006 ram 1500 quad 4x4

I vote the 2500 for sure. I had the exact same trailer and and F-150. It pulled it but payload was lacking for sure. I got a 250 and it was night and day. Id have only one concern for you and that's the fuel mileage you are hoping to get. I'm not saying you are wrong but I doubt very seriously you were getting 15mpg while towing that trailer. The readout may have said that but there's no way. The 2500 will not do any better on fuel either. Just more enjoyable tow.

With mine I never felt 'out of control' with the Ram 1500 compared to my '05 Hemi Durango, and all I use is the friction sway control.. But honestly it just feels more solid/planted with the heavier truck.

atvanish- would I still have control over the trailer with the 1500?
I am coming from a short wheelbase Tahoe, where I don't feel like I am in much control over the trailer

I've had both with a 6k trailer (several 1500 hemi's and several 2500 hemi's)...
My 6k trailer has ~900 lb tongue - I'm over GVWR on the 1500's with passengers/cargo/wood... Extra payload of the 2500 is nice ;)
The 1500 will get 16-18mpg EMPTY on the hwy, 2500 will be in 14-16mpg EMPTY
Loaded they will both be very close to 8-9 MPG..
Certainly pros/cons to both which is why I've switched a few times.. Personally I would stick with the 2500.. Both have similar power but the heavier frame/brakes/axles will 'handle' that size trailer better.
Just my $0.02.. :)

will the 3.73 rear end in the 2500 be a good combo? Will it have the power needed to pull 6,700#'s? its ironic the smaller 1500 has the bigger rear end ratio (3.92)

I had a 2007 Ram 1500 with Hemi 3.92 rear and traded it for 2012 Ram 2500 with Hemi and 4.10 rear because I was short on payload.

Big difference in towing with the 2500. I would go for the Ram 2500.

thanks for the advice marty!

MPG's will be barely .5-1mpg different, if comparing GM 5.7 votecs in 1500's to my 2500. The thing about a 2500, is you have PAYLOAD, which frankly is more important than tow ratings. Even if the 2500 had a gcwr of 14K vs 15K for the 1500, I will recommend the 2500! I would rather be over a gcwr with a slightly impaired power wise correct chassis rig, than an over to correct powered under chassi'd rig. Been in both places in the past, will ALWAYS take the higher gvwr chassis.

Marty

I'd get the 2500.
Even with my 3500 I'm surprised how close to my max. payload I sometimes get.