For me it was more of a ride issue. I wanted a diesel, but the ride of the 2500 was way too rough. My wife has some back issues, and we didn't make it more than a mile or so into the test drive when we knew there was no way for use to make any trips in that thing. I wish they'd put the diesel in a 1500, but I guess there's no pressing reason for it.

And I have to agree...we looked at/test drove many trucks before buying the Ram. it's one of the most comfortable and smoothes riding one we tried.

 

My advice is to get what you want the first go around. If you REALLY want the 2500 Diesel then go get it. You'll be happier than if you decide to go with a 1500 just because it saves you some money. Just make sure your happy. I bought an 06 Dakota impulsively and was never happy and got stuck with it for 5 years until I was able to get my 2011 1500.

 

thanks for the input guys, i guess i'll have to book a test drive and see what it is like

to answer some of you guys, I drive about 25k KM (about 16k a year) on my current GMT 360 SUV ... with another 2 cars in the driveway already, the current hauler gets about 15k of that 16k towing. i usually tow a 3 bike trailer, so about 3k pounds of stuff. i've taken a loaded 6000 lbs tandem axle toy hauler out once as well... it was severely lacking in power (it has the Vortec 5300 in it) pulling that. Tho the tow rating is only 6500 lbs so I was pretty much at its limit.

I was considering a diesel because if I borrow that tandem toy hauler every now and then I figured it'd be a nicer towing experience. Has anyone towed 6k lbs or more with the 1500 ? I'd probably load 2 more bikes into the bed of the 1500 if I did it... so 3 bikes in the toy hauler and 2 in the bed... comments ?

thanks for all comment so far

 

If you're basing the decision on towing then I would say you would be fine with the 1500 if it's 6k and you're not towing it all the time.

 

2010 TRX QC 1500, My 5th. wheel rv weighs about 7500 lbs. loaded, I posted pics on here a while back of my truck and trailer and took a lot of flak from the so called towing experts, "way to much trailer, can't safely tow that much, wont be able to stop, etc etc.) Well to make a long story short I have towed it this summer with no problems at all. I did add air bags (firestone coil bags) and upgraded my tires to E rated. I have pulled the same trailer with a duramax 2500, power wise yeah the diesel will pull much easier, especially on hills or bucking a wind. I only pull the trailer a few thousand kms. a year and I also pull my atv trailer with 2 atvs which weighs in around 4500lbs. a few times a year. I went back to gas because I put on around 50-60000 kms a year and the maintainance and upkeep on the diesel was a lot higher than a gas truck. Price of diesel fuel has gone crazy so in my humble opinion, properly equipped the 1500 can and will pull my unit safely despite what the self proclaimed experts tell you.

 

dude- put 3500 on that list!!!!

little known truth: the one tons are cheaper than the 3/4 tons.. go figure.. it's all about supply and demand.. you can work down the price on a one ton and get more for less.. it doesn't make any sense, but it's true as it can be.. give it a shot if you don't believe me..

 

There is no way that he will need that much truck! Your still going to end up paying at least 20 grand more then for a 1500. YA you will get more truck/dollars. As one of the last poster said, properly equipped the 1500 can pull what this guy needs it to, and probably more. Why pay extra to loose ride quality and options when you don't need to. Not trying to be harsh, I understand what your getting at, but if you get into a 1 ton or or a 3/4 its still more then the half.

I do know that even with the rebates, (I get them too) it does all depend on the month. If the rebates are REALLY good your discount price is still probably hovering in that range of a 1500 laramie (non discounted) It seems that because of all the half tonnes around the discounts are better on those. JMO.

 

Just get the 1500 with Ram Boxes!!!! It will hold more beer!!!!






JK...sounds like you have a planalready. Test them out...get all the figures you need then make your decision. Like I posted originally...if you are not worried about the $$$ then go Diesel...if you plan to go bigger later on tow weight...go Diesel...but if you want to buy more toys and look cool...go 1500!!!!

 

I'd make sure your bikes fit in the 1500's short bed.

 

2011 1500 Crew Cab 5'7 bed. I haul 2 dirt bikes in my short bed with a bed extender and tow a utility trailer with 3 dirt bikes.