Buying a Trailer - Advice Appreciated

[dhay13]

I can't speak for the Cummins but my 2018 2500 CC with 4.10s and the 6.4 Hemi gets about 12.5-13 in town and about 17 on the highway unloaded. Towing my 9000lb boat I got about 8.5 MPG. I baby it though so my mileage is likely higher than many other similar trucks.

 

[AFMoulton]

I can't speak for the Cummins but my 2018 2500 CC with 4.10s and the 6.4 Hemi gets about 12.5-13 in town and about 17 on the highway unloaded. Towing my 9000lb boat I got about 8.5 MPG. I baby it though so my mileage is likely higher than many other similar trucks.

My 6.4 Hemi with 4.10s does about the same, I’ve seen 19 on the highway, but since adding the Coopers, it’s gone down some. I do about 16-17 on the highway and 12-13 around town. I also get about 9-10 towing my 10,320# camper, but I’ve got room to Spare and another 58,000 miles of gas in the bank because I didn’t buy the diesel.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[OC455]

I think you are going to find that you will be ok. You could really subtract 136lbs because of the extra tire weight, as it is only rotational mass edging up your overall weight. Not like adding a Sport/Light bar with lights and such. You being in the truck would have distributed your weight across the tires probably more than being outside of the truck. Loading the tent and the awning in the camper is going to help out too.

With a weight distribution hitch and certain items loaded in the camper, you are going to keep your truck where it needs to be as far as weight. If you keep it below or close to the GCVWR (truck/trailer together overall weight) I think you'll be good to go. I know my truck and trailer together was at 12k combined. Well below my max combined weight. Truck with passengers and weight, weighed in at 6480lbs. 3480 front/3000rear. When I added the trailer with the WDH my front axle went to 3320....not enough weight on the front, so I adjusted my hitch and got it set and right.

Truck and trailer handles very well. No sway and bouncing.

VernDiesel is one of the ones to ask about trailering.

 

[Exdeus]

I think you are going to find that you will be ok. You could really subtract 136lbs because of the extra tire weight, as it is only rotational mass edging up your overall weight. Not like adding a Sport/Light bar with lights and such. You being in the truck would have distributed your weight across the tires probably more than being outside of the truck. Loading the tent and the awning in the camper is going to help out too.

With a weight distribution hitch and certain items loaded in the camper, you are going to keep your truck where it needs to be as far as weight. If you keep it below or close to the GCVWR (truck/trailer together overall weight) I think you'll be good to go. I know my truck and trailer together was at 12k combined. Well below my max combined weight. Truck with passengers and weight, weighed in at 6480lbs. 3480 front/3000rear. When I added the trailer with the WDH my front axle went to 3320....not enough weight on the front, so I adjusted my hitch and got it set and right.

Truck and trailer handles very well. No sway and bouncing.

VernDiesel is one of the ones to ask about trailering.

Appreciate the insight! Unfortunately the tent can't go in the camper, so if I am bringing both, it'll need to be a bigger truck. I also have the light bar and roof rack too haha! Either way, I think I'm likely going to be fine towing it. Will have to see how the modified springs in the back do and if I'll need air bag support or not, but I think tow wise I will be fine!

Also, we moved away from Central NY about six years ago. Has the snow melted yet?

 

[OC455]

Appreciate the insight! Unfortunately the tent can't go in the camper, so if I am bringing both, it'll need to be a bigger truck. I also have the light bar and roof rack too haha! Either way, I think I'm likely going to be fine towing it. Will have to see how the modified springs in the back do and if I'll need air bag support or not, but I think tow wise I will be fine!

Also, we moved away from Central NY about six years ago. Has the snow melted yet?

Hahaha..gotya.

Yeah, the snow has melted away but it has been a never ending series of rain storms, and no sun.

I've only been able to mow my lawn twice this year. That's how wet it's been. Thank God for the Kubota.

Didn't know you had the truck cap and roof rack. LOL. My bad. I still don't think you will have a problem with towing the trailer you chose. Just going to have to be conscious of how you load it out.

 

[Exdeus]

Anyone here re-geared? Wondering cost to grab the higher gears at the 3.92 and upgrade them from the 3.21. Wonder if it would be worth it. It won't increase my payload, but will give me better towing capability and I am assuming maybe better MPG?

 

[AFMoulton]

Anyone here re-geared? Wondering cost to grab the higher gears at the 3.92 and upgrade them from the 3.21. Wonder if it would be worth it. It won't increase my payload, but will give me better towing capability and I am assuming maybe better MPG?

What year is your truck?


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[Exdeus]

What year is your truck?


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

2015 RAM 1500
5.7L V8 Hemi
3.21 Gears
Crew Cab Laramie

 

[AFMoulton]

It’s going to cost you a new diff from a 2013 or older, and then the gears. There is a thread on heat of a guy who did it to his, and it cost him like $5000 from what I remember. I ended up going to a 2500 because I was in the same situation as you.

If you can find a decently priced used 3.92 out of a wrecked truck it might be ok, but still expensive.

2014 and up have welded carriers.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[OC455]

Anyone here re-geared? Wondering cost to grab the higher gears at the 3.92 and upgrade them from the 3.21. Wonder if it would be worth it. It won't increase my payload, but will give me better towing capability and I am assuming maybe better MPG?

Gent started a thread here in the towing section, asking the same thing. Guess he bought the whole front differential:

https://www.nhoeparts.com/oem-parts/mopar-differential-assembly-68257422af

Ring & pinion probably be a couple hundred for the rear and then install.

 

[mich3210]

Anyone here re-geared? Wondering cost to grab the higher gears at the 3.92 and upgrade them from the 3.21. Wonder if it would be worth it. It won't increase my payload, but will give me better towing capability and I am assuming maybe better MPG?

In the process of it right now... parts ordered and on there way. Brand new Front Diff will be here today. Rear Ring & Pinion, along with Master Install Kit will be here next week. Will try to keep by thread in the towing section updated with progress.

Gent started a thread here in the towing section, asking the same thing. Guess he bought the whole front differential:

https://www.nhoeparts.com/oem-parts/mopar-differential-assembly-68257422af

Ring & pinion probably be a couple hundred for the rear and then install.

That would be me!

I wasn't able to find a good used front differential assembly, so I bit the bullet and bought a brand new one. Cost me $1,332 shipped to my house. Rear will be $500 from Moe's Performance. My mechanic can do the whole thing in 4-6 hours. If I go high and figure 8 hours it's about $650 in labor. Then a trip to the local Ram Dealer to have the computer flashed for $50. Total is right around $2500.

For me, it made sense because the truck cost me next to nothing.

 

[mtofell]

Go 2500 rather than trying to eek out every last pound from your current truck. The difference is night and day from a 1500.

My Hemi mpg is pretty much identical to what the others list. The difference in gearing from 3.73 to 4.10 is so slight that you'd be hard pressed to notice much of a difference in terms of mileage. Wind, terrain and speed will have way more to do with it. Speaking of mileage, larger tires and a lift are killers.

If you are looking at a Hemi get a 2019 or later since they made a pretty major upgrade to the tranny to an 8spd. That should be a pretty amazing setup. Mine has a impressive 3000# payload and with a 9000# dry 5th wheel I'm pretty close to my payload so it is possible to go 5th wheel.

If you go diesel just be sure to go 3500. The 2500 diesels have crazy low payload ratings (because the diesel engine is heavier than the Hemi) and you'll be running into the same problem.

 

[AFMoulton]

Go 2500 rather than trying to eek out every last pound from your current truck. The difference is night and day from a 1500.

My Hemi mpg is pretty much identical to what the others list. The difference in gearing from 3.73 to 4.10 is so slight that you'd be hard pressed to notice much of a difference in terms of mileage. Wind, terrain and speed will have way more to do with it. Speaking of mileage, larger tires and a lift are killers.

If you are looking at a Hemi get a 2019 or later since they made a pretty major upgrade to the tranny to an 8spd. That should be a pretty amazing setup. Mine has a impressive 3000# payload and with a 9000# dry 5th wheel I'm pretty close to my payload so it is possible to go 5th wheel.

If you go diesel just be sure to go 3500. The 2500 diesels have crazy low payload ratings (because the diesel engine is heavier than the Hemi) and you'll be running into the same problem.

All of this is absolutely spot on! The 6.4 Hemi with 8sp is a glorious combo and would be hard to beat!


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[Exdeus]

So thoughts on one of these? First one, my only concern is the higher mileage but it has the 4.10. It's the Hemi.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=510582855&zip=76058&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=76058&featureCodes=1078&maxMileage=75000&sortBy=relevance&maxPrice=45000&incremental=all&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=on&modelCodeList=RM2500&makeCodeList=RAM&searchRadius=50&numRecords=25&maxPrice=45000&firstRecord=0&modelCodeList=RM2500&makeCodeList=RAM&searchRadius=50&clickType=alpha

Or Cummins

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=517749125&zip=76058&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=76058&featureCodes=1078&maxMileage=75000&sortBy=relevance&maxPrice=45000&incremental=all&firstRecord=0&marketExtension=on&modelCodeList=RM2500&makeCodeList=RAM&searchRadius=50&numRecords=25&maxPrice=45000&firstRecord=0&modelCodeList=RM2500&makeCodeList=RAM&searchRadius=50&clickType=spotlight

Curious if there is anything I should look for on them outside of the normal? Both have clean carfax.

 

[AFMoulton]

Between those two I’d pay the extra 4000 for the diesel. But be careful buy high mileage diesels. I wouldn’t buy a diesel with more than 30,000 miles unless it was a pre-emission one


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[Exdeus]

Between those two I’d pay the extra 4000 for the diesel. But be careful buy high mileage diesels. I wouldn’t buy a diesel with more than 30,000 miles unless it was a pre-emission one


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

The diesel only has 24,000 on it. Why would you not buy a diesel with more than 30,000 on it? What is the issue or would I be looking for with it?

The higher mileage truck had the Hemi. The 24,000 miles is the Cummins. The Hemi has the megacab though with higher payload and almost equal tow capability. Payload is 1,000 pounds higher than the Cummins.

Hemi has 3,090 pounds payload and tow weight of 15,520 with the mega cab. The 2018 Cummins has 2,310 pounds payload and 16,110 or 17,000 towing capacity.

 

[AFMoulton]

So with a diesel you have to be care of people chopping them out, running them hard, the returning it to stock and trading it it. Usually higher mileage ones are like that. Lots of good videos on YouTube at stuff to look at on used diesels.

As for the gas one, the Mega cab is nice, but it makes the truck essentially a crew Cab long bed. Which makes it difficult in any city setting.

Both would serve you well, there is a guy who has 380,000 miles on his 6.4 and he’s only had to replace minor parts. He also runs it hard or near max tow/payload a lot.

With the diesel you can lid more stuff in trailer and won’t have near the issue with mountains or high elevation, gas will have better payload but will struggle more up mountains and higher elevation.

What to look for would be a 3500 CC SB 6.7 with low miles. That IMO is a perfect truck. Will have close to 4500lbs if payload and 20k trailer weight


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[Exdeus]

So with a diesel you have to be care of people chopping them out, running them hard, the returning it to stock and trading it it. Usually higher mileage ones are like that. Lots of good videos on YouTube at stuff to look at on used diesels.

As for the gas one, the Mega cab is nice, but it makes the truck essentially a crew Cab long bed. Which makes it difficult in any city setting.

Both would serve you well, there is a guy who has 380,000 miles on his 6.4 and he’s only had to replace minor parts. He also runs it hard or near max tow/payload a lot.

With the diesel you can lid more stuff in trailer and won’t have near the issue with mountains or high elevation, gas will have better payload but will struggle more up mountains and higher elevation.

What to look for would be a 3500 CC SB 6.7 with low miles. That IMO is a perfect truck. Will have close to 4500lbs if payload and 20k trailer weight


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

Yeah I like my leather and cab comforts...3500 with any type of reasonable mileage is just way out of my price range. I'm going to look at the Hemi tomorrow and the Cummins. I'm leaning towards the Hemi as it is a daily driver and I drive about 25 miles on way. Diesel is always nice though for the long trips. Decisions decisions!

 

[Rijrnnr]

I have read and reread this thread and saw something that I wanted to comment on, but decided it was none of my business. However, today is two weeks later and I gotta get it off my mind, so...when I retired, I bought a new 38 footer with 2 slideouts and hit the road for two years. First year was mostly great but second year it started to be a bit of a hassle, plus we got homesick. Kinda reminds me of my military service...glad I did it but wouldn't do it again! You came to the right place for good advice and the forum members shared their knowledge and experience freely, but this is a big deal and I recommend you rent a camper of whatever size you like and hit the roads for a week or two. You may enjoy it, OR!

 

[Gero]

My advice would be to stay below 6500lbs loaded and stay below 25-26ft.

We we looked, we knew we wanted a TT that had bunks and also very travel friendly...meaning you can access the whole trailer with the slide in. This was important because we have two small kids and could just pull over anywhere to sleep without having to worry about anything. We do sacrifice countertop space but it's well worth the tradeoff.

I would look at making sure it has azdel. We have an apex nano 208bhs and love it. Its 7.5wide, 4000lbs dry, 21ft floorspace and very travel friendly.