Cummins vs. ecodiesel

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RAM18ZL

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I'm not sure which truck I need.i want something good for Minnesota Winters and 4x4. I'm only going to be towing 12,000 lbs tops so I'm between getting a 2020 1500 ecodiesel or a 2006 ram 3500 Cummins. This won't be happening for a bit.
 

crazykid1994

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I wouldn’t do 12000lbs behind the 1500. May be capable but at the same time I’m pretty sure you’d be over vehicle payload. I’d say try and find a good 2500 Cummins used if possible. Would be a more comfortable tow. Or a 2500 6.4 gas could do what you want too
 

mtnrider

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Ask the question again when you are ready to buy, so much can change between now and then.

But to answer your question, too heavy for the 1500, and taking a chance with a older truck. Start saving some money and get a newer 2500 when the time comes and you still need one.


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Shawn226

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Also depending on your area, single rear wheel 1 tons could be a viable option because most people will buy a 3/4 ton or a dually in a 1 ton so the srw axle trucks go decently cheap
 

woofie2

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My brother in has a 2018 RAM 3500 single axle, with a manual transmission, I have a 2018 Ecodiesel,
He sees 20-21 MPG on the highway at 70, I see 23+,
Having towed 12000 pounds+ with my ECOdiesel, and it did it without breaking a sweat, although trailer brakes are required! (I maxed out at 40 MPH because trailer was without brakes, and I blew the first stop-sign at 20 MPH because it didn't want to stop) (yes I knew I was overloaded, but I needed to get stuff done)
 

sandawilliams

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My brother in has a 2018 RAM 3500 single axle, with a manual transmission, I have a 2018 Ecodiesel,
He sees 20-21 MPG on the highway at 70, I see 23+,
Having towed 12000 pounds+ with my ECOdiesel, and it did it without breaking a sweat, although trailer brakes are required! (I maxed out at 40 MPH because trailer was without brakes, and I blew the first stop-sign at 20 MPH because it didn't want to stop) (yes I knew I was overloaded, but I needed to get stuff done)

Anyone who would pull 12K with a 1500 is a road hazard.
 

crazykid1994

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My brother in has a 2018 RAM 3500 single axle, with a manual transmission, I have a 2018 Ecodiesel,
He sees 20-21 MPG on the highway at 70, I see 23+,
Having towed 12000 pounds+ with my ECOdiesel, and it did it without breaking a sweat, although trailer brakes are required! (I maxed out at 40 MPH because trailer was without brakes, and I blew the first stop-sign at 20 MPH because it didn't want to stop) (yes I knew I was overloaded, but I needed to get stuff done)
They used to use the 5.7 hemi in the 2500 and 3500. They have enough power but the truck setup is the problem. Hence your issue stopping. And the transmission may not like the weight
 

woofie2

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Anyone who would pull 12K with a 1500 is a road hazard.
and I was flashers on, 10 mile onetime trip, sold house had to get everything moved that day, was supposed to have help, they didn't make it
 

JayLuke

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I agree, that's too much for a 1500... get a 2500
 

Iceclimber

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The 12,500 "tow rating" for the 1500 is for like one model the max tow tradesman with 2 wheel drive. I have a eco limited with the correct rear, sunroof delete and tow package. The max tow is 9800 lbs. You can look up the actual, real world tow rating for every Ram model easily. Then there is the pin weight aka payload. You might be surprised how easy it is to exceed it.

If you regularly tow over 9k then 1500 is the wrong choice regardless of the motor.
 

Georgekamp

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You obviously never worked on a farm. I pull grain wagons in the fall with my ecodiesel that are over 20000 lbs. Most of the time the truck and wagon gross at 30,000 lbs. it handles it with no problem.
 

Firetruck41

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You obviously never worked on a farm. I pull grain wagons in the fall with my ecodiesel that are over 20000 lbs. Most of the time the truck and wagon gross at 30,000 lbs. it handles it with no problem.
That's not the normal use case, and a grain wagon is not like most trailers, in that it doesn't transfer payload weight to the tow vehicle. With a conventional trailer you would be looking at 3000lbs pushing down on the hitch, which is way over payload, as well as (3x) over what the hitch itself is rated for. You are talking oranges, while others are talking apples.
 

Quyonmob

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12klbs puts you in a 2500. Don’t even consider a 1500.
 
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