BmoreStew
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Just upgraded to a 2500 diesel this morning; traded in the 1500. I LOVED my 1500 so much... spent so much time ($$$$) tweaking and modding the thing; it really was the perfect truck so far as I'm concerned. BUT the payload was only 1250lbs and that just wasn't cutting it. I've been spoiled by the top trim, so stepping down far enough for a meaningful payload upgrade wasn't going to happen. Enter the 2022 RAM 2500 Limited. Only 2030lbs payload, but that 800 additional pounds will be enough to cover almost any bumper tow travel trailer and my family, which is all I'm in need of.
Anyway, if you're a new owner, this forum is THE BEST PLACE to get tips, tricks, and inspiration for blowing MASSIVE amounts of cash. I can't say enough good things about the folks who run this forum and it's members... I'm not the most active member around, but I check the site out multiple times a day and it's been a huge help! Thanks everybody!
If you're thinking about an "upgrade" here's what I can tell you. The new HD Rams are a step down on everything behind the driver's seat. The cab is 4th gen with a 5th gen interior crammed inside. Sounds like I'm knocking it, I know, but in the driver's seat it's very nearly identical to the 1500 and since the driver doesn't often sit in the backseat, I'm not all that concerned about losing a few inches of rear passenger room. Here's my quick review of the 2500 and 3500 from the POV of a 1500 owner:
The interior and exterior of both the 2500 and 3500 are identical, so the following applies to both: there's 5 inches less room in the back row! and it's not that big a deal. I'm 6'3" and can still fit in the backseat behind my own driver's seat without my knees making contact with the front seat. the rear passenger area doesn't have that 1st class feel of the 1500, but it's alright. Otherwise the interior of the HD trucks is nearly identical to the 1500, with the exception of the doors and steering wheel, which are very nice, but are obviously of older design than the current 5th gen rams (.com). I suspect that the seats are a little narrower as well, but I think they might actually be a bit more comfortable for me (6'3" 190lbs).
There's a mega cab option which very nearly matches the 1500 in interior space, but at the cost of payload.
On the Exterior the truck is just a little taller and not quite as wide as a 1500. The bed walls aren't as tall either, which is nice in that I can reach over them more easily. The steering radius of the HD trucks is a little tighter too and I like the feeling of the steering more.
If you think you may tow a 5th wheel skip the 2500. If you think you might tow up grade, skip the 6.4L gas. If you go with the 2500 Cummins, don't get the mega cab.. just get a 1500 with air suspension! you're likely to have a similar amount of payload and those air bags allow for some great towing performance.
2500: The suspension is sooooo good! Not quite stock 1500 good, but its coils all around (or coils up front and air in the back, optionaly) and so it's damn close. It feels a bit more floaty in the corners, but otherwise, I was very impressed. The 2500 doesn't have a huge upgrade in in payload, but trim to trim between the 1500 and 2500, there's a big enough gap to justify the "HD" moniker. The majority of the largest travel trailers are around 1000lbs of tongue weight, dry, and so a 3/4 ton will probably do you with 800 to 2k lbs to spare, depending on engine, trim, and options.
3500: I test drove a HO Cummins with an 8' bed and airbags in the rear. I'll always be jealous of the 3500 payload, but the ride was very stiff. That's not a surprise, I know, and it's notably smoother than HD trucks from 20+ years ago, but coming from a 1500, I just couldn't imagine it as my daily driver. If you're gonna tow heavy, are thinking of buying a 5th wheel, or really want the space of the mega cab, I think the 3500, with either diesel, is the way to go.
Anyway, if you're a new owner, this forum is THE BEST PLACE to get tips, tricks, and inspiration for blowing MASSIVE amounts of cash. I can't say enough good things about the folks who run this forum and it's members... I'm not the most active member around, but I check the site out multiple times a day and it's been a huge help! Thanks everybody!
If you're thinking about an "upgrade" here's what I can tell you. The new HD Rams are a step down on everything behind the driver's seat. The cab is 4th gen with a 5th gen interior crammed inside. Sounds like I'm knocking it, I know, but in the driver's seat it's very nearly identical to the 1500 and since the driver doesn't often sit in the backseat, I'm not all that concerned about losing a few inches of rear passenger room. Here's my quick review of the 2500 and 3500 from the POV of a 1500 owner:
The interior and exterior of both the 2500 and 3500 are identical, so the following applies to both: there's 5 inches less room in the back row! and it's not that big a deal. I'm 6'3" and can still fit in the backseat behind my own driver's seat without my knees making contact with the front seat. the rear passenger area doesn't have that 1st class feel of the 1500, but it's alright. Otherwise the interior of the HD trucks is nearly identical to the 1500, with the exception of the doors and steering wheel, which are very nice, but are obviously of older design than the current 5th gen rams (.com). I suspect that the seats are a little narrower as well, but I think they might actually be a bit more comfortable for me (6'3" 190lbs).
There's a mega cab option which very nearly matches the 1500 in interior space, but at the cost of payload.
On the Exterior the truck is just a little taller and not quite as wide as a 1500. The bed walls aren't as tall either, which is nice in that I can reach over them more easily. The steering radius of the HD trucks is a little tighter too and I like the feeling of the steering more.
If you think you may tow a 5th wheel skip the 2500. If you think you might tow up grade, skip the 6.4L gas. If you go with the 2500 Cummins, don't get the mega cab.. just get a 1500 with air suspension! you're likely to have a similar amount of payload and those air bags allow for some great towing performance.
2500: The suspension is sooooo good! Not quite stock 1500 good, but its coils all around (or coils up front and air in the back, optionaly) and so it's damn close. It feels a bit more floaty in the corners, but otherwise, I was very impressed. The 2500 doesn't have a huge upgrade in in payload, but trim to trim between the 1500 and 2500, there's a big enough gap to justify the "HD" moniker. The majority of the largest travel trailers are around 1000lbs of tongue weight, dry, and so a 3/4 ton will probably do you with 800 to 2k lbs to spare, depending on engine, trim, and options.
3500: I test drove a HO Cummins with an 8' bed and airbags in the rear. I'll always be jealous of the 3500 payload, but the ride was very stiff. That's not a surprise, I know, and it's notably smoother than HD trucks from 20+ years ago, but coming from a 1500, I just couldn't imagine it as my daily driver. If you're gonna tow heavy, are thinking of buying a 5th wheel, or really want the space of the mega cab, I think the 3500, with either diesel, is the way to go.
