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Old 04-15-2018, 08:54 PM   #15
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The Ram 2500 will come with rear coil springs vs the leaf springs for the 3500. Most payload I have seen is 2650lbs for the 2500. That's just not enough for any real full time 5th wheel. Now will the 2500 tow and stop say a 16k rig? Sure it will. And with rear air bags it will level out. With aftermarket tires you can even have enough tire carrying capacity. You're rear axle and GVWR will be your limiting factors.
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Old 04-15-2018, 10:32 PM   #16
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At 30,000 lbs. you'd need 7000 payload minimum. Might be one or two out there without going to an MDT!
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Old 04-16-2018, 06:27 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by Flyte Risk View Post
Ram uses 100% different suspensions. The 2500 is a coil spring rear while the 3500 is leaf that can be had with self leveling airbags. See my above post about the powertrain options. Depending on some of the body options there are 3 different driveshafts and a half dozen different U-joints are possible too.
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The rating difference between the two is obvious if you know where to look for it. The 2500 is rated using the 6.7/68RFE/3.42 powertrain. In order to get to the higher tow capacities you have to change the entire powertrain to the 6.7HO/Aisin/4.10

The Aisin is, from the factory, the stronger transmission of the two. In order to get the 4.10 gears I believe you have to go DRW.

Comparing the two transmissions the 68 makes a better light load daily driver. FCA has the engine tuned down alot in the lower gears for running around and such. The extended service intervals are a benefit as well. The Aisin prefers to be under load. It is absolutely installed and tuned to pull heavy. Plus you get the 6.7HO with it's 15 HP and 130 lb-ft tq over the standard 6.7.

I know you asked for opinions, however, opinions need to be based on the correct facts.
Depends on the year. In 2012 (my year) the 2500/3500 was practically the same truck minus dual rear wheels and an additional overload leaf in the rear. (confirmed by Ram customer service during some discussions with them about towing capacities) 2012 2500s were offered with 3 different rear gear ratios: 3.42, 3.73 (mine), and 4.10. The 2012 2500 also came with the 6.7L HO engine (the one I have). If we are discussing current models, you are correct though. Completely different.

That being said.... I agree that it is wise to figure out the rig you want prior to picking the truck. I do have to be careful when choosing a 5er to tow with my 2500. While my 2500 will tow a lot more than I ask of it, towing it safely is another ball of wax. I had to be very cautious and do a lot of research before choosing my 5er.
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Old 04-16-2018, 07:40 AM   #18
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Originally Posted by Flyte Risk View Post
Ram uses 100% different suspensions. The 2500 is a coil spring rear while the 3500 is leaf that can be had with self leveling airbags. See my above post about the powertrain options. Depending on some of the body options there are 3 different driveshafts and a half dozen different U-joints are possible too.

Agreed. You are correct in that the engine gets a boost when coupled to the Aisin. When you compare 2500 vs 3500 (68RFE) you find the exact same engine and trans in both. I failed to mention that... I suspect different driveshaft & u-joint combo's are due to different length builds not 2500 vs 3500.

As I stated suspensions are different. You seem to echo my comment...no?

BTW the 2500 can be optioned with a factory full rear air suspension (no metal springs). The 3500's get a combo leaf springs with air bag assist. I had RASS on my 2015 2500 and now on my 3500. Sweet setup but limited on the 2500 to about 3500# payload. I know because I wanted to test it out. I loaded a 6'x2'x2' concrete block weighing in at 3550# into the bed of the 2500 CCSB to see what would happen. It had to be as far forward as possible and centered left to right in order for the truck to level itself out. Deviate from center and I got a "payload exceeded" message in the dash.

I hope our discussion helps others!
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Old 04-16-2018, 10:10 AM   #19
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If you're in the market for a truck for towing always get the 3500. The price difference is almost nothing going from a 2500 to a 3500. There's really no reason not to. Wish I did.
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Old 04-16-2018, 08:06 PM   #20
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The Ram 2500 will come with rear coil springs vs the leaf springs for the 3500.
And the last thing you want on a pickup is those wimpy coil springs.

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Old 04-16-2018, 08:38 PM   #21
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Good advice. A 3500 is a no brainer and the real choice is srw or drw. A word of caution: be aware that advertised weights of the fifth wheels you are considering may not account for options and the stuff you add. When we sold our motorhome in 2012 we ordered our Excel and a new truck at the same time. I got a 3500 srw GMC based on the weights of the fifth wheel listed by the manufacturer. I should have known better but the advertised hitch weight of close to 2700 pounds turned into 3100 when we added a Splendide washer/dryer and all our stuff. I towed with it for 2 years but was never very comfortable knowing I was at the limit of the truck's capacity. In 2014 we got a GMC 3500 dually and last year the Ford. Now I don't worry about it.
What was the reason you changed from the '14 GMC to the Ford?
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Old 04-16-2018, 10:22 PM   #22
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What was the reason you changed from the '14 GMC to the Ford?
Actually, it was the redesigned 15 model that I got in April 2014. I actually got interested in trading when the new GM diesels came out with 17 models. Not really a good reason but I went looking. I had absolutely no complaints with the GMC and had every intention of getting another, as they are all I have owned for years. I had read about the new redesigned Fords and thought while I'm shopping I might was at least look at one. After driving one I never went back to my GMC dealer.

I liked the ride, quietness and power of the Ford much better. Plus, Ford offers some things that GM doesn't, like adaptive cruise and a towing camera system. The adaptive cruise is tied to the trailer brake system so when it applies the brakes it also applies the trailer brakes, a feature I have really come to appreciate. I also appreciate the camera mounted on the cab stop light that lets me see my hitch and king pin and has a centering line. Sure makes hitching easy. The massaging seats that are standard on the KR sold my wife.

The downside is these features make for a higher pricing than GM but I got what I consider a very good trade allowance which took away a little of the pain. Anyway, we have taken one 2k trip and several short ones with the truck and so far no regrets.
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Old 04-18-2018, 04:30 AM   #23
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Tow a 5er with a dually on a windy day and you'll never ask this question again... or hit debris on the interstate and slice the sidewall on a rear tire once and you will never question it again. Both have happened to me... being able to safely drive the truck off the road with a blown rear inner tire sold me. I have a 2014 Ram DRW. My truck has the 68RFE and 3.42 gears. It does fantastic.. although lower gears would be nice when loaded at a stop. Once on the highway though, 5th gear at 70 MPH is right about 2000 RPM... she is very happy there. Even climbs most grades I have encountered around the smokies in 5th... worst case it will drop to 4th. If towing at 75, and a calm day she just hums at 1600RPM in 6th.
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Old 04-18-2018, 09:17 AM   #24
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Tow a 5er with a dually on a windy day and you'll never ask this question again... or hit debris on the interstate and slice the sidewall on a rear tire once and you will never question it again. Both have happened to me... being able to safely drive the truck off the road with a blown rear inner tire sold me. I have a 2014 Ram DRW. My truck has the 68RFE and 3.42 gears. It does fantastic.. although lower gears would be nice when loaded at a stop. Once on the highway though, 5th gear at 70 MPH is right about 2000 RPM... she is very happy there. Even climbs most grades I have encountered around the smokies in 5th... worst case it will drop to 4th. If towing at 75, and a calm day she just hums at 1600RPM in 6th.


I have the same engine, tranny and gears but my experience is different. Going over mt hood I have to have my foot to the floor to maintain 60-65. And my tt is about 8000lbs loaded. Mix of 4th and 5th. In tow haul mode it won't go in to 6th gear so you must not be using that?
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Old 04-18-2018, 10:23 AM   #25
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I have the same engine, tranny and gears but my experience is different. Going over mt hood I have to have my foot to the floor to maintain 60-65. And my tt is about 8000lbs loaded. Mix of 4th and 5th. In tow haul mode it won't go in to 6th gear so you must not be using that?
T/H mode will still allow the transmission to go into 6th gear on my 2012 2500.... but it won't go into 6th until I hit 60 mph and maintain that. It takes about 5 seconds before it will shift out.
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Old 04-18-2018, 10:51 AM   #26
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I have the same engine, tranny and gears but my experience is different. Going over mt hood I have to have my foot to the floor to maintain 60-65. And my tt is about 8000lbs loaded. Mix of 4th and 5th. In tow haul mode it won't go in to 6th gear so you must not be using that?
Not sure what you have going on... I usually have mine locked in 5th gear... never dropped down .ore than 4th gear
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Old 04-19-2018, 08:54 AM   #27
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I have the same engine, tranny and gears but my experience is different. Going over mt hood I have to have my foot to the floor to maintain 60-65. And my tt is about 8000lbs loaded. Mix of 4th and 5th. In tow haul mode it won't go in to 6th gear so you must not be using that?
Mt Hood doesn't compare to the smokies. Hood is longer & steeper then almost everything the east has to offer. You're about where you should be for that pass.
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Old 04-19-2018, 10:50 PM   #28
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We towed with a Ram dually, with Aisin and 4:10's, our gross combined was just a little under 30000 lbs. That combination was awesome and what would be my recommendation.
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