Just switched from a 2023 Ram 1500 Laramie w/ 5.7 Hemi Etorque to a 2026 Ram 2500 Big Horn w/ 6.4 Hemi and Level 2 plus package
(Still need to sell my 23’ Ram)
Main reasons for switching:
Kept having payload limitations w/ 1,525lbs while camping and house remodel supplies and dump trips
Now with 3,030 lbs payload haven’t been limited yet
3.21 gears sucks if you want bigger tires and want to tow, regearing would have cost $8k-$10k from multiple quotes
3.73 gears now, and such a huge difference in acceleration and gearing with a load
23 gallon tank while towing a heavy trailer got dicey on a few trips regarding range
31 gallon tank now, better range when loaded and unloaded
Couldn’t sleep in a 5’7” bed
Now can sleep in a 6’4” bed, and fit a full size 10” thick mattress for camping… haha
-What I’ll miss from my 1500-
Fox 2.5 dsc suspension was dreamy, and awesome for towing dynamics
Huge flat floor in back seat of 1500 for my dog to sleep on during trips, but now he sleeps on floor of rear passenger seat of the 2500 and still a happy camper as long as my kids adjust their foot positions
The 5.7 sounded awesome on startup
Dial shifter, but have gotten used to the steering column shifter
Super efficient 12 mpg (joking)
Telescoping steering wheel
Smartcap - love it, latches that you cant open from the inside - don’t love it
Oil filter location (joking and hoping its better in any way on the 2500)
That my alternator was my starter, such an elegant solution. But not a fan of Etorque in both execution and refinement
-What I love about the 2500 so far-
No sunroof or performance hood. Just cleaner looking, less weight, less cost
Engine and transmission feel noticeably smoother, and powerband feels better and broader
More responsive engine and accelerates faster (gearing + more displacement?)
The ride feels a bit rougher but for some reason I like it more. Its a truck and it rides like a truck, not an SUV
Ceramic Gray is the best color I’ve ever owned in any vehicle
Features are almost the same as 1500 Laramie except for memory and leather seats, touch handle lock/unlock
Love the 360 surround view cameras, really nice for parking a big truck, and not running over my lazy cat
Piece of mind knowing I dont have to worry about payload nearly as much
I installed running boards and was able to move under the entire truck on my creeper without lifting the truck at all
Automatic folding mirrors when I lock the truck. Seems minor but I love it! Plus power extension mirrors…
I love that my front suspension bottoms out on everything (joking)
Got a lot of upgrades planned and looking forward to utilizing and contributing to this forum. Upgrades: Smartcap (purchased), Alu-Cab awning & walls (purchased), Rig’d + Pakmule (purchased), Fox 2.5 dsc F/R, 35’s, Exhaust (would love long tube headers but with 10yr ext warranty not sure regarding tune), Higher capacity inverter & wiring etc, Left shark fin to match the right shark fin, skid plates, center differential for full-time 4wd (kind of joking but would be cool), Kitzkin leather seat upholstry, 3d printing new trim pieces by my kneecaps to give more room for my kneecaps given the absence of a telescoping steering wheel (pending available room behind said trim pieces), L-track/Airline track for bed tiedowns…
Full stoke on my new 2500! Cheers
(Still need to sell my 23’ Ram)
Main reasons for switching:
Kept having payload limitations w/ 1,525lbs while camping and house remodel supplies and dump trips
Now with 3,030 lbs payload haven’t been limited yet
3.21 gears sucks if you want bigger tires and want to tow, regearing would have cost $8k-$10k from multiple quotes
3.73 gears now, and such a huge difference in acceleration and gearing with a load
23 gallon tank while towing a heavy trailer got dicey on a few trips regarding range
31 gallon tank now, better range when loaded and unloaded
Couldn’t sleep in a 5’7” bed
Now can sleep in a 6’4” bed, and fit a full size 10” thick mattress for camping… haha
-What I’ll miss from my 1500-
Fox 2.5 dsc suspension was dreamy, and awesome for towing dynamics
Huge flat floor in back seat of 1500 for my dog to sleep on during trips, but now he sleeps on floor of rear passenger seat of the 2500 and still a happy camper as long as my kids adjust their foot positions
The 5.7 sounded awesome on startup
Dial shifter, but have gotten used to the steering column shifter
Super efficient 12 mpg (joking)
Telescoping steering wheel
Smartcap - love it, latches that you cant open from the inside - don’t love it
Oil filter location (joking and hoping its better in any way on the 2500)
That my alternator was my starter, such an elegant solution. But not a fan of Etorque in both execution and refinement
-What I love about the 2500 so far-
No sunroof or performance hood. Just cleaner looking, less weight, less cost
Engine and transmission feel noticeably smoother, and powerband feels better and broader
More responsive engine and accelerates faster (gearing + more displacement?)
The ride feels a bit rougher but for some reason I like it more. Its a truck and it rides like a truck, not an SUV
Ceramic Gray is the best color I’ve ever owned in any vehicle
Features are almost the same as 1500 Laramie except for memory and leather seats, touch handle lock/unlock
Love the 360 surround view cameras, really nice for parking a big truck, and not running over my lazy cat
Piece of mind knowing I dont have to worry about payload nearly as much
I installed running boards and was able to move under the entire truck on my creeper without lifting the truck at all
Automatic folding mirrors when I lock the truck. Seems minor but I love it! Plus power extension mirrors…
I love that my front suspension bottoms out on everything (joking)
Got a lot of upgrades planned and looking forward to utilizing and contributing to this forum. Upgrades: Smartcap (purchased), Alu-Cab awning & walls (purchased), Rig’d + Pakmule (purchased), Fox 2.5 dsc F/R, 35’s, Exhaust (would love long tube headers but with 10yr ext warranty not sure regarding tune), Higher capacity inverter & wiring etc, Left shark fin to match the right shark fin, skid plates, center differential for full-time 4wd (kind of joking but would be cool), Kitzkin leather seat upholstry, 3d printing new trim pieces by my kneecaps to give more room for my kneecaps given the absence of a telescoping steering wheel (pending available room behind said trim pieces), L-track/Airline track for bed tiedowns…
Full stoke on my new 2500! Cheers
