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

[fla-gypsy]

Ignore the oil burner comments and go with a 3500. Some folks don't comprehend well.

[JIMNLIN]

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.

Yer' joking right. 🙂
Your old 1500 is nothing like a 2500 with coils. Apples vs pickles.
My neighbor lady has a '15 2500 4x4 crew cab coils 6.4 Hemi with 4.10 gears. She pulls a 34' 17.5k GN horse trailer all over the western usa. I've pulled her trailer with my '03 2500 Dodge/Cummins. My truck squats more than her 2500 with coils.

One member ib516 towed a 37' 12k lb 5er with a '14 Ram 2500 6.4 with coils. He says the truck didn't sag anymore than his previous '07 with leaf springs.

I'm not a bigger is better fan member. You'll be fine with room to spare with the 2500 truck.

[mkirsch]

The 2500 may have the "same" coil spring suspension as the 1500, but only design wise. It is built heavier to carry a greater payload.

An advantage to the 2500 is, you will have a better unloaded ride.

The only consideration you have is, what are your future plans? Sometimes it's hard to say, because right now you have no intention of upgrading the trailer, but maybe you go to an RV show and a salesman gets his hooks into ya... "That's a great price, and the payments aren't much more than what we're paying now, and there's just so much MORE SPACE!!! Whaddaya think honey?" Suddenly you've traded your 8000lb travel trailer for a 12000lb 5th wheel...

[Walaby]

The 2500 would have no problem with your current TT. I have a 2500 and pulling a 9300 lb trailer with 1280 tongue weight and love it. Yes, mine is a diesel, and I would say if you had a choice, and could find a good deal, go diesel. But from what I've read the gassers will do fine.

Given a choice though between 2500 and 3500 buy the 3500 if you can afford it. Then you will be good to go for just about any bumper pull and a decent 5er if you ever decide to go that route.

Mike

[SouthpawHD]

Dave H M wrote:
Here we go. OP asks for input and in a flash the thread turns into a gas vs Diesel. :h

Yep! Never fails!!

The 6.4L, crew cab, 4x4 will have around 3500+ pounds of payload! That's WAY more than you need now and likely more than you'll need for any bumper pull. Now if you're planning on a 5er anytime soon, that's different.

Also, diesel fuel is more up front, more maintenance costs overall, and costs more per gallon than gas (however, I think the 6.4 might want premium fuel to run the best). Truck Trend has an article stating the break even costs for diesel vs gas is aroun 100,000 miles. Good luck on YOUR decision.

[Dave_H_M]

Here we go. OP asks for input and in a flash the thread turns into a gas vs Diesel. :h

[is_it_friday_ye]

12 quarts of oil and a Fleetguard filter doesn't cost $100. Buy the oil on sale and stock up. Get your filters at a Cummins shop. I buy my fuel filters and air filters at the Cummins shop also. They even had the CCV filter.

[1ofmany]

corvettekent wrote:
Go with the 3500 and the diesel. Diesel is cheaper then gas and I don't have any higher maintenance costs.

No dog in this fight since I drive a Ford...but, interested in you not having any higher maintenance costs??? The last gas powered vehicle I drove only required about $25 to do the standard oil change while my current diesel truck runs close to $100!

[6_7_tow_rig]

Go 3500. I thought my 2500 was plenty and I find myself wishing for more payload often. I will get a single rear wheel 3500 next time no doubt

[time2roll]

3500, 6.4, 4.10 would be my choice.

[goducks10]

A 2500 Hemi will work fine. They have around 3000+ for payload. With the 4.10 you should be set. Finding a 3500 with 4.10s and a Hemi might be tough. If you're ordering and don't mind spending the extra $8-900 then go 3500.
I wouldn't worry about the coils on the 2500. They wouldn't rate them for 3000+lbs if they could handle it.

[Hiking_Hunter]

Being able to get the exhaust brake alone would be worth going with the diesel if you can. Also, the 2500 will ride better, but loading a 3500 lightly like you would, you can run the rear tires at a lower pressure and the ride improves greatly. I run mine at 70 pounds when towing and 60 when I'm not loaded. Rides like a dream then. Just follow the tire loading chart.

[jmtandem]

The added cost of the diesel is the 8k pop over the cost of a HEMI. My wife and I are retired and we'll be stretching things as it is going with the gasser. Thanks for your suggestion.

Go with the 3500. The diesel option is $8000 more than the basic 5.7 hemi. It is not $8000 more than the 6.4 as that engine is also an option ($1395) more than the basic 5.7 hemi. With the diesel you will get the exhaust brake, twice the torque, the ability to option the Aisin medium truck transmission, and better fuel mileage. Both have a 100,000 mile engine warranty; neither will likely need any engine warranty work in the first 100,000 miles. The diesel will have better resale when that time comes. Getting the 6.4, I definitely would go with the 4.10 axles for towing. One tow with the diesel and you will wonder why you even looked at the gas engine. Diesels for towing are really that impressive!

Go on line and check out the prices at Dennis Dillon in Boise Idaho. That will give you a good base price to negotiate with any local dealer.

[W5CI]

If you shop around you can get a 3500 cheaper than a 2500, a lot cheaper if you want to give up some bells and whistles.and a Diesel on top of that

[Hideout17]

corvettekent wrote:
Go with the 3500 and the diesel. Diesel is cheaper then gas and I don't have any higher maintenance costs.

I too would do the same. When we upgrade our TTIto a 5th next year my next truck will have the diesel combo in it. Hopefully Toyota will make one by then if not Im going dodge. As for maintenance the cost isn't much more than gas engines. imho its worth the extra cost.