Eng208 wrote:
So much misinformation on this. I can't stand the perpetual "Get a 3500 DRW for a fifth wheel or you are unsafe and will kill someone." Well, towing is dangerous. Pulling 20K plus pounds down the road at 60MPH is dangerous. Driving a 8K pound 4x4 is dangerous. We live in a dangerous world where you can be shot for just having a uniform on that looks "offensive" to someone. I don't think driving a bigger vehicle makes anyone "safer". If anything, it adds to the false sense of protection and encourages less safe behavior. Same with all of the electronic safety devices we have now. Given the same circumstances, sure, they work to make things safer. The problem is when we move the level of our activity up to a more unsafe level that takes the new safety devices to operate at, we create new problems.
As far as the OP question, here is my take on it. I too bought a 13 2500 4x4 CTD except I got a CCLB model. I did this after extensive research and a close friend buying a 13 3500 SRW CCSB 4x4 only a month earlier. His truck rides very rough even though it is a Big Horn. The SB and 3500 are just a poor match for a comfortable ride unloaded to me. Now, this 13 had the new Ram frame and Aisin transmission, along with 385HP and 850FT/Lbs TQ. If I was towing a goose neck for hire, I would want a 3500, but would probably go with a DRW in that case. Truth is, I'm not. I drive my truck in town, on errands and use as a family vehicle much of the time. I also tow my fifth wheel or my 7k lb boat with it. The LB 2500 rides so smooth, we forget we are in a HD truck. When towing, it still rides super smooth and pulls with ease. Mine has the 68RFE tranny and 370HP, 800 FT/lb "rating". I could elaborate on this but that would take more time.
The 2500 classification (Class 2) is held to a <10001 GVWR. Doesn't matter what suspension, axle, tires or whatever is on the truck, that is all it can be. The 3500 can be up to 14000 to make that class 3. This is where Ford got into it with Ram about the 450 vs 3500 this year. The 13 2500 is the same suspension as the 12 and previous 3500 SRW models. Same part numbers, I have checked personally. The 13 2500 also has the upgraded cooling, transmission, and engine performance for 13. It has the carryover frame which has never been a problem. Goducks10 is correct on this. I think as the 2500 class 2 trucks get heavier, we will see more and more 3500 SRW being sold. This is the sole reason the payload rating on the MegaCab 2500s is so low. It has to figure in the weight of the truck plus the payload and cannot exceed 10000lbs. The only available gear ratio for 2013+ SRW Cummins powered trucks is the 3.42. Doesn't matter what you want, as long as it is a 3.42 you will be satisfied. Have to get DRW to get any other option with the diesel.
I hope this makes some sense. I know there are those on this board that will refuse to acknowledge this, but everything I have put into type can be works cited as documented. Now, some states abide strictly by the stickers, and if you live in an area like that, good luck.
Another thing, as far as those discussing the braking issues when pulling a trailer and needing a bigger truck to stop a trailer, this really shows a person's ignorance, or maybe even stupidity. If you ever think any 8000lb truck is going to stop a 12-14K lb trailer going 60 mph down the road, there is no information available to bring you up to a level of competency. The truck should not have to supply much if any braking to a trailer by itself. The trailer brakes should be set to stop adequately and kept in good working condition. I love my brake controller that came with my 13. It works so well I never get the herky jerkies I used to get with my Voyager. I also don't have to constantly adjust it.
Tow on, and enjoy the ride.
Well said and well put - thank you for posting this!!
