New 1500 vs 2500 hauling TC

Around here the price tags on 1500's are absolutley ridiculous, there slapping $48,000 stickers on 2014 Chevy LT 1500 crew cabs. My new 2012 Ram 2500, Laramie crew cab, with the 5.7 had a sticker of $47,000. Anyway, just saying that from what I am seeing the 1500's are being priced well into the HD range.

Yeah - I have a 2500 now, and sold my 1500 to get it (2003) ... but trucks get better and more power. But, I still wonder about if the brakes keep up with the rest.

More than likely, I'd recommend a 2500HD to anyone that asks this question, and would be very unlikely to go with the 1500 ... my only bothersome issue, the 2500HD only comes with Single Cab and Crew Cab at present, no extended cab anymore (although rumor has it, it will in 2015 - January models) Not available until March or April ... would sure like a new truck before next trip departs in February. And the difference between Ext Cab (now the Double Cab) is over $5000 ... and I don't even like the CC model. SO, all things considered, a $5000 savings buys a lot of fuel, or options.

And, right - weight adds up fast when we load it...

My opinion, I think bigger is better, less upgrades to do and having something made to haul the weight is better in my mind.

I have probably one of the lightest slide in campers made, a Four Wheel Camper Hawk. The manufacturer sticker says 760 pounds wet, propane and 20 gallons of water. I ordered mine with the common optional items: electric frig, furnace, dual batteries, jack brackets and some other lighter weight accessories.

After delivery, I removed the jacks and drove to the scales. Dry and completely empty it was 1,340 pounds.
My point is, I guess is that there is probably no such thing as a lightweight camper. Adding people, water, tools, toys, food, etc, etc....it all adds up fast. Add another 1,000 pounds probably.

I went with a 3/4 ton for one of the lightest campers made. I look at it a little differently I guess: I would rather have an excess of capacity than to be over my weight limits.

On the plus side I haven't had to start a single thread about air bags, super springs, timbrens etc.

Back in the day, 16" wheels seemed to be a standard size on a pick up. Now, 17", 18" and even 20" wheels come standard. What I'd look at if I were trying to answer your question is, has the bigger wheel sizes made for the use of larger calipers. My old Dodge 1500 4 X 4 had 17" wheels. I wanted to upgrade my brake system and I was told I couldn't unless I changes to bigger wheels.