I'm driving a GMT360 right now and pretty sure I want to get a P/U for my next vehicle... I have another vehicle at home already for general around town use and this thing would probably be a hauler / tow vehicle 80% of its life. I can see of my towing it would be 2 streetbikes in the bed and I have a 3 (street) bike trailer. I can't decide on a 1500 or a 2500 Cummins ... I also get a special associates rate buying a Dodge / Chrysler / Jeep vehicle as well so I priced out some vehicles.

I can snag a 1500 Laramie CrewCab pretty much with all options besides Nav for about 38K (full price is about 49k ~ I'm in Canada btw so the prices are in Canadian).

I spec'ed out a 2500 SLT Cummins CrewCab again with pretty much all options except for Nav and come to a discounted price of 48k (full price about 58k)

However, I found at a local dealer a local trade in CrewCab 2500 Cummins with 18k miles on it 2010 model for 35k... Tho its a SLT with no other options. To me 18K is pretty much new on any more and pretty much no mileage on a coal burner.

So, what would are the benefits of getting the 1500 over a 2500 or vice versa ? Is reliability better on a 1500 or something ?

 

Those who don't want to use google are the misinformed.

http://www.newcars.com/reviews/dodge...500-truck.html
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...3150326AAM4Wf7
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...3150326AAM4Wf7

 

The final decision is obviously yours...but many things for you to consider beyond the basic question.

Gas prices/Fuel Savings (MPG for each?) Diesel is not always accessible in all stations....but not that big of a deal.

Tow weights - 3 bikes on a trailer is relatively light...you plant ot pull more than that??? Im guessing thats around 3000lbs total? Easy for either truck. (Stick with 1500)

Maintenance on the diesel will cost more in the long run.

Are you planning to keep the truck for a very long time? (Go diesel.)

If you can afford the Diesel...do it....if it would create a hardship....go 1500.

Lots for you to consider...good luck!

Based on your question though....go 1500 and buy another bike witht he saved $$$ on new!!!! LOL.

 

If you are undecided about a diesel, you don't want one. Maintenance and repairs are way more expensive, not to mention the higher purchase price. The only good reason to get a diesel is because you tow heavy trailers (and you don't).

 

Two different issues - gas vs diesel and 1500 vs 2500. IME if you're not sure whether you need a diesel then you don't...but if you aren't sure whether you need a 2500 then you probably do.

Why not consider a 2500 Hemi? More capable truck than the 1500, similar mileage to the 1500 Hemi, still a decent ride, and not that much more expensive.

 

X3 on the diesel issue. If you don't think you need it, well you don't. Your 1500 will pull 10500 lbs, with like a 1800 pound payload. You will have NO issues WHATSOEVER with your bikes. You won't get a ride from a 2500 like you will from your 1500.

You said your in Canada? Well I know that diesel is way more expensive then gas right now, and its only expected to increase. (At least here in Alberta) You would be saving fuel with your diesel only when you are pulling. Your going to make better fuel mileage with your 5.7 hemi with the MDS.

Yes final choice is still yours but I would go with the 1500...

 

Just an FYI. I got my Laramie for 38k++ in August and that is without ascociate discounts, so try for better for the 2011 Laramie. Don't forget about the 3k in hidden charges which show up after you negotiate with the salesman.

 

If you are considering a diesel then be prepared for higher operating expense. They are however the ticket for HEAVY loads. I just sold my diesel and bought a 1500 Hemi as I don't have anything heavy to tow anymore other than a 3000# toy trailer. I'm so glad to be rid that diesel. SO if you really NEED one fine but otherwise take it from me and enjoy that nice quiet cheap powerfull gasser.

 

I agree with what the other guy said, minus one thing

if your not sure you need a diesel, then you DONT

if your not sure you need a 2500, then you DONT



in all seriousness, a 2500 is a heavy duty truck, for serious work, towing, and hauling


the 1500 with its fill coil system, is supposed to be one of the smoothest riding trucks to date.

If your not gonna be doing some serious towing/hauling go with the 1500.

PM me if you have any questions on the 2500.

I bought my 2500 because I killed my last 1500 hauling some serious loads. So I went to look at new ones, and found the 1500 just wasnt cutting it, and new it was time to upgrade to the 2500.

So as I stated

IF YOUR NOT GONNA BE HAULING/TOWING (and I mean a 5th wheel or serious trailer, not a 6x10 with atvs), you more than likely dont need a 2500

but in the end, its your choice

also, what are you going to be doing with it? that will help all of us help you

 

A good friend is a dodge salesman (I bought several 1500's off him, he gives me good trade in & great pricing on new) anyways, once in a while he will let me take a vehicle overnight. I can tell you as a decades long ram owner is this. I have driven quite a few 1500's & 2500's, gas & diesel and unless you are going to do serious plowing, towing, heavy duty work than go with a 1500. Just the price alone for a diesel is close to $10,000 on the sticker. Guys I work with bought diesel 2500's just to find out they spent money on a vehicle they don't even use. They ended up trading to a 1500.