Back to a 2500, Some Questions

[pjc]

I have owned both a 98 and 05 2500. I am researching a downsize from a Class 8 "super c" Motorhome to a 2500 and smaller 5th wheel trailer.

So, I need to come up to speed on the new trucks. My thoughts and questions so far:

- I prefer the coil rear suspension as I would install King or Fox off-road shocks to allow full tuning capabilities.
- I want heated and cooled seats. What option package/trim level are those available in?
- 8' or 6.5' bed for a 5th wheel?
- Manual or auto trans?
- Any chance the Aisin Auto will be available in the 2500?
- Where can I find a towing rate guide that has specifics for 5th wheels?

That's about it fir now. Thanks for any and all help.

 

[Newsa]

I have owned both a 98 and 05 2500. I am researching a downsize from a Class 8 "super c" Motorhome to a 2500 and smaller 5th wheel trailer.

So, I need to come up to speed on the new trucks. My thoughts and questions so far:

- I prefer the coil rear suspension as I would install King or Fox off-road shocks to allow full tuning capabilities.
- I want heated and cooled seats. What option package/trim level are those available in?
- 8' or 6.5' bed for a 5th wheel?
- Manual or auto trans?
- Any chance the Aisin Auto will be available in the 2500?
- Where can I find a towing rate guide that has specifics for 5th wheels?

That's about it fir now. Thanks for any and all help.

I doubt they would put an Aisin in a 2500.

The 3500 is only about $600-$800 more, tho. Might consider that. If you were thinking of spending extra for the Aisin, a bit more for the 3500 shouldn't matter?

 

[schmeg]

I just made the move from 1500 to 3500. I see absolutely no sense in a 2500 at all, unless your insurance company won't insure above 10,000GVWR. As stated its an $800. upgrade and well worth it. Ride quality isn't quite as good, but hey, its a truck. And if your going for more than a half ton, then you must be looking for a truck to get some work done. With a 3500 payload issues are no longer an issue. If you can tolerate a dually, an Aisin will get you over 30K towing. I got a G56 which I like, but wish I had gone with the Aisin now.

 

[Newsa]

I just made the move from 1500 to 3500. I see absolutely no sense in a 2500 at all, unless your insurance company won't insure above 10,000GVWR. As stated its an $800. upgrade and well worth it. Ride quality isn't quite as good, but hey, its a truck. And if your going for more than a half ton, then you must be looking for a truck to get some work done. With a 3500 payload issues are no longer an issue. If you can tolerate a dually, an Aisin will get you over 30K towing. I got a G56 which I like, but wish I had gone with the Aisin now.

Nothing wrong with a G56 and a 4:10 rear end though.

If i'm pulling a 5th wheel more than 1000 miles per year, i'd go with a dually.

 

[Jim W]

I will try and answer some of these questions in red. But I can't answer any questions on the 4th gen trucks since I have a 08, 2500 Mega cab with the 6.7L and 68RFE trans.

I have owned both a 98 and 05 2500. I am researching a downsize from a Class 8 "super c" Motorhome to a 2500 and smaller 5th wheel trailer.

So, I need to come up to speed on the new trucks. My thoughts and questions so far:

- I prefer the coil rear suspension as I would install King or Fox off-road shocks to allow full tuning capabilities.
- I want heated and cooled seats. What option package/trim level are those available in?

- 8' or 6.5' bed for a 5th wheel? I have a 6'.5" bed on my Mega cab so a slider hitch is required. I only use the sliding portion of the hitch to put my 5er in the driveway and in campgrounds where maneuvering is tight.

- Manual or auto trans? The 68RFE auto is great and I have put 100,000 miles on my truck with no issues at all. The Aisin is suppose to be that much better than the 68RFE so if you buy the 3500 model go for the Aisin. Now since you are looking at a 2500 model I would think that yo want a SRW truck. This is only available with the 3:42 gear set regardless of what automatic you buy with the 6.7L Cummins.

- Where can I find a towing rate guide that has specifics for 5th wheels? I would try this site for tow ratings http://www.rambodybuilder.com/year.pdf

That's about it fir now. Thanks for any and all help.

 

[LandShark]

During the last year I switched from a 95 2500 Club long bed to a 2015 3500 crew cab long bed. I suggest you look seriously at a short bed, The long bed crew cab is a pain to park and often will not make a u-turn on a 6 lane road without going up on the curb.

I see you have a good reason for wanting the coil springs which limits you to a 2500. I will just say that the ride quality of the 3500 is much better than my old 2500. Also, the new truck is much less capable off road because of a massive increase in weight and the poor turning radius.

The auto trans in the 2015 is superior to the 1995. It's not perfect but I have no complaints about it.

Something else to think about with a 5th wheel is that the new trucks are several inches higher, I have under slung axles and 16" wheels on the 5th wheel and still cannot get the whole rig to tow close to level.

 

[SnoKing]

If you are going to tow a 5th wheel, do it right once for up to a 17K trailer by purchasing a 3500 SRW, Aisin and rear air. You most likely need a Laramie+ to get heated and cooled seats. Snoking

 

[schmeg]

Why SRW over DRW?

 

[SnoKing]

Why SRW over DRW?

Because a lot of people do not like duallies. SRW 3500 is rates the the larger mid size 5ers. OP was talking about a 2500, a jump from there to a dually may not be warranted. Snoking

 

[pjc]

Thanks All. This will be a daily driver for me. Not that I drive much but, DRW would be hassle.

I need to see what Carli is doing with the suspension.