Cummins 2500 vs 3500srw

[ramphil09]

I bought a 2014 Cummins 2500 4x4 short bed. I thought it would be more than enough to handle a 5th wheel when I retired. But I have changed my mind and want a slide in camper. Come to find out the slide in campers I am looking at weight over 2500lbs + and my truck payload limit is 2180lbs (the Hemi can haul 3150lbs). Looking to buy a new truck. If I go with the 3500srw how much worst is the ride and handling? Lose in fuel economy? Or any other pros and cons?

 

[OC455]

I do not think my dually rides bad at all for a one ton. A dually you will lose some MPG's.

 

[dhay13]

I don't think you will lose much MPG with a 3500 if both are SRW. Can't say for sure but as far as I know they are about the same weight so shouldn't see much difference. But you are right, a 2500 Cummins isn't the right truck for a slide in camper. My 2018 2500 6.4 has 2973lbs of payload

 

[Firebird]

My 1 ton rides surprisingly well

 

[Dean2]

I agree OP, a 3500 Longbed properly speced out will be a much better rig for hauling a slide in Camper. I would not go dually as they are a pain to manouver in parking lots etc and they make loading and unloading the camper a real pain in the butt too. You need to get extendable front jacks to get past the dually bump out.

 

[Exdeus]

The general rule of thumb is pick your camper first. Once you have that picked, determine what you need for the truck. Ensure that you have plenty of additional payload as adding water, food, clothing, all adds weight.

 

[tuckerdog1]

My brother has a 2015 3500 CD SRW LB & I have a 2016 2500 CD SRW LB. So I have been able to compare the ride of both, almost side by side, so to speak. The 3500 is noticeably a stiffer ride than my 2500. However, it still isn't a bad ride ( partly due to the longer wheelbase you get with a long bed ). I've often had payload envy, and wished I'd gone with a 3500. If you're gonna get a slide in camper, it really doesn't matter, you're gonna need the 3500.

 

[tex68w]

I've had both and the only way to go for a slide-in is the 3500. The rear coils of the 2500 make for a nice ride in comparison to the 3500 but they come at a trade off for less payload and more side to side roll/instability when loaded down.

 

[Bigdaddy]

SRW for sure in 3500 or a 3500 dually.

 

[Deviousin10tions]

I just went from a 2020 Tradesman 2500 CTD to a 2022 Bighorn 3500 LWB SRW with the auto leveling suspension, I'm down 1 MPG, the 3500 is lower than the 2500 with coils but the jump from 2700lbs to 4159lbs payload was worth it. The ride isn't any worse than the 2500, might even be better. My parents 18 3500 DRW is a pain to drive without a ton in bed.

 

[BadHemi2014]

Sorry it's not a Ram, but here's our beast:

I agree that a dually is a pain, but the extra stability is fantastic. This camper wet and loaded is at least 4K (2600 dry) and highest point when loaded is 13 feet, but no rolling or swaying. Granted if you have a pop up or travel really light a SRW would be plenty but I vote for 3500 all the way. This is an old truck 2001 and a bit bouncy unloaded but still pretty nice ride as long as you don't expect caddy comfort lol. I always say you can't have too much truck.
Side note this is a gas truck, CCLB, 21' long and 8' wide, 10mpg empty and 8 loaded!

 

[Dinky]

If your going with a slide in camper I would go with a DRW. A lot more stable and if you ever need to tow like say a boat behind your truck you will need the extra payload.