2 questions regarding upgrading my TV and my Camper

[Pasta4lnch]

So the camping bug has dug deeper and we are looking to upgrade our rig. I was dead set on a 5th wheel but can't find a layout that comes close to what I want, so we are looking into a 32' (box) bumper pull with a GVW of 9750lbs and a hitch weight of 1035lbs. I'm looking into a Ram 2500 gas, but the payload is making me nervous w a payload of 3200lbs. Figure me and my family + the bikes and all our sh!t will be close to the payload limit. I started to think of a 3500 w the gas engine. Am I wrong in thinking the only real difference then would be the leaf springs in the rear? If so, that would up my payload by 1klbs and I would get less squat. The big issue here is this truck will be my daily driver and I have a long commute. I do it now in my 1500 - I can't get any real MPG ratings on the 3500. They are all for the diesel which I really don't want. I get around 19/20 highway and 14/15 city now. I'd like to not go too much further down...

Aesthetics aside, both 2500 and 3500 I'm looking at will be otherwise identical. Gas engine, Crew cab / 6'4" box and possibly 4.10 gears (see below)

2nd question is, do I really need the 4.10 gears? Being that it will likely be a 60/40 or maybe even a 70/30 split from non-towing and towing.

On a side note - I'm super annoyed neither come w the mega cab. I've grown to really like it in my 1500. So stupid its not offered...

 

[Fatherof3]

I’m pretty sure there’s a bigger difference than the leaf springs between the two . Axles , brakes , cooling and possibly the frame .

 

[Rickyrocket]

I had a 2500 with the 6.4 and 4.10 gear , I couldn't get more than 11mpg on the highway with the truck empty towing nothing driving like grandma. It will do one he'll of a smokeshow though!

 

[Pasta4lnch]

Thats my fear. My dealer is pushing me towards a 2500 w air bags. I simply don't know enough about the air bags other than a friend who had them and it was a huge expense to fix when they broke.

 

[CalvinC]

I would get the 3500 if you are concerned and a cheap beater 4 popper to commute in.
I would not want to commute in an HD.

 

[Pasta4lnch]

I’m pretty sure there’s a bigger difference than the leaf springs between the two . Axles , brakes , cooling and possibly the frame .

I wish I could find any info. All seems to point to there not being a difference - or at the very least a nominal difference. Dimensions are identical or near identical. Engine and tranny are the same. Weight is a little less than 100lbs difference. But everything I read about the MPG is significant (though it's very hard to find accurate info) which could be a deal breaker. The 2500 is close to my 1500 which I commute in now. The 3500, from what I can find on-line is like my 1500 w the camper which I don't want.

 

[Davidbt]

I'm pretty sure it's mostly the difference between coils and springs. Honestly, if you're thinking of a bigger truck and you stay gas, go 3500. Though if you pick the right 2500 set up, you can have 3,000lbs of payload or so. We have a 5,500lb travel trailer and don't plan on going any bigger at our age. My new to me 1500 with LT tires and air bags works great for our needs.

 

[HSKR R/T]

You would be better off asking this question in the HDRams forum, vs a 1509 forum

 

[Nsleone]

Regarding your 4.10 gear question for that size trailer I would say you don’t need it, but it will tow better of course. Here’s the charts for the 2500/3500 crew cab 6’4 4x4 trucks. Keep in mind these towing/payload numbers are for option-less tradesman trucks so the numbers will be lower on an actual dealer lot truck. If you’re worried about the air suspension get one without it and install your own, Timber Grove makes great bags from what I’ve heard

 

[Pasta4lnch]

Regarding your 4.10 gear question for that size trailer I would say you don’t need it, but it will tow better of course. Here’s the charts for the 2500/3500 crew cab 6’4 4x4 trucks. Keep in mind these towing/payload numbers are for option-less tradesman trucks so the numbers will be lower on an actual dealer lot truck. If you’re worried about the air suspension get one without it and install your own, Timber Grove makes great bags from what I’ve heard
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Oh great - yeah, I'm well under. Thanks!