For those of you who have owned both 1500 and 2500 Hemis

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WhySoSerious

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Just curious which truck you prefer. If you are driving 10k miles a year, I figure you are spending $500 more on gas per year in a 2500 than a 1500.

My question for you is......do you find the extra money is worth it to get into a 2500?

The 2500 looks more rugged and a little sexier IMO. For you is it worth it?

Or are you happier with the 1500?
 

Hemi450hp

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Unless you are going with a powerwagon, I feel all 2500's should come with a diesel. The hemi motor is strong, but the 2500 platform is just too heavy to make it perform well or get the same mileage as the diesels. Unless you need that heavier frame for work, or the full size bed with the crew cab, then I would stick with the 1500.
 

smiley

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Unless you are going with a powerwagon, I feel all 2500's should come with a diesel. The hemi motor is strong, but the 2500 platform is just too heavy to make it perform well or get the same mileage as the diesels. Unless you need that heavier frame for work, or the full size bed with the crew cab, then I would stick with the 1500.

I agree with this but I could see going with HEMI simply for ability to start in the cold weather better. The reason I think diesel is much better is you don't lose so many MPG when towing and obviously Cummins is amazing.
 

Hemi450hp

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The block heater is a huge help for those cold days. Last year I was in Colorado for a week on vacation. Low temps were between -11 and -15 each morning, and the truck fired up easily after being plugged in all night. Now 2 years ago I had the truck in the same conditions without the plug, and the truck sounded like a big block with a huge cam in it. It shook, rattled, and smoked for about 15minutes before I could drive it.
 

smiley

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If that holds true I would likely get one I have been leerly because it gets down to around -40F here I think there would be 10 days or more a year where I could not start it and have no garage at the moment. I love diesel maybe I just need to do it but back to op I think having a 1500 is better for day to day.
 

(S.M.R) 101

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I love my 2500. I didn't buy for it to be a preformer or anythig crazy. I went for the looks with this buy. I couldn't justify spending the money on the cummins plus all the maintenance for them.. ***** money lol.

Thats a lot of cash for a truck that I said I bought just so I could say it had a cummins. When I buy a big as boat or start hauling a lot of **** I'll prolly get a cummins. But the hemi 2500 fits me just fine. And yes the gas mileage on my truck sucks wicked ass.... but it is what it is.
 

WhiteExpress

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I think the 2500 is worth it if you are going to use the truck as a truck. I 95% of the time really love my truck. But when I hook it's weak quad coil suspension up to a trailer, or throw an ATV in the bed... It makes me wish for more truck.

Also, a Solid Front Axle is far stronger than any factory IFS is going to me.
It all depends on what you're wanting out of the truck.

If I had it to do over again, I would most definitely have a crew cab 2500 Hemi.
I don't personally have faith in this DPF mess as of yet, and don't wanna have to deal with it.
 

ramhunter9

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I had the 1500 and 2500 in the HEMI.

The 2500 was a mega on 37s with a 6" lift. Even with a Sc tuner. It was a dog

My 1500 HEMI with 35s and a Sc tuner still a dog. But better.

If ya leave them stock they are fine.

I would take the 2500 over all because of the SFA

Now my 2500 Cummims. That's was a different story.


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smiley

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I had the 1500 and 2500 in the HEMI.

The 2500 was a mega on 37s with a 6" lift. Even with a Sc tuner. It was a dog

My 1500 HEMI with 35s and a Sc tuner still a dog. But better.

If ya leave them stock they are fine.

I would take the 2500 over all because of the SFA

Now my 2500 Cummims. That's was a different story.


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Dave did you put gears in both those rigs? I would think with tires that size it would be a dog with stock **** gear ratio.
 

ramhunter9

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Yup. The 2500 had 4:10
The 1500 had 4:56

Heavy tires and lifts screw them up for power.
Not considering the front and rear winch bumpers.


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Texasez

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I'm with you. If I had he money for a new one I'd buy a 2500 diesel. I always liked my 3/4 tons. Only one I hated was one out of warranty that sucked me dry. It was a 6.0. If you don't mind a little extra work there's nothing better than a diesel IMO. I really like my 1500 hemi but if I had the money I'd have gone with a cummins.
 

whatroads

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I had an 05 QC 4x4 HD Hemi. I now have a 2011 QC 4x4 1500 Hemi. The O5 had 4.10 gears. My 11 has 3.92. So, Comparable. Tires are both about 32 w/ 17 inch rims

The 3/4 was tall. Step in height of my 11 is more to my liking.

The 3/4 was WAY over sprung. My 11 rides much better

The 1500 actually tows my 31 ft 7000 lb travel trailer more comfortably due to softer suspension

The 11 Hemi makes WAY more power and torque. It's very noticeable. I would think this would make the 3/4 feel better too. I always felt my 05 3/4 Hemi was underpowered

The 11 gets much better gas mileage. 3/4 13-14 mixed driving. The 1500 16-17. 19 highway. Both get 8-9 towing

Ground clearance, off road ability no contest. The 3/4

My bottom line: If you don't need a diesel the Hemi is an excellent option. You want heavy duty get a 3/4. A diesel will get you a larger/stronger back axle. There are locker options for the larger diesel axle. In most cases a 1500 will more than fit the causal truck user. Even with moderate towing
 

Workram11

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1500 hemi would only be my choice if I didn't tow anything. Some people like trucks simply bc of the ground clearance and ability to occasionally haul small loads in the bed. 1500 is great for that and rides smooth. I on the other hand need something that can handle a beating off road, carry 2,000 lb of tools in the bed, and pull a loaded up trailer from time to time. I love my 2500 way more than the 1500 I use to have. Long bed is nice too
 

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