3500HD vs 4500

[DGerth]

Would like to have opinions on this Q. I have a 13 3500HD that I haul a 4500lb camper with. My ? is, is there a large difference between a 3500 and 4500 weight capacity, load carrying limit? I have heard that the difference is negligible, what say yall ?
tks for your considered opinions.

 

[AH64ID]

With Ram there is a decent difference in GVWR and RAWR.

The 4500 has a 2500lb higher GVWR (if that number is important for you), and a 2,250lb higher RAWR.

Some of the differences will be absorbed by the heavier construction of the 4500, but the 4500 is still likely a better platform for that camper.


The F-450 pickup actually has lower ratings than certain configurations than the F-350 pickup, since both have the same GVWR, but they still make the F-450 pickup because it handles the weight better, similar to what you’re looking at with Ram.

 

[NIsaacs]

The 4500 has a 1500lb higher GVWR (if that number is important for you),

I think it is actually 2000 higher gvw, class 4 max is 16k.

One of the biggest differences is the de-tuned power rating, if that is a consideration for you.

 

[AH64ID]

I think it is actually 2000 higher gvw, class 4 max is 16k.

One of the biggest differences is the de-tuned power rating, if that is a consideration for you.

Dang typo. I meant 2500. The Ram website shows the 4500 going up to a GVWR of 16.5K, where the 3500 caps at 14K.

Yes lower power than the pickups, but better gearing for bearing heavy is available too.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I would have ZERO issue hauling a 4,500# camper as I already have a 6k pin weight and the truck handles that and the 24k RV behind it. With that load my ride height is exactly the same loaded or un loaded as I have Factory Rear Air. Top tailgate is 55" in ALT ride mode.

A 4500 would no doubt handle it even better as would a 5500.

 

[gsbrockman]

One of the biggest differences is the de-tuned power rating, if that is a consideration for you.

Shhhhhhh......not so loud. My truck might hear this and stop pulling some of the heavy stuff I throw at it.......

 

[Cummins12V98]

It would be interesting to pull a specific long steep trade with my configuration and then tune it to GS's specs. I bet there would not be a darn bit of different.

 

[NIsaacs]

It would be interesting to pull a specific long steep trade with my configuration and then tune it to GS's specs. I bet there would not be a darn bit of different.

Yes, but keep in mind, your truck is getting wimpy by todays standards My little SO has just slightly less power than you @ 370/850.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Yes, but keep in mind, your truck is getting wimpy by todays standards My little SO has just slightly less power than you @ 370/850.

True but I still wonder how much it really matters.

 

[crazy jerry]

With Ram there is a decent difference in GVWR and RAWR.

The 4500 has a 2500lb higher GVWR (if that number is important for you), and a 2,250lb higher RAWR.

Some of the differences will be absorbed by the heavier construction of the 4500, but the 4500 is still likely a better platform for that camper.


The F-450 pickup actually has lower ratings than certain configurations than the F-350 pickup, since both have the same GVWR, but they still make the F-450 pickup because it handles the weight better, similar to what you’re looking at with Ram.

also a '13 3500 probly only had 5500 fawr. new 4500 probly has 6500 or 7k fawr