Help a new wanna be Ram owner out please...

[Jasonw76]

So I'm really struggling here, lol, shopping for a new truck is wearing on me quite a bit....
Current situation is a 300k mile 06 ECLB SRW F350 powerstroke that's pulling our 37' Stryker 3116 bumper pull toy hauler (12-14k gross) 2-3 trips a month, 7 months a year with each trip typically in the 200 mile one way range, but we do go further occasionally, did an 1800 mile trip from NY (home base) to NC and back last July..... it's time to upgrade tow pigs and I'm looking at 2020 and newer only, no duallies.
I thought I was all set on a ¾ ton this time but then momma mentioned maybe getting a 5th wheel in a few years lol, so now I'm not too sure, but I do still think a ¾ gasser will still do the trick, and I kinda like the idea of the coils since it will be daily driven a few days a week. I really like the interiors on the Rams over the other two and I know the Cummins is a solid engine but that's really the extent of my knowledge. I'm thinking I'd like to go back to gas, for the simplicity of them and I have to believe the new gassers aren't too much worse than my trusty ol powerstroke lol. On the gas side of things the lower gears are a must on my option list, 4.10s for Ram and 4.30s for Ford.
FYI, I've been copying and pasting VIN's for days looking at different combos lol.
Sorry for longish post....I appreciate y'all's input on the matter, it can't confuse me any more than I already am

 

[tchur1]

Welcome! I think Im a little unsure of what you are asking for feedback on specifically but if I am understanding you correctly here would be my recs:

1) If you are going to go 3/4 ton you will need to stick with gas, payload on a 2500 w/ Cummins is pretty low (~1700-2000lbs depending on options) and with you current trailer you are going to be pushing that limit quickly.
2) Goes along w/ #1 but if you even have the thought of a 5th wheel in the future get the 1 ton.
3) Rule of thumb on this forum tends to be if you are towing less than 10k gas is fine, over 10k you are going to start to want the cummins. If you are towing as often and for the distances you state I would lean cummins.
4) Dont buy off a lot if you dont have to. If you have the time go order exactly what you want from a dealer like Mark Dodge, Granger or some of the others listed on this forum where you can get exactly what you want for ~10% off MSRP.

If I were you, I would be getting a 3500 w/ at least the standard output cummins. I personally tow about 10-12k 6 momths a year and just ordered a 3500 HO Cummins and cant wait for it to get here.

Good luck with your search, hope this was helpful!

 

[Camper99]

I've had a 2021 3500 Laramie Megacab with the standard output Cummins for one year and 5 days today. This was an upgrade from a 2014 F-150 with the turbo charged V6.

To me, I think you are in 3500 territory given the possibility of a travel trailer upgrade. We tow a 6000lb trailer now, and I could have gone with a 2500. However, I wanted a diesel, the 2500 with the diesel did not provide significantly more stated payload capacity over my Ford, and we see a 5th wheel in our future. The cost difference between the 2500 and 3500 was not that much, either.

The 3500 does not ride as smooth as the F-150, but it is not bad. I imagine the 3500 will ride better than your '06.

From an operating cost standpoint, after one year (including one oil, oil filter, and fuel filter change - done myself), the running cost has been $0.206/mile. I currently commute about 70 miles total each weekday, and have about 14,250 miles on the truck. The average fuel price over the period was $3.29. We've had a few longer trips towing the trailer.

My wife got a new Wagoneer back in December. It has the 5.7L Hemi (the little brother to the 6.4L Hemi), and it is thirsty. She has a much shorter commute, and we've had one long trip in the Wagoneer. With the small sample size, we are at about $0.21/mile over approx. 2100 miles.

In the end, either HD Ram is a good choice. I've been very happy. Just be sure to consider those future upgrades. It sounds like the 5th wheel may as well be in your driveway. If the wife's on board it is most likely just a matter of time. Do what fits with you and your budget.

 

[Jasonw76]

Welcome! I think Im a little unsure of what you are asking for feedback on specifically but if I am understanding you correctly here would be my recs:

1) If you are going to go 3/4 ton you will need to stick with gas, payload on a 2500 w/ Cummins is pretty low (~1700-2000lbs depending on options) and with you current trailer you are going to be pushing that limit quickly.
2) Goes along w/ #1 but if you even have the thought of a 5th wheel in the future get the 1 ton.
3) Rule of thumb on this forum tends to be if you are towing less than 10k gas is fine, over 10k you are going to start to want the cummins. If you are towing as often and for the distances you state I would lean cummins.
4) Dont buy off a lot if you dont have to. If you have the time go order exactly what you want from a dealer like Mark Dodge, Granger or some of the others listed on this forum where you can get exactly what you want for ~10% off MSRP.

If I were you, I would be getting a 3500 w/ at least the standard output cummins. I personally tow about 10-12k 6 momths a year and just ordered a 3500 HO Cummins and cant wait for it to get here.

Good luck with your search, hope this was helpful!

Yeah sorry for being aimless, but that's kinda where I'm at too, every time I think I know I second guess myself lol.... I agree, I keep getting drawn back to the diesel segment, but the new diesels kinda scare me with all the computer controlled crap and they're nearly impossible for someone like me to work on, although I have to imagine the Cummins is more shade tree mechanic friendly than the two V8s.... I'm not a diehard stick to the numbers guy but I'm also not an idiot looking for a half ton, my current truck is typically a skosh over it's tow rating when we hit the road....
I'm just looking for input, recommendations, real world experience....

Thanx for the response

 

[jetrinka]

From what your needs are I'd be looking into a diesel 3500. I too like the simplicity a gas engine brings however when you look at the larger picture are there guys having problems with some of the emissions stuff on the new diesels? Yes. Is it very common? No. You'll have the advantage of not getting a 19 or a 20 which had problematic CP4 injection pumps (although there is a recall for this now too).

Could my Hemi pull 10k? Sure. Could it pull it well? Doubt it. You'll be much happier with a 1 ton Diesel. IMO they don't ride any worse than the 2500 especially if you keep an eye on the tire pressures when unloaded.

 

[tchur1]

From what your needs are I'd be looking into a diesel 3500. I too like the simplicity a gas engine brings however when you look at the larger picture are there guys having problems with some of the emissions stuff on the new diesels? Yes. Is it very common? No. You'll have the advantage of not getting a 19 or a 20 which had problematic CP4 injection pumps (although there is a recall for this now too).

Could my Hemi pull 10k? Sure. Could it pull it well? Doubt it. You'll be much happier with a 1 ton Diesel. IMO they don't hardly ride any better than the 2500 especially if you keep an eye on the tire pressures when unloaded.

I agree with this line of thinking. At this point the emissions systems have been around for over 10 years, the percentage of trucks with issues are pretty minimal. Not purchasing a diesel for that reason is shortsighted IMO, especially in your use case with a 12-14k camper and potential to upgrade to a larger 5th wheel in the near future.

It would suck to pass up on the diesel now, buy a 5ver in the future, realize you dont have the right truck and need to get another one. Not to spend your money but id go 3500 diesel all day haha.

 

[aaronedmonton]

With that much weight to be towing, Diesel and 3500.

 

[mkmsr]

I'd definitely go 3500 and if you will be keeping for 200k miles the diesel is definitely worth the cost in my opinion.

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[Riddick]

If you are set on a 2500 be very careful with the payload ratings. The diesel 2500s have a fairly low payload but you might be ok with the gasser. However, if there are talks aobut getting a 5th wheel I would rule out the 2500. Regardless of payload and engine you will end up putting air bags on to helb stabalize it. For RAM trucks I would be looking at 3500s diesels for a 5th wheel set up. There are many guys on here with the 6.4s but in my opinion they are not the most reliable engine, google 6.4 Hemi tick and read for yourself.

Have you considered other brands. If you really like the gassers the 7.3 Ford is worth looking into.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Here is the thing, yes on paper the 2500 diesel has a low payload but thats only due to rams cap they put for registration purposes if going by the GAWR ( the only numbers they look at here if you were to get scaled) you are good for 12k on a 2500 diesel.

i have consistently surpassed the 2k payload joke they put on the 2500 and the truck has had no issue i was pushing it the one day with 4100lbs in the bed but it still was not on the bump stops just some food for thought If you are set on a 2500…

the 3500 is a great option and wont be much different for daily driving and that would be the best option for you and personally even though the hemi could tow your trailer no problem i would stick with a diesel…

 

[aaronedmonton]

If you are set on a 2500 be very careful with the payload ratings. The diesel 2500s have a fairly low payload but you might be ok with the gasser. However, if there are talks aobut getting a 5th wheel I would rule out the 2500. Regardless of payload and engine you will end up putting air bags on to helb stabalize it. For RAM trucks I would be looking at 3500s diesels for a 5th wheel set up. There are many guys on here with the 6.4s but in my opinion they are not the most reliable engine, google 6.4 Hemi tick and read for yourself.

Have you considered other brands. If you really like the gassers the 7.3 Ford is worth looking into.

Oh cmon. The 6.4L gasser is plenty reliable. Go look on the diesel forum pages and you’ll see lists upon lists of issues. I wouldn’t trust the 10 speed in the new F250s as far as I could throw them. Also, the 7.3 is a new engine. How do we know it’s reliable yet? I’ve heard issues with it too.

 

[tchur1]

If you want to find reliability issues with any engine you can. At this point the hemi is super reliable and so is the cummins. I wouldn't base your decision on that since both options are going the be reliable. Get the truck that fits your budget and your use case, idk how much you want to spend but IMO thats a 3500 Cummins

 

[jetrinka]

If you want to find reliability issues with any engine you can. At this point the hemi is super reliable and so is the cummins. I wouldn't base your decision on that since both options are going the be reliable. Get the truck that fits your budget and your use case, idk how much you want to spend but IMO thats a 3500 Cummins

Agreed. How many millions of Cummins are there out there with no issues and how many millions of Hemis are out there with no issues either. Both are good engines but on these forums and online in general you get a very condensed view of things. The Cummins itself though will certainly outlast the Hemi though but this has always been the case of a diesel vs gasser. Diesels are just built heavier and stronger.

Buy what you need. Unless you don't need to tow much - then buy a Power Wagon and be the cool guy

 

[jeffjcalweb]

Eh this far along and didn't see a single post that the payload sticker on a 2500 is a joke, means basically nothing, and that's just dang disappointing lol. But whatever. Anyway being you are towing pretty frequently and for decent distance, regardless of a 2500 or a 3500, I'd probably throw my vote out for going diesel as well. Not for power to pull, because hey the 6.4 Hemi is going to pull what you describe just fine ... but you'll get a much more comfortable towing experience *DOWNHILL* with the Cummins and the exhaust brake. I don't know older Fords enough to know if your current truck has an exhaust brake, but if you haven't been introduced to how much that helps handle that weight slowing down a grade, you are in for a treat. You'll also get more mpg towing and looks like you put enough miles on that can add up for you and of course, if you ever go to sell/trade, especially in the next few years with this market, you are almost certainly better off with a diesel.

They make the 5th wheel option available on the 2500 for a reason, so don't assume the words "5th wheel" automatically mean you are in a 3500. There are plenty of newer 5th wheels on the market that have done a lot to reduce pin weight and are very suitable for a 2500.

I've owned both 2500 & 3500 and am back in a 2500 - all diesels. I've towed with them all (travel trailers & 5th wheel). The 3500 wasn't uncomfortable but when it didn't have any weight in the back, you certainly felt every bump and a little skittish in the back on a bad enough road.

 

[Firebird]

My vote is Cummins 1 ton also

 

[Jasonw76]

If you are set on a 2500 be very careful with the payload ratings. The diesel 2500s have a fairly low payload but you might be ok with the gasser. However, if there are talks aobut getting a 5th wheel I would rule out the 2500. Regardless of payload and engine you will end up putting air bags on to helb stabalize it. For RAM trucks I would be looking at 3500s diesels for a 5th wheel set up. There are many guys on here with the 6.4s but in my opinion they are not the most reliable engine, google 6.4 Hemi tick and read for yourself.

Have you considered other brands. If you really like the gassers the 7.3 Ford is worth looking into.

I have absolutely considered the new 7.3 and the new powerstrokes, but this is a Ram forum and i'm not looking for pissing matches lol.... but like i said in my original post i really like the Ram interiors and the Rams seem to be much more plentiful around me

 

[Jasonw76]

Eh this far along and didn't see a single post that the payload sticker on a 2500 is a joke, means basically nothing, and that's just dang disappointing lol. But whatever. Anyway being you are towing pretty frequently and for decent distance, regardless of a 2500 or a 3500, I'd probably throw my vote out for going diesel as well. Not for power to pull, because hey the 6.4 Hemi is going to pull what you describe just fine ... but you'll get a much more comfortable towing experience *DOWNHILL* with the Cummins and the exhaust brake. I don't know older Fords enough to know if your current truck has an exhaust brake, but if you haven't been introduced to how much that helps handle that weight slowing down a grade, you are in for a treat. You'll also get more mpg towing and looks like you put enough miles on that can add up for you and of course, if you ever go to sell/trade, especially in the next few years with this market, you are almost certainly better off with a diesel.

They make the 5th wheel option available on the 2500 for a reason, so don't assume the words "5th wheel" automatically mean you are in a 3500. There are plenty of newer 5th wheels on the market that have done a lot to reduce pin weight and are very suitable for a 2500.

I've owned both 2500 & 3500 and am back in a 2500 - all diesels. I've towed with them all (travel trailers & 5th wheel). The 3500 wasn't uncomfortable but when it didn't have any weight in the back, you certainly felt every bump and a little skittish in the back on a bad enough road.

No exhaust brake on my 6.0, but the trans does a great job grade shifting in tow/haul mode..... one good thing with us running with a toy hauler is i can really move weight around to help with pin/tongue weight and that's the main reason i'm still even remotely considering a 3/4 ton.....

 

[fuchsroehre]

3/4 ton w/ air suspension (real air suspension, not helper bags) is a great daily driver and tow vehicle.
Resale will be awesome.
The Diesel runs at 1500rpm at 65mph and the MPG is decent. Super smooth and quiet while towing, its like sitting in your living room.
Tow rating per FCA is 11.5klbs fifth wheel (in my config with 4x4), you could buy a fifth wheel based on that limit or work with the pin weight as you stated.
I love my truck and just did a cross country trip with a 8klbs trailer. My wife and kids liked the ride and trip.
I am not too worried about potential future emission issues but if they occur I will go towards a tune w/o eliminating hardware. But I hear your concerns.

 

[briggDD]

No exhaust brake on my 6.0, but the trans does a great job grade shifting in tow/haul mode..... one good thing with us running with a toy hauler is i can really move weight around to help with pin/tongue weight and that's the main reason i'm still even remotely considering a 3/4 ton.....

After having a 2004 6.0, I got tired of them pulling the cab to address head gasket issues, I switched to Ram in 2013. I am on my 4th Ram since then and I will say I had 100% more problems with that 6.0 than I have ever had with all my Rams combined. I was hesitant when I switched as I had heard concerns about transmissions since I had some heavy trailers. All my trucks have had the Aisin which is only available in the 3500 and zero issues. You will be very pleased if you make the switch.

 

[TonyT]

SRW 3500 with the Cummins is probably the smallest, do-all, rig you're looking for.

I have a 2500 Crew Cab with the Cummins and I just pull my 7,000 lb Jeep around on a 3500 lb trailer. It tows great, but a 2,000 lb payload goes fast in a crew cab truck. I wish I had gotten a SRW 3500.