Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
We just took our new 3500 for its first tow.
Here is the recap!
Weight 20,400 pounds. That is with our 35ft. 5er. and 5 people onboard.
650 miles one way from Portland Oregon to Jackpot Nevada. Sea level to 5300 ft.
3500 vers our 2500.
3500 Much more stable, easier to drive, does not hunt or get blown around as much and the 2500, and the 3500 is smoother and quieter, not to mention the extra power and gear selection of the 6 speed.
Here are the stats: 2500 vers 3500, same trip same 5er same load. We took this trip in Feb with the 2500, in May with the 3500. Same trailer, same people on board. We weighed 300 pounds more with the 3500 than the 2500.
2500 55-60 top speed on the long slow climbs. 65 on the level no problem.
3500 65 MPH, speed limit all the time. (The more power really showed)
Both trucks were able to run at the 75mph Idaho speed limit but the new HO never slowed on any of the hills, the 2500 did.
2500 = 35-40 MPH up the Blue Mountains, wide open in 2nd.
3500 = 45-50 and had to back off due to RPM's 50=3000RPM in 4th.
2500 = got 9 mpg going
3500 = got 9 mpg going.
This is a climb from sea level to over a mile high.
Return trip
2500 = 13 mpg (no head winds)
3500 = 9 mpg (20-30 heads winds) Not yet broke in at all.
The 2500 was fully broken in (45K miles)
The 3500 had 400 miles on it when we left. (I do not think it is broken in yet)
One thing I did notice, and I think this is due to not yet being broken in is:
The 2500 temp never went above the mid point on the gauge (190) while the 3500 would climb just past the mid point then the fan would kick in (noisy thing) and the temp would come back down to the mid point. It would not drop down to normal until we were running on level ground or going down hill.
We had a major blow out on the right rear trailer tire at 75 mph coming home through Idaho. While I was able to feel and hear the blow out the truck stayed steady, at that time I was really glad to have a dually.
Man, did that blowout damage the trailer, going to the insurance company to get it fixed.
Conclusion:
I like the extra power of the HO. (My 98. 5 was a 215HP, 420 torque) The HO is a big improvement.
The 6 speed is really handy in the mountains, both going up and going down. Much better than the auto in the 2500.
The 3500 is smoother, quieter, more stable and handles adversity better than the 2500.
The e-brakes (jacobs) and disk brakes on the 3500 are tons, tons, and I mean tons better than NO e-brakes and the old disk/drum brakes of the 2500.
We like our new 3500 and it does just what we bought it to do. Now soon as we get it broke in, get past that 10K re flash, we should start seeing some fuel mileage increases.
Sorry for the long post but had lots of thing to cover.
Thanks
Bob
------------------
2001 3500, SLT+, Green, Tan leather, Duel Power Seats, HO, 6 speed, 4X6, 4. 10, Towing Package, Trailer Tow Mirrors, Camper Package, Sliding rear Window, Jacob’s E-brakes (Dodge), Electric Steps (Dodge), Clarion overhead TC/VCR, In motion satalite, Mud Flaps on all 4s (Dodge) Line-X over the rail bed liner, 20K Reese 5th wheel Hitch with Gooseneck, 30” toolbox and tailgate box. Factory ordered, Picked up on 5-15-01. WOW!
Also have a 1998. 5, 2500, SLT, Red over Driftwood, 24V, 4X4, Auto, 4. 10, Light Group, Camper Special group, Convenience Group, Travel Group, Trailer Group, Keyless entry, 5 band EQ and 6 disk changer, 15K lil' rocker 5er hitch, tool box, rail guards, fog/driving lights, wood grain dash. (truck is 4-Sale)
Here is the recap!
Weight 20,400 pounds. That is with our 35ft. 5er. and 5 people onboard.
650 miles one way from Portland Oregon to Jackpot Nevada. Sea level to 5300 ft.
3500 vers our 2500.
3500 Much more stable, easier to drive, does not hunt or get blown around as much and the 2500, and the 3500 is smoother and quieter, not to mention the extra power and gear selection of the 6 speed.
Here are the stats: 2500 vers 3500, same trip same 5er same load. We took this trip in Feb with the 2500, in May with the 3500. Same trailer, same people on board. We weighed 300 pounds more with the 3500 than the 2500.
2500 55-60 top speed on the long slow climbs. 65 on the level no problem.
3500 65 MPH, speed limit all the time. (The more power really showed)
Both trucks were able to run at the 75mph Idaho speed limit but the new HO never slowed on any of the hills, the 2500 did.
2500 = 35-40 MPH up the Blue Mountains, wide open in 2nd.
3500 = 45-50 and had to back off due to RPM's 50=3000RPM in 4th.
2500 = got 9 mpg going
3500 = got 9 mpg going.
This is a climb from sea level to over a mile high.
Return trip
2500 = 13 mpg (no head winds)
3500 = 9 mpg (20-30 heads winds) Not yet broke in at all.
The 2500 was fully broken in (45K miles)
The 3500 had 400 miles on it when we left. (I do not think it is broken in yet)
One thing I did notice, and I think this is due to not yet being broken in is:
The 2500 temp never went above the mid point on the gauge (190) while the 3500 would climb just past the mid point then the fan would kick in (noisy thing) and the temp would come back down to the mid point. It would not drop down to normal until we were running on level ground or going down hill.
We had a major blow out on the right rear trailer tire at 75 mph coming home through Idaho. While I was able to feel and hear the blow out the truck stayed steady, at that time I was really glad to have a dually.
Man, did that blowout damage the trailer, going to the insurance company to get it fixed.
Conclusion:
I like the extra power of the HO. (My 98. 5 was a 215HP, 420 torque) The HO is a big improvement.
The 6 speed is really handy in the mountains, both going up and going down. Much better than the auto in the 2500.
The 3500 is smoother, quieter, more stable and handles adversity better than the 2500.
The e-brakes (jacobs) and disk brakes on the 3500 are tons, tons, and I mean tons better than NO e-brakes and the old disk/drum brakes of the 2500.
We like our new 3500 and it does just what we bought it to do. Now soon as we get it broke in, get past that 10K re flash, we should start seeing some fuel mileage increases.
Sorry for the long post but had lots of thing to cover.
Thanks
Bob
------------------
2001 3500, SLT+, Green, Tan leather, Duel Power Seats, HO, 6 speed, 4X6, 4. 10, Towing Package, Trailer Tow Mirrors, Camper Package, Sliding rear Window, Jacob’s E-brakes (Dodge), Electric Steps (Dodge), Clarion overhead TC/VCR, In motion satalite, Mud Flaps on all 4s (Dodge) Line-X over the rail bed liner, 20K Reese 5th wheel Hitch with Gooseneck, 30” toolbox and tailgate box. Factory ordered, Picked up on 5-15-01. WOW!
Also have a 1998. 5, 2500, SLT, Red over Driftwood, 24V, 4X4, Auto, 4. 10, Light Group, Camper Special group, Convenience Group, Travel Group, Trailer Group, Keyless entry, 5 band EQ and 6 disk changer, 15K lil' rocker 5er hitch, tool box, rail guards, fog/driving lights, wood grain dash. (truck is 4-Sale)
