Ride

[retirednak]

I was at the local stealership checking out the Challenger's and noticed a new SLT C&C 4x4 for sale. I've been debating whether or not to spend the money on rebuilding my trans and rebuilding the front end including free wheeling hubs or buy another truck. The salesman told me a buyer backed out of a deal at $10K under suggested retail price and they really want it gone since its been on the lot for almost 8 months.

My questions are,do these 4500 ride much stiffer then the 3500? I didn't bother even starting the truck since I know the ride would be poor without some type of bed on it. I didn't even pay attention to the window sticker. What gear ratios are available?

My wife is heading to Afghanistan to go to work for a while and we would like to start RVing when she gets back. With our 3500 paid for and only

105K miles,don't really know if I want to spend that kind of money.

What say you?

Thanks,

Casey

 

[HBarlow]

The Ram 4500s have a GVWR of 16,500 lbs. instead of 12,500 on the Ram 3500s so yes, they ride stiffer. I've never had the opportunity to ride in one with a 1000 lb. aftermarket tow bed installed. I'm sure they ride better with a bed, fifthwheel hitch, aux fuel tank, tools, etc. Those who tow heavy fivers with them love them. I'm sure they ride great with a heavy kingpin on the hitch.

Rear end ratios depend on the transmission and you didn't tell us if the one you looked at is an Aisin six speed automatic or a G-56 manual. You can see the gearing options on the Ram cab and chassis website.

 

[RVTRKN]

The Ram 4500s have a GVWR of 16,500 lbs. instead of 12,500 on the Ram 3500s so yes, they ride stiffer. I've never had the opportunity to ride in one with a 1000 lb. aftermarket tow bed installed. I'm sure they ride better with a bed, fifthwheel hitch, aux fuel tank, tools, etc. Those who tow heavy fivers with them love them. I'm sure they ride great with a heavy kingpin on the hitch.



Rear end ratios depend on the transmission and you didn't tell us if the one you looked at is an Aisin six speed automatic or a G-56 manual. You can see the gearing options on the Ram cab and chassis website.

I just visited the Dodge web site and they quote it as 13K GVWR now, I found my original window sticker and it was 12. 5K GVWR. The 12. 5K is for the Hemi which is the standard option. I just checked my door sticker and it has a 12. 5K GVWR.

 

[HBarlow]

I just visited the Dodge web site and they quote it as 13K GVWR now, I found my original window sticker and it was 12. 5K GVWR. The 12. 5K is for the Hemi which is the standard option. I just checked my door sticker and it has a 12. 5K GVWR.

So what does that irrelevant information have to do with the original poster's question about the ride of a new Ram 4500?

 

[Wiredawg]

My 4500 does not ride as smooth as a 3500, but it is not harsh... it's just firmer. I installed a Brown's welding grill/brush guard on it that makes it smoother. W/ aux fuel tank/toolbox and tow body, my truck weighs 11. 3Klbs. My wife loves driving and occasionally takes it to work.



My main objectives in purchasing were to:



-Get the biggest brakes possible

-Have commercial grade components (frame, axles, transmission)

-Get an 11' bed

- 4. 44 ratio w/ double overdrive Aisin gives me 70 mph at 2,100 RPM



I drive my 4500 to work most of the time, about 6miles ea way. Around town driving and a heavy right foot give me about 12. 4 mpg. Towing 17K Travel Supreme gives me 8 to 9 mpg @ 70mph. FYI: my '02 3500 (in sig) got the same towing and about 13. 4 mpg. Interesting how different folks see the same thing... some would complain about this mileage, but I'm extatic.



I have a few posts where on here over the years about towing with a 2500, 3500 and several on my observations of the 4500. BTW, all towing the same 17K TS.



IMHO, you can't beat this rig towing heavy w/ out going to a Freightliner MTD.



Hope this helps.



Let us know what you decide.



Wiredawg

 

[RVTRKN]

So what does that irrelevant information have to do with the original poster's question about the ride of a new Ram 4500?

Its not that I'm being sarcastic about it, you are a detail kind of individual and thought you might want to know the info.

 

[HBarlow]

Its not that I'm being sarcastic about it, you are a detail kind of individual and thought you might want to know the info.

Yes, I do try to keep details straight.

I did not know that the 2011 Ram 3500 C&C had increased GVWR to 13,000 from the 12,500 of my '08.

 

[Seane1987]

We have 2 5500's at work, both are quad cabs, but one has and 8 ft bed and the other a 10 ft bed, the longer truck rides better. and they both ride rough, but are smoother than my 2000 3500 in my opinion

 

[AH64ID]

If your looking at becoming a full time RVer the 4500 would be a great choice. The ride will be noticably stiffer, just based on the wheels/tires, let alone the additional springs rates for 1800 lbs more front axle capacity, and 2,600 lbs more rear axle capacity. But when loaded it would be comfortable, especially on the highway if it's a CC 80" CA.



But the added wheel-base and heavier duty setup will do great for full timing it. Thou my retirement is a long long long ways off I would love a 4500 and a large 5er. Probably the only time I would consider an auto trans.

 

[RVTRKN]

The salesman told me a buyer backed out of a deal at $10K under suggested retail price and they really want it gone since its been on the lot for almost 8 months.

I was at a Dodge Dealer yesterday and was pricing the 2500's 4X4's and saw 55K as an average, equipped how I would like it, Laramie's where 59K, WOW, if you can get 10K off the price, I would think about it.

 

[AH64ID]

I was at a Dodge Dealer yesterday and was pricing the 2500's 4X4's and saw 55K as an average, equipped how I would like it, Laramie's where 59K, WOW, if you can get 10K off the price, I would think about it.

You need to give Dave Smith a call in Idaho. . I know 2 people that bought CC LB Laramies for more than 10K lower than that.

 

[retirednak]

I like the idea of having commercial grade components if we do decide to full time it over the winter months. The fuel mileage isn't any better or worse then what I see now with my '03. I wish the C&C were more popular up here so I could find one to drive,I don't want to spend the money and find out the new truck ride rides to harsh for my back. After my forth back operation,I find my back killing me after 2-300 miles in my truck. But Alaska roads suck to begin with and it would be a different story in the lower 48.

I would prefer a manual transmission,but my wife refuses to drive a manual. So the new truck would have to be an auto. I would also want a long wheel base truck for a better ride. Thanks for answering my questions and I'll be sure and post again if I decide to take the plunge.

Casey

 

[retirednak]

I was on the Ram website and got a bit confused. The 3500 is supposed to have 22500 towing max,as to the C&C is shown to have 18700 max. Why does the C&C tow less weight? The info is located Am I reading this info wrong?

 

[HBarlow]

Ignore the brochure towing limits. They are basically nonsense.

The truck manufacturer has stated what the engineers consider the max weight the loaded truck and trailer should weigh for satisfactory performance without overstressing components. That figure has been ignored for years by hotshot haulers and full time RVers.

If you really want maximum trailer weight subtract the truck's actual loaded for travel weight from GCWR.

 

[retirednak]

Kinda what I figured,Thanks

 

[JWey]

Hi retirednak,

I can relate to your concern with a stiff riding truck. I just sold an F650 for that very reason. Just in case you don't know, there is a company called Kelderman who sell airbags to smooth out the ride and assist in towing for trucks of this size and larger. They supposedly really make a nice difference in the ride and may reduce the abuse to your back to a more tolerable level for your situation.

Kelderman Air Ride

I hope you find a good solution for your situation!

 

[RVTRKN]

I was on the Ram website and got a bit confused. The 3500 is supposed to have 22500 towing max,as to the C&C is shown to have 18700 max. Why does the C&C tow less weight? The info is located Am I reading this info wrong?

I checked into what you posted, and it is a good question, If you noticed there is a number in italics that would have a note [1] for example. But I could not find it, so if you go to the brochures and look up the specs The max GCVWR you can get for the 3500 is 24. 5K lbs and the Max GCVWR for the 3500 C&C's is 26K lbs.

 

[AH64ID]

Very soon the 3500 will have the Max Tow package and a GCWR of 30K lbs. . pretty silly for a 3500 but that's where the market has gone.

 

[retirednak]

I've heard of Kelderman. I had Firestone bags on my old K5 Plow truck,it did help with the ride some. I guess I need to decide if I want to spend the money on a new truck and RV or take the chance with my '03. With under 105K on my truck,there should be plenty of miles left on the engine. The interior is great and no rust on the body,new coat of paint and I should be good to go. It would be an easier decision if the newer trucks got better fuel mileage. One would think with newer technology the trucks would get better mileage like the Furd and GM do. I need to do a compression test before I spend anymore money on it.

 

[AfterBurner]

ya, and if you look at the 4500 and 5500 they tow even less. These trucks stay under 26K GCWR so drivers don't need a cdl to operate them. This means that regardless of the trucks capability tow rating equals 26K-weight of the truck.