If I have to trade up to a 3500, that's what I'm trying to find out. I've been told that there is little difference between the 2500 and 3500. Brakes are the same. The truck can handle pulling the weight. What I need to know is whether the trailer is going to be pushing the truck where the trailer wants to go, and whether there is anything to do about that.

Another question I have is why does the Ford F250 have two posted towing capacities, one for bumper pull, and one for Fifth wheels? If dodge had a fifth wheel towing capacity listed separately I don't think we'd be having this discussion.

 

Most of the components are identical between the 2500 and 3500's. The Brakes are the same, the drivetrains are the same, and on MOST trucks even the suspension is the same. Only real difference is the "towing capacity" and badging

 

Depends on the options the trucks come with. If the truck doesn't come from the factory with the tow package extras it may not have sufficient cooling ability for the engine and transmission. The 2007 2500 is rated at 16,400 towing capacity and a GCWR of 23,000 lbs so I wouldn't worry about upgrading the truck.

 

That's a helluva lot of weight to pull behind a pickup!

 

Got a good buddy who just went into the landscape business. Big commercial operation and bought a 5th Wheel. Dunno how much it weighs loaded up, but he hated the way his 2500 CTD towed it. Swore his tranny strained like hell and the trailer pushed him all over the road. Had a REAL BAD "DW" issue with it.

He finally traded on a Furd diesel, rated at something crazy like 24,000 lbs. tow rating. He swears the thing is night/day towing compared to his Dodge and NEITHER truck is a dually.


Might be time for Dodge to seriously look at the tow ratings and do something about it. Vast majority buy a 2500/3500 to tow/haul so you ain't gonna sell many if you are lagging behind in those categories!!!

 

I was told by a Dodge salesman the only difference between the 3500 and the 2500 was the two overload springs in the rear. We have towed 18,000 lbs fairly easily with my Dad's 2007 3500 CTD w/the 6 speed manual.

 

That's 3000 lbs more than I get off Edmunds.com. Where did you find that rating at? With a rating of that I have no issues what so ever.

 

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/d...12805&i=2#menu says 13,500 standard specs with a 5.7 gasser.

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z...-Ram-2500.aspx says 16,400 for HD with the Cummins 6.7.