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.

 

[jrp267]

I think people have unrealistic expectations of towing 9000 lbs. I have towed multiple trailers with both a half and 3/4 ton. But these terms are so outdated. A modern 1500 series has larger and better brakes, better frames, and more power than say a 90’s 3500. Yet no one would bat an eye at towing 9000 lbs with one. The largest factor in road manners towing is tires. 1500 series has p rated or lt tires with a max 40 psi. A 2500 series has load range e tires with an 80 psi max. Upgrade the tires and you’ll be a lot happier.

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

I think people have unrealistic expectations of towing 9000 lbs. I have towed multiple trailers with both a half and 3/4 ton. But these terms are so outdated. A modern 1500 series has larger and better brakes, better frames, and more power than say a 90’s 3500. Yet no one would bat an eye at towing 9000 lbs with one. The largest factor in road manners towing is tires. 1500 series has p rated or lt tires with a max 40 psi. A 2500 series has load range e tires with an 80 psi max. Upgrade the tires and you’ll be a lot happier.

All those words, and you still can't get around the fact that physics is undefeated.

 

[jrp267]

From the guy who thinks he needs anF350 for a 25’ trailer…….

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

From the guy who thinks he needs anF350 for a 25’ trailer…….

Tell everyone how "better" brakes and more power overcomes physics.

This should be good.

 

[jrp267]

Tell everyone how "better" brakes and more power overcomes physics.

This should be good.

The physics you speak of are not an issue. They aren’t looking to go over the rated capacity of the truck. again, an F350 for a 25’ trailer is ridiculous. And unnecessary.

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

The physics you speak of are not an issue.

Tell me you don't know anything about towing without telling me.

They aren’t looking to go over the rated capacity of the truck. again, an F350 for a 25’ trailer is ridiculous. And unnecessary.

"My salesman told me I could tow it."

@Mountain Whiskey come collect your son.

 

[jrp267]

Tell me you don't know anything about towing without telling me.

"My salesman told me I could tow it."

@Mountain Whiskey come collect your son.

I’ve towed plenty. You no longer own a 5th Gen ram. Isn’t there a I had to compensate by buying a huge truck to get groceries forum somewhere you need to join?

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

I’ve towed plenty.

I'm sure you have. At least twice a year for the last four years, right?

You no longer own a 5th Gen ram. Isn’t there a I had to compensate by buying a huge truck to get groceries forum somewhere you need to join?

Maybe you should go sit in the corner and color until you've been here longer than an hour.

 

[SnowBlaZR2]

I’ve towed plenty. You no longer own a 5th Gen ram. Isn’t there a I had to compensate by buying a huge truck to get groceries forum somewhere you need to join?

Matter of fact...I'm done with you.

Love this Ignore feature.

 

[jrp267]

I'm sure you have. At least twice a year for the last four years, right?

Maybe you should go sit in the corner and color until you've been here longer than an hour.

I’ve been towing for 30 years. I’ve had several 5th wheels and travel trailers. Probably over 50,000 miles logged towing. I’ve owned 1500,2500, and a 3500 dually. I’ve towed a boat behind a 5er across the country. So yeah twice a year. Whatever Boomer. Move along. They refer to people like you as the weight police in the EV forums.

 

[Rickyrocket]

well I'm glad that's over.I tow a 26' travel trailer that weighs about 6000 and could carry 2000 lb of cargo. My 2020 1500 5.7 doesn't feel like it is comfortable pu this trailer. I've upgraded my tires and I don't think the soft suspension is up to the task. I'll be upgrading to a big boy truck in the future.