Getting ready to pull the trigger and get my 2009 2500. Choose the gas version because I don't think I need the diesel...besides, gas is still cheaper. But frankly this is myy first Dodge and I think this model will be fine towing my 27ft 7000 lb boat. Afterall, my 1500 Suburban did it with no problem. Guess I'm just soliciting input on this particualr 2500 with 5.7 gas engine. Are you happy with it? What kind of everyday mileage are you getting, etc? Thanks for the input,
Mike

 

Gas might be a little cheaper now, but Diesel is a little more price stable. Additionally, Diesel gets better mileage, ESPECIALLY while towing. The 2009 2500 heavy duty's are also not upgraded with the new features they introduced for the 1500's. If you can wait until fall, the 2010's will have all the new bells/whistles - http://www.dodge.com/en/2010/ram_heavy_duty/

If you plan on towing often, diesel is the only way to go. You won't even know that boat is back there unless you look. I gave up on waiting for the diesel option on the 1500's, every manufacture pushed and delayed their diesel light duty trucks due to scale backs. I don't tow that often, but I would have gotten a diesel hands down if it were offered on the 1/2 tons.

 

Your question might be better asked in the 3rd Gen forum. The 2009 Ram 1500 is the 4th Gen, but the 2009 Ram 2500 and 3500 are still 3rd Gen. The 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 will be 4th Gen.

 

Yep, I heard the plus's on the diesels concerning towing, but I only tow on occasion, not any significant amount of time. Secondly, this truck only has 2000 miles on it with a matching shell on the back. SLT package and priced @ 29K, so I really can't pass it up. I won't get anywhere near that price for a 2010 diesel. I think it's more than enough truck, cause the only thing that get larger is the next boat... What about gas mileage...no where is it listed what the gas engine gets.

 

DO NOT get a diesel until they figure out how to comply to the 2010 emmisions laws without ******* the engine up. If all you do is towing heavy things and push the engine hard then it works alright, the EGR (exhasut gas recirculator) opens up to let fresh air in at WOT. If you use it as a daily driver and let it idle often, the EGR recirculates all the black **** that diesels emit and it clogs everything up. Not to mention the Diesel Particulate filter that must be took to the dealer and cleaned every few thousand miles.
All of this stuff also brings the gasmileage down to about what a gas would get anyway.
If your considering a diesel then go to a cummins forum and you can read to your hearts content. I wish I did.

 

Nope, the truck comes equipped with a 5.7 Hemi V8 (gas)

 

To answer your question:
I've had alot of experience with the HD rams and they are good solild trucks. This is my first 1500 and thats only because of my 6.7 cummins experience. I drive a Ram 3500 (non dually) frequently, the only difference between 2500 and 3500 are two extra leaf springs. It has over 100k miles and tows loads above 20k lbs several times a year and the truck handles it incredibly well considering its not a semi.

Unless you really need the truck now, wait a few months for the 4th generation HD's to come out. The difference between 3rd and 4th gen is quite significant.

 

You mean our 1500's can't pull a 7000 pound boat? I had a Durango 03 that could pull over 7000lbs and it did many times. 2003 R/T Durango only 250 HP lotsa torque in fact mileage towing was the same as empty, I towed a 72 pickup on a 2000 lb trailer 100 miles at 60 mph not even 1/4 tank computer said 16.8 avg.

 

I'm new to the Dodge Ram family, but not to the towing family. As previously noted, I've towed my boat with a 1500 Suburban...nothing personal, but that's the benchmark for the Ram. It has 253,000 miles on it and she is still purring along. If I take care of the Ram like I did the Sub, I should get just as much. As for towing, there are all types of vehicles that have the HP to tow a 7000 lb + boat, but to do it safely is a different concern. Weight, suspension and platform are all significant contributors in the long run. That boat is a lot longer/bigger than the truck and the dynamics of running down the highway with that pup hooked up to the rear end require IMHO "more than enough...not just enough" truck. So the 1500 family has served me well, but the boat is bigger now and in about 3 years will probably move up in size as well. When towing, it's much more than horsepower.

 

I had a 07 2500 mega cab hemi and I hated to pull with it. I then went with a 08 6.7 and that was a nightmare!! My 03 cummins went 300k with no problems. I now drive a 09 crew cab and love this thing and it pulls well. I am looking to add a 2010 2500 hemi to do my larger towing with. The reason for the wait is the new motor and body style. If you can wait until Nov, look at and drive the new model.