One Step Closer

hellfirehydra wrote:
I was in a similar situation to OP. I was driving a very nice 2014 Tundra that didn't quite get the job done to my liking with my long trailer.

I was pretty set on picking up a used F-250 for 35-40k. I test drove both the F-250's and the Ram 2500. I ended up settling on the Ram and have absolutely no regrets. I was really quite surprised that the Tradesman offered so many options I didn't think I would be getting. I definitely preferred the Tradesman package over the XLT's I looked at.

I ended up just under $42k for a new 2016 Tradesman Diesel. The pricing on the Rams really does seem hard to beat.

They are both super nice trucks. I can't see that I would regret either one. The Cummins really does pull like a dream and the exhaust brake is simply incredible for pulling through the mountains.

The big Pros for me were:
Space under the hood(Huge advantage to the Ram)
Cummins :)
Exhaust brake
Entry level trim package seemed more generous on the Tradesmans.

Good luck Op, check em all out. They all make good trucks these days.

Yup, one advantage is under the hood. Should something bad go wrong, at least they don't have to tear the cab off the truck.

I loved that Jake Brake.

In fact, I was surprised to discover that the Tradesman I drove wasn't an SLT.

Now, I'm trying to convince myself to get it over with and just buy the dang dually. (Never, ever, thought I'd have something like that!!) It's a monster but I bet it's rock solid under a trailer. I can forget about using drive through ATMs I guess.

Seriously, I an concerned about driving that beast around town. As we'll be full-time we don't plan to move daily or even weekly so I'll have to live with that thing as a daily driver. Plus I would like to make the occasional off road excursion out west. But if you think I have concerns, you should hear my wife...

This brings up a question about gearing. The one I drove had 3.42s. As my trailer is 14k gross, it's probably ok. But 4.10 seems over kill. I'm thinking something in between is a balance between towing ability and fuel mileage. At the risk of starting an argument (LOL), anyone have opinions on gearing?

Also, will Cummins service centers work on those installed in Ram trucks or are they for big rigs only? Thanks.