Whats the real difference between the Ram 4500 and 5500

[brillmtb1]

I am toying at the idea of going to a 4500 or 5500 with a camper bed and storage. I hear how bad they ride empty without something like a liquid spring setup ( Im sure that costs a small fortune). I have been hearing that the only difference may be the spring pack and the axles but then someone looked at the springs and counted and they were the same. Not that you could tell a rate difference, but the dealer told him put in the optional 4.88 on the 4500 and you have a 5500....hmmm

 

[Topzide]

Why the change? Wouldn't a 3500 Cab & Chassis work out better? I know that's what you have now, but a newer model year might be what you're looking for, unless you're looking for a longer wheel base to put camper and have storage behind the cab. I would suggest taking one for a drive if possible. I don't know how the GVW might affect you on insurance and state registration. But if this is what you want, I wont try and stop you. When I had the chance to get my 3500, it was a want for sure even though I need something to replace my 1500. I told the DW that I wanted it!

 

[mwilson]

I went with a 3500 C & C with a CM flat body.

It rides decent empty. I would not go back to a pickup style after having this one..no way.

Plus C & C carry a 100,000 mile Emissions Warranty that covers it all. Pickups drop coverage on things like the DEF Pump, etc at 36,000 miles.

 

[mwilson]

No TPMS crap either…

 

[kthaxton]

The difference is 1000 (sorry, someone had to say it).

 

[SnoKing]

The difference is 1000 (sorry, someone had to say it).

Maybe Ambulance or Wrecker?

 

[mwilson]

Insurance was easy for the 3500 C&C, would have been Commercial Rates for a 4500 or 5500 everywhere I called in Maine.
I checked first and glad I did…

 

[Wiredawg]

weight capacity is 3klbs more on a 5500. In 2017, Max Tow Pkg included special programing for the Aisin, 4.88s. They didn't up the GCWR # but it could handle way more than advertised. That's 400 gallons of diesel in that 1000 gallon double walled steel tank and a 450KW genset, didntvhave time to weigh it but WAG it around 40K Lbs. Got 35 inc tires on it now.

 

[brillmtb1]

So why a 4500 or 5500 vs my 3500 SRW or 3500 CC. I am liking the truck camper approach more now that there are only two of us. I like getting away from my 5th wheel and not being able to find a camp site easy. So going forward to address all the concerns about truck campers and the weight, stability and ride I think that for truck campers, money aside, it you have a 4000lb camper like mine and mine isnt close to the heaviest out there on DRW long beds then a 4500 would be very nice, not sure I would really benefit from a 5500. Then you can add storage. The insurance issue I need to check into. The cost, yes, a new 4500 loaded like my limited is costly, beds are 12-40K depending on who you go with. CM Aluminum beds even with the underbed storage and stablecampers upper storage is under 20K. Then there is the question of going all out and going to a single rear wheel modification with 40in off road capable tires and liquid suspension (15K parts, 2500 install cost). Your talking big bucks now but you dont probably need the latter two items. l

It appears that if I got the right measurements that a 4500 60in CA measured from axle to end of frame is 52in and my 3500 is 62in (40 cab to axle, 102 over all, 62 axle to back). So while the CA is longer at 112in it seems that my AF811sb would actually further forward and in a better CG location then it is now not to mention the much more stout spring pack.

I can get by with my set up with overload springs, better adjustable shocks, sway bar in the rear but it will never match this setup I feel. If this is going to be my last truck at my age perhaps I take the plunge. I am a little concerned about the ride empty but maybe they will be giving away electric cars by then for my daily driver or China will ruin my plans and start WW3 (dont get me started there as my son is at West Point)....

Anyway I think its worth looking into and I am gathering the wisdom I often find at this site like why not a 4500 instead of 5500, etc

 

[brillmtb1]

Wiredog,

What bed do you have on there and do you mind sharing with me the rough cost bed only not with the added tanks and such

 

[brillmtb1]

I went with a 3500 C & C with a CM flat body.

It rides decent empty. I would not go back to a pickup style after having this one..no way.

Plus C & C carry a 100,000 mile Emissions Warranty that covers it all. Pickups drop coverage on things like the DEF Pump, etc at 36,000 miles.

Is your AF a sb or lb version. I am trying to figure out where COG will hit with a CC 60in. My math indicates more forward which would be better than what I have

 

[Wiredawg]

In 2018, my CM ER bed was $7,800 on the sticker above the $71,000 MSRP for the truck. Here's a link. Significant mod to my bed was having a spare tire storage integrated into the bed.

https://cmtruckbeds.com/steel-flat-beds/
7K lbs carrying capacity dead weight on the bed. If you're thinking of using it for Mammoth Camper carrying, get the SK, it's lower and better handle your cargo.

I bought my 5500 cuz I wanted max everything. 3Klbs MORE GWR is the answer why get a 5500 versus 4500.

My truck doesn't ride rough to me, but I think there might be air suspension option on a '23 5500?.

And to another member I mentioned RAWR on my 5500 is rated the same as his GWR 3500.

 

[brillmtb1]

In 2018, my CM ER bed was $7,800 on the sticker above the $71,000 MSRP for the truck. Here's a link. Significant mod to my bed was having a spare tire storage integrated into the bed.

https://cmtruckbeds.com/steel-flat-beds/
7K lbs carrying capacity dead weight on the bed. If you're thinking of using it for Mammoth Camper carrying, get the SK, it's lower and better handle your cargo.

I bought my 5500 cuz I wanted max everything. 3Klbs MORE GWR is the answer why get a 5500 versus 4500.

My truck doesn't ride rough to me, but I think there might be air suspension option on a '23 5500?.

And to another member I mentioned RAWR on my 5500 is rated the same as his GWR 3500.


View attachment 136618

Do you see an issue going with the aluminum versions? Probably cost a little more

 

[brillmtb1]

Do you see an issue going with the aluminum versions? Probably cost a little more

And hopefully Army will get AF at the game in Denver this next year! We got Navy but given my good friend AF grad I get an earful. His son at AF academy mine at Army.

 

[Wiredawg]

FLY, FIGHT, AND WIN,GO AF

 

[brillmtb1]

In the end they all work together. I was a doc in the Army to pay for med school. I could have easily been happy staying in. Great mission, great people.

 

[Wiredawg]

Do you see an issue going with the aluminum versions? Probably cost a little more

Lighter weight, more carrying capacity, not sure how much more. You might find out on Ebay.

 

[brillmtb1]

I think by resale of my loaded 3500 is going to be pretty good especially leaving my camper stuff on it and optionally selling my 19.5 stuff given the flexibility of a 3500 and the unbelievable price they are asking for 3500s now. that will greatly offset the pain of going to a 5500 as my "last truck".....yes my wife is listening

 

[Wiredawg]

In the end they all work together. I was a doc in the Army to pay for med school. I could have easily been happy staying in. Great mission, great people.

Yep, I have many friends in all the services. We all kinda joke each other hard as a sign of affection.

 

[Wiredawg]

I just made the last payment on my 5500 this month, 1.9% 5 yrs. They gave me $30K for my 9YO Ram 4500 and knocked $10K off the 2017 5500 with bed in 2018. You could get good $$ for your 3500. We bought a MH Super C, but I kept the 5500 cuz it's a beast.

Keep us posted how this plays out.

Cheers, Ron

I think by resale of my loaded 3500 is going to be pretty good especially leaving my camper stuff on it and optionally selling my 19.5 stuff given the flexibility of a 3500 and the unbelievable price they are asking for 3500s now. that will greatly offset the pain of going to a 5500 as my "last truck".....yes my wife is listening