Anyone with an HD that DOESN’T tow?

[tincup]

Currently have a 2010 1500 crew cab with the 5’7 bed. It’s getting up there in miles and starting to think about what I’ll need when I need to replace it. I’m considering a 2500 for a couple reasons - the longer bed and increased payload. My current truck has a ranch hand bumper, just got a weather guard tool box, and I’m 225 lbs. That alone gets me close to a third of my payload, not counting all the stuff I keep in the truck with me, my wife, extra stuff for road trips, etc. I only see this getting worse as we try to start a family in the next few years. I’m also somewhat regularly frustrated with my short bed having to put the tailgate down and use tie downs when with a longer bed I could easily just put the tailgate up and be fine.

Anyone else have the same feelings and move up? Wondering if I’m crazy for even considering it.

 

[22hemi13]

8’ bed all day every day. I personally can’t stand the shorter beds. But going from the short 5’7 bed to a 6’4 is a lot difff. The 8 footer is just AMAZING. Nothing better than throwing plywood or Sheetrock in bed and shutting tailgate. A 2500 with the 6.4 would still make a great daily driver. These 2500 have rear coils like a 1500 but nothing like a 1500. Very strong yet still “smoothish”. All deepends on what you really need.

 

[Firebird]

I have a 2500 with 6.4 Hemi, and I tow nothing. I absolutely love driving this truck, it handles much better than you would expect, and is an easy daily driver. I am accustomed to driving a Cummins, so the weight savings with the Hemi makes this thing seem so much lighter.

 

[William Fabinski]

Youll never be sorry with a 2500

 

[SouthTexan]

I know a lot of people who own HDs and do not tow. I know lots of people who own Jeeps and do not go off road. I know lots of people who own muscle cars or sports cars and never take them to the track. I know lots of people who own four passenger vehicles and never have more than two people in them.

I say get what you want because you want it and have the means to get it. No need to look for justification from others. I won't think any less of you for owning an HD(gas or diesel) and not towing with it and others shouldn't either. If they do then go tell their jealous asses to go pound sand. It is your own money and you worked hard for it so spend it how you please.

 

[tincup]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Appreciate it.

I know a lot of people who own HDs and do not tow. I know lots of people who own Jeeps and do not go off road. I know lots of people who own muscle cars or sports cars and never take them to the track. I know lots of people who own four passenger vehicles and never have more than two people in them.

I say get what you want because you want it and have the means to get it. No need to look for justification from others. I won't think any less of you for owning an HD(gas or diesel) and not towing with it and others shouldn't either. If they do then go tell their jealous asses to go pound sand. It is your own money and you worked hard for it so spend it how you please.

Im not looking for justification, but I know what you’re saying and plenty of other people seem to. And for the record I agree with what you’re saying. I was just looking more for some feedback on whether my payload concerns and such were valid and worth the extra cost of an HD should I go that route (more gas costs, more expensive oil changes, etc). They aren’t huge concerns of mine (I wouldn’t drive a truck if mpg was a big concern for example) but there’s a lot of knowledge on this board so I thought I’d see what some people’s thoughts were since I’m curious about it. That’s all

 

[Megazor]

I have a 2500 Mega cab with the 6.4. I rarely tow since we sold the camper and could easily downsize back to a 1500, but have no reason to. So many benefits to a heavy duty besides just towing. When I was shopping for a new truck the 2500 was just a few thousand more at the time compared to the 1500s I was looking at. Difference in money was really just the options.

If you want it get it. You never know when you might need it, and feel free to have the tow mirrors up dragging the ghost trailer behind you.

 

[SouthTexan]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Appreciate it.



Im not looking for justification, but I know what you’re saying and plenty of other people seem to. And for the record I agree with what you’re saying. I was just looking more for some feedback on whether my payload concerns and such were valid and worth the extra cost of an HD should I go that route (more gas costs, more expensive oil changes, etc). They aren’t huge concerns of mine (I wouldn’t drive a truck if mpg was a big concern for example) but there’s a lot of knowledge on this board so I thought I’d see what some people’s thoughts were since I’m curious about it. That’s all

Well you are are not alone. Most people here got an HD for the same reasons you are considering it. Because the half ton is just not enough for your needs.

I had to do the same when I had to come back to an HD from my F150HD. While the Ecoboost engine that thing had could tow any trailer I wanted up any hill, the weight I eventually started carrying was too much for even an HD half ton. The Ecoboost was more than enough to tow what I needed at that time, but the F150(or any half ton) just wasn't enough truck for what I needed to haul. I can see putting the truck close to the bump stops once in a blue moon and still being fine with it, but it was becoming more of a regular occurance with the heavier loads I was taking on at the farm so I went back to a real HD with a diesel. I am not one who goes by the numbers on the door either.

 

[DarthMegaHD]

I have a 2500 and I really only tow when I move. But I tend to move a lot

 

[Jughed]

I went from an 08 Mega Cab to a 14' 1500 with 5.7/.392.

For daily driving, the 1500 hands down. Quick, fun, MPG, handing, parking... all better, far better. If I wasn't towing - 1500 would be the choice.

But towing aside- I felt like I was going to/could break it at will by doing truck stuff. With the electronic clutch driven 4WD, and the softer rear... and the more car like parts... I was hesitant to push it in the snow, or to yank stumps out, pull something out of a ditch. Probably unwarranted, but that's the way I felt with it.

 

[corneileous]

I guess maybe if i hadn’t of test drove the 8-speed in the half-ton first, before the 3/4 ton I test drove I mighta been ok with it but I wasn’t real impressed with that 6-speed, even with that massive 392 in front of it. But then again, I don’t need a 3/4 ton, much less even a pickup so my 1500 suits me well. I prolly wouldn’t wanna do it everyday but when I towed that mustang to a shop for transmission work, it really didn’t even feel as though like I was doing it with a halfton.


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[spoon059]

A 3/4 ton is so much beefier than a half ton. Even if you don't tow, that extra build is helpful for a lot of reasons. Heavier truck is safer. Heavier components last longer. Heavier components feel more secure. I have a 3/4 ton diesel that I bought for towing, but I also use it occasionally for errands (have a company car for work). I was concerned about going to a 3/4 ton because I thought it was heavier and bigger and harder to drive. Its the same size and drives just as well. I would encourage you to upgrade if you think your half ton isn't getting the job done. Good luck!

 

[corneileous]

A 3/4 ton is so much beefier than a half ton. Even if you don't tow, that extra build is helpful for a lot of reasons. Heavier truck is safer. Heavier components last longer. Heavier components feel more secure. I have a 3/4 ton diesel that I bought for towing, but I also use it occasionally for errands (have a company car for work). I was concerned about going to a 3/4 ton because I thought it was heavier and bigger and harder to drive. Its the same size and drives just as well. I would encourage you to upgrade if you think your half ton isn't getting the job done. Good luck!

Beefier- yes, but not everybody needs beefier. Heavier components do last longer but that’s really only if you use your truck for an actual truck. That’s why the halftons have migrated away from the Heavy Duty and why the 3/4-tons and one tons have gotten more towards it. All three weights of trucks are better suited for what they were designed to be used for.

A heavier truck is not always safer. Heavier trucks take longer to stop. They’re taller which contributes to higher center of gravity which affects handling and cornering. All of those “heavier and beefier” components probably aids in much less crumple zones which will hopefully keep you alive in a serious accident. Not saying the 2500’s are less safe, just saying that it’s general dynamics.

My vote is for choosing a specific duty of truck for which it will be used- unless you just want something heavier built for whatever reason.


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[McBroom]

I absolutely love my 2500 gasser passer. I get good fuel mileage for it being a 7000# truck. I had absolutely no need for a 2500 but wanted it weeelllll because I wanted it.
I don’t use it for much more than making my ugly mug look good. Yesterday was the first time I pulled my trailer helping my daughter and her husband move to ft hood 1000# of furniture.


I Love my 18 Ram 2500HD 4x4 CC
Blue Streak Pearl off-road

 

[Bock]

2500 are great, ride nice and the longer bed is nice to have. As you said you might want to start growing your family and who knows you might get a camper or boat down the road, you might need to tow a trailer one day. The 2500 is the truck for you, and you will never look back.

 

[Sandbox]

I don't tow a lot . In fact, when we bought our 1500, I told my wife that it would handle anything we'd need it to do. I was quickly proven wrong and hauling/towing things that were on the verge or just outside the capabilities of the 1/2 ton. I still don't tow a lot but, I have the piece of mind knowing that I can handle anything I hook tot he truck. Since we bought the truck, we decided to purchase a camper and do some traveling. That'll probably happen next Spring. I can't imagine ever going back to 1/2 ton.

 

[Mazer]

Get the 2500, any model 2500 and you will never go back! My mistake being a Ford F150 owner was riding in a friends Power Wagon....pretty much sold me on what my next truck was going to be and I told him to find a RAM dealer and lets see what they have! Drive a few of them, you'll know!

 

[MN-Ram]

I went from a 2011 Ram 1500 quad cab 4x4 with the 5.7 Hemi to the truck in my profile. It is definitely nice knowing I can load anything I need to in the bed, and still carry 4 adult males. I actually get great mileage when it’s not running winter blend, and I drive it nice.

Get what you want. Or you could add air bags to your 1500.

I’m actually weighing the idea of adding air bags to my 3500. Cause hey, why not?

 

[SyN]

I will only tow during the fall/spring/summer ——-> Safely!
(5th Wheel Coach) ——->32’-36ft - 12-14K lbs. (Would never think of doing with a 1500).
No winter towing.

I personally will never go back to a 1500.
Especially after the JUDGE is paid for with not even 25,000 miles on her.

The JUDGE will slowly be upgraded with small mods for many yrs to come to aid with her towing adventures.

She will definitely take me into retirement & beyond.

Also: No More BW44-44! :***:

My BW44-46 & I are best buds.

 

[corneileous]

Get what you want. Or you could add air bags to your 1500.

I’m actually weighing the idea of adding air bags to my 3500. Cause hey, why not?

I dunno, maybe that’s why my halfton pulls so well is because of the 4-corner air ride that came on the truck. Towing that car the other day, the back end of my truck didn’t even squat.

I personally will never go back to a 1500.

Sure is a lotta people saying that. Lol. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against the HD’s but 1500’s are better capable than they’re getting credit for.

And just for food for thought, if I coulda found and test drove a 3/4 ton that had the air ride on the back of it, there’s a really good chance I coulda got one of those. But I love my half-ton, too. There’s plenty of 1500 owners out there that pull boats, cars, even fairly large travel trailers with them.





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