Thinking about tradin up for a 4th GEN to tow

[WulfGang]

Hi guys

Like the Title: says.

I've got several posts detailing my issues with towing so I will spare the horse beating in this thread.
*These threads are in the Towing Forum in the 3rd GEN Forum*

This thread is an attempt on my part to kindly ask for those that tow to chime in. Heck, even if you don't tow but KNOW what you're talking about I'm all ears.

Picking up from where my last story left off about the camping trip;

I feel like I really need a bigger truck to tow my TT.
Not saying Power Train really, but "size/weight"?

I don't need all the bells & whistles. I need a dependable, ADEQUATE tow vehicle.
I like the HEMI but am not opposed to going the diesel route.


So, if I went down to a Dodge dealership today, and wanted to get what I NEEDED with as little $ on final price put out as possible, what could I do?

What would YOU do?

 

[WulfGang]

When I say no bells & whistles... I mean it haha.

I'm saying plain jane like this

Ram - Build & Price - Options

It's not leather, sirius, 20' rims, etc, etc

But it's (I believe) everything (basically) I need to pull my TT the way I need it to.



What do ya think? Is this sufficient?

What should I REALISTICALLY pay for this truck?

 

[granite14]

What I did and would do again. Got a 6.4 2500. ... or a 5.7... Still the cheapest option trim to trim. Tradesmen at about $31K for a 6.4. You said down to the dealer, and they don't typically have that much used inventory. I could have gotten a 2012 long bed tradesman Cummins for the same price as a new SLT 6.4.

I went new because of the better financing rates.

 

[granite14]

I referenced the Idaho dealers. Under 30K for that truck. http://www.dennisdillon.com/new-inv...SByear=clear&SBlinkedAccountId=dennisdillonag

 

[audio1der]

It really sounds like we're in the same boat. (we have a 32', 7k Loaded bunkhouse which is 35.5' bumper to ball, Resse dual cam hitch). I am going to upgrade to a Propride hitch as a bigger truck is out of the question.
I did think I read that you have room issue with your exiting truck, too? That could be a genuine deal breaker IMO. If you need a bigger truck, need more room then it may well make sense.
As above, I would also look for a Tradesman or Express 2500 w/6/4.
I also find our 5.7 more than adequate, but with all that extra "truck" of the 2500, getting the 6.4 makes sense.
Hope this helps. I would follow my own advice if I could afford it.

 

[NewBlackDak]

I upgraded to the 2500 in my sig from a Titan in February. My trailer is a Jayco 287BHBE. We load it to about 7500, and it's 33.5'. I had no problems moving the trailer with the Titan, but I definitely didn't have control of it. Completely different tow with the 2500!

The 6.4 is a hoss. Power comes on early, and is smooth. I haven't been over 4K RPMs in it yet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WulfGang]

I was unaware as of last night why the link I posted didn't retain the options I selected so I will break it all down here:




COLORS EDIT
Bright White Clear Coat Exterior Paint $0
Black / Diesel Gray Interior Colors $0
$0
OPTIONS EDIT
Uconnect® 3.0 AM/FM $0
6-Speed Automatic Transmission $0
6.4-Liter V8 HEMI® MDS Engine $1,495
Popular Equipment Group $650
4.10 Rear Axle Ratio $125
Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle $325
17-Inch x 7.5-Inch Steel Styled Wheels $0
LT245/70R17E BSW All Season Tires $0
$2,595
PAYMENT SUMMARY EDIT
Buy Lease
Monthly Payments
$485 $437
MSRP* $36,745
Options Subtotal $2,595
Destination Charges $1,195

Term Duration 72 months 36 months
Annual Percentage Rate(APR) 4.04%
Mid-Atlantic BC Retail Consumer Cash 35CE1 -2500 -
Mid-Atlantic 2014 Bonus Cash MACEA -1000 -1000
Estimated Selling Price $30,954 -
Estimated Capitalized Costs - $33,454


For some reason the "Tow Package" is not available.
Don't know how much this would cost but I need it.




QUESTION:
Will THIS build negate the "wind effect" I'm experiencing with my current TV?

My only other option is to go 4x2 3500 dually with the Cummins.
I'm not really prepared to spend the extra $ so I guess... it's not really an option.

As far as "leg room" goes for rear cabin occupants it appears the CC has an exceptional amount more. So I'm happy in this dept.

I'm rather more concerned about the ability to tow on the open road @ 60/65 w/out my **** sucking up my real tree camo seat covers every time the wind blows.

 

[audio1der]

If that doesn't do it (and it SHOULD), a $3K Hensley or Propride hitch would.
If you didn't want the extra room I would suggest upgrading the hitch now, in case that was sufficient.

 

[whatroads]

Keep it simple. 5.7 Hemi, 3.92, 8 speed, tow pkg. Then you pick anything else you think you want such as 4 wheel drive, Quad or crew cab.....

I have a similar setup except mine is a 2011. Thus the 5 speed tranny. No issues towing a 31 ft 7K trailer. Make sure to get a good quality wight distribution hitch. Air shocks if you feel you need them, (I don't)

 

[mowin]

I didn't check out your previous post in 3rd gen, so what are you pulling and whats the tongue wt of the trailer?

 

[WulfGang]

I didn't check out your previous post in 3rd gen, so what are you pulling and whats the tongue wt of the trailer?

Floorplan Detail Aspen Trail

Specifications

Unloaded Weight 6,909

Hitch Weight 829

Cargo Capacity 2,771

Height 11' 6

Length 34'


http://www.ramforum.com/f120/beginning_towing-45980/

 

[smurfs_of_war]

Floorplan Detail Aspen Trail

Specifications

Unloaded Weight6,909

Hitch Weight829

Cargo Capacity2,771

Height11' 6

Length34'


http://www.ramforum.com/f120/beginning_towing-45980/

Still a lot of trailer- you're still going to notice it, but a 2500 is a lot more stout in the frame and linkage- the wind won't rip you around as much. The 1500 has a fair bit of flex in the frame.

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[mowin]

Floorplan Detail Aspen Trail

Specifications

Unloaded Weight 6,909

Hitch Weight 829

Cargo Capacity 2,771

Height 11' 6

Length 34'


http://www.ramforum.com/f120/beginning_towing-45980/

Thanks for the info.. remember, the manufacturer tongue wt usually doesn't include full propane tanks, battery, or your WD hitch which you really need with that size tt.
I didnt read all the posts, so I may be repeating something. Your 1500 is going to run out of payload really quick. Take the TW, ( make sure to add full propane tanks, battery, wd hitch to the listed tw), occupants, gear in the truck, dog if ya have one. Add all that up and minus that from the payload on your truck. Your payload will be on a yellow/white sticker on the drivers door jam.

Imo, you need to look for a smaller tt or upgrade to a 2500. Theres nothing worse than white knuckling the steering wheel for 100's of miles.

Check out the towing section on rv.net. im warning you tho, the wt police will be brutal on that site..lol

 

[mtofell]

Towing a TT like being discussed with a 1500 vs. 2500 is night and day. Power is power but that is just one part of the equation. The overall stability with the stiffer suspension and bigger brakes on the 2500 makes all the difference.

It's like the analogy of getting a nicer stereo that you only have to turn up to 4 instead of 10 to get the same sound. Things will generally provide better (safer, easier) performance when they are used within their range rather than at the extreme top of their range.

 

[smiley]

What did you end up going with? I would do a 2500 if I could do it again.

 

[WulfGang]

What did you end up going with? I would do a 2500 if I could do it again.

I decided to keep my current truck till it's paid off and buy a new one when it is.

For some reason it just really bothers me when I think about what I owe, what they will give me, and what I've paid in - which will basically be "lost" if I trade up.

Most likely when it's paid off I'm going 3500 DRW with the 6.4L though.

 

[granite14]

I decided to keep my current truck till it's paid off and buy a new one when it is.

For some reason it just really bothers me when I think about what I owe, what they will give me, and what I've paid in - which will basically be "lost" if I trade up.

Most likely when it's paid off I'm going 3500 DRW with the 6.4L though.

If you are willing to wait, just start listing it now for what you think is fair. Don't trade in.

 

[B-g-K]

If your TT is within weight limits consider the ecodiesel as well, with air suspension. Unless you're just buying it as a tow vehicle/don't care much about fuel economy. My ecodiesel has made an awesome everyday truck. 27.9 mpg after 6600 miles of driving, and I've towed 4500ish lbs with it and it was still getting 21-22 mpg (75% highway).

 

[Ratket]

Keep in mind a 1/2 ton's are very very capable now a days.. but in the end they are still just a half ton, and when towing something with some weight, it can be sketchy. My last truck was a half ton chevy. Since i have had this 2500 6.4, i will never go back to a 1500 again, and i prolly wont stray from ram. Borrowed my buddies eco-boost to tow a 7k trailer.. that v6 under the hood was no where near enough weight to keep it planted in the wind. It's all personal prefrence.. remember to shop around, you can get into one of these for at least 7k back of msrp

 

[WulfGang]

I'll keep my current 1500 as a DD.

Definitely not going with another 1500 so the eco diesel is not really an option.
And, I don't want to pay the extra $K's diff for the CTD.

My trailer is almost most too much for my truck.
Definitely not a Combo that I can sit back, relax with while driving.
It's a full time job of concentration & awareness.
Longest I've hauled with it thus far is about 6hrs.

It's a long 6hrs. lol