Hi all:

I've been doing a lot of homework on the 2005 Ram 2500 and 3500. I plan to tow a large fifth wheel about 34' overall length roughly 12,500 lb.

I know the only differrence between the two is one extra leaf spring. Same axle on both, this is the 6.5 with 3.73 rear end Cummins engine.

Will I reqret the ride (not towing) with the 3500 will it be substantially rough over the 2500? I've had a couple of people mention adding air bags to beef up the 2500 suspension and payload if needed. Unless the airbags make the better ride, I'm not sold on that route.

The price difference I'm finding is about 200.00 more for the 3500. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I hear others suggest the Duramax chevy but some comments about body flex when towing. Not sure about the Ford. I've driven all but the Duramax. The thing that brings me to Dodge is the less moving parts I think 30% less than the V8 engines and longer maintenance oil change 15k versus 7500 miles.

Thanks for your comments.

Greg

 

Honestly, if your running empty you wont' feel that must of a difference between the 2500 and 3500. The extra set of springs don't affect anything until a load is applied. If your towing that large of a trailer definitely go for the 3500. For the extra $200 well worth it. My father is in a travel group and he has a 3500 pulling a 28ft 5th wheel and all the guys he runs with with the 2500 are wishing they had the 3500.

 

According to Dodge's website (iirc I posted this in your other thread too) they do NOT have the same axle - the 2500 gets an AAM 1050 and the 3500 gets an AAM 1150, like going from a Dana 70 to an 80.

 

one thing I found out real quick when I test drove Ford, Chevy and Dodge 2500 diesels was that the fords and chevy's had to drop down a gear to accelerate once in overdrive. the dodge just spooled the turbo and lit the tires without even disengaging the torque converter

check out this guys write up and when compareing the difference between the three.