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2021 Ram 2500 (Diesel) (5th Wheel)

Keep it civil and factual.

Hurling insults at other members will not be tolerated and get you a timeout next time. You know who you are.
 
Bags aren't the only option to increase the payload. You CAN take it to a suspension shop and have leaf springs from a 3500 installed on a 2500. What else is different between 2500 and 3500 SO? Nothing! This would make it a 3500 with around 4000lbs of payload. Artificially low 10k GVWR is for registration purposes only and doesn't reflect the actual build materials quality and design.
 
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Bags aren't the only option to increase the payload. You CAN take it to a suspension shop and have leaf springs from a 3500 installed on a 2500. What else is different between 2500 and 3500 SO? Nothing! This would make it a 3500 with around 4000lbs of payload. Artificially low 10k GVWR is for registration purposes only and doesn't reflect the actual build materials quality and design.
2500s don't even have leaf springs, they have coil springs. The entire rear suspension is a completely different design.

For the OP, I'd cut your losses now and trade it in on a 3500. That way you'll be legal, have a more stable platform, and probably be in the same spot cost wise vs modifying a 2500. Plus you can opt for the HO and get the Aisin transmission which is much more likely to last while towing.
 
2500s don't even have leaf springs, they have coil springs. The entire rear suspension is a completely different design.

For the OP, I'd cut your losses now and trade it in on a 3500. That way you'll be legal, have a more stable platform, and probably be in the same spot cost wise vs modifying a 2500. Plus you can opt for the HO and get the Aisin transmission which is much more likely to last while towing.
Modifying a 2500 would be much less than taking a loss trading the truck
 
A TT just isn't going to be big enough or handle the same as a 5th wheel. I did decide not to go so big as I've also realized the payload isn't as big of a deal as it's maid out to be at least within reason.

I will be down a higher rated tire, add bags, and upgraded away bar.

I am going to keep the trailer at a 10k dry and no more then 13k loaded
I pull a similar 5th wheel with a 2500 and it does fine. I did add airbags. I have forgotten to fill the bags and it rides ok then too.
 
What are the differences between a 2500 and 3500 single wheel?
Just rear coil vs leaves?
Front coils stiffer?
 
What are the differences between a 2500 and 3500 single wheel?
Just rear coil vs leaves?
Front coils stiffer?

Rear suspension is the biggest difference. Airbags quickly shrink that gap, and add lateral to the 2500 too. The only difference I’m aware of in the frame is the difference required for the different suspensions.

Front suspension is the same, but according to Thuren the 3500’s sit 1/2” higher so there may be a slight difference in the springs. Ram specs show them sitting at the same height up front.
Both the 2500 and 3500 can have a 6,000lb FAWR.

That’s pretty much it.
 
Rear suspension is the biggest difference. Airbags quickly shrink that gap, and add lateral to the 2500 too. The only difference I’m aware of in the frame is the difference required for the different suspensions.

Front suspension is the same, but according to Thuren the 3500’s sit 1/2” higher so there may be a slight difference in the springs. Ram specs show them sitting at the same height up front.
Both the 2500 and 3500 can have a 6,000lb FAWR.

That’s pretty much it.
My 2500 diesel 1” sits taller than my neighbour's 3500 hemi so idk how that works
 
I appreciate everyones feed back.
 
I have the HD plow prep and snow chief and he does not so that could be why

I have not seen anything that indicates that package has anything to do with the springs. I have actually seen the opposite, where trucks with and without the snowplow prep have the same springs.
 
I have not seen anything that indicates that package has anything to do with the springs. I have actually seen the opposite, where trucks with and without the snowplow prep have the same springs.
I have not looked into it but thats the biggest difference. I would have assumed the HD plow prep had a higher coil rate in the front though
 
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