Forum Discussion

campersmd's avatar
campersmd
Explorer
Oct 06, 2014

Truck options?

We are looking to buy a truck and trailer for our retirement years. After much lurking on this site and visiting many shows on the east coast, we have decided to get our first pickup, a 2500 HD crew cab, and will likely get a trailer that is 34' and about 8200 lbs loaded. We have a lifetime of towing a Coleman Mesa popup cross-country, but with a full sized van. I should also mention we are planning on the HA or P3 hitch.

The truck will have max tow package with the nice integrated braking system...etc. There are two options that I'm undecided on. The 2500 HD is quite long with the regular bed (6.5') and that is the only length that offers the interior package we are interested in. Does the long bed make much of a difference if you are already getting a 2500 crew, as far as trailer stability?

Also, I have the choice of 18" or 20" wheels. What are the pros and cons of rim/tire size?
  • Need-A-Vacation's avatar
    Need-A-Vacation
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2014
    Wayne,

    What tires do you have on your 1500- P rated or LT's? Campersmd is comparing tire size on a 2500HD LT E's. I have the 20's and they have a very firm ride (first HD as well). Buddy just put larger tires (same rim size) on his '13-2500 Ram and he said it rides noticeably better than the smaller stock tires due to more sidewall.
  • wmoses's avatar
    wmoses
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2014
    I have 20" rims and I can tell you all without them that the ride is not harsh or rough. Yes, it will have less payload but that is it. If this is a truck that will be used where the extra payload is not needed and the OP likes the 20" rims then he should not let that deter his decision. Put another way - I would not want a ride any "softer" than I have with my rims and tires.

    As for the 6.5' bed length - I believe that is normal since there is a longer bed than that unless I am mistaken. I would not want anything shorter than that for a full size truck. Make adjustments for the bigger vehicle that's all. You will get used to it.
  • sail2liv's avatar
    sail2liv
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2014
    Get the 8 ft bed and crew cab for the long wheel base....pia to park at walmart and tight areas.....but feel the long wheel base better for towing....also watch the front of truck when backing into small sites....
  • bamafeaver's avatar
    bamafeaver
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2014
    I have a 2500 HD crew cab long wheel base two wheel drive. It drives and pulls great. Pull a 27.5 fifth whell Jayco, half ton towable. It is a gasser. Great truck!
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2014
    I know I would not like the harsh ride of 20" rims. I also think that the 18" and 20" rims usually derate the axle and towing capacities. You can check the towing guide and make sure - it might have changed for this year.

    Personally, I like the extra tall rubber found on the 16" and 17" rims. Measure the rubber from top of the tire to steel rim. On some, there will be 4" or 5" of cushion. The 20" rims, barely enough to smooth out the bumps!

    Are you very sure that you will not want a fifth wheel in the next 10 years? The truck will easily last 10 - 15 years, before you want to get another one. However the 2500 series normally can not tow a fifth wheel due to the high pin weight, and the low cargo rating of a 2500 truck.

    Good luck on your purchase!

    Fred.
  • Yeti_plus's avatar
    Yeti_plus
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2014
    My 06 2500 had the 6.5' box, the 2014 has long box and dually. Didn't notice any change in trailer stability. The big difference is the wheelbase on the long box is a foot and a half longer. Turning radius is way bigger.Still getting used to that when backing up. Long box parking is in the back row, so you get the exercise program as well as the big truck.
  • Need-A-Vacation's avatar
    Need-A-Vacation
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2014
    The 18's have a few more tire choices from what I have found (have considered switching to the 18's from the 20's), and it seems most have a higher payload rating as mentioned (20's are NOT available on the 3500HD unless something changed recently).

    Don't rule out a 3500HD either! When pricing our '13 (14's also) the 3500HD was actually a little cheaper when optioned the exact same! Just couldn't find a 3500HD like we wanted. Couldn't hurt for the extra payload that would be available, especially if you're going to be doing a lot of traveling.
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2014
    Check the payload rating with 18 vs 20 wheels, you may find the 20" has a lower tow rating along with a harsher ride.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Oct 07, 2014
    Usually the 18", and the 20" wheels end up with the same overall tire height. The 20s have a low profile tire, and the 18s will have a taller sidewall.

    IMO, the 20s are more for looks. I would prefer the 18s for a truck used mostly for towing.

    The 6.5 CC should work just fine, for towing a good sized trailer.

    Jerry
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2014
    My truck came with the OEM rear camera in the tailgate. This is an absolute must have for us now with our trailer... With displayed feet markers You can see the trailer hitch ball go under the trailer hitch on first try...

    We also have the SIRIUS/XM PACKAGE that includes TRAVEL LINK which includes all the maps etc...

    I also have the FOLD-A-COVER brand HD PLASTIC FOLDING PANELS on my other truck that I moved over to my new truck. This works very good with TT Trailers as well as 5TH WHEEL trailers. When you are unhooked everything in the truck bed is OUT-OF-SIGHT and secured.

    My 2KW Honda Generator sits secured in the truck bed tailgate corner and when needed I just pull it out on the tailgate. My Honda Generator goes where we go and is out-of-sight when unhooked and parked.

    Roy Ken

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