Anyone go 1500 to 2500?

[Adkram]

In NY and just realized laws changed allowing 2500s on parkways and expressways which i need to use. Currently have a Limited and waiting for a 25 Tungsten order. I dont really need the extra hauling capacity of the 2500 day to day but I like the size and durability etc and would love the option to tow/haul more. Question is whether any of you have made the transition 1500 to 2500 and liked it, regretted it or otherwise.

 

[vincentw56]

In NY and just realized laws changed allowing 2500s on parkways and expressways which i need to use. Currently have a Limited and waiting for a 25 Tungsten order. I dont really need the extra hauling capacity of the 2500 day to day but I like the size and durability etc and would love the option to tow/haul more. Question is whether any of you have made the transition 1500 to 2500 and liked it, regretted it or otherwise.

You might have better luck in the Homepage - HD Rams forum. This is the 5th Gen 1500 Rams site.

 

[Arth]

If you don't need it don't get it.

2500 will never ride like a 1500 and I feel like those who don't really need the 2500 don't realize that. Ignore all the talk that 2500s ride great. They do compared to older 2500s but not current 1500s.

More over if you get the diesel it needs to be worked. Lots of Cummins owners have emissions issues because the truck isn't being worked.

I have gone from a 21 1500 to 2500 and I am now in a 24 3500. I have a 36ft trailer that I pull hence my need.

 

[scully]

I went from a 2006 2500 quad cab 4x4 to a 2023 rebel 1500 4x4 .....both 5.7. Hemi ......and i am thrilled with the new truck !!!!!!!!.....I now have @18,000 miles on it ....200,000 on the 2006 ....one of the biggest differences is ofcourse the ride quality....the rebel is significantly better !!!

 

[CobraKai]

I am in upstate NY and went from 2020 Ram 1500 Limited to 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie loaded(wanted a front bench seat for family) to 2023 Ram 1500 TRX and now back in 2024 Ram 1500 Limited. I will say as far as ride goes if you dont haul a lot day to day the 1500 limited and new Tungsten is going to ride waaaay smoother with the air suspension. We have pot holes all over the 1500 soaks them up much better 2500 felt like riding on plywood unless you're towing.. Also the 2500 was a PIA driving around tight spaces and parking lots, wider turning radius. I would stick with a 1500 with the air suspensions never had an issue with them in the cold here either. just my opinion from driving those over the last couple years.. Was going to order a tungsten but got tired of waiting for colors and options to open up..

 

[StuartV]

I had 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks for years before I got my first RAM 1500.

Currently, I have a '21 1500 Limited with EcoDiesel.

Last weekend, I test drove a '24 2500 Limited with Cummins. Basically, as close to my current truck as it could be, except 2500 and Cummins. 4-corner air suspension in my 1500 vs rear self-leveling air suspension in the 2500.

It drove nicely. I liked it just fine. But, it did not make me want it even enough to make the dealer a lowball offer.

As I drove away in my EcoDiesel, I realized that I like my 1500 more than I liked that 2500. I like the way my ED drives better. The driver's seat is more comfortable (to me). And, of course, it's not such a bus to turn around or park.

The driver's seat thing was a surprise to me. The 2500 driver's seat wouldn't lower down as close to the floor as my 1500 seat does. Because of a past motorcycle accident, I am more comfortable when I drive if my right knee is less bent and my leg is able to be more out in front of me, rather than down below me. The 2500 was definitely not as comfortable for me, because of that.

I did like the Uconnect 5 in the 2500. In particular, I connected my iPhone to it, so I could see how the Wireless CarPlay worked. That was nice. Being able to have Google Maps or Waze in full screen mode on that 12" screen was nice. I use a USB dongle adapter thing in my 1500 to have Wireless CarPlay, but it won't do any CarPlay apps in full screen mode. And, I guess the newer 1500s have the same thing as the 2500, so it's not really a reason to buy the 2500.

I'm holding out for a RamCharger, but it is tempting to think about getting a new 1500 with the SST HO in the meantime... I don't want a first year RamCharger. Maybe not even a second year model. So, a new truck soon would give me probably 3 years of service before I wanted to trade it. Hmmmm.....

 

[DEG]

If you don't need the extra hauling capacity, moving to a 2500 will only be a negative. There will be nothing better about it. They cost more, weigh more and will get worse fuel economy and they will ride rougher.

 

[PetePA]

I'm holding out for a RamCharger, but it is tempting to think about getting a new 1500 with the SST HO in the meantime... I don't want a first year RamCharger. Maybe not even a second year model. So, a new truck soon would give me probably 3 years of service before I wanted to trade it. Hmmmm.....

Sounds like you just convinced yourself to get a 2025 Limited or Tungsten

 

[StuartV]

If you don't need the extra hauling capacity, moving to a 2500 will only be a negative. There will be nothing better about it. They cost more, weigh more and will get worse fuel economy and they will ride rougher.

Generally, fair points.

But, let's not forget, the exact same thing applies to a WHOLE lot of 1500/150 truck owners who could be driving less expensive, lighter, better fuel economy, better riding/driving Tacomas or Rangers, or maybe even Mavericks.

There is something about driving a bigger truck that has its own appeal.

If the RAM 2500 had the Cummins HO with a decent transmission (not that Aisin slushbox they use the in the 3500), newer-style RamBoxes, a Multi-Function tailgate, and a driver's seat that would adjust lower, I would SERIOUSLY consider changing to one. Heavier, more expensive to maintain, more expensive to drive, more expensive to insure, and even a little (but only a little, though!) rougher ride and all.

I don't NEED the towing or the extra room. But, I wouldn't mind the extra room, and there is just something about driving a bigger, beefier truck...

 

[StuartV]

Sounds like you just convinced yourself to get a 2025 Limited or Tungsten

Well... I did just go on ramtrucks.com and search current inventory. According to that site, there is not a single black 1500 Limited with the Midnight package, anywhere in the country. I think there was only 1 Limited with Midnight, period, and it was Pearl White or something like that and its status was "Being Built".

No idea what's up with that. But, I know what I like and I'm very picky. And no reason to change from what I have, which is EXACTLY what I want - except for Uconnect 5 and an SST HO.

Honestly, I'm a bit concerned from what I have seen that the RamCharger might have a power tailgate and no option for a Muti-Function Tailgate. If that is the case, I'll be keeping my current truck (or a newer one with MFT) until they do have the MFT for the RamCharger. The MFT is SO much nicer for pretty much any time I'm putting stuff in and out of the back. Pretty much the only time the tailgate is useful to me in the conventional, opened-down position, is when I put my motorcycle in the back (which is not very often), since it's too long to fit with the gate up.

If Stellantis gets rid of the MFT, I will be VERY sad. RamBoxes and an MFT will keep me in a RAM forever (or until they don't offer them).

 

[Adkram]

Alright guys- thank you all. Feels unanimous and I am sticking with my Tungsten order even of it takes until Christmas! Thanks for all the thoughtful replies.

 

[DEG]

Generally, fair points.

But, let's not forget, the exact same thing applies to a WHOLE lot of 1500/150 truck owners who could be driving less expensive, lighter, better fuel economy, better riding/driving Tacomas or Rangers, or maybe even Mavericks.

There is something about driving a bigger truck that has its own appeal.

If the RAM 2500 had the Cummins HO with a decent transmission (not that Aisin slushbox they use the in the 3500), newer-style RamBoxes, a Multi-Function tailgate, and a driver's seat that would adjust lower, I would SERIOUSLY consider changing to one. Heavier, more expensive to maintain, more expensive to drive, more expensive to insure, and even a little (but only a little, though!) rougher ride and all.

I don't NEED the towing or the extra room. But, I wouldn't mind the extra room, and there is just something about driving a bigger, beefier truck...

I've owned Chevy S-10, Ford Rangers and a Dodge Dakota and none of them road better than my 1500 and any milage difference was insignificant. The Dakota got worse milage than any hemi Ram I have owned.

Also, lets not forget, there is a significant difference in interior space between a Ranger and a Ram 1500, but there is no difference in interior space between a Ram 1500 and 2500. You are just buying a much more expensive heavier truck that gets worse mileage.

 

[dajogejr]

there is just something about driving a bigger, beefier truck...

Yes, a bigger, beefier payment…and price tag
Before I got my current 23 limited, I test drove a 23 2500 demo Laramie that was loaded. Had about 1500 miles on it.
Had the 6.4 Hemi if I recall…not 100% on that, it wasn’t diesel.

Ride quality simply wasn’t there. Fit/Finish/trim wasn’t there ( I realize Limtied trim to Laramie isn’t apples to apples)
Yes, it was cool to sit up in the air higher…. But other than that, zero appeal to me.
I used to tow a 5K lb smoker on a trailer now and then, but that’s gone, so I really don’t need the tow capacity.
Just passengers and the occasional trip to Home Depot or Lowe’s, or a dresser, or something similar in the bed.

I feel, with Ram Boxes and MFT, I have as near a perfect truck as you can get.
I used to miss the 3.92 I had on my 15 limited, but recently on a long trip, I no longer did…. Very noticeable better fuel economy for me, and even with the 3.21s, it still gets going from a stop sign/red light just fine.

My truck is my luxury auto… that Tungsten package really appeals to me. But I’m gonna run this one out for 8 years/125K miles and once my Max Care is up, then I’ll go shopping. By then, I’m hoping that 3.0 Turbo is bullet proof, or…the RamChargers has worked the majority of the bugs out.

 

[StuartV]

I've owned Chevy S-10, Ford Rangers and a Dodge Dakota and none of them road better than my 1500 and any milage difference was insignificant. The Dakota got worse milage than any hemi Ram I have owned.

If those S-10s, Rangers, etc. were not made in the last 3 or 4 years, then that is not really a fair comparison.

Also, lets not forget, there is a significant difference in interior space between a Ranger and a Ram 1500, but there is no difference in interior space between a Ram 1500 and 2500. You are just buying a much more expensive heavier truck that gets worse mileage.

You can get a 2500 Crew Cab with a 6'4" or even an 8' bed. The 1500 is 5'7" bed in all configs, with an option for a 6'4" bed in some configs.

And, the 2500 with a Mega Cab is definitely bigger on the interior.

Anyway.... we're all singing in the same choir. I test drove a 2500 last week. It was exactly the truck I would buy - IF I were buying a 2500. And I like my 1500 better.

 

[DEG]

If those S-10s, Rangers, etc. were not made in the last 3 or 4 years, then that is not really a fair comparison.

LOL. It's was YOUR irrelevant comparison; not mine. I was simply pointing out the irrelevance of you trying to compare a small truck with a full size truck when the OP was talking about a comparison between two full size trucks of the same size.

 

[Brutal_HO]

I went from a 2006 2500 quad cab 4x4 to a 2023 rebel 1500 4x4 .....both 5.7. Hemi ......and i am thrilled with the new truck !!!!!!!!.....I now have @18,000 miles on it ....200,000 on the 2006 ....one of the biggest differences is ofcourse the ride quality....the rebel is significantly better !!!

Comparing a 2006 HD to a 2023 1500 is disingenuous.

My 04 2500 (leaf sprung) rode like sh*t compared to my 2020 3500 with leaf sprung rear supplemental air.

I had 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks for years before I got my first RAM 1500.

Currently, I have a '21 1500 Limited with EcoDiesel.

Last weekend, I test drove a '24 2500 Limited with Cummins. Basically, as close to my current truck as it could be, except 2500 and Cummins. 4-corner air suspension in my 1500 vs rear self-leveling air suspension in the 2500.

It drove nicely. I liked it just fine. But, it did not make me want it even enough to make the dealer a lowball offer.

As I drove away in my EcoDiesel, I realized that I like my 1500 more than I liked that 2500. I like the way my ED drives better. The driver's seat is more comfortable (to me). And, of course, it's not such a bus to turn around or park.

The driver's seat thing was a surprise to me. The 2500 driver's seat wouldn't lower down as close to the floor as my 1500 seat does. Because of a past motorcycle accident, I am more comfortable when I drive if my right knee is less bent and my leg is able to be more out in front of me, rather than down below me. The 2500 was definitely not as comfortable for me, because of that.

I did like the Uconnect 5 in the 2500. In particular, I connected my iPhone to it, so I could see how the Wireless CarPlay worked. That was nice. Being able to have Google Maps or Waze in full screen mode on that 12" screen was nice. I use a USB dongle adapter thing in my 1500 to have Wireless CarPlay, but it won't do any CarPlay apps in full screen mode. And, I guess the newer 1500s have the same thing as the 2500, so it's not really a reason to buy the 2500.

I'm holding out for a RamCharger, but it is tempting to think about getting a new 1500 with the SST HO in the meantime... I don't want a first year RamCharger. Maybe not even a second year model. So, a new truck soon would give me probably 3 years of service before I wanted to trade it. Hmmmm.....

As I'm sure all are aware, HD is still the 4th gen cab and that includes the seats. The "5th Gen facelift" was that only in appearance. There's no telescoping wheel, it's offset from the cluster, no HUD option, etc..

<SNIP>
If the RAM 2500 had the Cummins HO with a decent transmission (not that Aisin slushbox they use the in the 3500), newer-style RamBoxes, a Multi-Function tailgate, and a driver's seat that would adjust lower, I would SERIOUSLY consider changing to one. Heavier, more expensive to maintain, more expensive to drive, more expensive to insure, and even a little (but only a little, though!) rougher ride and all.
<SNIP>.

LOL, My HO/Aisin shifts firmly and with conviction, as do any that have updated software including current models. It's no "slushbox" by a longshot. The biggest detrement is the PCM software forcing detuned shifts so the mighty Cummins doesn't destroy the trans and that's going to hold true for any of them. The 68RFE shifts a little better and is more daily driver friendly for sure. I got my truck to tow and have not had good experiences with Chrysler auto transmissions. The Aisin TCM, like any other trans, is a learning TCM so a lot of the behavior comes down to time behind the wheel and is driver dependent. Test driving dealer trucks can be very misleading.

The Exhaust brake is what really makes these things shine. The HO/Aisin pulls harder (and lower) in both acceleration/deceleration than the SO/68RFE.
Rumors abound of a new ZF Powerline 8-speed but I honestly don't think it's coming in 2025. More likely an all new Cummins (so I've been told by an insider) and trans combo coming in 2027 with a new cab. Chatter and speculation on all abound on HDRAMS and other Cummins/HD centered forums.

All that said, if I wasn't pulling what I am in the mountain west and was using the truck as a daily, I'd have a Hemi truck. Probably still a 3500, because I've been burned once by the lack of payload of 2500's.

Lastly, the payload on a 2500 diesel with a 10K GVWR is pretty much non existent. It's less than some 1/2T trucks.

 

[Pribilof]

I had a 2020 2500 Cummins. I leveled it and swapped to Bilstein shocks with Thuren trackbar and swaybar. Also had 17"s on it with 35" tires. It rode better than my 1500 Rebel - by a lot.

If you switch to a Cummins get the Banks boost tubes (Boost Tube Upgrade Kit). The OEM ones suck. Mine failed in 38k miles (no codes or anything) caused somewhat decreased power but mainly caused the DEF to completely clog. RAM refused to honor the Federal emissions warranty on that part because they claimed that hard plastic and metal pipes are "hoses" and not covered. Note that the federal emissions warranty states that covered items include "Charge air cooler and associated plumbing" for 5 years or 50k miles. Never did get it covered. Sold the truck.

 

[Brutal_HO]

I had a 2020 2500 Cummins. I leveled it and swapped to Bilstein shocks with Thuren trackbar and swaybar. Also had 17"s on it with 35" tires. It rode better than my 1500 Rebel - by a lot.

If you switch to a Cummins get the Banks boost tubes (Boost Tube Upgrade Kit). The OEM ones suck. Mine failed in 38k miles (no codes or anything) caused somewhat decreased power but mainly caused the DEF to completely clog. RAM refused to honor the Federal emissions warranty on that part because they claimed that hard plastic and metal pipes are "hoses" and not covered. Note that the federal emissions warranty states that covered items include "Charge air cooler and associated plumbing" for 5 years or 50k miles. Never did get it covered. Sold the truck.

DEF clog?

Surely you meant DPF.

Not sure how you'd get a clogged DPF from leaking boost tubes without throwing codes or notice a low power situation. Soot loading alone would throw a see dealer DPF error and/or cause excessive regen, either throwing codes and/or making oil.

The Thuren parts will definitely improve the ride. Bilstein? The factory are basically 4600's, in fact the Factory ORP is 4600's, and most of us looking for a basic upgrade go 5100 but they are much firmer than stockers.

 

[Pribilof]

DEF clog?

Surely you meant DPF.

Not sure how you'd get a clogged DPF from leaking boost tubes without throwing codes or notice a low power situation. Soot loading alone would throw a see dealer DPF error and/or cause excessive regen, either throwing codes and/or making oil.

The Thuren parts will definitely improve the ride. Bilstein? The factory are basically 4600's, in fact the Factory ORP is 4600's, and most of us looking for a basic upgrade go 5100 but they are much firmer than stockers.

DPF. Thanks.

I had the Bilstein 5162s. My OEM shocks were already leaking when I swapped them at roughly 2500 miles. And sure the 5162's are more damped but I added a lot of weight. The 37x12.5 Wildpeak AT3Ws are over 75lbs (per tire) just by themselves!

Oh I threw a code eventually... when it fully clogged. Something like "DPF Full, Reduced Power, See Dealer." And it had the mileage countdown. I had been wondering why I was getting regens about every 100 miles. Every blue moon I was getting the P0299 code. I wish I could find the photos of the busted boost tubes. They looked like someone had smashed them with a hammer.

 

[devildodge]

The 1500 is 5'7" bed in all configs, with an option for a 6'4" bed in some configs.

The Quad Cab only gets the 6'4" bed. The Crew Cab has the option of the two.