I'm looking forward to ordering a 2015 Ram 2500 from the factory. I've decided against having the 5th wheel/Gooseneck prep done since it seems to really only accommodate the Mopar frame/rail assy and seems to be a waste of money based on what I want to do (see below).I want to get the short bed (6.4'). My last TV was a '99 QC LB. I plan to get the RamBox storage management, and will offset the narrower space and shorter bed with a Sidewinder setup and standard 5'er hitch. I've read some posts in other forums that, on balance, indicate that 5'er towing with RamBox is not a problem this way. (eg, hitting the sides of the boxes when sharp cornering.I'll likely end up with a Heartland 5'er with the angled front cap. Between that and the Sidewinder, I should be ok for maneuverability.My question to the forum is what options would absolutely preclude the addition of the hitch. For example, the auto-rear leveling, or full size spare tire.Any other advice you could offer would be great, as well. Thanks!

For the few extra bucks, I would opt for a 3500 SRW. You may get a bigger trailer someday and you'd be surprised how fast you can eat up a 2500's rating. I know it's not as blingy as some other features but it makes it a strong tough truck.They ride the same too.

ScottG wrote:For the few extra bucks, I would opt for a 3500 SRW. You may get a bigger trailer someday and you'd be surprised how fast you can eat up a 2500's rating. I know it's not as blingy as some other features but it makes it a strong tough truck.They ride the same too.The coils on the 2014+ 2500 Rams actually seem to ride quite a bit nicer than the leaf setup on the 3500s. I'm a little on the fence on which one I'm going to get but am leaning toward the 2500 as it might be a better compromise for my needs. You are correct that the price difference is pretty minimal, though, so it's a good point to bring up.

As far as the rear air suspension, it appears to let the rear ride lower than the coils and when the alternate ride height is activated it drops the rear another inch, which would help with extra clearance with fifth wheels. I can tell the ride quality is very good. I also like the fact that it doesn't matter what I put in the bed because the rear air always maintains the same height.

ideratherbecamping wrote:As far as the rear air suspension, it appears to let the rear ride lower than the coils and when the alternate ride height is activated it drops the rear another inch, which would help with extra clearance with fifth wheels. I can tell the ride quality is very good. I also like the fact that it doesn't matter what I put in the bed because the rear air always maintains the same height.So, I take it that the rear air suspension doesn't cause an issue when installing a 5'er hitch, right?And, I just looked at the 3500 on TrueCar, Edmunds, and DodgeRam and it looks like the 2015 specs are starting to come out for them, though, it barely lets you select more than the drive train and color. However, from a pricing perspective, I see you're right. My '99 had heavy duty leaf springs on it (Camper package), and it was a rough ride without a load.

Ram 2500 Cummins 4WD with Rambox might have 1500 pounds of payload. I've seen one IRL, not the web site 3500 pound model. 6.4L might be over 3000. The details matter. I don't think "Oh I want the cushy ride of the could springs unloaded" matters if you end up 1000 pounds over GVWR when towing. Oh, air bags. That will solve AKA mask everything.I don't know exactly which configuration you want, or the 5er you want. Just get your facts straight before spending $40k+.

Factory Order RAM 3/4 Ton 2500 | Good Sam Community

mrkoje
Explorer
Dec 14, 2014
dpatt67 wrote:
While I'm glad you are happy with your choice on trucks, I'm not sure what you're talking about concerning the quality of Ram trucks. I have had many Chrysler vehicles, both pre and post Fiat, and have never had a bad one. Most on here have had similar experiences, so why the sudden worry over the current Chrysler?

I was kind of thinking the same thing. :h Easily reverse the roles though - I don't understand why anyone would consider purchasing a Ford with a diesel after their horrible history over the last decade.
dshizzel
Explorer
Dec 10, 2014
Final note -- there was another reason or two that I excluded RAM.

Though I artlessly blurted something about quality, and notwithstanding my earlier experience, I really wanted an extended cab rather than a crew cab.

That was something I took away from the RAM experience and I really liked that.

The super cab long bed will be just about the same size as the truck I'm used to. One final factor was fuel tank size. With the 158" wheel base, the 37.5gal tank is standard whereas I think the additional 5gal was an option on the RAM.

I think I made a good choice for me, and I apologize if anything I said seemed to be attacking others' choices. That wasn't my intent. I should have been more articulate about what I was thinking.

Thanks again, guys!
shepstone
Explorer
Dec 09, 2014
Congratulations on the new truck. Make sure you post up some pics when you get it.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Dec 09, 2014
JIMNLIN wrote:
Since you brought up your 16 year old '99 model ancient technology Dodge problems as your reasons for quality concerns on a new Ram I would reiterate its a perfect example of unfounded concerns on your part.
Hell I had a ancient technology one ton DRW Ford truck in commercial service that gave me nothing but problems from the git-go but I'm wise enough to realize the new gen one ton DRW Ford is a world apart from those old trucks.

Your the one guiding your threads direction with your comments. You asked for advice in your 1st post.
You can expect others opinions on your comments.

IMO you'll like any of the new gen Ram, GM or Ford trucks over any '99 brand truck.

X2 to your statements!

Dshizzel, Sorry you chose to go Ford based on what sounds like a beater 99 Ram. My 2001 is still strong and running well at 277,000 miles. If you think spending $3,000 for replacing the VP44 injection pump on your Ram, wait until your new fords CP4 high pressure pump fails.
bigcitypopo
Explorer
Dec 09, 2014
The truck in my sig, has a 2500lb payload... The 4x4 was 2200lb...
mountainsam
Explorer
Dec 09, 2014
I seem to have missed the page where the Ram is out. Sorry to hear that. But I am sure you will get a very nice TV with the Ford.
mountainsam
Explorer
Dec 09, 2014
I just bought a 2014 2500 Tradesman with the chrome package and shift on the fly electric 4 w/d Cummins. It is very well equipped for the lower end. I also have the factory fifth wheel package. However, one issue I did not consider are driving lights. We live in the mountains and I really miss the low side lighting on these sharp mountain curves. For that reason alone I would go SLT if I were do it again. I also use the Sidewinder because that's what I had with my 05 Ram 6.4 bed. I now have a long bed but will stick with the sidewinder. If I don't like the combination I can always remove the wedge and put the bolts back in the turret. Just finished the folding cover today and with the picture frame from eTrailer and my Reese 16K hitch the cover has 2" of clearance.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Dec 09, 2014
Since you brought up your 16 year old '99 model ancient technology Dodge problems as your reasons for quality concerns on a new Ram I would reiterate its a perfect example of unfounded concerns on your part.
Hell I had a ancient technology one ton DRW Ford truck in commercial service that gave me nothing but problems from the git-go but I'm wise enough to realize the new gen one ton DRW Ford is a world apart from those old trucks.

Your the one guiding your threads direction with your comments. You asked for advice in your 1st post.
You can expect others opinions on your comments.

IMO you'll like any of the new gen Ram, GM or Ford trucks over any '99 brand truck.
dpatt67
Explorer
Dec 08, 2014
Well, you certainly wanted one for this entire thread. Like I said, you buy what you want, but I did, and still do, wonder what suddenly changed your mind...
goducks10
Explorer
Dec 08, 2014
I highly doubt any 1999 year vehicle can compare to a 2014 vehicle.

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