Ram 2500 - which towing features are best/good/unnecessary?
Hi again,
As stated on another thread, we're looking to upgrade out Expedition EL to a Ram 2500 (or 3500), years 2014 or newer.. We're looking at getting a fifth wheel (9-12k gvwr). We plan to start small (north alabama destinations) but hope to work our way up to cross-country trips over the coming 18 months.
Which of these features are "must have's" or "nice to have's" so that we can more easily search through available vehicles (and prices!) to find the right one? Also, are there any that I missed that we should be aware of / considering?
* 5th wheel prep package
As I understand it, this is the 5-point "puck" style holes in the bed. While trucks have been outfitted for FW's aftermarket-style for generations, I understand the factory prep package makes it really easy to install/remove a FW hitch in under an hour, where aftermarket systems may take multiple hours to install/remove just the hitch. (FWIW, this will be a daily driver car with approx one camper trip per month. Faster install/remove times are of course desirable.)
* cargo bed camera
We're looking at a crew-cab, so I'm not sure how easily I'll be able to see "all the things" through the rear window when hooking up the camper. I'm sure there are aftermarket options available here, but also unsure if it's even necessary?
* auto-level air suspension
I forget exactly what Ram calls it, but apparently after the camper is attached, the truck magically levels itself by inflating the air bags to the right amount. I again imagine this is available after-market, but I'm not sure which is better, easier, etc? Or if it's really needed at all?
* exhaust brake
This wikipedia article says that it helps slow the truck+camper when on a long downhill inclines so that you don't have to ride the brake pedal as much. Is this a "must have?" Is this a factory only option? We will be looking at cross-country journeys in the coming 18 months..
* bed length
Just a placeholder so it doesn't get asked -- we're prepared to get an auto-slider hitch if we get a short bed. I don't think we need to limit ourselves to a long-bed (most crew cabs out there are short bed).
* any others?
Are there any other features (factory or aftermarket) that we should be looking at?
* where to buy?
Not a feature per-se, but ... where are the best places to look for a used tow vehicle, other than the typical autotrader / cargurus / etc websites? Is there a "secret hangout" where folks moving up or down in camper rigs sell their vehicles? I imagine that happens fairly often as needs/wants change over time!
thanks in advance!
..dane
As stated on another thread, we're looking to upgrade out Expedition EL to a Ram 2500 (or 3500), years 2014 or newer.. We're looking at getting a fifth wheel (9-12k gvwr). We plan to start small (north alabama destinations) but hope to work our way up to cross-country trips over the coming 18 months.
Which of these features are "must have's" or "nice to have's" so that we can more easily search through available vehicles (and prices!) to find the right one? Also, are there any that I missed that we should be aware of / considering?
* 5th wheel prep package
As I understand it, this is the 5-point "puck" style holes in the bed. While trucks have been outfitted for FW's aftermarket-style for generations, I understand the factory prep package makes it really easy to install/remove a FW hitch in under an hour, where aftermarket systems may take multiple hours to install/remove just the hitch. (FWIW, this will be a daily driver car with approx one camper trip per month. Faster install/remove times are of course desirable.)
* cargo bed camera
We're looking at a crew-cab, so I'm not sure how easily I'll be able to see "all the things" through the rear window when hooking up the camper. I'm sure there are aftermarket options available here, but also unsure if it's even necessary?
* auto-level air suspension
I forget exactly what Ram calls it, but apparently after the camper is attached, the truck magically levels itself by inflating the air bags to the right amount. I again imagine this is available after-market, but I'm not sure which is better, easier, etc? Or if it's really needed at all?
* exhaust brake
This wikipedia article says that it helps slow the truck+camper when on a long downhill inclines so that you don't have to ride the brake pedal as much. Is this a "must have?" Is this a factory only option? We will be looking at cross-country journeys in the coming 18 months..
* bed length
Just a placeholder so it doesn't get asked -- we're prepared to get an auto-slider hitch if we get a short bed. I don't think we need to limit ourselves to a long-bed (most crew cabs out there are short bed).
* any others?
Are there any other features (factory or aftermarket) that we should be looking at?
* where to buy?
Not a feature per-se, but ... where are the best places to look for a used tow vehicle, other than the typical autotrader / cargurus / etc websites? Is there a "secret hangout" where folks moving up or down in camper rigs sell their vehicles? I imagine that happens fairly often as needs/wants change over time!
thanks in advance!
..dane
