How much better is a 2500 for towing?

[miketx]

I've pulled the trailer in my sig with our 1500 and the 2500.
One trip in the 1500 and my wife said never again, she was getting seasick. This was after I spent the morning making sure I had the WDH dialed in. I think the biggest issue is the wheelbase (5'-7" bed) on the 1500. The 2500 is so much more comfortable, it's like the trailer isn't even there.

Whoa...yeah, your trailer is longer and weighs more than mine. I can't imagine towing that with my Rebel. We have a 2024 Rockwood Minilite 2205s.

 

[Tulecreeper]

Get the 2500, you won't regret it. Towing is so much less stressful.

^^^ That ^^^

Like buying a boat. I've yet to run into anyone who said, "Gee, this outboard motor is too big and powerful. I wish I had gone with the smaller one."

 

[ramffml]

^^^ That ^^^

Like buying a boat. I've yet to run into anyone who said, "Gee, this outboard motor is too big and powerful. I wish I had gone with the smaller one."

Really? My family is big into boating and we've seen it all. Transoms wrecked by motors that are too heavy, guys that can't get up onto plane in a fishing boat unless their well endowed wife is doing ballast duty in the front etc etc.

The key is "balance". There is a right tool for every job, bigger isn't always better especially if you daily drive and a 1500 is capable of towing what you need to.

Also remember you'd probably push back against your own sentiment when it's used against you by dually diesel guys saying "lol, hemi".

 

[2003F350]

Really? My family is big into boating and we've seen it all. Transoms wrecked by motors that are too heavy, guys that can't get up onto plane in a fishing boat unless their well endowed wife is doing ballast duty in the front etc etc.

The key is "balance". There is a right tool for every job, bigger isn't always better especially if you daily drive and a 1500 is capable of towing what you need to.

Also remember you'd probably push back against your own sentiment when it's used against you by dually diesel guys saying "lol, hemi".

I think what he was saying was that sometimes the right tool for the job is the bigger vehicle, even if you daily drive. I daily drive my 2500 CTD and have no issues with it, and it averages 22-24 mpg empty, about 18 pulling. I wouldn't want to put our TT behind a 1500, even with a 5.7 in it - the truck would be at or over its ratings, and vehicles at that point start to feel undersized. Would it be capable? Probably. Would it be a comfortable tow? No.

And I think what was said about boats is that, up to the boat's rating, most people do opt for and get good use out of a bigger motor. For instance, my FIL bought a StarWeld with a 115 Yamaha VMax on it. It handled well, but was kind of lazy getting up out of the water. He had a 150 VMax swapped onto it, and it was a night and day difference. The boat practically JUMPS out of the water, runs much faster, and actually uses less gas at speed because the engine isn't working as hard. So yes, the idea presented about no one saying they should have gone with the smaller motor is fairly accurate.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

My scenario: We currently have a '16 Rebel with 5.7 and 3.92 gears, and is fully loaded with ALL options that year. We just upgraded to a new camper, which is 5500 lbs dry....probably 6500+ loaded. But.....it's heavy on tongue weight (probably close to 900 lbs loaded). So I'm at the limit on payload.....more than likely I'm above payload with a 900 lb trailer tongue weight, and then factoring stuff in the bed (firewood, tools) and 2 people, plus a dog in the cab. Since our Rebel is loaded with options, the payload rating is a horrible 983 lbs.

So, my main question is: how much better does it feel to tow with a 2500? I'd like to hear from people who have switched. I just towed the camper on a 700 mile round trip, and the 5.7 has plenty of power, but the Rebel does feel a little "floaty" on the road, which I'm pretty sure is due to the heavy tongue weight. Heavy side winds get a little concerning. I do have a great weight distribution setup and it is configured as good as it gets, plus the Rebel has E-rated tires (OEM)....so there is nothing more to do to the truck to improve it.

Will a 2500 feel more "solid"? I'd like to know before I plunk down $50-80k on a new/used 2500. Also...diesel versus gasser? I know it's a toss up (mpg versus price of diesel, etc). So it's back to "how does it feel" question. And please, no statements about stopping power/safety...I know the 2500 will do a better job of that.

2500 gas 4.10 gears
If you are going to RV for extended periods - weeks; not just weekends

For your 3rd RV

You will want the 2500 payload.

 

[ramffml]

I think what he was saying was that sometimes the right tool for the job is the bigger vehicle, even if you daily drive. I daily drive my 2500 CTD and have no issues with it, and it averages 22-24 mpg empty, about 18 pulling. I wouldn't want to put our TT behind a 1500, even with a 5.7 in it - the truck would be at or over its ratings, and vehicles at that point start to feel undersized. Would it be capable? Probably. Would it be a comfortable tow? No.

And I think what was said about boats is that, up to the boat's rating, most people do opt for and get good use out of a bigger motor. For instance, my FIL bought a StarWeld with a 115 Yamaha VMax on it. It handled well, but was kind of lazy getting up out of the water. He had a 150 VMax swapped onto it, and it was a night and day difference. The boat practically JUMPS out of the water, runs much faster, and actually uses less gas at speed because the engine isn't working as hard. So yes, the idea presented about no one saying they should have gone with the smaller motor is fairly accurate.

In otherwords "balance". Everything is a compromise or has pros/cons, I don't subscribe to the "you need the biggest truck you can buy" philosophy.

 

[Dean2]

In otherwords "balance". Everything is a compromise or has pros/cons, I don't subscribe to the "you need the biggest truck you can buy" philosophy.

I don't think anyone is saying that or we would all be driving Peterbuilts. We drive pickups, they are NOT trucks. That said, no one can really argue that a 2500 is mot a much better better tow vehicle for the trailer and weight rhe OP posted. Can he squeak by with a 1500, yes but that wasnt the question.

 

[Riccochet]

Really? My family is big into boating and we've seen it all. Transoms wrecked by motors that are too heavy, guys that can't get up onto plane in a fishing boat unless their well endowed wife is doing ballast duty in the front etc etc.

The key is "balance". There is a right tool for every job, bigger isn't always better especially if you daily drive and a 1500 is capable of towing what you need to.

Also remember you'd probably push back against your own sentiment when it's used against you by dually diesel guys saying "lol, hemi".

Boats 20' and over have no HP rating. Their transom's are designed to handle the weight of modern high horsepower outboards. I've seen Bullet and Ballistic bass boats with 450's on them. No problem getting on plane and running 100+ mph. I had a Merc Racing 300 XS on my Gambler.

But if you go throw a 250 on the back of your 18'er, yeah, you're probably going to have problems.

 

[ramffml]

I don't think anyone is saying that or we would all be driving Peterbuilts. We drive pickups, they are NOT trucks. That said, no one can really argue that a 2500 is a better tow vehicle for the trailer and weight rhe OP posted. Can he squeak by with a 1500, yes but that wasnt the question.

Nobody can argue that a 3500 diesel dually is a better tow vehicle. That's not what I said, I said "balance". And I wasn't responding to the OP's question I was responding to a post that basically said "buy as big as you can I've never seen somebody say I wish I went smaller".

You don't need a diesel dually to pull a tent trailer. My truck is perfectly balanced for my trailer which is a 23' at 6000 pounds. I can drive one handed at 120 km with a kayak strapped on top of the bed in a pretty good amount of wind. It's perfect. Don't need bigger, because bigger costs you more money to buy, more money to maintain, is harder to daily drive etc etc.

 

[ramffml]

Boats 20' and over have no HP rating. Their transom's are designed to handle the weight of modern high horsepower outboards. I've seen Bullet and Ballistic bass boats with 450's on them. No problem getting on plane and running 100+ mph. I had a Merc Racing 300 XS on my Gambler.

But if you go throw a 250 on the back of your 18'er, yeah, you're probably going to have problems.

The boat I was referring to was a simple aluminum fishing boat with a 4 cycle outboard strapped to the back. He wasn't going to ever get on plane without someone sitting up front.

 

[nlambert182]

Nobody can argue that a 3500 diesel dually is a better tow vehicle. That's not what I said, I said "balance". And I wasn't responding to the OP's question I was responding to a post that basically said "buy as big as you can I've never seen somebody say I wish I went smaller".

You don't need a diesel dually to pull a tent trailer. My truck is perfectly balanced for my trailer which is a 23' at 6000 pounds. I can drive one handed at 120 km with a kayak strapped on top of the bed in a pretty good amount of wind. It's perfect. Don't need bigger, because bigger costs you more money to buy, more money to maintain, is harder to daily drive etc etc.

"Better" is in the eye of the beholder. More capable, absolutely by default.

For ME a 3500 dually is absolutely a better tow vehicle than any 1500 or 2500. I've owned them all. But, is it necessary for every load? Not at all and it's why I no longer have one. Don't need it. If your trailer fits within the specs of your 1500 and it tows well, that's all you need so for that specific purpose that might be the better and balanced option for you.

Bigger does cost more to buy, but if you find yourself in the middle of upgrading trailers it hurts to upgrade again. I did that. If that's not in your plans, then of course no need. Typical normal maintenance costs really aren't much more than a gasser. It when you have to spend the money that makes it appear that way. Sure... oil changes cost more, but they're half as often. It's a wash. Fuel filters are an added expense, but there are no spark plugs, no coil packs, etc.. ends up being a wash too (or close to it) It only gets more expensive with catastrophic events (like emissions systems). My 2500 and 3500 were as easy for me to daily drive than my 1500. Honestly, I had more problems with the 1500 because I was used to the bigger trucks. That's all in preference and what you're accustomed to.

End of the day, there's a truck thats suited for every task. As long as you do the research and properly spec the truck, no truck is the wrong answer.

 

[chaosh1]

"Better" is in the eye of the beholder. More capable, absolutely by default.

For ME a 3500 dually is absolutely a better tow vehicle than any 1500 or 2500. I've owned them all. But, is it necessary for every load? Not at all and it's why I no longer have one. Don't need it. If your trailer fits within the specs of your 1500 and it tows well, that's all you need so for that specific purpose that might be the better and balanced option for you.

Bigger does cost more to buy, but if you find yourself in the middle of upgrading trailers it hurts to upgrade again. I did that. If that's not in your plans, then of course no need. Typical normal maintenance costs really aren't much more than a gasser. It when you have to spend the money that makes it appear that way. Sure... oil changes cost more, but they're half as often. It's a wash. Fuel filters are an added expense, but there are no spark plugs, no coil packs, etc.. ends up being a wash too (or close to it) It only gets more expensive with catastrophic events (like emissions systems). My 2500 and 3500 were as easy for me to daily drive than my 1500. Honestly, I had more problems with the 1500 because I was used to the bigger trucks. That's all in preference and what you're accustomed to.

End of the day, there's a truck thats suited for every task. As long as you do the research and properly spec the truck, no truck is the wrong answer.

Ill tell ya, the shops around here charge $300 for Rotella t6 oil change.. I did that **** myself with a beer or 2 for less than $100. things CAN be more expensive when you don't know or don't want to do the work. For me.. 2500 6.7 was a perfect fit. Got a guy down the streeet using a 2500 6.7 pulling a 17k toyhauler 5th wheel.

 

[2003F350]

Ill tell ya, the shops around here charge $300 for Rotella t6 oil change.. I did that **** myself with a beer or 2 for less than $100. things CAN be more expensive when you don't know or don't want to do the work. For me.. 2500 6.7 was a perfect fit. Got a guy down the streeet using a 2500 6.7 pulling a 17k toyhauler 5th wheel.

Yeah he's pretty much overloaded, but he will probably get by...MOST states don't nail you for that but I've heard there's a few that will (or are supposed to). He may never have an accident, but he'll wonder why his springs start sagging prematurely and why he's wearing out components faster than everyone else, and say he bought a 'junk truck.'

 

[2003F350]

"Better" is in the eye of the beholder. More capable, absolutely by default.

For ME a 3500 dually is absolutely a better tow vehicle than any 1500 or 2500. I've owned them all. But, is it necessary for every load? Not at all and it's why I no longer have one. Don't need it. If your trailer fits within the specs of your 1500 and it tows well, that's all you need so for that specific purpose that might be the better and balanced option for you.

Bigger does cost more to buy, but if you find yourself in the middle of upgrading trailers it hurts to upgrade again. I did that. If that's not in your plans, then of course no need. Typical normal maintenance costs really aren't much more than a gasser. It when you have to spend the money that makes it appear that way. Sure... oil changes cost more, but they're half as often. It's a wash. Fuel filters are an added expense, but there are no spark plugs, no coil packs, etc.. ends up being a wash too (or close to it) It only gets more expensive with catastrophic events (like emissions systems). My 2500 and 3500 were as easy for me to daily drive than my 1500. Honestly, I had more problems with the 1500 because I was used to the bigger trucks. That's all in preference and what you're accustomed to.

End of the day, there's a truck thats suited for every task. As long as you do the research and properly spec the truck, no truck is the wrong answer.

I've been in that 'new camper' situation. Was forced into it, really. It's why we ended up with the 'ultralight' we have, though we could have gone with something a bit heavier looking back.

We were 'getting out of camping' per the wife, so I sold my dually and our 42' toy hauler. Then she wanted to go up north, to a place where there (at the time) weren't any decent hotels for a decent price. So we reserved a 'camping cabin' at a KOA. As the time got closer, we started looking at what all had to be brought (bedding, entertainment, pots & pans, etc etc.) and how we would basically have the back of the truck full...and she decided we needed a camper because it's a load-it-once-and-done (aside from food and clothes), and we like to travel several weekends a year and sometimes a week.

I'd bought a Power Wagon though, so there was only so much I could handle.

 

[Tulecreeper]

Really? My family is big into boating and we've seen it all. Transoms wrecked by motors that are too heavy, guys that can't get up onto plane in a fishing boat unless their well endowed wife is doing ballast duty in the front etc etc.

The key is "balance". There is a right tool for every job, bigger isn't always better especially if you daily drive and a 1500 is capable of towing what you need to.

Also remember you'd probably push back against your own sentiment when it's used against you by dually diesel guys saying "lol, hemi".

I think what he was saying was that sometimes the right tool for the job is the bigger vehicle, even if you daily drive. I daily drive my 2500 CTD and have no issues with it, and it averages 22-24 mpg empty, about 18 pulling. I wouldn't want to put our TT behind a 1500, even with a 5.7 in it - the truck would be at or over its ratings, and vehicles at that point start to feel undersized. Would it be capable? Probably. Would it be a comfortable tow? No.

And I think what was said about boats is that, up to the boat's rating, most people do opt for and get good use out of a bigger motor. For instance, my FIL bought a StarWeld with a 115 Yamaha VMax on it. It handled well, but was kind of lazy getting up out of the water. He had a 150 VMax swapped onto it, and it was a night and day difference. The boat practically JUMPS out of the water, runs much faster, and actually uses less gas at speed because the engine isn't working as hard. So yes, the idea presented about no one saying they should have gone with the smaller motor is fairly accurate.

Boats 20' and over have no HP rating. Their transom's are designed to handle the weight of modern high horsepower outboards. I've seen Bullet and Ballistic bass boats with 450's on them. No problem getting on plane and running 100+ mph. I had a Merc Racing 300 XS on my Gambler.

But if you go throw a 250 on the back of your 18'er, yeah, you're probably going to have problems.

The boat I was referring to was a simple aluminum fishing boat with a 4 cycle outboard strapped to the back. He wasn't going to ever get on plane without someone sitting up front.

Guys, it was a joke...a analogy. Not meant to start an entire conversation about boats. And I've owned 4 boats and tournament bass fish, so I wasn't kidding when I said I never ran into anyone who said they wished they had gotten the smaller outboard.

 

[Tulecreeper]

Boats 20' and over have no HP rating. Their transom's are designed to handle the weight of modern high horsepower outboards. I've seen Bullet and Ballistic bass boats with 450's on them. No problem getting on plane and running 100+ mph. I had a Merc Racing 300 XS on my Gambler.

But if you go throw a 250 on the back of your 18'er, yeah, you're probably going to have problems.

While you are technically correct, if your 22-foot bass boat has a Coast Guard HP rating sticker that is what you have to abide by. If you get in an accident, the first thing they're going to look at is if you're overpowered. That's what your insurance company will focus on BEFORE paying you.

 

[ramffml]

so I wasn't kidding when I said I never ran into anyone who said they wished they had gotten the smaller outboard.

This reminds me of my tiger repelling rock I keep under my bed. Works great, have yet to see a tiger anywhere near me!

"Absence of Evidence does not mean Evidence of Absence".

Getting back to trucks, you can find tons of half ton owners who have no regrets pulling their trailer and have no desire to move up to a 2500 or larger.

 

[miketx]

I don't think anyone is saying that or we would all be driving Peterbuilts. We drive pickups, they are NOT trucks. That said, no one can really argue that a 2500 is a better tow vehicle for the trailer and weight rhe OP posted. Can he squeak by with a 1500, yes but that wasnt the question.

The "catch" in my situation is the payload, not the towing capacity. Since my Rebel is "loaded", it's payload is lower than a typical 1500. If I had a stripped down 1500 with a higher payload, I'd be within specs across the board. But.....I still don't think it would fix the "floaty" feeling due to the lighter weight 1500 suspension. Just my thoughts. It's my mistake for buying a trailer with a higher tongue weight than typical trailers of it's size. But we loved the floorplan and couldn't find it in any other brand/model. It is what it is. Now I just have to decide whether I get the 6.4 gasser or 6.7 diesel. I do my own mechanic work, but the diesel will still cost more to maintain.

 

[joesstripclub]

I had a similar situation to yours. Had a 2018 1500 and we decided to buy a toy hauler travel trailer. Trailer ended up being 7300 dry weight on the sticker, but since it was a toy hauler, was really pin heavy. I think almost 1100 lbs accord to manufacturer. Towed it home empty from the dealer and it was a pretty terrible experience riding the bump stops the whole way. Steering very light but plenty of power and braking. Test drove my dad's power wagon he was looking to sell. Even though it isn't rated much higher than the 1500 on paper, the towing experience is night and day. Gas mileage is pretty terrible, but the towing experience is worth it.

 

[Tulecreeper]

I had a similar situation to yours. Had a 2018 1500 and we decided to buy a toy hauler travel trailer. Trailer ended up being 7300 dry weight on the sticker, but since it was a toy hauler, was really pin heavy. I think almost 1100 lbs accord to manufacturer. Towed it home empty from the dealer and it was a pretty terrible experience riding the bump stops the whole way. Steering very light but plenty of power and braking. Test drove my dad's power wagon he was looking to sell. Even though it isn't rated much higher than the 1500 on paper, the towing experience is night and day. Gas mileage is pretty terrible, but the towing experience is worth it.

It's not your towing capacity that matters with a 1500 - it's your cargo cap. Toy haulers are a little different because what you have in the garage varies, but the pin weight on your standard 5th-wheel should be somewhere in the 20%-25% range - which in your case would be between 1450 # and 1800# for a 7300# trailer. I think an 1100# pin weight for a 7300# 5th-wheel is way too light, but with not much more than that for your cargo cap why would you buy such a heavy trailer? You're still going to be way overweight with the power wagon. To tow that much weight, with a pin weight that high, you're going need a 2500 or something is going to break.