Traded 1500 Rebel for 2500 Rebel Cummins

[miketx]

I'm finally getting serious, and drove a '24 Rebel 2500 Cummins today. All of your previous comments are on point (slower, heavier feeling), but the tech in it is pretty cool, but that's in all the high trim 2500/3500 trucks. It did seem a little more bouncy than my 1500 Rebel with air suspension, but I kinda expected that. I'm curious about your thoughts, now that you've had it almost 6 months. Have you towed with it? I have a 7000 lb camper (close to 1k tongue weight...front heavy). The one I'm looking at has the rear air suspension also.

I'd love to have that 52 gal tank, but that had to be pricey. I'm really surprised Ram only puts the larger tank in a 3500 dually. Makes no sense. I have the 31 gal (extended range tank, at least in a '16 1500) in my 1500 Rebel and love it. The 2500/3500 diesels should have at least a 40+ gal tank.

 

[miketx]

Update: I bought the Rebel 2500....same exact color scheme as our '16 Rebel 1500 we traded. Great truck so far. Knew it would have a stiffer ride than our old Rebel 1500, and then realized the dealership had the tires aired up to 80 lbs all the way around! Holy flintstones wheels, batman! I knocked them down to 65 lbs (factory spec)...much better

Now I have to take it to a PDR repair shop: on day 3 we had the truck at a farmers market my wife works at. I had the tailgate down while we loaded up her booth at the end. Some jackwagon backed into the tailgate and left without leaving a note. Small dent and hopefully a quick fix. Grrr!

 

[switters]

I am considering the same move—from a '22 Rebel 1500 5.7 Hemi to a '24 Rebel 2500 Cummins. We just bought a 25' Airstream with a 7,600 GVWR. The 1500 can tow it but the rear end squats down and it doesn't feel as bulletproof as I'd like. I also love all the tow-specific features with the 2500, and the diesel engine will help a lot as well.

I bought the '22 Rebel 1500 slightly used when we lived in Utah. I'm in Oregon now. I've never bought a new RAM truck. I checked inventory at the local dealer and they have nothing even close to what I want. I'm leaning toward placing a custom order, but wondering how long that typically takes?

 

[Dark Knight G45]

I am considering the same move—from a '22 Rebel 1500 5.7 Hemi to a '24 Rebel 2500 Cummins. We just bought a 25' Airstream with a 7,600 GVWR. The 1500 can tow it but the rear end squats down and it doesn't feel as bulletproof as I'd like. I also love all the tow-specific features with the 2500, and the diesel engine will help a lot as well.

I bought the '22 Rebel 1500 slightly used when we lived in Utah. I'm in Oregon now. I've never bought a new RAM truck. I checked inventory at the local dealer and they have nothing even close to what I want. I'm leaning toward placing a custom order, but wondering how long that typically takes?

Not sure brother. The 24’s may not even be available anymore since the new refreshed 25’s are around the corner. Maybe try and find a leftover ‘24 for a deep discount, even if you have to travel for it?

 

[miketx]

I am considering the same move—from a '22 Rebel 1500 5.7 Hemi to a '24 Rebel 2500 Cummins. We just bought a 25' Airstream with a 7,600 GVWR. The 1500 can tow it but the rear end squats down and it doesn't feel as bulletproof as I'd like. I also love all the tow-specific features with the 2500, and the diesel engine will help a lot as well.

I bought the '22 Rebel 1500 slightly used when we lived in Utah. I'm in Oregon now. I've never bought a new RAM truck. I checked inventory at the local dealer and they have nothing even close to what I want. I'm leaning toward placing a custom order, but wondering how long that typically takes?

We just finished towing our 7k lbs trailer from Dallas to Bellingham, WA, helping our daughter move 4 weeks ago....5600 miles RT. Big difference from our previous '16 Rebel 1500. Exhaust brake was awesome going over mountain passes, and the truck never lacked power or even broke a sweat. We stopped near you for one night...my sister lives in Sisters, OR. It was so smoky we couldn't even see the 3 Sisters from her backyard. That was a bummer.
If you are thinking about ordering, check with Mark Dodge in LA. Anthony Boi ([email protected]) who works there is on the forum and is a great guy to work with. He can tell you what the current situation is with ordering (lead times, '24/'25 availability/etc).

 

[Dark Knight G45]

Just giving an update. Have 12,000 miles on her and love this truck more and more every day.

It’s performed exceptionally well and has been 100% reliable.

I’ve done a few mods including the S&B fuel tank install. Absolutely can recommend this after putting on approx 10k miles. It’s incredible having 1000 miles of range on the highway. Yes I can get approximately 20mpg on highway run around 75mph. Besides the upfront cost, this is a no-brainer. I attached a pic to show how the tank sits and how smooth it looks. You have to kneel down to see it.

I also had the S&B cold air intake (dry filter) installed around 4000 miles. The sound with the side plate removed is music to my ears. I always loved the sound of turbo spool and the exhaust brake is very noticeable. It might not be for everyone as the engine itself is louder but I enjoy it. I’m not sure if it made a difference with performance since it’s hard to tell on a truck this heavy. But it certainly has not hurt and also has given zero problems. As you can see the filter is getting a bit dirty since I’ve been off road quite a bit on jobsites. So yeah I’m a guy who enjoys mechanical noises (I put exhausts/intakes/tunes on all my sports cars) so if you value the newer quiet Cummins just stick with stock.

Now, my next move is to give it a 2”-2.5” level. I’ve been seeing a few Power Wagons and their taller stance compared to the Rebel bothers me. Pretty jealous every time I see one. Plus an increase in ride quality and capability can’t hurt. I may go with different rims and tires or just replace the stock Duratracs with 35’s on the stock 20” rims, but I think I’ll do the level first and see how it rides with the suspension change alone. I have no complaints with the stock suspension and tires other than I welcome a lifted front and more rubber and of course I want the smoothest ride possible.

Any suggestions on a leveling kit? I’ve been researching and I think it’s between a Carli 2.5” and Thuren 2” with either Fox IFP 2.0’s or Bilstein 5100’s. I deal with some snow and salt so not sure if the Fox’s will hold up? CJC was mentioning the Fox may have some reliability issues in colder climates and to go with Thuren & Bilsteins, but I see so many people with Fox including the factory Raptors around here have Fox so not sure what to think. Plus most YouTube reviews are with Carli but forums seem to prefer Thuren. Thanks everyone.

 

[olyelr]

thuren or carli…u’ll be happy

 

[Dark Knight G45]

Quick update:
I spoke with Carli, Thuren, and CJC reps. After much discussion…
I ordered the Thuren 2” Fox 2.0 remote reservoir leveling kit with rear Fox shocks and a Thuren sway bar from CJC. I’ll update with pics and a review once completed.

 

[ricky_bobby]

I had no idea that a Cummins 2500 Rebel existed, but I like it - pics of the interior? Curious if they do leather inside for that price (I would think so)

Beautiful truck - and having a Thuren level 2" on my 2500, you will love it (and the sway bar too!)
I just put the front sway bar, Thuren HD rear links (for OEM rear coils) to complete the suspension

Rest of suspension is 2" Thuren coils, Fox 2.0 IFP (Thuren Spec) shocks all around, King Steering Dampener, and Thuren Rear Track Bar (HIGHLY recommended, takes the wag out of the stiff rear on bumps)

Order from Thuren direct and will ship to your door no dealer needed-

 

[Dark Knight G45]

I had no idea that a Cummins 2500 Rebel existed, but I like it - pics of the interior? Curious if they do leather inside for that price (I would think so)

Beautiful truck - and having a Thuren level 2" on my 2500, you will love it (and the sway bar too!)
I just put the front sway bar, Thuren HD rear links (for OEM rear coils) to complete the suspension

Rest of suspension is 2" Thuren coils, Fox 2.0 IFP (Thuren Spec) shocks all around, King Steering Dampener, and Thuren Rear Track Bar (HIGHLY recommended, takes the wag out of the stiff rear on bumps)

Order from Thuren direct and will ship to your door no dealer needed-

Thank you. I had to order from CJC as Thuren themselves were out of stock!

I’ll try and post up some interior pics tomorrow. It’s a similar interior to a highly spec’d Laramie or Limited but with Rebel etched in the seats and arm rest. Level 2 gives the high end leather and cooling seats. Very beautiful and feels luxurious.

 

[ricky_bobby]

Beautiful! I saw some pics yesterday the interior is definitely upscale -

Vented Seats are the best - I just swapped 2018 Limited seats in my 2018 and it was worth every penny (sport cloth seats from factory on my Big Horn) -

Don Thuren is great and his staff is too - his suspension products are worth every penny - if you ever have questions on additional add-ons to your suspension call them or send an email (quicker) they are helpful and will recommend based on your truck's uses

 

[Dark Knight G45]

Beautiful! I saw some pics yesterday the interior is definitely upscale -

Vented Seats are the best - I just swapped 2018 Limited seats in my 2018 and it was worth every penny (sport cloth seats from factory on my Big Horn) -

Don Thuren is great and his staff is too - his suspension products are worth every penny - if you ever have questions on additional add-ons to your suspension call them or send an email (quicker) they are helpful and will recommend based on your truck's uses

As promised here are the pics. A bit dirty but you get the idea. Also showed the console vault which fits like a glove.

Yes, Thuren answered my questions right away and was very honest with me.

I’ll probably do the rear track bar next. Trying to see how this feels first and also staying within a budget for now. Plus need to see how I want to approach the wheels & tires. I actually like the factory 33”+- Duratrac tires. They handle well, are surprisingly quiet, and are 3 peak rated as I do drive in the snow. So I don’t want to downgrade on any of those aspects. I’m on factory 20” wheels which are nice but 18” methods are probably still the right move for me.

 

[ricky_bobby]

I kept the factory 20" wheels even though 18" gives more rubber - just upsized by 1" in height, best of both worlds, reset tire size with AlfaOBD

Your factory wheels are gorgeous, personally I'd keep them, keep the Duratracs if you want, you may want to go a little bigger in tire once the level is on.

I do love that the Thuren crew ask you what your budget is, what the truck is used for, and recommend from there.
I will say I added the front sway bar, which is more expensive than the rear track bar, and although I feel it was positive overall and worth the $ (especially looking at the construction and design vs. stock) - I will definitely 100% recommend the rear track bar, although the install is more involved and detailed (usually have to bore out some holes on the frame for the new bracket which can be time and drill bit consuming)

The rear track bar was the one single thing my wife actually noticed, I installed it before the rest of the suspension and she said she absolutely felt the difference in the rear when it was installed, going over highway bridge junctions, sharp bumps, etc.

I "saved" a bit of suspension upgrade cost by going with the Fox IFP non reservoir shocks, used it towards the rear track bar if that makes sense.

Be sure you take Thuren alignment specs with you when the coils and shocks get installed - align it according to Thuren specs the truck will drive perfect and straight - for rear track bar if you add it in the future you won't need alignment done- same with steering stabilizer etc

 

[Dark Knight G45]

I kept the factory 20" wheels even though 18" gives more rubber - just upsized by 1" in height, best of both worlds, reset tire size with AlfaOBD

Your factory wheels are gorgeous, personally I'd keep them, keep the Duratracs if you want, you may want to go a little bigger in tire once the level is on.

I do love that the Thuren crew ask you what your budget is, what the truck is used for, and recommend from there.
I will say I added the front sway bar, which is more expensive than the rear track bar, and although I feel it was positive overall and worth the $ (especially looking at the construction and design vs. stock) - I will definitely 100% recommend the rear track bar, although the install is more involved and detailed (usually have to bore out some holes on the frame for the new bracket which can be time and drill bit consuming)

The rear track bar was the one single thing my wife actually noticed, I installed it before the rest of the suspension and she said she absolutely felt the difference in the rear when it was installed, going over highway bridge junctions, sharp bumps, etc.

I "saved" a bit of suspension upgrade cost by going with the Fox IFP non reservoir shocks, used it towards the rear track bar if that makes sense.

Be sure you take Thuren alignment specs with you when the coils and shocks get installed - align it according to Thuren specs the truck will drive perfect and straight - for rear track bar if you add it in the future you won't need alignment done- same with steering stabilizer etc

Excellent advice thank you very much.

Yes, Thuren was very honest and helpful. They even let me know that the Bilstein shocks are more robust and have a longer service life than the Fox’s but they don’t ride as nice. I chose to go with Fox knowing this with the thought that I’ll replace them in a few years if needed. But that education was greatly appreciated. Also that they weren’t pushing for the big money kits.

And yeah, I do think the factory rebel 20’s are really nice and if I can switch to a 35” tire that performs the same or better then that’s probably my best bet.
Now, on to research for a 35” tire that fits the factory 20” rims and performs like my Duratracs or better…suggestions anyone?

 

[ricky_bobby]

Yes Thuren could easily be a sales push for more expensive components and kits - I've been happy with the Fox 2.0 IFP's, for my pavement princess needs I'm sure I have a few more years before needing a rebuild or a fresh set.

I've posted this many times regarding tires - having had 2 different tires now in the same size (285/65/20, which equates to a 35x11.5x20 or so)

Cooper AT3 XLT - now discontinued and there is a successor, it was fine, but once I got my Toyo AT3's about a month and a half ago, no comparison to ride smoothness, quiet, balanced great, are lighter in the same size, easier to dress because the Cooper's had these annoying lugs that really stuck out of the sidewall, better in every way and I'd recommend them

You can also go up to and many have, a 295/65/20 for a true 35" tall, but you may get a minor rub on the radius arms - I can almost guarantee they will be quieter than Duratracs based on the design.

Toyo's have the snowflake symbol on them as well, they are my recommendation from experience. I've also heard a lot of people like Falken Wildpeak but I don't buy Chinese made tires, and they are a lot heavier. Nitto's are also very popular but from my shops recommendation they said basically the Toyo AT3 is the new king, based on their customer feedback and experience (I did not get my tires from them just randomly asked their current recommendations)

 

[Dark Knight G45]

Yes Thuren could easily be a sales push for more expensive components and kits - I've been happy with the Fox 2.0 IFP's, for my pavement princess needs I'm sure I have a few more years before needing a rebuild or a fresh set.

I've posted this many times regarding tires - having had 2 different tires now in the same size (285/65/20, which equates to a 35x11.5x20 or so)

Cooper AT3 XLT - now discontinued and there is a successor, it was fine, but once I got my Toyo AT3's about a month and a half ago, no comparison to ride smoothness, quiet, balanced great, are lighter in the same size, easier to dress because the Cooper's had these annoying lugs that really stuck out of the sidewall, better in every way and I'd recommend them

You can also go up to and many have, a 295/65/20 for a true 35" tall, but you may get a minor rub on the radius arms - I can almost guarantee they will be quieter than Duratracs based on the design.

Toyo's have the snowflake symbol on them as well, they are my recommendation from experience. I've also heard a lot of people like Falken Wildpeak but I don't buy Chinese made tires, and they are a lot heavier. Nitto's are also very popular but from my shops recommendation they said basically the Toyo AT3 is the new king, based on their customer feedback and experience (I did not get my tires from them just randomly asked their current recommendations)

Thank you again.

I have had a good experience with Toyos on my sport car (R888R’s, best performance street tire I’ve used yet) so I’m definitely partial to the brand and seems like the AT3 checks all the boxes so thanks for that.

So I’m thinking between swapping to the toyos you recommended above or the Duratrac RT’s since I like the stock Duratracs just fine and I’m sure the extra sidewall and new tread pattern will be even better.

Now my question is that both Duratrac RT in 35X12.5R20LT and the Toyo Open Country AT III 295x65Rx20 state on the websites that they are approved for a minimum 8.5” wide rim and I believe the Rebel’s 20”s are 8” wide. Not sure if that really matters so looking for some advice on that.

 

[ricky_bobby]

Thank you again.

I have had a good experience with Toyos on my sport car (R888R’s, best performance street tire I’ve used yet) so I’m definitely partial to the brand and seems like the AT3 checks all the boxes so thanks for that.

So I’m thinking between swapping to the toyos you recommended above or the Duratrac RT’s since I like the stock Duratracs just fine and I’m sure the extra sidewall and new tread pattern will be even better.

Now my question is that both Duratrac RT in 35X12.5R20LT and the Toyo Open Country AT III 295x65Rx20 state on the websites that they are approved for a minimum 8.5” wide rim and I believe the Rebel’s 20”s are 8” wide. Not sure if that really matters so looking for some advice on that.

Personally - I would stick with metric sizes (IE 295/65/20) I have found in 99% of circumstances they weigh less than the floatation sizes, have better load ratings, etc - thats just me

The 295/65/20 will be *slightly* narrower than the 35x12.50, better load rating as well - less radius arm rubbing at full steering lock (you will likely get minimal rub with a 285/65/20 and a touch more with a 295/65/20 on stock 20x8" wheels just based on their offset)

The 8.5" measuring width will not matter, that is just a standard width for measurement based on the size-

Looks like the Goodyear Duratrac RT weighs 67 lbs per tire, in 285/65/20 (the size I'm running in AT3's), which is 10 lbs more per corner than mine, if that matters to you - it is not available in 295/65/20 but Toyo AT3's are, and in the slightly narrower size that I run, 285/65 - In 295/65/20, the Toyo AT3 weighs 63.5 lbs which is really good weight for a 35.1" tall tire -

I won't steer you one way or the other if you like the Duratracs, just my own feedback with Toyo's, prior Coopers, and sizing on 20" factory wheels (as you know, leveling the truck won't change the offset of radius arm rub on stock wheels

 

[Dark Knight G45]

Personally - I would stick with metric sizes (IE 295/65/20) I have found in 99% of circumstances they weigh less than the floatation sizes, have better load ratings, etc - thats just me

The 295/65/20 will be *slightly* narrower than the 35x12.50, better load rating as well - less radius arm rubbing at full steering lock (you will likely get minimal rub with a 285/65/20 and a touch more with a 295/65/20 on stock 20x8" wheels just based on their offset)

The 8.5" measuring width will not matter, that is just a standard width for measurement based on the size-

Looks like the Goodyear Duratrac RT weighs 67 lbs per tire, in 285/65/20 (the size I'm running in AT3's), which is 10 lbs more per corner than mine, if that matters to you - it is not available in 295/65/20 but Toyo AT3's are, and in the slightly narrower size that I run, 285/65 - In 295/65/20, the Toyo AT3 weighs 63.5 lbs which is really good weight for a 35.1" tall tire -

I won't steer you one way or the other if you like the Duratracs, just my own feedback with Toyo's, prior Coopers, and sizing on 20" factory wheels (as you know, leveling the truck won't change the offset of radius arm rub on stock wheels

Thank you for the excellent and thought out advice.

I am going to order the Toyo AT3 in 295/65/20 and report back on how it goes. I checked online and it seems they are about a month back order but I’ll call around Monday and hope I can get some sooner.

 

[ricky_bobby]

Call your local Discount Tire (like I said they will match Sams) and see what the inventory is like.

The online inventory said the same thing for me, but when I had the shop look up the tire sizes when I went there, both were only a day away in a local warehouse so I actually got my Toyo's same day and installed them the same day

I can almost guarantee you will be absolutely floored with the AT3 in that 295/65/20 size - I probably should have done it myself, but I stuck with the size I knew -

Since your Duratracs are decently new I would say you may be able to get a few hundred bucks for them on Marketplace as well.

Keep me filled in on the tire order and install and pics!

 

[Dark Knight G45]

Big thanks to @ricky_bobby

So, I swapped the stock Duratracs for Toyo Open Country ATIII’s in LT295/65R20. They look so much better to my picky eyes.

As far as the fit, seems like a perfect fit on the stock 20’s except for the slight rubbing at full lock. See below pic to show where it touches. Seems like it gets the dust off but that’s only at full lock. I went back and forth at full lock to see where it would touch. If I wasn’t lifting it I’d be fine with it.

Too early to give feedback yet on the driving characteristics (drove a 1/4 mile only) but will put some miles on over the weekend and report back.

Also….Thuren parts going in Monday.
I’m happy I put these on before the leveling kit so I can judge the tires themselves and check for stock rubbing. Let’s see if the 2” level lift will make the tires clear 100%.