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Old 10-10-2017, 07:57 AM   #1
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Ram 1500

Without getting into a Ram vs Chevy vs Ford debate, I'm looking to upgrade my tow vehicle to a 2013 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman with a 5.7L Hemi. I currently own a 2006 Chevy Tahoe with a 5.3L. I tow a 2016 Primetime Avenger 26BH. Loaded out, I'm pulling about 6000#. The Tahoe pulls decently. I really haven't had too much trouble. It struggles on hills somewhat. I guess the question I need answered is, has anyone here gone from a Tahoe to a Ram 1500? Was it worth it? I don't have any plans on going to a larger camper at any point in the future. Thanks in advance for any input!
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Old 10-10-2017, 08:12 AM   #2
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Check the yellow sticker on the drivers door for the CCC ! The 1500 series seem to have very low cargo carrying capacity!
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Old 10-10-2017, 08:23 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by burmik View Post
Without getting into a Ram vs Chevy vs Ford debate,
Fair enough. I'm not debating. But I will point out that only one of those three brands consistently scores lowest on long-term reliability ratings, and its the one you are interested in buying.
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Old 10-10-2017, 08:39 AM   #4
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The Ram (at least the two I had) maxed out at 9200 with the trailer rear end or 7200 without. Mileage towing my Road Ranger 252T was 4.5 mpg. Lots is power, but we could not pass a gas station.

The wife upgraded to a 2500 CTD Ram after three tries in the 1/2 world, two Ram 1500 and a Ford 1500.

We have been EXTREMLY happy with the upgrade and 17 MPG TOWING DOES not hurt. The service cycle is double that of the hemi so we are saving money there as well.
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Old 10-10-2017, 08:57 AM   #5
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I tow a 183 which is max about 4800# loaded. I load most heavy stuff into the camper, and all the light stuff into the truck bed. As you see in my signature line I have the 2014 RAM 1500. It only has about 1450# payload and my WDH hitch load is about 550#.

I have plenty of power even on hills. I avg between 7.0 and 9.5 mpg depending mostly on hills and wind. I use the tow/haul mode button and the cruise control holds my speed.

As to long term... well that is debatable... I had a previous '94 Dodge 1500 van and an '01 Dodge 2500 van. I totaled the '94 with 250,000 on it by rear ending a truck on a rain slick hiway. The '01 died with a computer/electrical failure I was not able to find/fix (economically) with about 198,000 on it. Both were still performing well at the time of their demise. I am expecting my RAM to do the same.
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Old 10-10-2017, 10:13 AM   #6
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I have no brand loyalty. I really looked at the Rams. I could not find one with options I wanted and the payload I needed so check that close when looking.

Friends that have them are happy with them. The only one that tows anything has the 3/4ton and loves it.

Best of luck on your TV change!
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Old 10-10-2017, 10:15 AM   #7
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Cargo capacity is always the first limit reached so that's the number you want to pay attention too. Ignore towing capacity.
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Old 10-10-2017, 11:16 PM   #8
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Burmik, 13 Hemi Ram with eight speed will be a solid upgrade power OR mileage over the older trans and smaller motor in your Tahoe. Stability is in set up utilizing WDH and a scale but the longer wheelbase will also help some over the Tahoe. Fuel consumption wise there is a big jump going from the Hemi or any gasser to Ecodiesel so you might also consider that if you tow far or often.

Streeljag, You mean check out the Rams GVWR as it's in the door jam. My 14 is 6950. Most common outdoorsmans weight about 5500. Doubt the spread would be any bigger in his Tahoe. 6k wet TT & WDH should not transfer more than 750 to his truck leaving 700 pounds for people & gear. But that's ultra conservative as to what the truck can comfortably do. 347k miles on my 14 Ram 1500 transporting TTs many in the 6 to 7.5k weight range.
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The answer to what can my 1/2 ton tow; Generically whatever TT has a GVWR less than TV’s max tow rating. Specifically is found on CAT scale via weight distribution with TV TT & WDH. Best motor & gearing all 5 Mfgs within specs IE safe & stable normally to 8k but passengers & bedload reduce this. RAM 1500 ED max tow 9,200, max axle ratings 3,900, max 09-18 CVWR 15,950, axle weights me & gear 3,240 steer 2,560 drive
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Old 10-10-2017, 11:20 PM   #9
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Go with the RAM EcoDiesel.
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Old 10-10-2017, 11:22 PM   #10
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VernDiesel...

nice to hear from a pro who does trailer towing for a living!
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