The trend lately is to make 1500s ride more and more like a car and make 2500/3500s with higher and higher haul/tow ratings. It's the law of averages, the average half ton owner uses their truck as a daily driver, to take the kiddies to soccer practice, get groceries, etc. and will make a purchase based on ride quality.

The average 3/4 ton owner is using the truck for work, and wants hauling capacity, which in turn is beefier suspension, shocks, etc.

Your buddy has two major advantages over you. He has a diesel engine which is considerably heavier then your Hemi which will act to absorb road conditions and he has added more suspension travel.

You could add more weight to the bed of your truck which will smooth it out some, but you'd need a few hundred pounds minimum and this would come at a MPG expense...