Looking to buy a truck. 1500 vs 2500?

[tinfoil_hat]

Hello,
I'm looking to buy a used truck and two Rams have caught my eye. I'm wondering which of two is a better buy in your opinion.
First is a 2022 1500 5.7L 8 speed with 42k miles.
Second is a 2022 2500 (edit) 6.4L 6 speed with 80k miles.
Hypothetically let's say they are otherwise identical: Bighorn, 4x4, they're even the same color. Let's say they are both in excellent condition. Here's the kicker, they are essentially the same price.
My biggest criteria is long term reliability. Which truck would you pick?
As for my needs: Maybe towing a small RV or tent trailer, landscaping trailer, occasional firewood, dump runs, etc. Honestly I don't really need the extra capacity of 3/4 ton but then again I don't care about gas mileage. I have owned quite a few 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks over the years so I feel pretty confidant that eeither one would be sufficient for my needs.. My biggest concern is long term reliability. I will probably drive this truck for 10 years, maybe 10-12k miles a year. Which would you buy?

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

2500. And it should be a 6.4 not a 6.2. 6.2 is used in the high performance packages. Examples: Challenger charger trackhawk. Usually with a supercharger

If it's got a 6.2 in it. I'd be concerned and pivot to the 1500

 

[tinfoil_hat]

Right you are its a 6.4!

 

[MADDOG]

My vote is for the 6.4L 2500.

 

[crash68]

Second is a 2022 2500 (edit) 6.4L 6 speed with 80k miles.

6 speed? Unless it's has the Cummins it should be the 8HP75 behind the 6 4 which is an 8 speed. I think only in the Chassis Cab truck is there an option for a 6 speed behind the 6.4

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

Towing = 2500.

 

[ramffml]

2500 is going to do towing/hauling better, 1500 is going to do everything else better.

Since you're towing easily within the limits of the 1500 (small rv, tent trailer, dump runs) I'd suggest a 1500, both trucks are equivalent in terms of reliability and longevity but the 1500 has a nicer/larger cab, smaller turning radius, better ride, better mpg, easier to live with on a daily basis.

 

[DanAR]

2500 is going to do towing/hauling better, 1500 is going to do everything else better.

Since you're towing easily within the limits of the 1500 (small rv, tent trailer, dump runs) I'd suggest a 1500, both trucks are equivalent in terms of reliability and longevity but the 1500 has a nicer/larger cab, smaller turning radius, better ride, better mpg, easier to live with on a daily basis.

“Larger cab” - ? Maybe a difference I wasn’t aware of.

I agree the 1500 sounds more in line with what you described for use. If the 1500 has e-torque a lot of guys shy away from it for concern over reliability. It may or may not be warranted. It is more complexity for sure.

 

[Papa Red]

2500 would be my choice. Great truck.

Red

 

[diymirage]

Do you want more or less for your money ?

 

[ramffml]

“Larger cab” - ? Maybe a difference I wasn’t aware of.

Yes sir. 2500's still use the 4th gen cab, 1500s have a larger cab and especially in the back seat area its quite noticeable for any passengers who might be there. They also have a completely flat floor as well which the 2500's/4th gens do not. Not sure how the megacab fits into this, though it would not have the flat floor.

 

[crash68]

“Larger cab” - ? Maybe a difference I wasn’t aware of.

as @ramffml mentioned, the DT body (Gen5) CrewCab is 4" longer than the DS body (Gen4) CC.

 

[tinfoil_hat]

Aha. On closer inspection, the 2500 is a 2018. Older than what I was looking for but fairly low miles for its age.

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

Deleted.

 

[crash68]

On closer inspection, the 2500 is a 2018.

2018 and earlier would have a 6spd, not that it's a bad transmission it's just the 8HP is better especially if your towing. The gear stager and overall span is better with the 8spd. Basically first gear of the 6spd is equivalent to 2nd gear of the 8spd. Having 4.10 gearing is almost a must if you want to tow anything decently heavy with the 6spd.

 

[ramffml]

Aha. On closer inspection, the 2500 is a 2018. Older than what I was looking for but fairly low miles for its age.

I was wondering about that, generally you won't find the 2500 for the same price as the 1500 all else being approx equal.

I'd also avoid the 6 spd in the 2500, it's an FCA transmission and has both questionable reliability and towing performance.

 

[DanAR]

Yes sir. 2500's still use the 4th gen cab, 1500s have a larger cab and especially in the back seat area its quite noticeable for any passengers who might be there. They also have a completely flat floor as well which the 2500's/4th gens do not. Not sure how the megacab fits into this, though it would not have the flat floor.

Thanks, I wasn’t aware of this.

 

[Gunny7156]

Have had all 3, 1500 5.7, several 2500 in both 6.4 and 6.7s, and several 3500s 5.9 and 6.7s. All depends on your truck "needs". 1500 is a nice ride and decent power but 2500 with 6.4 will offer more payload, towing capacity and virtually bulletproof engine. Would steer clear if 5.7 is eco boost. VERY expensive to get the batteries replaced. Actually traded up from 1500 5.7 eco boost to 2500 rebel with 6.4 and one of the best moves I've made. Slightly stiffer ride than 1500 but definitely not 3500 harsh ride unloaded. Hope this helps.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Would steer clear if 5.7 is eco boost.

Me too. Crossbreeding Ram and Ford isn't going to lead anywhere good.

 

[jimmyfjk]

look for anything but a Ram. I will never buy another one. Far too many issues with all of them. I have a 2021 rebel 1500 5.7 hemi. rear glass leaks and ram cant fix it. truck eats batteries. 65,000 miles on fourth battery. now have the hemi tick. love the features but the reliability is crap.