Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Tuesdak
TDR MEMBER
RV brokers are NOT paying you to have the "Best". DRW is 2 more tires on the ground you don't need for hauling RV's - DRW is an extra expense of two additional tires wearing out at the same time. Stability and other reasons for DRW in regards to RV hauling are trumped by the need for reduced expense. The DRW is useless when you are deadheading back to get another RV.
The better 19.5" tires on a 5500 will give longer life and be ready for the heavier loads of Hot Shot. Regardless a RAM can be had cheaper in as old as a 2013 because they generally allow trucks up to 5 years old to be leased to the broker. (Exceptions are made for good looking older trucks esp. with prior experience - send them a picture.) The reduced payment of a used 2013 vs. a brand new 2018 is cash on the OP's table they can use for fuel. The brokers love new trucks because they don't pay for them and make money when the loads are delivered. In theory older trucks used hard break down more. New trucks also break down: Had to pick up a load from a new 2008 Dodge that blew the engine so badly the dealer eventually bought it back. Same for a truck that lost the clutch under warranty. No, the broker won't wait 1 day for you to get your truck fixed before they jack your load.
As far as reducing expenses we were greasing the front end every 3- 5000 miles and oil changes were pushed to the limits of the oil and filter at 10,000 miles. (It's $12.00 at a truck stop to have them grease the front end.) UOA wouldn't allow the dirty running 2008 EGR gagged DPF engine oil to go longer. At $100.00 per oil change there wasn't any early oil changes for "feel good" "good insurance" etc. reasons.
I am disappointed in the rear end ratio debate because the only thing that matters in this use case is IF the different ratios would provide even 0.5MPG improvement unloaded. Again reducing fuel expense, the biggest expense on the balance sheet, for 50%+ unloaded miles is really important. More important than "the ultimate tow rig" because RV's are simply "cute" vs. what you could get to haul as Hot Shot. If the OP was loaded 75% or more of the time or was going to do 50% or more Hot Shot then "ultimate tow rig" with a 5500 is more important. The wheels can be turning, but, you may not be making money. The debate of going 60 MPH unloaded has left off DOT Hours Of Service vs. 75 MPH that gives you an additional 165 miles traveled in a 11 hour day. Trailer tires are generally limited to 65 MPH so not much debate in going 75 MPH towing.
I am not debating "best tow rig" merely suggesting "The Bottom Line" is more important. Despite having a 25+ year old truck and an insane amount of repairs including a couple surplus used engines we made the most profit with the 1993 vs. the 2008. Esp. after putting a real turbo on it that improved the MPG. I tell the turbo story here: linky. I can buy a cargo trailer full of "forgotten diesel" parts with the $750.00 payment amount of a new truck.
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