We need a new TV soon and have been using a 2500 series Suburban with an 8.1l. Its a beast of a truck. We bought two Jeeps and have lifetime warranties on them and the Ram trucks have that option as well. Wife likes the Dodge I like the Chevy and would like to do diesel but we only tow 30+/- days out of 365, so its not cost effective. Has anyone had any experience towing with either truck. Keep in mind we would be getting the short bed 4x4. The long beds are like trying to park a bus and wifey would not be happy about that. Presently we are pulling a Sunnybrook Sunset Creek with a max weight of 10,000. I think we are around 8500 as presently configured. Any issues with either truck?Thanks!

Very important to know if your looking at a new truck or used ??

We will be looking for a 2012-2014. I never buy new as you lose 20% once you leave the dealership. 2 yrs young or so add the extended warranty seem to work for us and we save a a lot of cash.

If you are looking at 2012 to 2014 model years, I would be taking the Chev if you are comparing the 2012 and 2013 model year trucks and the Ram if you are looking at a 2014 model year with the 6.4 hemi. Personally, I would not be looking at anything other then a 6.4 hemi if I was buying a 2500 series truck that was gas. Do some searches on them, think you find great reviews on the truck matched with that engine.The 5.7 hemi is a great engine, I own two of them but the 6.4 in that truck makes a big difference!

The 2012-13 GM 6.0 gasser will handle 10,000 lbs no problem. You just need to make sure it has 4:10 axle which was a factory option those model years. 3:73 was standard. My last truck was 12 GM with 6.0 gasser and 4:10 and did very well with 10,000 lb fiver. The 6.0 is a proven rock solid performer.

I have a 2013 GMC Sierra Extended Cab {6 1/2 foot bed} 4X4 Z71 package. 6.0 engine with the 4:10 gears. I tow a 5th wheel with empty weight of 9200 lbs. No problems. When you hit a steep hill the RPM's kick in. I also would love to have a deisel but for the amount of towing I do every year I can't justify. Plus once the snow shows up in New Hampshire I park it in the Garage till spring!

Dodge Ram 2500 VS Chevy 2500 Gaser Short beds | Good Sam Community

JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Aug 17, 2015
Very important to know if your looking at a new truck or used ??
Crabbypatty
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
We will be looking for a 2012-2014. I never buy new as you lose 20% once you leave the dealership. 2 yrs young or so add the extended warranty seem to work for us and we save a a lot of cash.
x96mnn
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
If you are looking at 2012 to 2014 model years, I would be taking the Chev if you are comparing the 2012 and 2013 model year trucks and the Ram if you are looking at a 2014 model year with the 6.4 hemi.

Personally, I would not be looking at anything other then a 6.4 hemi if I was buying a 2500 series truck that was gas. Do some searches on them, think you find great reviews on the truck matched with that engine.

The 5.7 hemi is a great engine, I own two of them but the 6.4 in that truck makes a big difference!
therink
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
The 2012-13 GM 6.0 gasser will handle 10,000 lbs no problem. You just need to make sure it has 4:10 axle which was a factory option those model years. 3:73 was standard. My last truck was 12 GM with 6.0 gasser and 4:10 and did very well with 10,000 lb fiver. The 6.0 is a proven rock solid performer.
youngone
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
I have a 2013 GMC Sierra Extended Cab {6 1/2 foot bed} 4X4 Z71 package. 6.0 engine with the 4:10 gears. I tow a 5th wheel with empty weight of 9200 lbs. No problems. When you hit a steep hill the RPM's kick in. I also would love to have a deisel but for the amount of towing I do every year I can't justify. Plus once the snow shows up in New Hampshire I park it in the Garage till spring!
Need-A-Vacation
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
As mentioned, find a 4.10 geared GM 6.0, or the 6.4 Hemi, preferably with 4.10's also.

The 3.73/6.0 with the 6spd trans will do the job, but you will most likely be over your GCWR. 4.10's add 4500lbs I think it is to the GCWR.

Good luck!!!
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
As a Ford guy I would say that was a toss up. Coming from an 8.1L I think you will feel underwhelmed with the GM 6.0L compared to the Ram 6.4L. I'm sure both can do it its just a matter of performance expectations.
Crabbypatty
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
This so far is great info. Thanks. Now I know to look 6.4 hemi and 4:10 gears
Need-A-Vacation
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
It's hard to say not knowing if crabby has 3.73 or 4.10's in the 'burb, but a 6.0/6spd/4.10 combo will probably give his 8.1 combo a run for its money (more so if it's 3.73 years). The difference between the 4spd and 6spd trans combos is surprising to some.

Just need to let the motor rev some if and when needed and not be intimidated by the slightly higher revs and "back out of it".
Dadoffourgirls
Explorer
Aug 17, 2015
fla-gypsy wrote:
As a Ford guy I would say that was a toss up. Coming from an 8.1L I think you will feel underwhelmed with the GM 6.0L compared to the Ram 6.4L. I'm sure both can do it its just a matter of performance expectations.

I went from the 8.1 with a 4.10 rear axle to a 6.0 with 3.73 Silverado. The 6.0 was better (because of the 6sp transmission). I have since gone to a 6.0 with 3.42 (only available in Express). I can tell the difference.

The best thing is MPG when not towing (which is 90% for me). The 8.1 got 11, the Silverado got 15-17, and the Express gets 16-19.