2016/2017 Ram 2500 CC short bed towing

[jdsimple]

Hey all, would like some input on the new Ram 2500 CC. I currently have a 2015 F250 SD and tow a 2015 Primetime Crusader 5th wheel with auto slider. Tows great, no prob but just not completely happy with Ford right now. Truck has 21000 miles and been in the shop more than my driveway it seems. I have been researching Ram 2500 CC short bed and so far it appears I will be trading in to get one. Just want some input on how this thing will tow, fuel mileage and such. I really like the idea on the auto level air suspension which takes place of the coil springs. Anyone have experience with this so far? Also was looking at the ram box bed with the tools boxes on sides of bed. Would this inhibit the 5th wheel hitch in any way? I know the issues of 5th wheel and short bed but would I need a slider?

Thanks for all the input.

[Ron3rd]

I don't have the same setup you describe but my friend does and loves it. He's using the Pullright superglide auto slider hitch with his short box 2500 CTD. He does not have the ram box.

[Dave_H_M]

You musta got a Ford built on the first day after new years. :W

The only problem I have with my 2012 F250 gasser is keeping fuel in the tank.

[Greene728]

camp-n-family wrote:

Man I sure hate all the problems your having. That definitely stinks!
But every single manufacturer has their lemons. But by and large this is the exception and not the rule. Have you looked at lemon laws? And how does a 2-3 year old truck get rust? Hmmm?

We don't have lemon laws here in Canada like you do in the US. The rust issues were the chrome bumpers. They weren't finished properly so some corners had exposed steel. Poor quality control. The first tranny rebuild was due to the case weeping. Again, poor quality control. The 2nd rebuild was a torque converter and lube pump failure. The 3rd tranny failure is the same as the 2nd, cause and repair is undetermined as of yet. An annoying driveline noise that the techs all hear and say is not normal is still undiagnosed. FCA refuses to allot any more time to figure out so they are calling it "normal". The leather seat covers were repaired and then finally replaced because they were kept coming apart. Quality control?

Maybe it was built on a Friday afternoon of a long weekend, who knows? Yes, they all have lemons but the scary part is that each time I bring it in for an issue the dealer says "we'll order the parts and replace, we've done a bunch of those". Not comforting and shows I'm not the only one having these problems.
Spend some time on the Ram forums before you make a decision. Wish I had.

Think I'd find another dealer myself.

[camp-n-family]

IdaD wrote:
People who run into issues are a lot more vocal than people without issues. That's marketing 101. I spent time on all the brand forums when I was shopping and all three of them have their share of issues, but I still think the majority of owners have reliable trucks and overall good experiences these days. Just in reading this site the majority of owners seem to be happy with what they purchased. You and OP are exceptions, unfortunately.

It's true that most people only post on forums when they have problems but reading them still gives a lot of insight into what the common problems are and how many people are experiencing them.

[IdaD]

People who run into issues are a lot more vocal than people without issues. That's marketing 101. I spent time on all the brand forums when I was shopping and all three of them have their share of issues, but I still think the majority of owners have reliable trucks and overall good experiences these days. Just in reading this site the majority of owners seem to be happy with what they purchased. You and OP are exceptions, unfortunately.

[camp-n-family]

Man I sure hate all the problems your having. That definitely stinks!
But every single manufacturer has their lemons. But by and large this is the exception and not the rule. Have you looked at lemon laws? And how does a 2-3 year old truck get rust? Hmmm?

We don't have lemon laws here in Canada like you do in the US. The rust issues were the chrome bumpers. They weren't finished properly so some corners had exposed steel. Poor quality control. The first tranny rebuild was due to the case weeping. Again, poor quality control. The 2nd rebuild was a torque converter and lube pump failure. The 3rd tranny failure is the same as the 2nd, cause and repair is undetermined as of yet. An annoying driveline noise that the techs all hear and say is not normal is still undiagnosed. FCA refuses to allot any more time to figure out so they are calling it "normal". The leather seat covers were repaired and then finally replaced because they were kept coming apart. Quality control?

Maybe it was built on a Friday afternoon of a long weekend, who knows? Yes, they all have lemons but the scary part is that each time I bring it in for an issue the dealer says "we'll order the parts and replace, we've done a bunch of those". Not comforting and shows I'm not the only one having these problems.

Spend some time on the Ram forums before you make a decision. Wish I had.

[IdaD]

jdsimple wrote:
Hey all, would like some input on the new Ram 2500 CC. I currently have a 2015 F250 SD and tow a 2015 Primetime Crusader 5th wheel with auto slider. Tows great, no prob but just not completely happy with Ford right now. Truck has 21000 miles and been in the shop more than my driveway it seems. I have been researching Ram 2500 CC short bed and so far it appears I will be trading in to get one. Just want some input on how this thing will tow, fuel mileage and such. I really like the idea on the auto level air suspension which takes place of the coil springs. Anyone have experience with this so far? Also was looking at the ram box bed with the tools boxes on sides of bed. Would this inhibit the 5th wheel hitch in any way? I know the issues of 5th wheel and short bed but would I need a slider?

Thanks for all the input.

I wouldn't recommend the air suspension, 2500 or 3500. To me they just add needless complexity. Others love it but that's my opinion. I also wouldn't recommend the Rambox if you're wanting to tow a fifth wheel. Whether you need a slider or not depends on many things - bed length, hitch type, fifth wheel, pin box length, etc. I do fine with an rail mount Andersen flipped back, but it will hit the cab if I turn too tight backing up...although I can turn plenty tight so it's a non-issue as long as I pay attention.

Sorry you're Ford isn't working out. Every manufacturer makes a few lemons and apparently you just got unlucky. I'm nearing a year and a half and 20,000 miles with my Ram and haven't had any issues yet.

[Me_Again]

Greene728 wrote:


Man I sure hate all the problems your having. That definitely stinks!
But every single manufacturer has their lemons. But by and large this is the exception and not the rule. Have you looked at lemon laws? And how does a 2-3 year old truck get rust? Hmmm?

Getting repeatedly stuck on a saltwater beach? And melting down the tranny getting it unstuck?

[Greene728]

camp-n-family wrote:

jdsimple wrote:
Hey all, would like some input on the new Ram 2500 CC. I currently have a 2015 F250 SD and tow a 2015 Primetime Crusader 5th wheel with auto slider. Tows great, no prob but just not completely happy with Ford right now. Truck has 21000 miles and been in the shop more than my driveway it seems. I have been researching Ram 2500 CC short bed and so far it appears I will be trading in to get one. Just want some input on how this thing will tow, fuel mileage and such. I really like the idea on the auto level air suspension which takes place of the coil springs. Anyone have experience with this so far? Also was looking at the ram box bed with the tools boxes on sides of bed. Would this inhibit the 5th wheel hitch in any way? I know the issues of 5th wheel and short bed but would I need a slider?

Thanks for all the input.

Don't fool yourself that the Ram will be any better. I have a '14 2500 CC that has been nothing but problems. It's currently at the dealer getting its 3rd transmission. Electrical problems abound, rust, poor fit and finish, recalls etc etc. Can't wait to get rid of it. Wanna trade?

Man I sure hate all the problems your having. That definitely stinks!
But every single manufacturer has their lemons. But by and large this is the exception and not the rule. Have you looked at lemon laws? And how does a 2-3 year old truck get rust? Hmmm?

[Flashman]

You win - I will trade you a nearly new Ford 6.0 2008 straight across

Just post me the details.

[camp-n-family]

jdsimple wrote:
Hey all, would like some input on the new Ram 2500 CC. I currently have a 2015 F250 SD and tow a 2015 Primetime Crusader 5th wheel with auto slider. Tows great, no prob but just not completely happy with Ford right now. Truck has 21000 miles and been in the shop more than my driveway it seems. I have been researching Ram 2500 CC short bed and so far it appears I will be trading in to get one. Just want some input on how this thing will tow, fuel mileage and such. I really like the idea on the auto level air suspension which takes place of the coil springs. Anyone have experience with this so far? Also was looking at the ram box bed with the tools boxes on sides of bed. Would this inhibit the 5th wheel hitch in any way? I know the issues of 5th wheel and short bed but would I need a slider?

Thanks for all the input.

Don't fool yourself that the Ram will be any better. I have a '14 2500 CC that has been nothing but problems. It's currently at the dealer getting its 3rd transmission. Electrical problems abound, rust, poor fit and finish, recalls etc etc. Can't wait to get rid of it. Wanna trade?

[Greene728]

Only thing I'd say is....
1. You will wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
2. Bypass the 2500 and get the 3500 SRW.
There is virtually no price difference between the two and the 3500 gives you more payload.
Interestingly, the 3500 actually sits lower by about 1 to 1.5in in the rear than the 2500 due to the coils in the 2500. This is important if your considering a 5th wheel and bed rail to RV clearance is an issue. See my post currently in the TV forum for a run down of my past year with my 2015 Ram. I came from Fords also and have zero regrets. This truck is terrific all the way around!

[otrfun]

Calicajun wrote:
. . . My only suggestion would be if you haven't already bought a new truck yet look into getting a 1 ton instead of the 3/4 ton. Fuel mileage is the same, at least that is what all the 1 ton owners I have talked to say they get on the road. Plus with the 1 ton you get a lot more cargo weight capability, 2,000 in the 3/4 ton, 4,000 in the 1 ton SRW and 6,000 in the DRW trucks. Cargo weigh is important when towing a 5th wheel.

Good point. There's zero difference in fuel economy and very little difference in cost between the Cummins SRW Ram 2500 and 3500. The 3500 comes standard with some options that are extra cost on the 2500 (tow mirrors, anti-slip differential, etc.).

Typical door jam sticker payload on a Cummins Ram 2500 SRW is 2000-2200 lbs; a Cummins Ram 3500 SRW, 3800-4000 lbs. Many will say the payload on the Ram 2500 is artificially limited due to its 10k GVWR. However, if you're a by-the-numbers kind of person this difference in payload is something you may want to keep in mind. If the Ram 2500's softer ride is not a priority, IMO the Ram 3500 is the way-to-go---especially if you have any plans to upgrade to larger 5th wheels in the future.

jdsimple wrote:
. . . I have been researching Ram 2500 CC short bed and so far it appears I will be trading in to get one. Just want some input on how this thing will tow, fuel mileage and such. I really like the idea on the auto level air suspension which takes place of the coil springs. Anyone have experience with this so far? Also was looking at the ram box bed with the tools boxes on sides of bed. Would this inhibit the 5th wheel hitch in any way? I know the issues of 5th wheel and short bed but would I need a slider?

Thanks for all the input.

The bed rails in a Rambox equipped truck are significantly narrower than the bed rails in a standard short bed. Clearance issues between the king pin assembly and the bed rails during a turn are going to be a serious problem which a slider will not address---unless you can adjust the hitch high enough to get the king pin assembly to clear the bed rails in a turn---highly unlikely. As transamz9 mentioned, a Sidewinder may be your only option.

Most late model Ram 2500/3500 6.7 Cummins SRW's typically get 16-19 mpg empty at 75-80 MPH. Towing a 10k-15k 5th, most typically report 9-11 MPG.

FWIW, if you do consider the Ram 3500, note the Ram 3500 OEM airbag suspension is more of a "supplemental" system vs. the more dedicated unit in the Ram 2500.

Good luck!

[Grit_dog]

Can't comment on the ram box and 5ver, but while I love the usefulness of the rambox, it limits a lot of things a pickup bed is used for. I'd opt away from it personally.
Power wise, the Pstroke will toast the Ram in a drag race like the ram was chained down. Pulling, they'll run side by side. After time in the Arctic with a fleet of all 3 new def emissions diesels, the solid nod goes to ram for least amount of emissions issues for trucks that were absolutely tortured from an emissions standpoint.
And I believe the 2500 air ride is only good to 3000lbs or so. Something to consider.