1500 vs. 2500 (any maker) road manners

[aro]

I have zero experience towing above 3000 lbs with my 1500. My heavy towing experience is with a CDL, but that was a different animal.

Based on all the various numbers, I can tow 9000 lbs with my 1500 and still be under the max. My question is: would anything feel "better" towing that weight with a 2500 vs. the 1500? Leaving aside the fact that the 2500 will have more power, what about road manners? Would a 2500 feel any different towing 9000 lbs, more stable, more controllable, etc etc?

I'm very tempted to get a new 6.6 Silverado gasser, but only if it makes a difference. I'm really very happy with my 1500 and I would like to stick with it if it can pull that weight totally safely.

 

[Slutzk]

Will your 1500 tow 9k? Sure but youll defiantly feel it, going to REALLY work your truck (if your even equip for it) and your pockets will hurt on MPG.

Would a 2500 feel any different towing 9000 lbs, more stable, more controllable, etc etc?

absolutely it will feel different, and better in everyway, youll forget its back there compared to the 1500. Stable, Yes. Controllable, Yes. As far as manners go as long as you have driven a truck and towed before it wouldn't be any different that what you have done. Just in a big boy truck where itll be much easier to pull. Cheers!

 

[Davidbt]

I'm a ex CDL holder and fortunate to have pulled several different travel trailers and a 36' 5th wheel. This is my first 1500 Ram and I have a 26' 5,500lb travel trailer. I'm very happy with this set up. This is my opinion only, but if I had to pull anything over 28' and 7,500lbs, I'd go with a 3/4 ton or bigger. I personally really miss my 2018 3500 CTD.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Huge difference. 3/4 ton trucks have engine, transmission, suspension and brakes all made specifically for towing / hauling very heavy weight. 1500, not so much. As said above, most heavy loads will hardly be noticed with a 3/4 ton. I miss my 2500 too. It was a very sad day when I lost it in a wreck.

 

[aro]

Thanks everyone! I figured that would be a difference, but it's more that I thought.

Well... it's either a 2500 or towing a max of 7500 lbs. I've seen posts here saying it handles 7500 just fine.

 

[Wire4money]

A 1500 will max out on payload well before max trailer weight. What’s the available payload of your truck on the tire information sticker?

 

[aro]

A 1500 will max out on payload well before max trailer weight. What’s the available payload of your truck on the tire information sticker?

Payload is 1767 lbs. Cargo weight, including me and one passenger is about 600 lbs. As long as I keep the cargo at or below that, I could theoretically tow max trailer weight... but that's definitely not something I want to do.

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

I've seen posts here saying it handles 7500 just fine.

We're traveling full time in a 7500 lb trailer. We towed it with our previous Ram, and the truck was at GVWR. I don't know that I'd agree that it handled it "just fine."

It'll do it, but that's still a lot of trailer for a Ram 1500. Start adding in unfavorable weather and road conditions, and you'll quickly wish you had more truck.

We're now in a diesel F-350, and it obviously has no issues with that much weight.

 

[aro]

Well, problem solved... Ram 1500 is out, in is a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 SLE double cab 6.6 gasser. Towing 14500 and 5 wheel 18200. Now i don't have to worry about 9000 lbs.

As expected, the 2500 rides a little rougher. My 1500 was very smooth, fun to drive. The 2500 is nice, but I wouldn't say "fun". I already miss the Ram... it's been flawless (except water coming in through the rear window). It was my 3rd CDJR vehicle and they've all been absolutely great. Never had a GMC, so let's hope for the best.