2019 Ram 1500 to 2018 Ram 2500 for new 5th wheel RV... Worth the upgrade?

[David Oakes]

Gett the 2500. You won't regret it .

Whoever told you that it was a good idea to put a 5th wheel hitch in a 1500 should be shot. I see so many people white knuckling it down tbe road. Nevermind not being able to brake quickly.

As for whoever said add airbags, THEY DO NOT EVER ADD LOAD CAPACITY, JUST SOME STABILITY. Only the manufacturer can cuange gvwr/payload capacity. Stellantis does not give different capacities for RAMs with and without factory airbags, as an example.

 

[Mando Mark]

It doesnt have to be a new 2500 but 2019 and newer have the zf8spd. Id consider one of those if it were me.

A few good upgrades for your 1500 to handle the weight of the 5th wheel would be timbren ses as mentioned and also a hellwig sway bar 7709. The bar did wonders for us. Also LT tires are a must.

Well, I'm peddling the 1500. It's already got AirLift Air bags on it and at 40#, truck doesn't sag at all. And I've always had Load Range E tires on it. But I did get a line on a 2019 2500 I put money down on. Thanks.

 

[joesstripclub]

I'll give another vote for a 2500. Only experience I have with the 6 speed is behind a cummins, but I know the 8 speed is great behind the 6.4. A few years ago we decided to get a toy hauler and got a 26' bumper pull. Weight sticker said 7500 dry and I had a 2018 1500 at the time. While I figured it would tow it dry, I warned my wife we'd need a bigger truck for the camper once we got the side by side in it. After bringing the camper home with the truck on the bump stops, I said I'd never tow it with that truck again. Empty pin weight is about 1100 lbs on mine, looks pretty similar to what you are towing. I'm surprised you feel comfortable at all towing that 5th wheel with a 1500. You can see in the pic the truck was pretty squatty and that is with some weight on the jack. My PW handles it much better than the 1500 did so a normal 2500 would do even better.

 

[Mando Mark]

Today's 1500's are NOT the 1500's of the past. They don't have the payload or axle ratings required to pull fifth wheels unless you get a stripped-down model or are comfortable being at or over on all your weights. There are very, VERY few fifth wheels I'd put behind a half-ton truck built after 2000. And I say this as someone who, as a kid, sat on my mom's lap while my dad pulled a fifth wheel behind his '78 regular cab F150 with the 300 straight six, with my older sister sitting between them.

If you want to pull a fifth wheel, get at minimum a 3/4 ton. First off, they're built heavier duty, and share a LOT of parts with the 1-ton of the same OEM. They will often have a larger, more powerful motor than what you can get in a half ton. They'll have bigger brakes and more cooling capacity. They'll have more payload and axle ratings than a half ton (with a few exceptions - Power Wagon comes to mind). It sounds like it's just you and the missus, so you likely won't upgrade to a larger fifth wheel, and you'd be okay sticking with the 2500. If you were looking to go bigger, I'd recommend a 3500.

You're going to lose some unloaded ride comfort, but that's the trade-off going up to an HD truck. You gain a lot more capability than you lose in ride quality.

My suggestion would be to look for a 2017 or later truck, 2019+ would be preferred. The 6-speed is a solid transmission, but it WILL hunt a bit under certain conditions when towing. By 2017, Ram had figured out most of the issues with the lifters on the 6.4 - mine went to 110k miles with zero issues until the MAP sensor went out and didn't throw any code (first thing that was checked was the oil and lifters, and they looked flawless - it took a month to learn it was the MAP). With a 2019+, you get the 8-speed, which has proven to be a pretty solid transmission as well...and nets a bit better mileage than the 6 speed did, at least unloaded. Look for something with minimum 3.73 gears, 4.10s will tow better but will net slightly worse mileage unloaded (towing mileage will be slightly better though).

As for trim...it's up to you, but remember that the higher your trim package, the more the truck weighs unloaded, and the less payload you'll have. Shop around, I'm sure you'll find something you'll like.

Thanks. The widow friend from church told me last week, "You know, I just can't let go of John's truck..." So that option fell through. However, I found a 2019 2500 Bighorn with only 59,000 miles on it that's got everything I'd need. I downloaded the Build Sheet and it checks all the boxes - trailer tow package, 6.4L Hemi, 6.4' box, 8-speed transmission, 3.73 gears etc. It's even got the AirLift kit you can inflate/deflate from inside the cab.
I totally agree; back years ago, we had a 25' Sunlight, low-profile 5th wheel I pulled with my F-150 and 300 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder and a five speed transmission. I also pulled it with a 2000 Dodge Quad Cab I'd had which had a 360 'Magnum' V8 and four-speed overdrive transmission, but in trailer-tow mode it only used three speeds and revved higher in all gears. Plenty of power; it would pass anything except a gas station. That had leaf springs, and I also had AirLift air bags on that as well. Hopefully I'll be closing the deal on the 2019 2500 this week. Thanks.

 

[Mando Mark]

Gett the 2500. You won't regret it .

Whoever told you that it was a good idea to put a 5th wheel hitch in a 1500 should be shot. I see so many people white knuckling it down tbe road. Nevermind not being able to brake quickly.

As for whoever said add airbags, THEY DO NOT EVER ADD LOAD CAPACITY, JUST SOME STABILITY. Only the manufacturer can cuange gvwr/payload capacity. Stellantis does not give different capacities for RAMs with and without factory airbags, as an example.

I don't disagree. In fact, the 'sales rep' at the RV show where we saw the Grand Design Reflection 22RK claimed they "...used the Ram 1500 as the 'test truck' for designing the 100 series 'half-ton towable' RV." (He probably said the same thing to Chevy or Ford half-ton truck owners at the same show...)
As I mentioned, mine doesn't pull this RV bad at all (I put 40# - out of 100 possible - of pressure in my AirLift air bags and it doesn't sag. RV has ABS brakes that really work well with my Ram's factory trailer brake system, but yeah - it's a LOAD for a 1500. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[joesstripclub]

Thanks. The gal told me last week, "You know, I just can't let got of John's truck..." So I found a 2019 2500 Bighorn with only 59,000 miles on it that's got everything I'd need. I downloaded the Build Sheet and it checks all the boxes - trailer tow package, 6.4L Hemi, 6.4' box, 8-speed transmission, 3.73 gears etc. It's even got the AirLift kit you can inflate/deflate from inside the cab.
I totally agree; back years ago, we had a 25' Sunlight, low-profile 5th wheel I pulled with my F-150 and 300 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder and a five speed transmission. I also pulled it with a 2000 Dodge Quad Cab I'd had which had a 360 'Magnum' V8 and four-speed transmission, but in trailer-tow mode it only used three speeds and revved higher in all gears. Plenty of power; it would pass anything except a gas station. That had leaf springs, and I also had AirLift air bags on that as well. Hopefully I'll be closing the deal on the 2019 2500 this week. Thanks.

The only downside on the 2500s is that the coils are slightly inboard where the leafs would be on a 3500. I ended up adding airbags to mine and they sit where the leafs would be installed. They are nice to add a bit of stability to the truck and you can level a bit with them too if you need to. That 2019 sounds like it would do well for you, at least until the next camper upgrade.

 

[Mando Mark]

Hello fellow michigander. Unless the truck turns out to be so good of a deal that you cant refuse it, then i wouldn't do the trade personally.

I have a ‘16 2500 and absolutely love the truck…aside from the 6 speed tranny. Its a **** in comparison to the 8 speeds. If i was in your shoes, i would be searching for a ‘19 and up with the 8 speed.

That being said, if the deal turned out to be super good i wouldn't shy away from it. The truck will tow it better than your half ton. Mine drags around an 8000 pound bumper pull camper just fine. Definitely know its back there though. And the 6.4 loves to scream haaa. I usually get around 8mpg when towing it.

Thanks. I found a 2019 with the 6.4 and an 8-speed, with the trailer tow package and the cab-controlled air bag system and 59,000 miles. I have a down payment on that and hope to pick it up (it's in Illinois) this week yet if all goes well. Based on the build sheet from the VIN, it's almost identical to mine; the only thing I don't see it has is the heated seats and steering wheel. (Which I never used on mine anyway!)

 

[jawzs2]

Thanks. I found a 2019 with the 6.4 and an 8-speed, with the trailer tow package and the cab-controlled air bag system and 59,000 miles. I have a down payment on that and hope to pick it up (it's in Illinois) this week yet if all goes well. Based on the build sheet from the VIN, it's almost identical to mine; the only thing I don't see it has is the heated seats and steering wheel. (Which I never used on mine anyway!)

Good deal - you won't be disappointed. As far as the heated seats go - wait till you get my age - LOL. My dad (God rest his soul), always said "gettin' old ain't for sissies". Boy was he right.

 

[2018Hemi]

I have the same exact truck except with a long bed. Pulls my 12,000 lb fifth wheel great.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Thanks. The widow friend from church told me last week, "You know, I just can't let go of John's truck..." So that option fell through. However, I found a 2019 2500 Bighorn with only 59,000 miles on it that's got everything I'd need. I downloaded the Build Sheet and it checks all the boxes - trailer tow package, 6.4L Hemi, 6.4' box, 8-speed transmission, 3.73 gears etc. It's even got the AirLift kit you can inflate/deflate from inside the cab.

A little different use case, I was test driving Power Wagons specifically. I *hated* the feel of the 6 speed and nearly bought a Ford until I test drove a newer one with the 8 speed. It's a much better driving truck, especially passing at highway speeds.

 

[mdc1990zr1]

I'll give another vote for a 2500. Only experience I have with the 6 speed is behind a cummins, but I know the 8 speed is great behind the 6.4. A few years ago we decided to get a toy hauler and got a 26' bumper pull. Weight sticker said 7500 dry and I had a 2018 1500 at the time. While I figured it would tow it dry, I warned my wife we'd need a bigger truck for the camper once we got the side by side in it. After bringing the camper home with the truck on the bump stops, I said I'd never tow it with that truck again. Empty pin weight is about 1100 lbs on mine, looks pretty similar to what you are towing. I'm surprised you feel comfortable at all towing that 5th wheel with a 1500. You can see in the pic the truck was pretty squatty and that is with some weight on the jack. My PW handles it much better than the 1500 did so a normal 2500 would do even better.

View attachment 587121

I wouldn’t even feel comfortable coming out of my mouth. 1500 and fifth wheel should never be in the same sentence, just like hot dog and ketchup.

 

[Mark47ak]

I have a 2018 2500 crewcab 2wd 6.4 hemi puck tow package, 410 gears ,towed a goose neck open range 15th wheel, 8700 dry weight.
Got 9mpg towing on flat roads, less on hills and wind changes that up or down. Truck towed it find.
Truck had a tow rating at 15300, bed at 2800.
Still have the truck at 33000 miles, no issues.
Now towing a bumper pull trailer. I bought truck from Dave Smith in Kellogg Idaho. At the time largest ram dealer in the world. DRove it to and from Alaska.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

With what you quoted, how did you come up with i need a tune up and trans fluid change?

I have disliked the 6 speed since i drove the truck off the lot brand new 10 years ago. And since the 8 speed has been out, i dislike it even more haaa. 135k miles and never had an issue with it yet, it just the gear spacing is terrible for the hemi.

Ive never seen over 13.5 mpg with the truck.

Your MPG told me.

How many miles do you have on the truck?

How many idle hours do you have on the truck?

 

[olyelr]

Your MPG told me.

How many miles do you have on the truck?

How many idle hours do you have on the truck?

Around 135k miles. Ive put all of them on it. Never got over 14mpg. It is a power wagon but that shouldnt matter. I have had 35’s on it forever, but did run the factory 285’s till they were half worn out…still never saw 14mpg. Not sure on idle hours, i would have to look.

 

[GuyPNW]

Before pulling the trigger on the 2500, check the payload capacity to make sure it’s high enough to take the pin wight of that Reflection 5th wheel. And keep in mind that you will also have the weight of the hitch (2-300 lbs.) plus your passengers, gas, and everything else in the bed adding to your total payload.

You might be able to save some weight by going with a gooseneck style ball hitch. If I could go back, that’s what I might have done for my 2500.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

Around 135k miles. Ive put all of them on it. Never got over 14mpg. It is a power wagon but that shouldnt matter. I have had 35’s on it forever, but did run the factory 285’s till they were half worn out…still never saw 14mpg. Not sure on idle hours, i would have to look.

Each hour of idle time = 30 miles, that is why it is important.

You tires would harm MPG.

If you have not done the 100K spark plug replacement you should along with coils and other recommended maintainance.

 

[olyelr]

Each hour of idle time = 30 miles, that is why it is important.

You tires would harm MPG.

If you have not done the 100K spark plug replacement you should along with coils and other recommended maintainance.

Damn, i was just in the truck earlier today….never thought to even look at idle time ugh. Maybe next time haaa.

The heavy 35” tires certainly didnt help in the mpg department. But that being said, it didnt really make it much worse either. Im not calling anybody a liar that says they get 16 or 18 mpg in their hd 6.4 hemi truck, but i know for a fact mine never has. Not with me driving on the roads i travel. Even if i really baby it and try to get the best i can out of it.

I do need to do the plugs and coils…they are original. Truck runs great, but still should do em i suppose.

 

[dhay13]

2500 all day. I had a 2013 1500 with the 5.7 and 3.55's before my current truck. Towed my son's brand new 7500lb TT 200 miles on the highway. Got 6.5 MPG. Bought my 2018 2500 6.4 with 4.10's and can't even tell it's back there. And I got about 2 MPG better towing with the 2500. Now driving empty obviously the 1500 is better on gas. I also towed my step-son's 9300lb TT and had no issues at all.
I see alot of folks posting on here about the 6 spd in the 2018 but I have no complaints at all with mine.