RAM 1500 vs 2500

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Exdeus

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Greeting all. Would like some personal experiences or thoughts.

I currently have a RAM 2500 Cummins Laramie that I’ve modified and lifted a bit on 37’s. I used it to haul a Four Wheel Camper but am selling it. We are going to get a smaller pull behind travel trailer with a GVW somewhere between 5-8k. I daily drive my truck. The lack of comfort and the fact it rides like a brick is something I’m tired of.

I am debating trading this truck in for a RAM 1500 Rebel with 3.92’s. I will probably tow the trailer six to ten times a year give or take and daily drive the vehicle. With a weight distribution hitch and sway support, anyone tow something similar with a 1500? I’ll be close to payload but will be under all in.

Other option is to trade for a Hemi 2500 Laramie or Power Wagon. Would prefer the 1500 for more comfort.

Anyone tow a similar size (22-25’) travel trailer with a 1500 and 3.92’s? Feel it’s planted, under control and capable?
 

zogg

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You’d be fine switching to a 1/2 ton. I’ve had both a 2500 Cummins and a 2500 5.7. I pulled a small fifth wheel from Wisconsin to St. Louis with the 3/4 5.7 with no issues. Then pulled a 7500 pound travel trailer with the 1500 and it was fine. I did add the Firestone air bags in the springs but never needed them.

But like you, I got sick of the “head banging” ride of any 2500. The ram 1500 is so nice compared to the 2500 and fords or Chevys 1/2 tons with the leaf springs. Enjoy!!
 
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Exdeus

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You’d be fine switching to a 1/2 ton. I’ve had both a 2500 Cummins and a 2500 5.7. I pulled a small fifth wheel from Wisconsin to St. Louis with the 3/4 5.7 with no issues. Then pulled a 7500 pound travel trailer with the 1500 and it was fine. I did add the Firestone air bags in the springs but never needed them.

But like you, I got sick of the “head banging” ride of any 2500. The ram 1500 is so nice compared to the 2500 and fords or Chevys 1/2 tons with the leaf springs. Enjoy!!

Thanks mate! Appreciate that insight!
 

runamuck

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I pull our 28' 6000# travel trailer with my 1500 laramie just fine. I can set cruise for 68-69 and get 8.5-10. that's about as big as I personally would go and be easy towing. get the WDH dialed in right and go slower in hilly terrain you be fine. have to pack the truck light tho depending on trim level.
 

crash68

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Anyone tow a similar size (22-25’) travel trailer with a 1500 and 3.92’s? Feel it’s planted, under control and capable?
Get the weight distribution and WDH adjusted correctly and you can drive down the road with the cruise set and one hand on the wheel. I've towed 28' trailer that tipped the scales around 8K behind my EcoDiesel as described above.
 

Jerrybob

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Got to agree with others....you should be fine. Itow two different trailers with my 1500. A small travel trailer....3500 lbs.....and a car trailer that....depending on load can get up near the 7 to 8K range. I have no issues towing either. As for the truck....best riding vehicle I've ever owned. My truck has the 3.92....tow package...4x4...crew cab and is rated to tow 11,600lbs.
Good luck.
 

Razzman

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Do you like your truck? Besides the ride are you happy with everything else? If you are simply upgrade the suspension to Thuren of Carli and it will literally ride like a 1500. I went from a 2017 1500 Laramie to a 2020 2500 Limited CTD and day one I didn't like the ride. Three weeks later I changed the suspension to Thuren coils, sway bar and Fox shocks and it's a night and day difference and I tow a lot. 12,800K on truck and 8K of it is towing our trailer. Pic for reference

Mojave.jpg
 
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Exdeus

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2017 RAM 2500
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Do you like your truck? Besides the ride are you happy with everything else? If you are simply upgrade the suspension to Thuren of Carli and it will literally ride like a 1500. I went from a 2017 1500 Laramie to a 2020 2500 Limited CTD and day one I didn't like the ride. Three weeks later I changed the suspension to Thuren coils, sway bar and Fox shocks and it's a night and day difference and I tow a lot. 12,800K on truck and 8K of it is towing our trailer. Pic for reference

View attachment 492788
Really appreciate the reply! I had already put an AEV Dualsport lift on it and they are extremely hard and costly to reverse. I also just didn’t need it for a daily driver.

I ended up getting a 2020 Rebel with 1,492 payload and 11.5k tow capacity. It’s got the 3.92’s and the ride is so superior to my truck in comfort and noise.

I’m also a tech guy and like upgrading to new packages and mine has the 12A package I think, at least has the black leather interior with the big iPad touch screen and all. I’m happy with it so far and I think it was the right move honestly for all the reasons above plus less maintenance and diesel is quite a bit more pricey currently.

With that said, I’ve heard tons of great things about both the Carloi’s and Thurens. If I upgrade again that’s likely what I’d do. My old rigs below!A71BEA3F-3173-4F12-9D46-976222859BFC.jpeg
 
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NH RAM

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Glad you found what you were looking for. When I had a 26' travel trailer my 1500 towed it with ease across the US; when I got a 32' trailer, the truck didn't like it. I got a 2500 and a 5w now instead. I think you'll be in the sweet spot for a comfortable daily driver with a trailer that's matched to it nicely; enjoy!
 

HEMIMANN

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When I upgraded my utility trailer to a 7,000 pound CWR contractor trailer, my 1500 squatted down to the jounce bumpers. I wasn't about to add air bag springs with all the trouble they've had up in the northern states with freezeup failure, so I bought a 2500 with 6.4L Hemi and haven't looked back. I'd do exactly the same again in hindsight.
 
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