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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

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  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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