Community Forums

Wileykid · 01-28-2023, 07:15 AM

I am looking at possibly replacing my RAM 3500, and been interested in the Chevy 3500. The Chevy short bed has a GVWR of 12,100 lbs compared to the 11,800 lbs of my RAM, and I believe the 11,500 of the Ford. One of the Chevy 3500 I looked at (diesel 4x4 LTZ) has a 4,185 payload, which is better than the 3,750 that my current RAM has. Rear axle in the RAM is 7,000 lbs, where the Chevy is 7,250 lbs. The question is, the Chevy has the J2807 sticker that shows the max pin for goose/5th wheel of 3,180 lbs. No such sticker of course on the RAM, and taking into account all the actual payload numbers, I can theoretically put 3,750 lbs of pin weight in my RAM, where the Chevy with the higher payload, GVWR, and GAWR can not, if you follow the J2807, which I believe is just a guide to try and keep the manufacturers somewhat in line.

I have done a lot of searching, and seeking opinions. We all have used max payload (per a CAT weigh), and max axle weight as our numbers, so would it be an issue to continue? The Chevy is a fixed number, no matter the payload, where RAM is whatever the payload is. My 5th wheel trailer pin is usually around 2,800 lbs, so I would be good no matter what, but if I were to load it more, than it could be 3,300 lbs. (I am 3,000 lbs under the GVWR of the trailer right now).

Before anyone mentions it, I am currently at 14,800 lbs, and yes, if I get near the 16,000+ lb weight (18,000 GVWR on trailer), I will be looking for a dually. Short bed only at this time. I am within all numbers, per the CAT scale with my RAM, and it tows well in all weather conditions. I know it is heresy to some, but I like the Dmax over the Cummins.

Real life payload of my loaded truck is 3450 lbs., per CAT scale.

Dave Pelletier · 01-28-2023, 09:01 AM

Not much capability difference to justify the switch IMO.....if you were going longbox or drw, that'd be a different thing. Cummins is the better engine IMO and has a superior exhaust brake but the new GM will have a 10 spd vs. the 6 spd which is better....particularly if its the standard output cummins with the 68RFE.

2 cents.

tuffr2 · 01-28-2023, 12:43 PM

I don't have anything to add but will agree the redesign of the GM trucks in 2020 really upped their capacity.

Wow - a SB 3500 GM SRW truck with just over 4,100lbs is really amazing.

Good job GM!!!

jimcumminsw · 01-30-2023, 09:00 AM

What year is your RAM truck? From 2015 and up all the trucks comply with J2807 SAE towing spec. This is per the Ram Commerical Body Builder Guide, under base weights, GCW, payload and trailer tow.

4x4ord · 01-30-2023, 10:05 AM

I doubt you’ll notice any difference in how Ram vs Chevy suspension handle your trailer. In my opinion the new Duramax will be a step up from the Cummins as far as towing ability.

Wileykid · 01-30-2023, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcumminsw

What year is your RAM truck? From 2015 and up all the trucks comply with J2807 SAE towing spec. This is per the Ram Commerical Body Builder Guide, under base weights, GCW, payload and trailer tow.

It is a '19. My curiosity is why the additional weight numbers, over and above the GVWR...etc, where RAM/Ford do not. Is it because the puck system is further back on the Chevy?

My next research is if I will still get 6 1/2" - 7" bed to trailer clearance with a level trailer, with the higher Chevy bed like I do with the RAM.

Yes, easy to just stay with the RAM, but now that Chevy upped the GVWR on the '20-, where the '19 and prior had the lower GVWR, I would like to go back to the Chevy.

Dave Pelletier · 01-30-2023, 10:12 AM

If you want to buy a new Chevy, by all means go for it; but the capability difference is somewhere between negligible and non-existant IMO.

2 cents

jimcumminsw · 01-31-2023, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wileykid

It is a '19. My curiosity is why the additional weight numbers, over and above the GVWR...etc, where RAM/Ford do not. Is it because the puck system is further back on the Chevy?

My next research is if I will still get 6 1/2" - 7" bed to trailer clearance with a level trailer, with the higher Chevy bed like I do with the RAM.

Yes, easy to just stay with the RAM, but now that Chevy upped the GVWR on the '20-, where the '19 and prior had the lower GVWR, I would like to go back to the Chevy.

You do realize it is all a numbers and marketing game. Ever year one of the three manufactures will announce a new truck which will exceed last year models trucks with more impressive numbers. Do I need a truck with 1,000 ft-lb TQ+ and 10 SPD auto? NO!!!!!

I am still towing my 5er a Cedar Creek, with a 2008, Dodge Mega Cab 6.7L Cummins and the 68RFE AUTO,4X4, with 3:73 gears. The truck develops 350HP/650ft-lb TQ. I can still drive at the legal speed limit with this truck. The truck has done everything I have asked it to do and still running strong with 145K on the OD.

xc-mark · 01-31-2023, 06:12 PM

Hold off on the GM truck for 4 more months, the new dashboard and the newest version of the Duramax will be in that truck. They are claiming 25% more lowend TQ and better exhaust brake performance. I have a 2020 duelie its really the TV you want for trailer over 15K. I had a one-ton single wheel truck that the trailer liked to pull the rear of the truck around , it required constant steering correction to keep it in the center of the lane. DRW trucks are much more stable. The prices of the GM trucks should be at the local dealers now or very soon if your looking to get one built . So far my 2020 truck has been very good and will be ordering a 24 in the next 2 months.

Wileykid · 02-01-2023, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcumminsw

You do realize it is all a numbers and marketing game. Ever year one of the three manufactures will announce a new truck which will exceed last year models trucks with more impressive numbers. Do I need a truck with 1,000 ft-lb TQ+ and 10 SPD auto? NO!!!!!

I am still towing my 5er a Cedar Creek, with a 2008, Dodge Mega Cab 6.7L Cummins and the 68RFE AUTO,4X4, with 3:73 gears. The truck develops 350HP/650ft-lb TQ. I can still drive at the legal speed limit with this truck. The truck has done everything I have asked it to do and still running strong with 145K on the OD.

I hear you on that. It has been fun with everyone increasing torque by "X" lbs, which in the scheme of things is not much of a difference, at least with normal towing. But then why do we have sport cars with these big engines that never or rarely see a track. Sometimes the little boy in us has to be let out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xc-mark

Hold off on the GM truck for 4 more months, the new dashboard and the newest version of the Duramax will be in that truck. They are claiming 25% more lowend TQ and better exhaust brake performance. I have a 2020 duelie its really the TV you want for trailer over 15K. I had a one-ton single wheel truck that the trailer liked to pull the rear of the truck around , it required constant steering correction to keep it in the center of the lane. DRW trucks are much more stable. The prices of the GM trucks should be at the local dealers now or very soon if your looking to get one built . So far my 2020 truck has been very good and will be ordering a 24 in the next 2 months.

I heard about the updated engine, and a buddy with a late '22 is saying according to a friend at Chevy, they are already putting the new engine in, supposedly.

I agree, you can't beat a dually for towing, and I have driven them, but my current truck (SRW) tows my trailer without any sway, including in some pretty crappy windy weather, and I prefer it as it is also my daily driver.

tuffr2 · 02-01-2023, 10:15 AM

The updated interior would be worth waiting for I think. Nicer material and bigger screens are always nice to have. I really did not see anything wrong with the 2018 RAM interior until I saw the new 2019 Lexus like interior.

The added power will also be useful when towing. The smaller mountains with 1,000' to 1,400' elevation gain it was nice to have enough power to make it a non-event.

bross · 02-01-2023, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

The updated interior would be worth waiting for I think. Nicer material and bigger screens are always nice to have. I really did not see anything wrong with the 2018 RAM interior until I saw the new 2019 Lexus like interior.

The added power will also be useful when towing. The smaller mountains with 1,000' to 1,400' elevation gain it was nice to have enough power to make it a non-event.

Those two things do not belong in the same sentence.

Sorry but living out west 1000' is considered a "hill".

tuffr2 · 02-01-2023, 12:54 PM

I understand the wild wild west has some really long steep mountains. We only have a few 2 mile long uphills here and there. But it was nice to have the power to go up even those small(ish) mountains. Back in the day we had fight with all the coal trucks on these western Pa. mountains.

bross · 02-01-2023, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

I understand the wild wild west has some really long steep mountains. We only have a few 2 mile long uphills here and there. But it was nice to have the power to go up even those small(ish) mountains. Back in the day we had fight with all the coal trucks on these western Pa. mountains.