Went from 1 ton to 1/2 ton and couldn't be happier

[mikeb9550]

This spring I traded in my 1 ton e350 van for a new dodge 1500 hemi Ram. I read guys say these new 1/2 ton trucks have came a long way. OMG.. their was a huge when going from my old f150 to my e350 and I would say I am about equally impressed going from my e350 to my ram 1500. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the new 3/4 ton would even do better but these 1/2 tons tow trailers within spec great. I even like the p rated tires because they handle great and I don't have to keep messing with the air pressure loaded vs unloaded. I leased it and plan on getting another 1/2 ton for sure.


What's not to like?

Better mpg towing
A lot better mpg solo
More power than my v10 when towing
It's like driving a hotrod solo
Much better power band in each gear with new 8 speed transmission
Better handling with and without the trailer
Way cheaper lease deals
Rides night and day better
Oem break controller blows my old prodigy out of the water

[TXiceman]

Glad you are happy with thee down size. I'd love to get better fuel economy, but with our trailer I need the truck we now have. Once we can come off the road full time, I will look for a smaller trailer and a smaller truck.

[milo]

We upgraded from an 04 F-250 6.0 (POC) to a studly HD F-150, then downgraded to a Cougar 26sab. Very happy ..having a hard time wiping the grin off my face everytime we tow.

[fishfinder]

Likewise here. Don't miss my old F150 at all. The new 1/2-tons are so much better than the old ones.

I replaced my original P-metrics at 50k miles with P's again because they ride so well and have more than adequate load rating, even with my light truck camper and boat.

During the winter, when the camper's off, my truck is my smooth riding SUV 🙂

[Community Alumni]

When I bought our new truck in April, I got a half ton instead of a three-quarter ton like I've had in the past. I much prefer the ride as my daily driver and we just don't tow very often any more. I'm very happy with my Ram 1500 Big Horn.

[valhalla360]

Horses for courses.

If you were pulling a 500# utility trailer, you could tow with a car that gets even better milage and smoother ride than the 1/2 ton.

Looks like you have a truck well matched to the trailer.

[C_Schomer]

I understand, I went from 3/4T vans to a 1/2t Dodge gasser in 96. it was like stepping off a boat to solid land. Craig

[Tystevens]

Sounds like a good trade to me. I also went from a 3/4 ton (Chevy 2500 Duramax) to a 1/2 ton (Ford F150 Ecoboost), and I'm happy with the choice. I can't say the F150 out-tows the Duramax in any respect, of course, but the drop off isn't as great as I expected.

[Bamaman11]

If someone is interested in a Ram 1500, go for one with the air ride suspension option ($1100).

It was so good on the new model Grand Cherokee that Sergio Marchionne ordered a quick frame redesign of the new Ram 1/2 ton frame to use the same air ride components. It was a big engineering job, and an option that's worth every penny. The ride height is adjustable manually up and down, too.

I understand no truck can hold a candle to their air ride suspension.

[mrkoje]

Congrats on the new ride. You are right, Ram has some amazing lease deals going on with the 1500. The ride IMO is also far superior to GM and Ford. Sometimes I wish I could get by with a 1500 because they are cheaper and ride nicer but I would miss the space and capability of my current trailer to give it anymore thought than that.

Enjoy your new ride! You did very well picking the Ram!

[ib516]

Congrats. I would have liked the better mpg and ride of a Ram 1500 but my RV is just too big for any half ton. Maybe with the next RV. Sounds like you're finding out what many know about the new Ram trucks. Nothing like they were 5 or 10 years ago, but not much is 🙂

[Cummins12V98]

45Ricochet wrote:
Holy******don't tell Fish about this, err better yet " the nut" :B

I think he just cried a "BLUE OVAL" tear.

[45Ricochet]

Holy******don't tell Fish about this, err better yet " the nut" :B

[FrankShore]

I'm looking to downgrade from my F-250 so this is good information! Need a smaller lighter weight trailer to go along with it!

Congrats on the new truck also!

[jerem0621]

Great!!!

It sounds like you have a great set up there. The new Rams are indeed impressive! Congrats on the new Truck!

Thanks!

Jeremiah