Considering a Ram 2500

I'm considering a 2011Ram 2500 5.7.
I guess you could call me a Ford guy but not a fan boy.
I'm familiar with Ford's issues( bad years, Engine issues etc. )
but not so much with the current Dodge trucks.
I really like the styling of the last couple gen's but what are
common problems I should be aware of or any drivetrains or years
I should be cautious of?

I tow a 7000 lb. loaded Travel trailer 8+ trips yearly and I want a 3/4 ton for better payload capacity.

I attached a pic of my current setup

Thanks for any input

Funny, looks exactly like my Dad's trailer. 28'?

He's got a '14 2500 6.4 Hemi Crew Cab 3.73 Gear Posi 4x4 and loves every minute he's in it.
I have a '13 2500 5.7 Hemi Crew Cab 3.73 Gear Posi 4x4 and I love mine too.

My truck and the one you're looking at are very similar.
The 5.7 in the 2500's doesn't have 'fuel saving technology' (MDS) which in my mind is a plus. I think the '11s have a 5 sp automatic, where as the '13+ has a redesigned 6sp.
That being said, even mine is still clearly a Dodge automatic, it's ok at best.

As for ability to pull... You just gotta let the Hemi rev up and man it'll haul!
The chassis is proven and works damned well. It DOES ride like a 3/4 ton though.

I was a ford guy all my life. Even came close to getting a 150 before I got the Ram.

Then I test drove the 1500. If you pull that 7000 pounder on a regular basis, IMO you'd be fine with a 1500, hemi 8spd with a 3.92 and save quite a few bucks in the process, given current rebates. That setup will pull near as makes any difference 10k stock, and that's before you give it some goodies (intake, exhaust, tune). Payload would be if I remember correctly 1700 with that setup. There's a chart out there somewhere.

If you're gonna go up to the 2500 and do not want the diesel, get the 6.4. The mileage difference will be negligible and you'll get much more towing power out of it.

If it was me I would really shoot for a 13+ with the redesign. As far as week links dodge isn't known for expensive interior materials fuel mileage or transmissions although the only transmissions I've destroyed are fords. The hemi is a time proven very powerful reliable engine. They look awesome and In my opinion it's hard to beat the cost difference between ford and Chevy. I understand the payload problem but a newer 1500 you can get the airlift 1000 air bags to go in the coils to help out, my quad cab 4x4 has a payload of 1450 or 1485 don't remember for sure and it would pull that trailer with ease. If your stuck on a 3/4 it's hard to beat the ram with a hemi if your going gas. the hemi is more powerful than the ford 6.2 and the Chevy 6.0. And lastly the newer 6 speed is basically the 5 speed just redesigned from what I understand and staying close to stock and not beating it will make the transmissions last these newer trucks have everything you need to take care of the transmission, transmission temp gauges and HD transmission coolers. But if your on the fence just go drive one. Drive a 1/2 ton drive a 3/4 drive a ford drive everything that's why sales people are there.

White Express, My trailer is a Jayco whitehawk 28DSBH. 28' body, 32' overall length.

As far as payload, I have 1651lbs in my current truck and I come close
if not max it out when towing.
I currently have a Reese Dual-cam WDH and Timbren SES and Rancho 9000's in the back which do help alot.

In normal conditons everything is fine, But if its windy, loaded incorrectly, lots of passing bigrigs etc., it can be a white knuckle drive.

Plus I'm always limiting what I put in my bed because of payload.
This weekend I'm driving up I-95 with 4 people and 2 dogs plus bikes in the bed. That will bring me to my max payload.

I know ALOT of people do this, but I would like to step up to a 3/4 ton
so I can just load up and go.

Tow ratings on 1/2 tons aren't a problem its the payload for me.

Thanks for the input so far,
I'll test drive the 2011 and keep my eyes open for a 6.4l.

anyone please correct me if im wrong but I believe that the 6.4 is only in the 2014's. if you are only pulling 7000 plus 1500 in the bed the 5.7 will serve your purpose just fine. In texas there are some good rebates that make a new truck look very attractive. The tradesman crew cab 4x4 5.7l run in the low 30s 33-34 for a new 2500 with the chrome package and customer comfort package power windows locks ect.

NHguy said:

White Express, My trailer is a Jayco whitehawk 28DSBH. 28' body, 32' overall length.

Click to expand...

Yea, that sounds right. He has the Arctic package too.
Bottom is all insulated and sealed up. Pretty nice trailer.

You have the right reasons for wanting a 2500.
The stability of a heavier chassis will be very nice.

Sure they weigh more, and aren't as fast, but that's not what towing is about.
The brakes on the 2500s >>>> and 1500 / F150 as well.

I am/ was a Ford guy. Came from two F-series back to back- the experience is best described below this... Prefer my 1500 on so many levels other than the payload. That hurts. I am thinking of grinding that sticker off so I don't have to be reminded of how far over I am.

You'd love the 6.4 Hemi. Better to have a little margin of safety and comfort when towing. Just my opinion. Bigger engine, bigger brakes, more payload, and fuel saving technology in the 2500.

Well, took it for a test drive. It's got plenty of power for me. Rides nice for a 3/4 ton. Wife checked it out on her way home from work and gave me the green light.
It's a 2011 2500 crew cab 4x4 Big Horn edition with 53,000 miles for $25,899

I'm totally non-brand loyal. Over the last 20 years I went from Toyota 4runner to Ford F150 to Nissan Titan to Chevy Duramax and now am in a Ram 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi.

I couldn't be happier.... this truck is amazing. I tow 8500# TT and it does it every bit as well as the 06 Duramax power-wise. Overall experience the suspension and handling of the Ram is outstanding and leaves the bumpy old leaf springs in the dust.

The 3000# payload is outstanding. It's nice to know I could stop off for a load of gravel while towing my TT if I needed to

I have a 2012 2500 5.7 4x4 crew cab and love it. I have a 8k fifth wheel that I pull with it and it pulls it great. I really like the peace of mind using a 2500 when towing. It does ride a bit stiff but I have gotten used to it.

Sounds like a solid truck and welcome to the forums.

Sounds like just the truck for you. I was going to say as nice as the 6.4 would be fr power, it would eat into payload over a 5.7 equipped truck.
A few of us have similar towing (payload) issues, and are envious of your upgrade. I hope it works out for you, and serves you well for years.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.
We did end up putting a deposit on truck on our way up to Maine for
a camping trip.
It would have been nice to tow with for the trip but timing wasn't
right.
Anyway pictures are always good so here's one of my new truck.

Congrats! looks nice

The 6.4's have a 10k gvwr in the 2500's whereas the 5.7's have a 9k gvwr, giving the 6.4 a significantly higher payload in equally optioned trim models.

ScottH

If you spec out a 1500 and 2500 with the same options, the price difference between the two is small ~$1000. To me, I'd go with the 2500. Btw, I love my mega 2500 with the 5.7L and 4.10s.

5 days after picking up the truck I was ready to head out again with the camper.
This truck felt waaaay more in control of the trailer which I attribute to being a 3/4 ton. Got 9.9 mpg towing. One trip this week I had a mostly highway trip and averaged 16.7 mpg over 70 miles and was averaging 13.7 mpg combined before that. These numbers are off the dash which in my experience is probably high by 1 mpg. Overall very happy with truck, rides great and comfortable, and good power!

Glad you're happy with your new truck.