2500 versus 3500 for towing 16k pound 5th wheel

[TIMOTHY LEADLEY]

Looking to buy a new Ram CTD. If I tow a 16k pound 5th travel trailer 3-4 times a year, which is the better value, 2500 or 3500? Did some building on the Ram website, and the cost spread is not that drastic, even with the CTD HO and Aisin on the 3500. I have not towed a trailer that large on coil overs, so I am leaning to the 3500 because of the leaf springs.

 

[AH64ID]

I would go with the 3500, HO, and auto-level suspension. It will ride better than a coil sprung 2500, and be more capable too.

 

[Dustin R]

Looking to buy a new Ram CTD. If I tow a 16k pound 5th travel trailer 3-4 times a year, which is the better value, 2500 or 3500? Did some building on the Ram website, and the cost spread is not that drastic, even with the CTD HO and Aisin on the 3500. I have not towed a trailer that large on coil overs, so I am leaning to the 3500 because of the leaf springs.

I have a 3500 SO mega cab Big Horn and have a 15,500 lb 5th wheel camper. I highly recommend the 3500. I’ve towed the same camper with a 2500 and I could tell a significant difference. Obviously the 3500 tows it better. You’ll be happier with the 3500. You don’t need the HO, especially if you plan on towing it 3-4 times a year. I also don’t have auto level suspension and my truck levels off with the weight of the camper.

 

[bcbender]

If I was going to order one I'd get the air ride and 50gal tank, those are the only two things I dont have, and NO SUNROOF!!.. But def go 3500, the HO is not required in your usage, but I still would go with the HO, hands down the most comfortable and capable truck out there right now.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I would go with the 3500, HO, and auto-level suspension. It will ride better than a coil sprung 2500, and be more capable too.

100% agree.
I have 6k pin and the ride height is same loaded or not. Love it.

 

[endoscott]

+1, I don't have air or 50 gallon tank but would def get both if I was buying a new one. I have no sunroof. Never saw much use in those except a future leak problem.

 

[kthaxton]

Yeah, you need a 3500 for that. Your pin weight will exceed your payload on a 2500.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Pin can easily be 25% or 4,000#. Last two RV’s gave been 25% loaded.

 

[GroundSquirrel]

My vote goes towards a Tundra V8 or F150 w/ eco boost

 

[Tuesdak]

I set my "unloaded" rear tire pressure in my 3500 and no TPMS complaints like a 2500 has. It spends a lot of time as a DD vs. towing so the TPMS not being a PIA "out of the box" is a big deal.

Don't forget the Puck System for the in bed hitch along with the 50 gal tank, air ride, and Cab Clearance Lights.

Include decent tires in the "deal" and let them dispose of the rough riding fast wearing TrashForce Firestone garbage.

MOPAR Warranty as it will cover rentals: when rentals are available.

With rentals scarce and being in a pandemic: one should consider rolling the "odds dice" in favor of the MD transmission in the HO package. Yes, mine has been in for 2 software updates for shift quality, but, that is way quicker than "what parts" IF something fails. Again odds and both have very good odds of being trouble free to start with. But if "Bad luck is the only luck you have" because you live in extreme conditions: "What is better than the best? I will need that."

3500 Requires "commercial" plates here in AZ. 2500 does not.

Check insurance rates as well to have a full comparison.

 

[C M McCormick]

I tow with a 2018 2500 long bed. The 5th wheel is 10,000lb loaded and tongue weight 1600-1700lb. And I installed the Sumo Spring. It tows great...

Craig

 

[kthaxton]

I tow with a 2018 2500 long bed. The 5th wheel is 10,000lb loaded and tongue weight 1600-1700lb. And I installed the Sumo Spring. It tows great...
View attachment 132593

Craig

The difference between your 10k and the OP's 16k is pretty significant.

 

[SnoKing]

Looking to buy a new Ram CTD. If I tow a 16k pound 5th travel trailer 3-4 times a year, which is the better value, 2500 or 3500? Did some building on the Ram website, and the cost spread is not that drastic, even with the CTD HO and Aisin on the 3500. I have not towed a trailer that large on coil overs, so I am leaning to the 3500 because of the leaf springs.

So it appears that you talk SRW trucks. For a 16K 5th wheel the 2500 is the wrong tool. Now for a 3500 SRW it would be helpful to know the specs of the 5th wheel. Dry pin weight and trailers dry weight. I towed a 16K 5th wheel with a 2015 3500 4X4 short box. The trailer I choose had a dry pin weight of 2435 pounds and we traveled full time with it for about two years. If you start with a 5th wheel with a 3200 pound dry pin weight then you will most likely over load the read axle of the truck when hitched up. Add a Washer/Dry is a front closest and more pin weight. Same with generator in front compartment. So tell us about the trailer.

 

[bcbender]

For anything that big, I like the "comfort and capability" of the 3500.... I understand the license laws etc... but IMHO...anything over 12k and 5er Id go 3500. I also like a LWB too so maybe I'm the outlier...

 

[AH64ID]

For anything that big, I like the "comfort and capability" of the 3500.... I understand the license laws etc... but IMHO...anything over 12k and 5er Id go 3500. I also like a LWB too so maybe I'm the outlier...

You and me both. Short beds belong on 1/2 tons.

 

[SnoKing]

You and me both. Short beds belong on 1/2 tons.

And Crew Cab long box trucks get parked outside, as they do not fit in the average garage!

 

[Turbo Terry]

3500 ho aisin air suspension. You can never have enough truck

 

[AH64ID]

And Crew Cab long box trucks get parked outside, as they do not fit in the average garage!

Ive never owned a garage they fit it… that’s never given me a reason to own a short bed.

They do fit just fine in my shop thou, but that’s only been that last few years.

I’d rather have a truck with the proper bed sitting outside than a truck with a bed that doesn’t work for my use sitting inside.

But it’s gonna be hard to convince the F-150 guy on a Cummins forum of anything.

 

[SnoKing]

But it’s gonna be hard to convince the F-150 guy on a Cummins forum of anything.

I have 5 long bed T-shirts and Hats over a span of 40 years. And only 3 short bed T-shirts and Hats over a span of 46 years. Plus one 1960 El Cameo.

OH! BTW F150's come in 5 1/2, 6 1/2 and 8' bed lengths. Only 1 NA engine, others are mainly twin turbo!

Is it true the Hemi is going to be replace with a twin turbo V6?

 

[JR]

="SnoKing, post: 2693713, member: 8129"Is it true the Hemi is going to be replace with a twin turbo V6?

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