Big Truck Big Decision

[GoBlueRAM]

What's going on? So I got my 2020 Power Wagon about a year ago, +/- a few days. Love the truck. It was my first HD truck. Previous trucks were, 2018 1500 Laramie EcoDiesel (awesome traveling mileage on a tank, up to 600 miles on a tank traveling highway with the family), prior to that, 2016 1500 Hemi.

I wasn't even thinking that my family would have a travel trailer, but hey, we purchased one, late March of this year. We've pulled just over 6,000 miles so far, two of our long trips were 800 (1600 round trip) and 1,100 miles (2,200 round trip) towing our trailer that's just under 7,000 lbs dry. We're a family of five plus a pup, so the payload is where the hit is for the truck that isn't meant to tow (I know it can...there's a limit). I did add airlift airbags to get rid of the squat and it did wonders. We also have a weight distributing hitch as well.

With the low payload of 1,449 lbs. for this PW, my family plus pup is up to just under 700 of those lbs. Hooking up, tears into the remaining payload not leaving much for anything else to be taken in the truck bed. So we've been looking into getting a new truck. The main thing I dislike is that there's no aftermarket or factory options for a larger gas tank. I don't want and not interested in a long bed.

So here's the money question. I know that different 2500s crew cabs optioned differently can have a payload of over 2,000 lbs. Would a 3500 crew cab tow our 32ft closed to 8,000 lb (when loaded) travel trailer better than a 2500? I know the payload in the 3500 would give us a ton of room to take stuff with us on our travels. We are planning on traveling west next summer, so as far as hmmm, Nevada and maybe even California, from Michigan. This brings me into considering a diesel, which of course comes with a larger price tag, or in my case, simply not getting a higher trim package. We may end up getting a 5th wheel down the line, however that may be as far as 5yrs away, but hey, could be sooner or even never. Definitely won't be a huge one!

Currently looking to spec out the following which come out similar in price (within a couple hundred bucks)

a) 2022 2500 Laramie Mega Cab, HEMI, 4.10 axle, Level C Equip. Group, Auto Level Rear Air Suspension, 5th Wheel Prep
b) 2022 3500 Laramie Mega Cab, HEMI, 4.10 axle, Level C Equip. Group, Auto Level Rear Air Suspension, 5th Wheel Prep
c) 2022 3500 Tradesman Crew Cab, Diesel, Level 2 Equip. Group, Towing Tech Group, Auto Level Rear Air Suspension, Chrome Appearance, Park Sense Rear Park Assist, Uconnect 5, 8.4

Daily driver. I live under 10 miles from my job.

What are your thoughts?

 

[RedneckHippy]

Don’t daily drive a diesel a short distance to work, get a ****** for that job.

 

[RedneckHippy]

Why the hell can’t a say beat-er?

 

[GoBlueRAM]

Don’t daily drive a diesel a short distance to work, get a ****** for that job.

Yeah, thought of that. My ecoDiesel (much smaller engine) was good, but I did work about 8 miles away from home, lol. I also don't mind hopping on the freeway to get that regen done when necessary. The added cost of insuring another vehicle doesn't make sense to me. Especially when purchasing a new truck/vehicle.

Thanks for the comment though.

 

[crash68]

Other than the payload rating, there won't be any noticable difference if towing a trailer with a 2500 or 3500 if the engine, trans and axle ratio are the same. The 3500 might ride a bit stiffer with the lighter load.

 

[GoBlueRAM]

Other than the payload rating, there won't be any noticable difference if towing a trailer with a 2500 or 3500 if the engine, trans and axle ratio are the same. The 3500 might ride a bit stiffer with the lighter load.

I was wondering that, so thanks. There's like a $450 or so difference in getting a 3500 over a 2500 with the same specs. But again, payload was my main concern. But maybe it's aleviated simply with a 2500 that has over 2k lbs versus a 3500 which I know we'd never get near that mark.

Also don't know how 3500 HEMI's would be overall with the added weight on the rear end for daily driving. Not many around to test.

 

[huntergreen]

You want a long bed if your planning to upgrade to a 5th wheel.

 

[RedneckHippy]

I have a hemi 3500, unloaded you better have a lid on your coffee. The payload numbers our awesome though. I would go with either the hemi 2500 with 4.10s or the Cummins 3500. The Cummins payload sucks in the 2500 so you’re definitely on the right track there. I would think that if you are headed into fifth wheel territory, might as well spring for the Cummins now.

 

[OC455]

Friend of mine has a 2021 regular cab, long bed Bighorn 3500, nicely optioned. His payload is 4200lbs, with the Hemi. I have a 2019 3500 Laramie Longhorn, Mega cab, but it's a dually. 6292lbs payload. And yes, mine is a Hemi too. I don't think my dually rides bad at all...

Just for comparison, my brother has a 2018 Ford F250 crew cab, short bed, with the 6.7 Powerstroke, and he has a payload of just over 2500lbs., and some change.

The Hemi being lighter than the Cummins will net you more payload, and if you get the 4.10's, a higher tow rating, depending on the options you get.

If you are looking at getting a 5th wheel in the future, go with the 3500.

For my own curiosity, I would build a truck on the Ram website, then use the search function to see what was close to what I built on local dealers lots. I copied & pasted the VIN back in to the Ram Trucks website under payload & towing section and see what the actual payload/towing ratings are for that truck.

 

[mtnrider]

3500 Diesel all day long. It sounds like you are already on the path of going to a bigger camper one day so as they say, buy once, cry once. A 3500 gas is going to have the same range/gas tank size issue you are having with the PW. It will be slightly better but basically the same. I've been there done that and know the frustration of not being able to pass a gas station without stopping.

As far as cost and maintenance, It's pretty much a wash at the end of the day if you keep the truck a few years. That is based on my real life data in my area with my fuel costs. (I say this because places like California may be paying significantly more for diesel fuel.)

.

 

[GoBlueRAM]

Friend of mine has a 2021 regular cab, long bed Bighorn 3500, nicely optioned. His payload is 4200lbs, with the Hemi. I have a 2019 3500 Laramie Longhorn, Mega cab, but it's a dually. 6292lbs payload. And yes, mine is a Hemi too. I don't think my dually rides bad at all...

Just for comparison, my brother has a 2018 Ford F250 crew cab, short bed, with the 6.7 Powerstroke, and he has a payload of just over 2500lbs., and some change.

The Hemi being lighter than the Cummins will net you more payload, and if you get the 4.10's, a higher tow rating, depending on the options you get.

If you are looking at getting a 5th wheel in the future, go with the 3500.

For my own curiosity, I would build a truck on the Ram website, then use the search function to see what was close to what I built on local dealers lots. I copied & pasted the VIN back in to the Ram Trucks website under payload & towing section and see what the actual payload/towing ratings are for that truck.

Thanks! Yes I’ve been doing the searching and research for just over a solid month now. We may never get a 5th wheel. That’s why I’m thinking of just focusing on getting something that’ll tow our current trailer better, ultimately. If we did get one within a few years, it wouldn’t be a huge and heavy one at all.

How’s the mileage per tank for your Hemi? I know it’s different since you have a dually, but figured I’d ask.

 

[GoBlueRAM]

I have a hemi 3500, unloaded you better have a lid on your coffee. The payload numbers our awesome though. I would go with either the hemi 2500 with 4.10s or the Cummins 3500. The Cummins payload sucks in the 2500 so you’re definitely on the right track there. I would think that if you are headed into fifth wheel territory, might as well spring for the Cummins now.

Is the bouncing that bad? Good thing I don’t drink coffee, and cups are covered.

Curious, would the 3500 Hemi tow better than the Hemi 2500 with the same options?

 

[JayLeonard]

I went the 2500 Cummins route. I never plan on getting a 5th wheel, so the 2200+ lb payload is more than enough for my Imagine 2600RB which has close to a 1000 lb tongue weight and close to 7 k overall.
The diesel with 3.73 gears is perfect, keeping rpm low and rarely shifting.
Mileage is around 13-14 towing and 23+ not towing on a trip from FL to CT and back this summer with the bed loaded.
Good luck on your decision, you have great options.

 

[GoBlueRAM]

I went the 2500 Cummins route. I never plan on getting a 5th wheel, so the 2200+ lb payload is more than enough for my Imagine 2600RB which has close to a 1000 lb tongue weight and close to 7 k overall.
The diesel with 3.73 gears is perfect, keeping rpm low and rarely shifting.
Mileage is around 13-14 towing and 23+ not towing on a trip from FL to CT and back this summer with the bed loaded.
Good luck on your decision, you have great options.

Thanks for this! What al did you have loaded in your bed? What I’ve been thinking may seem like overkill. Again, we may never get a 5th wheel. I do just want to make sure I’m getting the best option for towing our long distances.

I wish the short beds had an option for larger gas tanks like they offer for diesel. That would make the decision so much easier. I’m sure I’ve been overthinking all this for the past few months.

 

[dhay13]

The 3500 over 2500 Hemi won't change anything as far as power when towing. I think the 3500's have leaf springs vs coils, at least up until 2018 they did, so the 3500 might feel a little better when towing. Aside from that they are basically the same truck but you will get higher payload with the 3500.
If you are going to a 5th wheel definitely go with the 3500 Cummins. A 2500 Cummins will have roughly 2000-2300lbs of payload.

Real world numbers from my son. He had a 2018 2500 6.4 4.10's and towed his 2018 Imagine 2670MK all over the country (almost 9000 miles towing). Truck towed it great and never any issues with power or anything. He averaged around 8 MPG towing but he was loaded heavy as he lived in the camper (for work). I went with him from Pittsburgh to Baytown, TX (about 1400 miles) and it towed great. Truck was 100% stock. We stopped at the CAT scales and we were at 8100lbs for the trailer and 8100lbs for the truck with me and him in it and had 1100lbs of tongue weight. Add ~900lbs for the Cummins and we would have been right at that 10,000lb threshold as it sat. My step-son bought a 2021 Grand Design Imagine 3250BH earlier this year and I towed it back for him with my 2018 2500 6.4 4.10's. truck towed it great. No power issues at all. We weighed it also. TT was completely empty as it was brand new but the dealer did leave the 53 gallon fresh water tank full which we didn't know about until we got home. But it weighed 9300lbs with 1100lbs tongue weight. Got about 8 MPG towing it too but most of that was on the highway (100 mile trip). My truck has 2973lbs payload capacity
All that said, with what you have now the 2500 Cummins should be fine. I know very little about the Cummins so can't speak for the short trips but with a 2500 Hemi you would likely be seeing around 12 MPG empty back and forth to work.

 

[Irishthreeper]

I’m a big believer in the saying “better is the enemy of good enough”. Unless you get into really heavy towing the 2500 Hemi with 4.10’s is a very capable truck. That includes pulling a 5th wheel as long as you stay within reasonable limits. I have a 3100 lb payload, 17,000 tow rating and GCWR of 23,000. Im well below those numbers with my 5th wheel but don’t discount the 2500 Hemi.

 

[runamuck]

if staying with the gasser, you could carry more wt. but the 3500 is heavier but has the same motor so expect it to feel less powerful than the 2500. also ride a little stiffer.

 

[GoBlueRAM]

The 3500 over 2500 Hemi won't change anything as far as power when towing. I think the 3500's have leaf springs vs coils, at least up until 2018 they did, so the 3500 might feel a little better when towing. Aside from that they are basically the same truck but you will get higher payload with the 3500.
If you are going to a 5th wheel definitely go with the 3500 Cummins. A 2500 Cummins will have roughly 2000-2300lbs of payload.

Real world numbers from my son. He had a 2018 2500 6.4 4.10's and towed his 2018 Imagine 2670MK all over the country (almost 9000 miles towing). Truck towed it great and never any issues with power or anything. He averaged around 8 MPG towing but he was loaded heavy as he lived in the camper (for work). I went with him from Pittsburgh to Baytown, TX (about 1400 miles) and it towed great. Truck was 100% stock. We stopped at the CAT scales and we were at 8100lbs for the trailer and 8100lbs for the truck with me and him in it and had 1100lbs of tongue weight. Add ~900lbs for the Cummins and we would have been right at that 10,000lb threshold as it sat. My step-son bought a 2021 Grand Design Imagine 3250BH earlier this year and I towed it back for him with my 2018 2500 6.4 4.10's. truck towed it great. No power issues at all. We weighed it also. TT was completely empty as it was brand new but the dealer did leave the 53 gallon fresh water tank full which we didn't know about until we got home. But it weighed 9300lbs with 1100lbs tongue weight. Got about 8 MPG towing it too but most of that was on the highway (100 mile trip). My truck has 2973lbs payload capacity
All that said, with what you have now the 2500 Cummins should be fine. I know very little about the Cummins so can't speak for the short trips but with a 2500 Hemi you would likely be seeing around 12 MPG empty back and forth to work.

Very thorough! Thanks. I’ve heard with a typical 2500 Hemi, I should expect slightly better mpg. That’s fine, just wish there was a larger tank option for gassers without long beds.

 

[GoBlueRAM]

if staying with the gasser, you could carry more wt. but the 3500 is heavier but has the same motor so expect it to feel less powerful than the 2500. also ride a little stiffer.

There it is. Thanks for that. I was thinking it would feel a bit less powerful with the added weight, but wasn’t sure based on tuning from the factory. Thanks again.

 

[GoBlueRAM]

I’m a big believer in the saying “better is the enemy of good enough”. Unless you get into really heavy towing the 2500 Hemi with 4.10’s is a very capable truck. That includes pulling a 5th wheel as long as you stay within reasonable limits. I have a 3100 lb payload, 17,000 tow rating and GCWR of 23,000. Im well below those numbers with my 5th wheel but don’t discount the 2500 Hemi.

I prefer a better truck than a good enough truck. I currently have a good enough truck if we aren’t loading up.

What year, trim, model do you have with that high payload number? I haven’t seen any crew cabs or mega cabs with that type of payload from trucks that are 2020, my own and above.