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Old 05-17-2017, 05:05 PM   #1
jmak
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TV Upgrade?

Currently pulling my Cougar XLite 26RBI TT with a F150 Ecoboost and about to pull the trigger on a 2017 Ram 2500 4x4 with 6.4 gasser. Up for input on pros and cons. Diesel is not an option at the extra $9k cost.
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Old 05-17-2017, 05:26 PM   #2
66joej
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Envy you. That Ram will more than do the job. Lots of HP and Torque. Also payload will be higher than with the Cummins. Lower maintenance is also a consideration i.e. oil changes,etc.
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Old 05-17-2017, 05:27 PM   #3
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I pull with a gasser, no issues, You can buy a lot of other things with that 9K.
I lock out 6th and average about 8.5 @65mph. I've owned 2 diesel DRW so I know what I am not missing.

Good luck with your new truck.
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Old 05-17-2017, 06:03 PM   #4
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Get a 3500 srw. For real payload and so you aren't posting about upgrading again!

I guess with a gasser you will get a little more but If you ever get a bigger fifth wheel you will probably have a payload problem on 2500 vs 3500. Cost Diff is minimal. Like 800$
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Old 05-17-2017, 08:55 PM   #5
jtharding2712
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I'm pulling a Cougar Lite 28sgs with a 2500 6.4 and have been all over Oregon and California and it does just fine. Just keep it in a lower gear on the big hills...

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Old 05-17-2017, 09:18 PM   #6
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I made the same upgrade.
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Old 05-17-2017, 09:20 PM   #7
ctbruce
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Not suggesting the 3500 because it is needed but because they would get more towing capacity for a small dollar increase.

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Old 05-17-2017, 09:48 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jmak View Post
Currently pulling my Cougar XLite 26RBI TT with a F150 Ecoboost and about to pull the trigger on a 2017 Ram 2500 4x4 with 6.4 gasser. Up for input on pros and cons. Diesel is not an option at the extra $9k cost.
Last week, I bought the exact truck you're questioning in the Mega cab configuration. It was an upgrade from an 08 Yukon Xl Denali. My thoughts:

Ram has by far the nicest of the HD trucks interiors. Very quiet inside with just a subtle audible from the Hemi's exhaust note. It has the best overall infotainment center with controls centered on that big 9" screen for just about everything.

The ride will be much more unforgiving than your 1/2 ton. It rides like a real truck, especially when empty. When hitched up to my trailer, the truck is more planted and less bouncy. It's going to take some time for us to get used to the rigid ride. I couldn't imagine what a 1 ton dually would feel like driving empty. If you're never going to pull a big 5th wheel or TH, a 1 ton truck is overkill and excessive, for you and your bone rattled passengers.

The newest generation Hemi has been around for a while as for this itiration of RAM HD trucks (going on 9 years I believe). The abundance of late model RAMs in the Detroit area is astounding. Even after my warranty is up, service on the RAM will never be a problem and neither will obtaining parts for it.

Several other points, one of which was already made clear. The Cummins/Aisin upgrade is an expensive one that would only be justifiable if your pulling heavy trailers over long distance up significant altitudes. Racing up the Eisenhower Pass on I-70 on a regular basis with 12,000 lbs in tow would not be something I would ever do so the diesel is a no go for me. YMMV.

Overall, the 3/4 ton had been a welcome addition to our family. My wife still likes the air ride of the Denali. I passed up a GM employee discount on a HD Sierra to go with the Ram primarily due to the enormous space in the 2nd row and the stylings of the interior. My relatively loaded Lariame trim offered so much value to us than a comparatively priced GM product.

Now I have to figure out a way to satisfy the DW and tame the unloaded truck's suspension, outside of running the tires below the Psi recommended on the OEM placard.
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Old 05-18-2017, 04:02 AM   #9
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Thank you everyone. How is gas mileage for everyone with the 6.4. I am hoping I can get 10mpg towing between 60-65, I usually keep it at 62 in my F150 Eco and got 11mpg unless I had a bad headwind. I am very surprised the truck only has a 31 gallon fuel tank. F150 with max tow or 4x4 even come with a 36 gallon tank.
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Old 05-18-2017, 04:43 AM   #10
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I doubt you will see 10 mpg towing with a V-8 gasser, 8-9 seems to be the norm. As for a 3500 upgrade, personally I wouldn't bother. Normally I would say that is a smart move, but if you ever upgrade to a bigger 5er that required the 3500 I'd also say a diesel would be in order. And as already mentioned, since you're going with a Dodge, the 3500 would be a rougher, un-needed, unwanted ride. If you were going GM, you could probably get away with it since they seem to have a much softer ride. Even my 2011 DRW is nice and the new ones are much better. If you feel the ride of the Ram is too harsh, I know several Dodge owners who have added air bags to help with the ride. In their words, they help keep the fillings in their teeth.
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Old 05-18-2017, 05:10 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by busterbrown View Post

Several other points, one of which was already made clear. The Cummins/Aisin upgrade is an expensive one that would only be justifiable if your pulling heavy trailers over long distance up significant altitudes. Racing up the Eisenhower Pass on I-70 on a regular basis with 12,000 lbs in tow would not be something I would ever do so the diesel is a no go for me. YMMV.
X2
The Ram will tow your light weigh trailer like it isn't even there. For what you have described the Cummins is over kill and an unwarranted expense. Contrary to popular belief not everyone will be upgrading to the biggest 5er than can afford in the next year. I haven't towed any distance with mine yet, but from what I've read, you can expect to get about 10 MPG. The hardest thing to get used to is the lack of grange with the 31 gallon tank and poorer fuel economy. On the upside, you will have more than enough cargo capacity and wont be pushing any safety limits.
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Old 05-18-2017, 06:10 AM   #12
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I want to clarify the "literal vs figurative" statements being made. First, the RAM 2500, properly equipped, is a very good tow vehicle. Whether you choose gas (HEMI) or diesel power, you'll get significantly better stability than with your Ford F150. That said, it is not possible to tow a 6100 pound, 30 foot long trailer with a GVW of 7800 pounds and "literally" not know it there... AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN.

You're still going to be affected by side winds, head winds, passing trucks, highway "bounce", slowed braking when towing, significantly reduced acceleration when towing and the regular "gamut" of "I know I've got an extra 7000 pounds behind me" that all of us face. Don't think for a second that your new RAM will perform similarly whether the trailer is at home or behind the truck.

You'll still need to plan spacing between vehicles, start stopping earlier than when "solo", allow time to accelerate into merging traffic and keep a watchful eye on traffic that ignores the physics of trying to control 15000 pounds "barreling down the highway" at 65 MPH. Stay safe, enjoy your new tow vehicle and trailer, but remember:

You're going to know it's there !!!
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Old 05-19-2017, 08:49 AM   #13
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I just want to reply about how much harder a 1 ton rides than 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton. I have had the means of driving many different vehicles and owned a bunch. If you drive 1 part of a day than another you can tell the difference. My current examples are a f250 CC short bed 4x4 it rides harder than my f350 CC long bed 4x4. The E150 PD van rides nearly as hard as my F350. My point is you really need to test drive a vehicle to see how hard the suspension is. Way to many different things change that ride from 1 truck maker to another. The wheel base, tires, psi in the tires, coil springs or leaf springs, seats just to name a few.
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Old 05-19-2017, 09:08 AM   #14
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And I've noticed that the ride on the driver's seat is different than the passenger seat. My wife complains all the time when I feel no problems. The few times I've let her drive and I've rode, it beats me up to the point I determine she's either doing it on purpose or just a bad driver. Of course I keep that to myself!

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Old 05-19-2017, 09:19 AM   #15
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You've picked a good truck for your situation.

I have the Ram 2500 4x4 CC and really like it. As one poster noted, after checking out the competition I just liked the Ram interior much more...and it was cheaper. The diesel option, for us, was a no go because we don't need it and don't intend to go to a larger trailer (our gvw is 10k).

The ride can be harsh, as it is with HD trucks. One way to mitigate that is to 1) air down the rear tires from 80 psi to 65 which helps, and something I just found out 2) replace the Firestone TransForce OEM tires with Michelin Defenders. Just replaced the OEM tires with the Michelins and was quite surprised at how quiet and soft the new tires were vs the OEM Firestones.

A one ton would be great if you plan on upgrading trailers in the near future. If you do go one ton I would go diesel....that's what I'm going to do if and when DW approves a 5th wheel.
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Old 05-19-2017, 09:25 AM   #16
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Y'all folks thinking them pickup trucks ride rough just need to spend some time in a CJ5... You'll be over that kick pretty quick..
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Old 05-19-2017, 09:59 AM   #17
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Y'all folks thinking them pickup trucks ride rough just need to spend some time in a CJ5... You'll be over that kick pretty quick..

My CJ7 is bad enough.... At least there's nothing in/on it that makes you think you're supposed to be comfortable.....except my aftermarket Bestop Aquasport hi back reclining buckets!! Now THAT was a worthwhile upgrade
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Old 05-19-2017, 10:23 AM   #18
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Dealership has had me in a demo for several days now. Going to purchase tonight. They had to get the exact truck I wanted, or at least very close to it from anther dealership. The demo is 4x2 and has the air suspension in the rear. It drives surprisingly very smooth for a 3/4 ton truck. Hopefully going to 4x4 and no rear air suspension it will still ride similar.

Comparing to others HDs, Fords are too expensive right now with the redesign. I really like the Ford however my dw complains the seats are too firm and not comfortable for her on trips. I love the exterior of GM HD trucks but something about the interior I do not care for especially with the radio and center stack.

Overall I am impressed with the RAM. Smoothest ride of out of the 3 and the interior is very well done and discounts like Ford used to do on their trucks. The one think I will miss from my F150 is the tailgate step. As high as tailgates are, having the fold down step made getting into the truck bed so much easier.
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Old 05-19-2017, 12:04 PM   #19
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After reading about all the Ram information, I decided to check one out. The best part about the visit was the price.

After comparing the numbers between a 2017 2500and the 3500 I was quite surprised.

Units to compare: Tradesman, CC short box, SWD, 4X4, 6.4 gas with 4.10 gears

************2500*******3500
GVWR******10,000******10,800***+800
Payload******3,300*******4,010***+710
GCWR******22,800******22,900***+100
Max Trailer**15,630******15,640****+10

Sorry about the format, but it kept the numbers aligned.

As you can see there is a balancing act to keep the GVW and the trailer weight within limits to stay within the GVWR and GCWR. Amazing how that extra 710 lb. of payload comes into play.
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Old 05-19-2017, 12:11 PM   #20
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Quote:
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Overall I am impressed with the RAM. Smoothest ride of out of the 3 and the interior is very well done and discounts like Ford used to do on their trucks. The one think I will miss from my F150 is the tailgate step. As high as tailgates are, having the fold down step made getting into the truck bed so much easier.
Check out the AMP Bed Step.

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....FQGQaQoddqIIjQ
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