Ram selection

Another advantage of the 3500 is the Aisin/HO. Can't get it in the 2500.
And almost double the payload.
Check out Dennis Dillion Dodge, $11-14k off new trucks.
I didn't get quite as good of a deal, but I bought locally.

salem wrote:
Thanks, Cummins12v98. I've thought of that, even though the chances of going bigger seem remote at the time. We've had our 5th wheel for ten years and just had the roof resealed, so we hope to get more use out of it.:) It's still in excellent condition. But, you just never know. Is there a big price difference between the 2500 and the 3500?

Not when buying new. Maybe a few hundred dollars.

If you can get a better deal on one or the other (used or just one on the lot the dealer is burning to move for some reason), I'd get whatever you can get the better deal on. They're the same outside of the rear suspension setup and a set of Timbrens for a couple hundred bucks nullifies that difference. Your actual capability difference comes when you step from from a SRW 3500 up to DRW.

Just my opinion of course. I know some around here are pretty dead set on that payload sticker, actual capability be damned.

Thanks, Cummins12v98. I've thought of that, even though the chances of going bigger seem remote at the time. We've had our 5th wheel for ten years and just had the roof resealed, so we hope to get more use out of it.:) It's still in excellent condition. But, you just never know. Is there a big price difference between the 2500 and the 3500?

salem wrote:
Excellent reply, Fireguard, thanks. They had a 2500 LB on the lot that looks really tempting. Not sure if I'll ever need a 3500 but I'll check them out.

ALMOST everyone goes to a larger RV in a short time. I would seriously consider the LB 3500 with Aisin trans.

ttavasc wrote:

Hank McMauser wrote:
We have recently succumbed to the sirens song, my driving type is not good for a diesel(short trips) so we went with the 5.7 hemi. Both our trucks have the 8 speed and the 3.21 gears, the tow rating for them is 8000#. Being as that we don't even have a camp trailer yet, (possibly a couple years in our future) I thought this was our best option. Both of ours are bighorn models which are pretty sporty with the dual exhaust and lots of chrome, we have the optional comfort,and the luxury group, which includes the folding mirrors and heated wheels and seats. If you are buying a 1500 look around for a leftover 2015 model, they have 5 yr 100,000 power train warranty.

Our previous rig was a 1999 Tahoe with only a 5200# tow rating, and it was a dog HP wise compared to the Hemi.

Make sure and check your payload before selecting a trailer. The RAM 1500's are notorious for lower payload ratings, especially on the higher trim levels. I have a '14 Big Horn CC with the 5.7 Hemi, 3.21/8-speed plus tow package w/32g tank - my payload is only 1100. The "bling" is nice but it is also heavy. That being said, it does a great job of pulling our little Jayco, is very comfortable and over about 4000 miles of towing last year averaged about 12mpg.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure and check the door stickers. I am aware of the lite payload these trucks are rated at, and it is one reason I chose the quad cab over the crew. When we are ready to buy a camp trailer I'll be looking for something in the neighborhood of max.6000# gvw on the trailer.

Excellent reply, Fireguard, thanks. They had a 2500 LB on the lot that looks really tempting. Not sure if I'll ever need a 3500 but I'll check them out.

Hank McMauser wrote:
We have recently succumbed to the sirens song, my driving type is not good for a diesel(short trips) so we went with the 5.7 hemi. Both our trucks have the 8 speed and the 3.21 gears, the tow rating for them is 8000#. Being as that we don't even have a camp trailer yet, (possibly a couple years in our future) I thought this was our best option. Both of ours are bighorn models which are pretty sporty with the dual exhaust and lots of chrome, we have the optional comfort,and the luxury group, which includes the folding mirrors and heated wheels and seats. If you are buying a 1500 look around for a leftover 2015 model, they have 5 yr 100,000 power train warranty.

Our previous rig was a 1999 Tahoe with only a 5200# tow rating, and it was a dog HP wise compared to the Hemi.

Make sure and check your payload before selecting a trailer. The RAM 1500's are notorious for lower payload ratings, especially on the higher trim levels. I have a '14 Big Horn CC with the 5.7 Hemi, 3.21/8-speed plus tow package w/32g tank - my payload is only 1100. The "bling" is nice but it is also heavy. That being said, it does a great job of pulling our little Jayco, is very comfortable and over about 4000 miles of towing last year averaged about 12mpg.

Salem,
I bought a new 15 3500 SB Tradesman last year.
As it was going to be my DD I went with a SB which was pretty maneuverable but Ram has the shortest bed at only 6'4". I carried a small 8' Lance camper which it did ok, but I just felt it was too short to go any bigger. I also towed my 21' TH and the power was amazing.
I wanted more options to carry a larger camper as well as upsize to a 5th wheel TH.
I just picked up a 16 Ram 3500 CC Aisin 4x4 with the LB. I also upgraded to the Bighorn package. I'm not a techno guy and was fine with the more basic Tradesman, but after I got it, I really think the upgrades and options on the Bighorn are well worth the roughly $3500.
I was worried about the LB and it is a little less convienent in tight areas but nothing you don't adapt to pretty quickly. You may have to make a few more 3-4 point turns but worth the advantages.
The ride is smoother in the LB both empty and towing and you get an additional 600 lb GVW. 11,700 VS 12,300 lbs.
If you plan to use for a 5th wheel I recommend the LB. It's nice to be able to turn very short without worrying about self colliding.
With the SB, you will need a slider hitch and with the 5th wheel prep group you will need a base that connects to the pucks as well as the slider hitch. I bought the BW RVK 3600 which is a solid, well constructed simple hitch. No guessing if it's locked.
I recommend the LB.
I sometimes think I should have gone with a DRW for the stability and payload for a camper. Plus they look cool.
Also, Highly recommend the Aisin/HO power train.

Forgive me for extending this topic any longer, but I'm also curious about short-bed vs. long-bed. Does the length of the bed effect tow rating at all? I realize some of the pros re. long-bed such as not having to worry about knocking your rear window out with a 5th wheel, more carrying capacity , etc. Are there any cons, other than having to be more selective about parking spaces? Thanks again.

camp-n-family wrote:
The diesels hold decent value, Hemi not so much. For a truck that stickered at $79k (yes we get raped in Canada) I had to fight to get them up to $39k trade value after less than 1 year. And that included the tax savings. I paid $25k for my used Tundra. Had it for 7 years and put 120k on it and still got $19k for it. My local dealer has a "special sales event" next week. Not interested in trading into another Ram but I'm going to see what they'll offer for mine now.

That's $57k US. For a gas truck? Good lord.

That said, any of the heavy duty gas trucks are going to struggle with resale value. I initially shopped used trucks last year before I decided to buy new and it became evident quickly that the values were either gas or 6.0/6.4 Ford diesels. The Cummins and Duramax used trucks were substantially more expensive. The newer 6.7 Powerstrokes seemed to do a little better than the older Fords too.

Cummins resale value is the reason I ended up buying new. I paid $39k for the truck in my sig with a $51k sticker. Lightly used models were more expensive.