acquire new-to-me RAM 3500

[OLD EAGLE]

What's old is new again.

This us my third time around as I renewed my subscription. I haven't got my RAM yet and that is the question.

I am purchasing a Hawk flatbed camper. I will also purchase a new or slightly used Ram 3500 (maybe 2500), depending on responses to this request.

Are there any late model RAMs, (last five years or so), that I should seek out or avoid? Or are there any opinions as to whether a 2500 would be satisfactory/adequate or would the 3500 be better? Would get either as an SRW. The weight of the camper, dry, will be about 1800#. My major concerns are that the payload will be adequate for the camper and necessary gear. Most, or all, 1500's/350's don't have quite enough payloads.

My new-to-me RAM is not going to be used for hauling or as a work truck.

I know there will be different opinions. But, this is the best place to get those opinions.

Thanks,

OLD EAGLE

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Never worry about "DRY" weights, you need to know the fully loaded weight of the camper and your gear and passengers.

2500 isn't factory rated for that type of camper, people do it anyway though.

At the weight you are probably looking at fully loaded, it's going to take a 3500 to properly handle it.

The newer the truck you can afford, the better, all have been updated as time has gone along.

 

[lpennock]

19-20 Cummins use CP4 which has less than a stellar record in Power Stokes and Duramax. 21 returned to CP3 so I would personally skip 19-20 if getting a Cummins.

3500 uses leaf springs outboard of the frame while 2500 uses coil springs inboard of the frame The further you can get the springs outboard the less sway you will have with a top heavy load like a truck camper. At 1800 dry which will come in somewhere around 2500b ready to use so you will be getting close to if not exceeding the payload on a 2500. Most 3500 SRW have 3k+ payloads. Personally with your projected use I would go 3500.

 

[OLD EAGLE]

Thanks. Especially the heads on 19/20.

 

[Cummins12V98]

15-18 and 21 up 3500’s with factory rear air and AISIN.