RAM 6.7 Cummins 2500 OR 3500

We just went from the 2500 5.7 gasser to the 3500 6.7 big horn set up.
We love it. But we would say all depends on how much you want to pull. We plan on maybe upgrading again and wanted the extra.
Our current fifth wheel is a 40' 12,000# bunk house. But we would like to look into a toy hauler so we went with the bigger rig.

We haven't towed with it yet. Only have had it 2 weeks.

But we like it and haven't noticed a change in the ride. Only thing we did notice a difference in so far is turning radius as we went from a mega cab to a crew cab.

Get the 3500. It shouldn't be much more money. Add a thousand or so pounds to that 14,000 lb. 5th wheel you're looking at. The dry weight on my toy hauler is 12,400 lbs. Here's the weight ticket on my truck and trailer from a couple days ago. And, I didn't have toys in it, just a full tank of diesel in the truck, 1/2 tank of gas in the trailer, bikes, grill, 4 people in the truck, etc. It adds up quick.
I'm overweight by 200 lbs. on my rear axle. Heavier rated tires may be in my future, I don't want to but a new truck. The new trucks have a higher payload than my '07 but I'm glad I got the 3500 when I bought my truck new.

It used to be a simple decision... get the 1 ton because they both ride the same empty and the 1 ton can carry more weight.

Ram made the decision more difficult with coil suspension on the 2500, making a softer and smoother ride than using leaf springs.

That being said, with the heavy Cummins and the prospect of towing a 5er, I would STRONGLY encourage you to look at the 1 ton trucks. If you can afford the factory air option, I would tell you to take a back-to-back test drive with the leaf and air ride on the same route and compare the empty ride.

Biggest reason to get a 3500 SRW or DRW is the fact that's the only way to get the Aisin trans with the lower starting gears and more HP and TQ.

I would highly recommend the factory rear air ride on the 3500's it really does a great job!

I bought the 2500 and really like it. However, next time I will get a SRW 3500. I often find myself loaded pretty heavy when taking a bed of firewood, or the four wheeler. You can never have too much payload.

spoon059 wrote:
It used to be a simple decision... get the 1 ton because they both ride the same empty and the 1 ton can carry more weight.

Ram made the decision more difficult with coil suspension on the 2500, making a softer and smoother ride than using leaf springs.

That being said, with the heavy Cummins and the prospect of towing a 5er, I would STRONGLY encourage you to look at the 1 ton trucks. If you can afford the factory air option, I would tell you to take a back-to-back test drive with the leaf and air ride on the same route and compare the empty ride.

I would agree on the back to back comparison. BUT Make sure both rigs have the SAME air pressure in all 4 tires. If testing a Dually have them lower air to 40psi on the rears.

Where the 3500's rear air ride shines is when towing. For comparison the first pic is with the truck already in the ALT trailer ride mode. So you can see the rear air ride maintains a level towing platform even with 9,580# on my 4 rear tires.

Two observations for you to consider. First, in some states, registering a 1-ton truck costs a lot more. So be sure you know your fees going in. Second, a 3/4 ton with a diesel has a lot less payload than the gasser version. Be sure to check that as well. Good luck.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

I would agree on the back to back comparison. BUT Make sure both rigs have the SAME air pressure in all 4 tires. If testing a Dually have them lower air to 40psi on the rears.

GREAT point... the air pressure on the rear tires really affects ride comfort. Make sure one truck (usually the more expensive one) doesn't have lower air pressure to give a false assessment of ride quality.

rbos57 wrote:
Going From RAM 2500 6.4 HEMI Gasser to either RAM 2500 6.7L C or RAM 3500 6.7L C
What do you all think, is there a huge difference?

Currently pulling 29RKS jayco tt
Looking to get a 5er about 14000#

Looking to get a new 5th wheel!

Your only questions should be:

1. What trim level do I want on the new 3500?

2. What color do I want on the new 3500?

3. I know I want the Aisin tranny, can I afford it? It really only cost the difference between it and the 68RFE, not the line item cost.

4. Am I concerned about ride enough to op for the 3500 rear air ride for $1595.

Either way you want the 5th wheel/goosenect hitch prep.

If buy from stock, you can add the factory pucks like I did later, it cost more however.

Here is our 29'er heavily loaded for snowbirding this winter. A 2500 would have been way over weight. In fact we need to put things on a diet for the new trailer we are looking at to stay within the 3500's ratings.

We do not have the rear air. On the 3500 you can lower the rear tire pressure to improve ride while empty without alarming the TPMS. I may also install adjustable Rancho 9000 rear shocks. They worked well on our 2001 RAM to soften the ride empty.

GET THE 3500!

Chris

I have a 2500 diesel, and if you're thinking of a 14K (probably 15K) 5ver, get the 3500. As others have said, payload is a big consideration. Payload on my 2500, which is also 4wd (and of course that takes away payload) is 2100lbs. No way you can stay below that payload with the 5ver weight you want.

Mike