Tow Rig Advice

[justin81]

We recently purchased a 2017 Heritage Glen 356QB that my family of 4 will be living in full time on some property for a while, very exciting!! (could be staying on the property anywhere from 1-5 years) and will not be traveling with the trailer more than 1-2 times a year max!

Trailer Specs: just estimates going off of paperwork
Length - 42'
Est. Trailer Weight - 13800 lbs
Est. Pin Weight - 2800 lbs

We have decided on a 2017 Ram 3500 and are now trying to decide between SRW or DRW, Long Bed or Short Bed.

We know through research and our other vehicles over the years that the Long Bed DRW is undoubtedly a better tow vehicle all around, but we are questioning living with it day to day as my daily driver. My daily drive will be 11 miles round trip and mostly highway driving.

The question becomes is it worth purchasing the Long Bed DRW considering the extra cost in maintenance, the more difficult day to day driving, and the fact that we will be towing so little? Or is a Short Bed SRW with a slider hitch the way to go?

All opinions and suggestions are much appreciated!!

[Crusadernoob]

I'd buy a dually. Someday you may find you travel more.

[asquared]

The 13800 is gvwr of the trailer. You will be just fine with the SRW 3500 with that trailer. The bigger question is diesel vs gas. I would recommend diesel.

[justin81]

We will for sure be getting the 6.7 Cummins with the AISIN preferably.

[BDavis]

Always go Diesel. Have same trailer on a F350 SRW short bed. No issues

[davel1971]

loaded hitch weight will likely require a dually to not be over payload.

[david_reaves]

I have the SRW RAM 3500 short bed 4x4 with the 6.4 Hemi. I don't tow that much trailer, but it is within the specs. The payload for mine is 3960 lbs. Look for the 4.1 axle ratio since that gives you a 15,600 tow weight (with gas).

The diesel 6.7 Cummins has a payload of just over 4000 lbs and a tow weight of 17,000 lbs

http://www.ramtrucks.com/en/towing_guide/

[skidsareforkids]

I'm towing our Salem Hemisphere Lite 356QB with a 2016 longbed DRW 3500. Within three miles of the dealership I was on a 4 lane rode going 45 when a lady looked right at me and stepped out in front of me. I am 100% certain the extra weight and friction of the DRW truck saved her life. Towing short distance infrequently doesn't mean you won't encounter an emergency.

[justin81]

Thanks for all the input!!

Talking with the wife I think the Long bed DRW is the way to go. The difference in price is not much and I think I can manage just fine day to day with it.

Plus they are easy to find here in North Texas vs any other 3500 configuration haha

[skidsareforkids]

I don't have any issues with using it as a daily driver. Just have to park in the boondocks in some parking lots.