Forum Discussion

jimh406's avatar
jimh406
Explorer III
Feb 09, 2014

DRW vs New DRW for TC Hauling

I've been doing some research since I'm pretty much only driving my truck any more when the TC is on it. It's getting some age on it, so I'm considering getting a different truck that isn't a compromise for hauling. Obviously, that means I'm looking at DRWs.

Next up, DRW vs New DRW. Some makes including RAM are rated significantly higher than models even a few years old. The question is if you've had both, did you experience much of a difference hauling your TC between your newer higher rated DRW from '06 on compared to the very newest DRW models that are rated to haul almost 2K more?

If you did, what did you have, and what did you switch from? I found some interesting things out. Ford went away from 19.5s on F450s and just are moving back to them. RAM now actually has a nice interior and have absolutely way better initial prices, but maybe that's a function of advertisements.

In case you are wondering, I'm leaning RAM. I must have been asleep when the took over the market segment.
Truck Campers
  • JumboJet's avatar
    JumboJet
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014
    I have a 2013 RAM 3500 DRW and all I can say is WOW! I had a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 SRW and there is a big difference in ride and power - with it all being good! Can't help with the DRW to DRW difference.

    I have only owned Dodges with the Cummins so I can't really tell you about the other brands.
  • kerry4951's avatar
    kerry4951
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014
    We all knew it would be just a matter of time before you'd come over to the DRW world. Anyway, good luck with your search.
    I never drove a "newer" model, but my 09 (with listed mods)hauls my heavy AF with absolutely no problem. I can only imagine how well the newer models would handle it.
  • Led_67's avatar
    Led_67
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014
    Actually I am not surprised by the tech advances considering the alloys and computerized engineering going into these DRW trucks I am just waiting for the person that decides to push the envelope too far.
  • Bigfootchevy's avatar
    Bigfootchevy
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014
    I am a GM guy and they changed their HD trucks in 2011 to be able to carry more payload. I believe Ford changed also in 2011 and Chrysler not until later.

    The way I see it for payload purposes its like a 2011 GM or Ford one ton SRW is equal to a 2010 or older one ton dually.

    So yes the changes made by Ford, Chrysler and GM have made a great difference to the truck campers hauled on SRW drive trucks.

    Sorry, I cannot answer your specific question because I don't own a dually, but I have heard nothing but positives about the newer one ton DRW trucks also.

    Paul
  • Mello_Mike's avatar
    Mello_Mike
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014
    I can't speak to the DRW, but I can to the new Ram 3500 SRW. I can tell you that I got significantly more truck for the money by going with a Ram this time rather than a Ford.
  • brholt's avatar
    brholt
    Explorer II
    Feb 09, 2014
    I didn't have an older DRW so I can't directly compare. I can say you wouldn't see stickers like this on the older one ton trucks:





    The "rumor" is that most truck campers are over their GVWR. I guess I may be one of the few that isn't. With full tanks (Including 50+ gallons of water) on my AF1150, 3 people and packing heavy for an extend camping trip I stopped at the scale:



    The only suspension modifications I made was to add Stable loads to make it level. No airbags, no spring modifications etc. The truck handles and corners well and we have gained a lot of confidence in the truck going on some pretty rough forest service roads. I'm sure the new GM and Dodge trucks behave similarly well.
  • insp1505's avatar
    insp1505
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014


    Here is the sticker on my '05. You can see it's only 300 lbs less rear axle rating and 400 lbs less front axle than brholt's 2013. The GVW is significantly less than brholt though. I set my truck up exactly like his with stable-loads and nothing else. My AF 1150 loaded ran weight numbers in the mid 13,000's like his as well. I had no issues with handling or stability, side winds and passing semi's going the opposite way with relaxed one hand on the wheel driving. Most of you have seen the rough roads I took it down so that wasn't a problem either. I shaved off well over 1000 lbs with my current camper but I am still generally a couple hundred lbs over GVW.

    I'd like to try out one of the newer trucks but the $60,000 price tag will never be in my budget. I don't use my truck for much other than hauling my TC so I sleep well at night knowing I only spent $14,000 for a truck that hauls like a new truck & does everything I have ever asked of it all without breaking my meager fun budget.
  • stickbowjoe's avatar
    stickbowjoe
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014
    I traded a 99 Dodge dually, with airbags and spring mods for a 12 Ram dually.

    The stock 12 carried my 10' Lance far better than my modified 99.

    The only thing I have done, or will do to the 12 is I added a set of homemade 2" 'stable loads' to level the truck.

    $15 in suspension mods.

    Actually, I love everything about the new truck. Exhaust brake, tow/haul mode, more power, better ride, quieter, and on and on.

    There is that payment thingy, though. :(

    Joe
  • stickbowjoe's avatar
    stickbowjoe
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014
    Oh, and regarding the 2" stable loads:

    On my truck, empty ride is not affected at all. None.

    They leveled it right up--actually a little rear-high, as a Dodge should be. :)

    I haven't pulled my 14' cargo trailer yet with the new Lance 850, but I'll be surprised if it doesn't squat it to just about dead-level.

    Joe

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