Hi folks,Currently have a '14 3500 CTD with around 25K miles on it.When we were looking for a truck (2015) I was originally looking for a 6.4L, but couldn't find one with 4.10's, and the CTD ended up being cheaper than ordering a 6.4L.Just bought a new 5th wheel that fully loaded (without water) weighs in at 10,500lbs.The CTD tows it effortlessly, and I LOVE the exhaust brake.Thing is, because it's a short-box, I'm having trouble trying to figure out how to carry bikes/kayaks(in the future). Have found a '15 3500 dually 6.4L, 4.10's with about 1200miles on it at a dealer.This would help with my 'cargo' carrying issues with the longer box as I could put an over-the-cab rack without having to worry about clearances with the 5th wheel front cap.Another reason I'm considering it is because our current truck has now been taken off of daily driver duties and will be our tow- vehicle only.Is having it sit for extended lengths of time a problem?I know that I'll be giving up a bit of towing performance, but my previous tow vehicles were both gassers, so I know what to expect with one towing out here in the West. I do not have any issue with hearing a gas engine rev. Guess I'm trying to determine if the trade-offs will be worth it.Pros: -newer truck-more payload capacity/usefullness-gasser 'simplicity'Cons:-loss of diesel 'oomph'-loss of exhaust brakeMy truck is paid for, and after talking with the dealer it looks like a straight across trade (with a few extras to me) would be possible.Anyways, thoughts??

Fifth Wheel Kayak & Bike Racks

Absolutely no way possible would I do that!!! Especially if its paid for. There's a good reason the dealer is offering a straight up trade plus a little extra for your truck! He stands to make money on it where I bet he could hardly give away the dually gasser. Not there is anything wrong with it, its just not nearly the truck you already have that's paid for!As far as sitting goes, I see no problems with it so long as it's fired up occasionally and battery and all fluids topped off. What's the difference in a gas truck sitting vs a diesel with all things equal?

I would probably stay with the Cummins, haul the kayak on top of the 5er, and the bikes on a hitch rack in front of the truck, yes if you have a problem with the Cummins it will cost double or more to fix, but the torque is really hard to forget about when going to a gas truck.when we pull with the gas truck I am always thinking " man I could eat this hill up with my Cummins"

The diesel will be fine sitting for long periods. Mine is also pretty much exclusively a tow vehicle. The only driving I do with it from about November - March is a couple of hunting trips, other than that, it sits in the garage. No worries about sitting for weeks/months at a time.I wouldn't trade it for a gasser.

Never. I'd take a 1990s Cummins over a newer hemi. But that's just personal preference. Many ways to figure out how to carry more.

Cummins to Hemi? | Good Sam Community

ShinerBock
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017
Fifth Wheel Kayak & Bike Racks
Greene728
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017
Absolutely no way possible would I do that!!! Especially if its paid for. There's a good reason the dealer is offering a straight up trade plus a little extra for your truck! He stands to make money on it where I bet he could hardly give away the dually gasser. Not there is anything wrong with it, its just not nearly the truck you already have that's paid for!
As far as sitting goes, I see no problems with it so long as it's fired up occasionally and battery and all fluids topped off. What's the difference in a gas truck sitting vs a diesel with all things equal?
1stgenfarmboy
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017
I would probably stay with the Cummins, haul the kayak on top of the 5er, and the bikes on a hitch rack in front of the truck, yes if you have a problem with the Cummins it will cost double or more to fix, but the torque is really hard to forget about when going to a gas truck.

when we pull with the gas truck I am always thinking " man I could eat this hill up with my Cummins"
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017
The diesel will be fine sitting for long periods. Mine is also pretty much exclusively a tow vehicle. The only driving I do with it from about November - March is a couple of hunting trips, other than that, it sits in the garage. No worries about sitting for weeks/months at a time.

I wouldn't trade it for a gasser.
Redwoodcamper
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017
Never. I'd take a 1990s Cummins over a newer hemi. But that's just personal preference. Many ways to figure out how to carry more.
gbopp
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017
Greene728 wrote:
There's a good reason the dealer is offering a straight up trade plus a little extra for your truck! He stands to make money on it

Three years ago my BIL had a 98 Dodge Cummins short bed. He traded it on a new one, the dealer gave him not quite $5000 for the trade.
They then put it on their lot for $15000 and it was gone in about a week.
crcr
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017

You can easily haul kayaks on your existing truck. Install a front hitch on your truck plus a T-bar and haul your kayaks like the pic. I got the pic by googling kayaks loaded on truck towing fifth wheel. There are many many similar pics.

Personally I would not trade the Cummins for a gasser.
crcr
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017
Here's another:
jerem0621
Explorer II
Nov 22, 2017
I can’t imagine a 10,000 lb fiver causing payload issues for a 3500 SRW. Payload should be upwards of 4,000 ish lbs.

If you want a Dually then go for it! The 6.4 will have more than enough oomph to move the trailer. Resale will be an issue as most folks want diesels.

I had a gas V10 Dually and had to wait a little while for a buyer. There are people out there who would rather have a gas truck. That’s why they make them.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
ib516
Explorer II
Nov 22, 2017
I had a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.4L Hemi and 4.10s. I towed a 12,000# loaded 5er with it. The RV was 37' long and had 3 slides (2010 Cougar 322QBS).

The Hemi hauled it around without an issue, even in the mountains. I never felt it lacked for power, ever. High RPM when climbing grades and 7-9 mpg when towing was the norm. On flat ground with no wind, it was either 5th gear at ~2200 RPM, or 4th gear at ~2800 RPM. If you're ok with those things, it'd be a good choice.

I had 2 Cummins powered Rams before the Hemi, both were modified for more power. I had no regrets.

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