using a friend's 2500 to tow

[MJM-NY]

So after doing a bunch of reading and research (and tips from people here!) for my Laredo TT that comes in around 8,000lbs fully loaded I am not going to tow my trailer this weekend with my RAM 1500 (only 1,300lb payload). Instead I am using my friend's 2500 GMC diesel that has over 2,300 lbs of payload.

My question is, can I just put my WD hitch on his truck? I measured the 2 trucks and his sits 1" higher than my 1500....TIA!!

[chuckster57]

You should be fine. What brand W/D?

[flybouy]

I'd give you one peice of advice before towing, prepare your wallet, you'll most likely start looking at trading in that 1\2 Ton.

[MJM-NY]

I believe it's an e2 wd hitch...

It's funny you mention a new truck after towing with the 2500, my friend said the same thing!! My lease on my 1500 is up in May and I'll look at 2500's then, until then I have full use of his 2500, thankfully!

[mazboy]

you can always get the 5.7 engine and stay with the 1500.

[xrated]

Originally Posted by mazboy

you can always get the 5.7 engine and stay with the 1500.

So a bigger motor AND even LESS PAYLOAD???? Really?

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by mazboy

you can always get the 5.7 engine and stay with the 1500.

Having owned and towed with 2 Ram 1500 5.7s I can attest that the 3/4 ton is by far a better choice for an 8000 lb. trailer.

[travelin texans]

Comparing the 1500 gasser to the 2500 diesel is not a fair comparison, its night & day.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by flybouy

I'd give you one peice of advice before towing, prepare your wallet, you'll most likely start looking at trading in that 1\2 Ton.

X2!
Will DW be with you in the TV? hope so as the sell to move from a 1/2 ton gasser to a 3/4 to 1 ton diesel will far easier!!!

[MJM-NY]

my 2016 RAM 1500 does have the 5.7 hemi, plenty to tow with just not enough payload for my TT. With that said, what are pros/cons of going with the new Ford F150 with the HDPP (heavy duty payload package) instead of the 3/4 ton truck? I believe the HDPP would get me close to 2,000lbs payload in a 1/2 ton truck. The reason i ask is this truck is also my daily driver.

My calculations put me around 1,800lbs of needed payload capacity. max 8,000lb trailer * 13% = 1040 hitch weight, 550 lbs of occupants and say 200lbs of bikes, etc.

[MJM-NY]

i don't think i would go with diesel tho due to more upfront costs and maintenance, if I have to go 3/4 ton i'm thinking it would be a gas 6.7L?

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by MJM-NY

i don't think i would go with diesel tho due to more upfront costs and maintenance, if I have to go 3/4 ton i'm thinking it would be a gas 6.7L?

Gas would be 6.4 for a Ram, 6.0 for a GM and 6.2 for a Ford.

If you don't want a diesel, don't borrow the friends truck.

[MJM-NY]

i don't have any options except his diesel to use for next week's camping trip, unless I stay with my 1500, which i don't want to do. I have been duly warned that I will want a diesel after towing with it though!

[travelin texans]

I agree on the upfront cost, depending on what kind of wheeler dealer you may be or new vs used, but have yet to notice any increased maintenance cost.
We've driven 2 different 1 ton duallys as daily drivers since Jan '05, so far 300k+ with half or more of that towing a 16k 5th wheel with no significant maintenance cost. Each of mine were in the shop only once due to warranty or recalls
Oil changes at 7.5-10k miles or once a year at $59-89 depending on coupons or specials, the gasser is every 3-5k at $30 depending on whether you do it yourself or dealer. Most other maintenance items such tire rotations the gassers will need as well.
If your talking about the DEF, that's about $12+/- every 3-3.5k miles, which won't break the bank.
This is on my 2 GMCs, other brands may vary.
In my opinion if you towing a heavy rv regularly with a gasser the maintenance cost on it will substantially increase on rearends, transmissions, cooling system due to running at much higher rpms to get to the power of the gas engine. Plus for towing there's no comparison between gas or diesel, diesel is made for towing.

[bob91yj]

I'm a diesel truck owner ('06 GMC), and I love my truck...having said that if I was only towing occasionally and had no other real reason for an HD truck, I think I'd go with a gas engine. I'm a Baja traveler and with the new emissions systems that throw diesel's into limp mode for any number of reasons they just wouldn't work for me.

[RoscoeV]

I wouldn't look at a 1500 period. If you do, you will kick yourself WHEN you want to upgrade to a bigger TT or 5th wheel.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by bob91yj

I'm a diesel truck owner ('06 GMC), and I love my truck...having said that if I was only towing occasionally and had no other real reason for an HD truck, I think I'd go with a gas engine. I'm a Baja traveler and with the new emissions systems that throw diesel's into limp mode for any number of reasons they just wouldn't work for me.

My '13 has 123k on it & has never went into limp mode.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by MJM-NY

i don't have any options except his diesel to use for next week's camping trip, unless I stay with my 1500, which i don't want to do. I have been duly warned that I will want a diesel after towing with it though!

Please report back after you complete the Weekend!!

[MJM-NY]

i def will, thanks for all the help and info!!

[bob91yj]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

My '13 has 123k on it & has never went into limp mode.

I work at a Chevy dealership, I've seen it too often for me to risk it. My worst example of it all going horribly wrong... I had a customer that towed a boat to Cabo San Lucas, he made it back to Guerro Negro on the way home and his truck went into limp mode...$3000 tow and a 1200 mile road on the back of a Mexican tow truck later, he got the truck to me.

For whatever reason, the locals can't buy diesel pick-up trucks in Mexico, so there is virtually ZERO support/parts for them in Baja.

Like I said, I love my truck, damn thing pulls like a freight train.