Pondering between Ram 2500 or 3500

[Smokey_Lew]

Hi guys and gals,

I've finally decided to trade in my 2011 Ram 1500 for either a 2500 or 3500. I have an older heavy TT that has a tongue weight of 1,050 lbs. When loaded, we have about 7,500 to 8,000 lbs. The TT has a GVWR of 10,000 and its UVW is 6,600.

We really like the TT but it's been a white knuckle ride pulling it with the 1/2 ton truck. The trucks payload is only 1354 and I'm afraid of breaking something on the truck if I continue pulling this load. With my wife, myself, two dogs, and all my junk in the back, I'v already gobbled up 800 lbs. of the payload before dropping the trailer on the hitch

Anyway, The 2500 has the same type of coil spring rear suspension as my current truck and I'm nervous about dropping 1,000 lbs on the back. The 3500 has leaf springs on the rear and it's much stiffer. The thing is with both trucks set up the same, the cost difference is only 300 bucks. Logic tells me to go with the 3500 but I'm wondering if I'm overlooking something about the two trucks that I should know before placing an order.

I'm going with the 6.4 HEMI and 4.10 axel ratio regardless of the truck I decide to go with. Can't afford the added cost of a diesel or the maintenance costs. Had no problem with power using the 5.7 HEMI in my 1500.

Any thoughts on this would be helpful. I'd like to place an order for my new truck in the next couple of days.

Thanks,
Smokeylew

[IdaD]

A 2500 is the same as a standard output SRW 3500 aside from the real leafs vs coils. Literally the same, and the RAWR is only 500 lbs less on the 2500. Throw airbags or timbrens on the 2500 and its probably more capable than a stock 3500 without the upgrades. The real step up comes with DRW.

This topic is way overblown on this site.

[coolbreeze01]

Smokey Lew wrote:
Is a diesel equipped truck okay for short hops to store, etc. on a daily basis when not towing? I usually go out on the road with the trailer for a couple of week every 4 to 6 weeks and then use the truck for errands while at home. Any thoughts?

imo It is better for any engine to be run up to operating temperature.

It will take a little time and thinking, but ultimately, your engines will be better off.

[Smokey_Lew]

Is a diesel equipped truck okay for short hops to store, etc. on a daily basis when not towing? I usually go out on the road with the trailer for a couple of week every 4 to 6 weeks and then use the truck for errands while at home. Any thoughts?

[Smokey_Lew]

If it didn't have duel rear wheels then it was the 3.42 axel ration. Thanks for the info.

[coolbreeze01]

Smokey Lew wrote:
You guys have great suggestions. Love the feedback.

If I went with 6.7 diesel engine and the heavy duty AISIN trans, it would have to be in a 3500. Seems it's only offered that way. That being the case, would the standard 3.42 rear axel ratio be a hinderance for grades? I was considering the 6.4 HEMI with a 4.10 axel ratio. Never pulled with a diesel before.

I test drove a SRW 3500 with the AISIN today. Lots of power. Sorry, I didn't notice the axle ratio, but I bet 3.42's would do just fine.

[spoon059]

2500 will work fine for those needs. We have about 1100 lbs in tongue weight, often carry firewood, bikes, bike trailer, chairs, coolers, etc in the bed and have very little squat when towing. The rear axle is rated at 6500 lbs, though the artificial GVWR is 10K lbs...

[TurnThePage]

I'm not made of money like most of these other posters appear to be, so I too would lean toward the gas engine. Even though it has coils, the 2500 is a stout truck. Its payload is artificially low to satisfy the 10,000 lb class limit. Either one would be more than enough truck and not a bad choice.

[DutchmenSport]

As others have said, go with the 3500 and get Diesel. You will NOT regret it towing! Not at all!

[bbaker2001]

I pull my 30' uphill no problem, doesn't break a sweat

[Smokey_Lew]

You guys have great suggestions. Love the feedback.

If I went with 6.7 diesel engine and the heavy duty AISIN trans, it would have to be in a 3500. Seems it's only offered that way. That being the case, would the standard 3.42 rear axel ratio be a hinderance for grades? I was considering the 6.4 HEMI with a 4.10 axel ratio. Never pulled with a diesel before.

[bbaker2001]

thanks coolbreeze.
we went from 1500 to 3500 diesel.. from 24 TT to 30 5th.
love how it pulls.
yes the diesel pulls great, but I never had issues with being a little slower uphill. always got to where I was headed.
with the 3500 found out we pay an additional 260 weight fee. what a joke.
took in for oil change. 103 for diesel daughter took her GMC with synthetic it was 82.

if you think you might go bigger, diesel IF you can. but you can always trade up later.

[Cummins12V98]

3500 Cummins with Aisin you will be good to go towing up to 14K. Also get the rear air ride!

[coolbreeze01]

With $$ being considered, I suggest you check with the DMV or your dealer on the cost difference registering a 2500 vs 3500.

Enjoy your new truck.

[MudChucker]

I had the gasoline 2500hd and upgraded to the ram 3500 cummins 6.7 aisin combo... it's incredible to say the least.

Here in Canada we have the free diesel promotion every year... check into it with your local dealer.

[DwayneN]

Our Lance trailer only has 6,000 lbs max rating but the tongue weight is about 1,000 pounds and I went through the same decision last fall. We had a 2009 1500 Sport with the 5.7 and although it towed well enough the fact that I knew I was over payload bothered me. We ended up buying a 2500 Laramie, 6.4 hemi with the 373 rear end. Although I too considered a diesel I listened to the many RVers who say "don't buy a diesel for fuel mileage, only buy one if you need the power." Because the 5.7 hemi pulled our trailer well we went with the 6.4 because it wasn't that much more money. The 2500 has a 3,100 payload and really tows our camper well. It is more stable on the road than the 1500 also.

Our concern about the 3500 was how much ride comfort we would lose from the 2500. My wife still complains a little about the stiffness of the the 2500 compared to the 1500. It isn't bad but it is indeed stiffer than the 1500. We also know we will never go to a 5th wheel because we are unwilling to give up the storage capacity of the truck with a topper shell on the back so more payload than a 2500 won't be needed.

Good luck on whatever choice you make.