Tow Rig question SRW or DRW for 5th RAM
I'm sure this has been debated millions of times, but here is a new spin. At what weight would you consider a DRW to be mandatory whilst towing a fifth wheel ? 10k 11k 12k 13k 14k 15k 16...
Forum Discussion
Bobandshawn wrote:rhagfo wrote:
Ho you gassers that don't understand the power of TORQUE! :S
Should have got the diesel with 3.42's :B
That said, you got a very good engine and gear ratio, and it will server you, very well.
To the OP's question: I would consider the break point around 15K, although if I were to replace our 2500, likely get a 3500 DRW.
In the 2500 flavor the 6.4 has about 1000 lbs more cargo capacity than the 3.42 geared CTD and the tow capacity of the Hemi is a nominal 50 lbs higher. That 1,900 cargo capacity wasn't cutting it for me on the CTD. I didn't want a 3500 and couldn't justify the $6,000 extra cost for a CTD and I certainly didn't find a CTD $10K off sticker so I'd of paid at least $15K more! I get worse mileage, but once you figure the added cost of diesel and that stupid DEF stuff I'd have to drive a lot of miles to make ends meet. My current mileage is averaging about 11.5 city and 17-18 highway. Towing my 8,500 lb trailer I am pushing it to get 10 mpg. Of course the power is such I am towing faster. And I love that Hemi sound.
Regarding capacity, true on paper but meaningless in the real world. The 6.4 and CTD weigh almost exactly the same at the rear axle empty, and both have identical rear axle/suspension setups with the same RAWR of 6500 lbs - there is no difference at all in how they would physically carry a load or pin weight. Not to rub salt in an open wound but I got just a hair under $12k off on my CTD - sticker was $51k and I paid just over $39k. It's a well optioned Tradesman.
As far as OP's question goes, I would start thinking about DRW in the 14-15k range. I don't ever see myself wanting a trailer that big, though, cause at that size I would be pretty limited in terms of where I could take it.
