This is the year. GMC duramax to RAM- could use some help picking the right one.

[RAM2025]

Hello all,

Thanks for having me on this forum. Looking for some advice for my next purchase. Apologies if this has been repeated.
Coming off a 2015 Sierra Denali 2500. Duramax is super good, but this particular year(s) is plagued with the CP4 fuel pump issue and I feel like I am sitting on a 15k repair time bomb. Had some recent emissions/thermostat stuff go out that put me back $3500. Kind of over diesels TBH, but I totally appreciate their abilities.

I tow 7000 lbs about 5-8 times a year. So not a ton of towing.
The Denali isn't the most comfortable vehicle to drive and also it's quite large.
I'd like to step down to a 1500 but not sure if that is a good idea.

Looking for some suggestions for a 9000lb towing vehicle with a payload btw 1500 and 2000.

I came across this for a 2500 RAM and looks like something I could do, but then again, back to big foot print and a diesel. Swapping out springs and shocks supposedly improves the ride substantially which is a seller for me.

2025 Cummins Ram Leveled on 37s | Our First Impression Review

Interested in a new 2025 Cummins Ram? In this video we run through some great initial upgrades, give our first impressions of the truck on 37s, and showcase ...

www.youtube.com

If you guys had my payload and towing needs what would you get? Def looking at 35's or bigger. Ride comfort and cabin is important as my wife drives it as well. I am ok w aftermarket ride modifications.

Picture of my duramax for attention. Thanks in advance.

 

[BossHogg]

If you intend to use bigger-than-factory tire sizes and/or change ride height, you should forget about a 1500.

 

[ramffml]

I'd also suggest staying with a 3/4 ton, then find a gasser if the diesel is a concern for you.

You're right in that range where you'll be compromising on something; size, payload, diesel/gas, stability etc, so pick what's most important and just run with it.

I'm a fan of the GMC 2500 with the 6.6 gas. That would be top of my list, that and the Ford 7.3. But both of those have some concerning reports about the 10 speeds they use so again... compromise. The Ram 2500 has a better transmission despite being down 2 gears, but slightly worse engine than the 6.6. Gotta pick what you want most.

Othewise keep in mind you can do a lot of repairs to your truck for the cost of "upgrading" to something else which might have its own problems too.

5 to 8 times towing isn't "little" either, if you did one or two summer vacation trips you'd be an excellent candidate for the little hurricane HO. Diesel like power, incredible power actually (that thing rips), and all the benefits of a half ton, but towing stability will be decreased noticably vs your 2500. But that engine is still quite new and we can only speculate on long term durability and engine life etc.

 

[tjfdesmo]

Why not just do a CP3 swap on your Dmax?

 

[RAM2025]

Why not just do a CP3 swap on your Dmax?

Not worth the price to do. Very expensive swap unfortunately.

 

[RAM2025]

I'd also suggest staying with a 3/4 ton, then find a gasser if the diesel is a concern for you.

You're right in that range where you'll be compromising on something; size, payload, diesel/gas, stability etc, so pick what's most important and just run with it.

I'm a fan of the GMC 2500 with the 6.6 gas. That would be top of my list, that and the Ford 7.3. But both of those have some concerning reports about the 10 speeds they use so again... compromise. The Ram 2500 has a better transmission despite being down 2 gears, but slightly worse engine than the 6.6. Gotta pick what you want most.

Othewise keep in mind you can do a lot of repairs to your truck for the cost of "upgrading" to something else which might have its own problems too.

5 to 8 times towing isn't "little" either, if you did one or two summer vacation trips you'd be an excellent candidate for the little hurricane HO. Diesel like power, incredible power actually (that thing rips), and all the benefits of a half ton, but towing stability will be decreased noticably vs your 2500. But that engine is still quite new and we can only speculate on long term durability and engine life etc.

Good post.

 

[ramffml]

Just curious, what do you put on that rack on your box there? I carry a kayak on my bed, I have some stands that extend just over top of the cab and then put the yak on the stands. So height wise, I carry mine just as high on stands as you would off your topper. But I still have use of my bed (you do too I guess) but I can walk in mine which makes it easy to mount the "little" guy up there.

Always wondered what would be easiest and more convenient over all, probably pros and cons to both setups; stands vs topper. I can't lock up my bike or other cargo in my bed, for example.

By the way that's a gorgeous shot in your first post (Truck looks great too). Those are the pictures that inspire us to get out there! Heading out in 2 weeks myself, first trip of the season.

 

[RAM2025]

Just curious, what do you put on that rack on your box there? I carry a kayak on my bed, I have some stands that extend just over top of the cab and then put the yak on the stands. So height wise, I carry mine just as high on stands as you would off your topper. But I still have use of my bed (you do too I guess) but I can walk in mine which makes it easy to mount the "little" guy up there.

Always wondered what would be easiest and more convenient over all, probably pros and cons to both setups; stands vs topper. I can't lock up my bike or other cargo in my bed, for example.

By the way that's a gorgeous shot in your first post (Truck looks great too). Those are the pictures that inspire us to get out there! Heading out in 2 weeks myself, first trip of the season.

I bought this particular truck used about 8 years ago. Had 115k miles on it and had all the stuff (leer camper, lift, wheels/tires, optioned out). I never use the racks and in fact, the racks have prevented me from entering some garages. I can see the utility of them if your truck bed is loaded and need more space. IMO not a worthwhile option.

 

[stevenP]

Had a 2011 duramax (LML) equipped 3500 back in the day for my tow vehicle. Was pleasantly surprised when I switched to ram and the 6.7. The cummins pulled noticeably harder while towing.

 

[crazy jerry]

i would get the ram 2500 gas no question. youll have better axles and 4x4 system. better transmission. better interior. if money is no object you could get the cummins but you certainly wont need it for 9k lb (plus it adds alot of up front cost and more maintenance)

 

[OC455]

My dually is a Laramie Longhorn with the 6.4L Hemi. I have no complaints and tow a light 5th wheel. A bit over 7600lbs., empty weight. I think a 3/4 ton Hemi truck would be a good fit. My son's 2017 Ram 2500 has almost 3000lbs payload and is rated to tow about the same as mine.

The 8 speed is a great transmission and with the 6.4L Hemi does really well. Will it get as good as mileage as a diesel towing. More than likely not. With a 3/4 ton diesel you will have a lower payload than with the Hemi. It's a trade off.

Ram's are good trucks, do your due diligence and research and I'm sure you'll be good to go.

Me personally, I'll be waiting on 2027 to see if the rumored 7.2L Cummins makes an appearance or if it's just a rumor.

 

[Leo_J]

I have a 2023 Ram 2500 (Cummins) truck. I routinely tow 10,500 to 11,000 lbs with my stump grinding equipment trailer. I see roughly 12 mpg when towing with a combination of highway and city driving. When driving just the truck, I can see 19 - 22.5 mpg. I burn just #1 or #2 diesel, no bio-diesel. The engine braking available because of the Cummins is very effective and helps with brake wear. When touring your camper, especially in mountains, you'd really like the engine braking available from a diesel like the Cummins. I have a good diesel shop here in the local area that can handle the oil changes, fuel filter changes, transfer and differential oil changes, etc. Big time savings (30-40% less then the dealer) over the dealer charges for the same work. Food for thought, good luck on your selection.

 

[2025Ram2500]

Just traded in my 2004 Silverado 2500 for a brand new 2025 Big Horn 2500 diesel and it is amazing, in my opinion everything about it is head and shoulders above anything else on the market.