Ram 3500 vs Mid Range truck???

[hensign]

Ok I have a question, Just generally about trucks.



I am haulin a 12k lb trailer behind my Ram 3500 which put me right at GCWR.

The main problem is, my trailer, when unloaded places nearly 2k lbs on the tongue(bumper pull) so if I am going out to retrieve a car the rear of my truck is waaaayyyy overloaded even with a load distribution hitch.

My truck isnt the newest and I have considered moving up, but if all the mid range trucks are using basically the same drive trin except for the rear as the 1 tons why would I.



Will I be able to pull hills better? Will I get better MPG? Will I get better Lifespan? I know they can handle the tongue weight better but is that all I could expect?

I dont see how with the same basic powertrain as the smaller trucks... ...



Thanks for any knowledge

hadley

 

[bmoeller]

Basically, the only difference from, lets say a F-350 vs a F-450/550, is the axles, 19. 5 rims/tires, suspension and frame are heavier. Bigger brakes and such. The parts may cost more. Some of the bigger trucks are geared lower than 4. 10s. More like 4. 88-5. 13 range probably.



Will ride rougher. Payload/towing cap. will be higher, but will have the same powertrain as the F-250/350 trucks.



The F-650 and up trucks will have a Cummins or Cat as the engines of choice. No PSD.

 

[NIsaacs]

Hadley, what kinda trailer do you have that weighs 2,000 lbs on the hitch empty? I have a 20' car hauler style, with 12. 000 gvw that weighs 3,000 lbs empty, total, about 400lbs on the hitch. It sounds like you have a good truck for the total weight you are hauling, 12,000 lbs gvw trailer, maybe a different trailer is in order, maybe cheaper than new/different truck?? Or maybe move the trailer axles forward some?





"NICK"

 

[hensign]

It is a "haulin" by Forest River. 28' with fill kitcken and bath at the front of the trailer. 20' of room for a car but 80% is behind axles so unloaded tongue is high, real high. Love the trailer but... ... . I have to consider how little it will be used empty.