3500 vs 4500 specs

kevin1 · Dec 2, 2021

Hello all,
I'm hoping to order a new truck next week. I'm stuck between a cab chassis 3500 or 4500. Can't find much info on how they differ other than payload and towing.
I'd be getting a Gasser. Wondering how the suspensions compare and ride as well as the brakes.
I'm planning on putting a CM AL Sk (https://cmtruckbeds.com/truck-beds/al-sk-truck-bed/) flat bed on it to carry a truck camper. This camper is only about 3k wet but in the future I may get a heavier camper, 5K or 6K could be possible. Currently on a 1997 2500.
Dealers are no help, at least the sales people. Guess I should pop into a shop and talk to the techs.
Your thoughts would be appreciated. I think the 3500 would do me fine but wonder if the 4500 would be a better choice. I'd be getting a Laramie.
Oddly enough the choices of options on a C&C vs pickup are not the same. Annoying.

per

audiophile · Dec 2, 2021

Really depends on your end goal. With the 4500 you gain about 2500 GVW, 1900 payload and about 2400 in max towing. Suspension is a 5 link on the 4500 vs a 3 link on the 3500 (front) and leafs on the rear. Brakes have 15.35" rotors front and back (4500) and 14.17/14.09 F/R on the 3500. What other info are you needing?

kevin1 · Dec 2, 2021

Thanks for the info. I'm sure the 3500 would do fine just didn't know if it made sense to do a 4500. The larger brakes may be worth it and the tires I believe are 19.5 so better for loads. Not sure how the ride would be with a 4500 with what would be a light load for it. Towing isn't a concern. Didn't know how else they differed and if it would make sense to go 4500.

NH RAM · Dec 3, 2021

The 3500 DRW has the 8HP75 with 4.10 rear and 14,000 GVWR but can be had with the Aisin AS66 and 4.44 gears; the 4500 has the Aisin AS66 with 4.44 or 4.89 rear gearing and 16,500 GVWR. You're correct that the 4500 will have the 19.5 tires.
This link has some comparisons on things such as the cast aluminum vs cast iron track bar brackets in the 3500 and 4500 info.

HEMIMANN · Dec 3, 2021

All I can tell you is the 5 link gives a far superior ride, IF you don't need the extra load capacity of the leaf springs. There's a reason they use leaf springs on dump trucks.

Billet Bee · Dec 3, 2021

Love my 3500 with auto leveling. Didn't do the cc because it didn't come with all the options. We tow a 27k fiver with about 5k pin weight. Wouldn't have done a thing differently for us

crash68 · Dec 3, 2021

If your really drawn to the 19.5" rims of a 4500, there is always a 10 lug conversion for a 3500 dually.

kevin1 · Dec 4, 2021

Thanks all for the info so far, so NH Ram said this:
The 3500 DRW has the 8HP75 with 4.10 rear and 14,000 GVWR but can be had with the Aisin AS66 and 4.44 gears

Should I have a preference for either? Pros / Cons of each?

OC455 · Dec 9, 2021

kevin1 said:
I'd be getting a Gasser.

Just a question for you, I'm assuming this is a going to be a dedicated camping truck? Wouldn't the Cummins be a better especially hauling a heavy truck camper?

kevin1 · Dec 9, 2021

The Cummins is great, I just can't justify it for my use.

OC455 · Dec 9, 2021

kevin1 said:
The Cummins is great, I just can't justify it for my use.

Copy that...

Moose2 · Dec 9, 2021

kevin1 said:
The Cummins is great, I just can't justify it for my use.

Awe, Kevin, no need to justify in today’s world.......just do what ya please and money will just magically appear outta thin air...sorry for my twisted sense of humor!

olyelr · Dec 10, 2021

HEMIMANN said:
All I can tell you is the 5 link gives a far superior ride, IF you don't need the extra load capacity of the leaf springs. There's a reason they use leaf springs on dump trucks.

The 3500’s have leaf springs out back too.

ZB39 · Dec 11, 2021

I ordered a 21 5500 for my Host Cascade. This is my 3rd 5500 for 2 different campers. I went with a steel CM SK bed. I attach the fast guns directly to the rub rails. 19.5, exhaust brake stays on all the time, no need to hit the button everytime, bigger brakes, higher GVW, tighter turning. Lots of reasons to get a C&C instead of a 3500. I owned 3 3500/s before I got into the 5500's. It rides great with the camper and without. I had kelderman put a 4 link air suspension on it front and rear. I can raise or lower every corner from in the camper. Also dual tanks, 74 gallons of fuel.

3500 vs 4500 specs

kevin1

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audiophile

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kevin1

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NH RAM

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HEMIMANN

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Billet Bee

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crash68

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kevin1

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OC455

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kevin1

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OC455

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olyelr

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