Decided to get a 2500...now which year to get? Wait for a '19?

[Lzerarc]

We have landed on trading in the F150 3.5 Max tow cc in on a HD truck.
Pulling our 7600 lb Rockwood TT, the 3.5 Eco pulls it very well, it is pretty unstable also. Loaded, I have about 50 lbs payload leftover. We have debated getting a 3P or Hensley hitch as well as other upgrades to the F150, but I think the HD truck is the best option.

95% sure it will be a Ram 2500, GASSER. Diesel is not an option, so may as well not even mention it.
I have test drove a F250, Ram 2500 6.4, and have not tested a GMC/Chevy 2500 yet. I am not a big fan of some of the features, or lack there of on the GM trucks compared to the other 2.

The Ram was by far my favorite over the Ford, both in features and unloaded ride quality. IT also doesn't feel as "big" which it isn't.

So I am starting to look around at Ram 2500 cc 6.4, and am considering lighting used or new 2018. Dealers around here have pretty good deals on new ones (starting 10k off) so it makes them pretty close to a lightly used '16/17 model.

So here are my questions on your opinion.
The new 2019 Rams are starting to show up on lots. I like the Laramie trim, however a new 2019 is more than what I would want to spend. However the Bighorn trim, which gets most of the features I would, would fit in. I can always add Katskin leather and basically have the Laramie.

My thoughts on a 2019 is the interior changes (for the better, my wife likes the fact it as more cupholders!) but more importantly the 8 speed transmission. I think that would be better for towing and daily driving.

However I can get a new 2018 Laramie for less than a 2019 Bighorn.

I can also get a lightly used (sub 30k miles) Laramies for low $40s, cheapest yet.

So to sum it up, anyone have any thoughts on the 8 speed tranny or going with the tried and true 2018 with the 6 speed?

[TheWolfPaq82]

One thing that seems to be a factor with trucks....the more Bells and Whistles it comes with...the less payload you have available.

[Lzerarc]

another reason to stick with the 6.4...payload on the one I tested was 3120#. I have about 1200# to spare with that truck!

[B and B]

I would think a 2018 would be more off than 10k. I understand the payload advantage of a gas advantage.



Do your research on the emissions issues Fiat is having with gas engines, there are some trucks near the edge of receiving a pass. If they do emissions testing where you live as if any have failed. I have a GM Safari Van that was given a conditional pass as it never could pass.

[dbledan]

I have a 7k TT towing with the F150 as well. I think the lighter curb weight allows the trailer to push it a bit more. I tested a 250 with the same trailer and no issues. Still trying to afford the upgrade so I bought the P3. World of difference and gave me more time.

I plan to upgrade still bit doing so with cash. I have been looking at used vs new like you as well but I am also looking at diesel. Used is a better value because you don't take the big depreciation hit the first year. If you still want new but a model year late I was seeing 13k off during truck month but that was Ford. I am looking at new because I dont want to worry about how someone else treated the truck and what DEF they put in it. I assume Ram follows pricing but not sure as I didnt look there due to features for me. Best of luck and hope that helps!

[ronheater70]

personally id wait for the 19 (if your getting a Ram), as it is gonna have the 8 speed tranny. The 6 speed in the ram is not good IMHO. I had a 2016 that I bought new, and the tranny was part of the reason I traded for a diesel. Very stable truck, absolutely great performing motor. The Gap between first and second in the 6 speed is known for raring its ugly head in certain situations when above a certain weight. It will scream its guts out in first, and then when it shifts to second because the gap is large, power out and downshift back to first. With 7600 pounds, this will probably not eve be an issue,but with the 10K trailer I pulled with it it certainly was. If you are sold on a prior year, please try to find one with the 4:10 and not the 3:73, supposedly the 3:73 helps a lot.
BTW, I went through the exact scenario as you, pulled with an f150 ecoboost.. was right at my payloads and had a little sway issue. Felt I could buy a better hitch and overcome sway issue, but would have still been riding at the limits, that why I initially upgraded to the 2500 Ram. You are making a smart choice by upgrading if you are at your limits as you say.

[Lzerarc]

I was thinking the 3P was the answer, but then I will need new tires so figured may as well upgrade to LT now also. Then add shocks and RAS to help with the maxed out rear end and porpoising. All of these things are pushing $5k which could go towards a down payment. Then after all of that, I am pretty sure the 3P would put be at or over payload on on the truck. My payload is pretty decent too, 1760, but 950# of tw + hitch eats into it fast. I know I have towed with wood and kayaks in the bed that put me over payload, and it did just fine. (didnt know at the time, I just assumed I was fine). However assuming the hitch distributes 10-15% back to the trailer axles, then I would have about 150-200# left. Again, before wood or kayaks if we bring it. I would still be 250# each under axles loads.

Anyway, its obvious the truck can do it, but it was unstable a lot of times and wind could really affect it. Figured it was worth just going to truck, even though we only put about 2500 miles of towing on it a year/15k miles a year total.

I have read and watch videos about the 6 speed, and have seen the testing on TFL also. Since we live in the midwest, high altitude and steep inclines are not really an issue. We will occasionally take a long trek to some place like Smokey or Black hills, but for maybe once a year I could certainly live with taking it slower to get a good deal on a truck. However getting the new design/8 speed may be a better long term solution is what I am debating. I am also concerned its buddy, but I do know their 8 speed has been around for a bit now in different forms.

[Anderson15]

Good choice on upgrading to the 2500.

There are not enough upgrades in the world to a 1500 for me to tow a 7k+ trailer.

Lot's of people brag about it, but I wouldn't do it.

Good luck with your search.

[Lee Pedrick]

Originally Posted by Lzerarc

We have landed on trading in the F150 3.5 Max tow cc in on a HD truck.
Pulling our 7600 lb Rockwood TT, the 3.5 Eco pulls it very well, it is pretty unstable also. Loaded, I have about 50 lbs payload leftover. We have debated getting a 3P or Hensley hitch as well as other upgrades to the F150, but I think the HD truck is the best option.

95% sure it will be a Ram 2500, GASSER. Diesel is not an option, so may as well not even mention it.
I have test drove a F250, Ram 2500 6.4, and have not tested a GMC/Chevy 2500 yet. I am not a big fan of some of the features, or lack there of on the GM trucks compared to the other 2.

The Ram was by far my favorite over the Ford, both in features and unloaded ride quality. IT also doesn't feel as "big" which it isn't.

So I am starting to look around at Ram 2500 cc 6.4, and am considering lighting used or new 2018. Dealers around here have pretty good deals on new ones (starting 10k off) so it makes them pretty close to a lightly used '16/17 model.

So here are my questions on your opinion.
The new 2019 Rams are starting to show up on lots. I like the Laramie trim, however a new 2019 is more than what I would want to spend. However the Bighorn trim, which gets most of the features I would, would fit in. I can always add Katskin leather and basically have the Laramie.

My thoughts on a 2019 is the interior changes (for the better, my wife likes the fact it as more cupholders!) but more importantly the 8 speed transmission. I think that would be better for towing and daily driving.

However I can get a new 2018 Laramie for less than a 2019 Bighorn.

I can also get a lightly used (sub 30k miles) Laramies for low $40s, cheapest yet.

So to sum it up, anyone have any thoughts on the 8 speed tranny or going with the tried and true 2018 with the 6 speed?

The 8 speed is fine. When towing, it most likely will never get to 7th or 8th gear anyhow. get the 2500 with the 3.92 gear and posi. will just about tow anything.

[Lee Pedrick]

Originally Posted by Lee Pedrick

The 8 speed is fine. When towing, it most likely will never get to 7th or 8th gear anyhow. get the 2500 with the 3.92 gear and posi. will just about tow anything.

I have a Ram 1500 good for 8000lbs ,,3.21 gears. it tows just fine. Only thing I don't like about the 8 spd is when not towing, everyday driving, in a heavy area is it is constantly shifting. If I go to a 2500 I would want the 6 spd. Tougher tranny,less parts. More toughness. You just don't want to be doing 80 mph every day unless you have a full wallet.

[chris1911]

I have a 2018 2500 6.4 Big Horn. Handles my 7200 lb TT well.


Don't know about your area, but good luck finding a Laramie or Big Horn 6.4. I got mine near the end of 2018 and had trouble finding one that i wanted. Had to shop around online before i found mine 150 miles away. You can find diesels in those trims all day long.


Definitely get one with 4.10 gears. I would prefer a 2019 with the 8 speed (and possibly e-torque?), if i was shopping around now.

[goduc]

Last year in April bough a 2018 2500 CC LB 4x4 6.4 Hemi Tradesman with the chrome and power packages as well as the 5th wheel prep, spray in bed liner, 4.10 gears and snow chef options and got a hair under $8,000 off MSRP. Traded in a 2012 Ram 2500 CC LB 4x4 ST 6.7 diesel and got almost high book.
I tow 9300 lbs and have a door sticker CCC of 2907 lbs.
If it were me I'd wait for the new 8 sp thats coming out. The 18 6 sp can be quirky at times depending on where you're towing. Around town not towing it's great. When towing and in slower curvy uphill sections the tranny drops way down in gears and the revs hit 4500+. Not that thats wrong because thats the way gassers work. But with the 8 spd my guess is that the revs won't be as much because tha gear spacing will be better. right now it goes form mild revving to wound out revving instantly.
Out on the flats I lock out 6th and cruise quietly and comfortably all day.

[Lzerarc]

Originally Posted by chris1911

I have a 2018 2500 6.4 Big Horn. Handles my 7200 lb TT well.


Don't know about your area, but good luck finding a Laramie or Big Horn 6.4. I got mine near the end of 2018 and had trouble finding one that i wanted. Had to shop around online before i found mine 150 miles away. You can find diesels in those trims all day long.


Definitely get one with 4.10 gears. I would prefer a 2019 with the 8 speed (and possibly e-torque?), if i was shopping around now.

There are a couple 6.4s around here, but yes, a 10:1 ratio to the 6.7. none are 4.10 though. Used is basically impossible without going 150 miles out. I can find plenty of f250s, new and used all over. Must be a reason there are very few Rams used on lots....

[aceinspp]

I orders my 2018 Ram Big Horn 6.4 with the 3:73 gear. Love this truck for towing. I tow around 9000# V-Light tt. No issues and have climb some steep 5% grades set cruse at 62 and in TH mode and walked right up the grade at about 4500 RPM This normal and so many folks complain about the revs but that is what these new trucks are made to do and they can do it all day long. No issues with the 6 speed trany. The shifting to me is not as noticeable to me as some folks mention. Its what ever you get use to and I came from Driving Chevy trucks all my life. Love the Ram over the Chevy. Good luck on your search. Later RJD

[jrk341]

I think the 2019 laramie comes with led headlights.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by Lzerarc

There are a couple 6.4s around here, but yes, a 10:1 ratio to the 6.7. none are 4.10 though. Used is basically impossible without going 150 miles out. I can find plenty of f250s, new and used all over. Must be a reason there are very few Rams used on lots....

There is a reason ~~ Ram has only 9% of the total truck market.

[Joe-Barb]

We have a 2013 ram 2500 4x4 megacab 5.7 Hemi 6 speed tranny Bighorn model towing 2013 Rockwood 2608ws towed all over US thru mountains, desert and etc.40,000miles in 5 years and never had any trouble with this truck. Climbs mountain grades 65 miles an hour towing with AC on. Just saying it's been a great truck. Good luck with your choice and safe travels.

2013 Rockwood 2608ws
2013 Ram 2500 4x4 megacab 5.7 Hemi
US Air Force Msgt retired

[aircommuter]

The reason they only have 9% of the market is because the bulk of the public buys on style and a believes advertising. That all started in the fifties when cars and trucks went from selling based on drivetrain quality to style. Having been in the automotive repair business for over 50 years I tell you that 90% have almost zero knowledge on drivetrain, brakes, and other components.

[67L48]

If you're looking at new and you're contemplating the future, then the 3/4-ton vs 1-ton trade-off should also be part of the decision.

There are certain states/locations where a 1-ton is more expensive to register, license, and insure. So, know those laws, as some can really make it tough to buy/own a 1-ton ... and it's an easier choice to grab a 3/4-ton.

Assuming that you don't have to deal with any government penalties on the 1-ton, then it's worth looking at the two. I don't have experience with Ram, but I'd expect the big 3 would all be directionally similar to the pricing schemes.

F-250, Lariat, 4WD, Crew, 6-3/4 bed, 6.2 L gas, 4.30 locking axle, FX4, Camper pkg, Value pkg, Tow Technology pkg, running boards, upfitter switches, navigation system: $58,755 MSRP

F-350, everything else the same: $59,930 MSRP

So, for a gasoline truck, the difference between 3/4-ton and 1-ton is about $1,000. For a diesel truck, the difference between 3/4-ton with heavy duty tow package (not available with gas) and 1-ton is about $50.

Again, that's Ford. I think the other two are in that same range.

Good luck.

[PenJoe]

There have been some concerns with the RAM having coil springs in the rear-softer ride empty, but do not do as well towing. The owners that have responded here have not made that complaint.

As for new/used, it comes to features, warranty, and price. Get it down to a few final choices, get the bottom line, compare features and consider length of the warranty. With features, the primary concern is the mechanics.