What Tow Vehicle

[Copperhead]

I am partial to my 2015 Chevy 2500 6.0 gasser with 4.10. As cheap or cheaper than any Chevy 1500 with one of the max tow packages and far more capability.

Payload is the key with towing anything. Almost all 1/2 tons will max out or exceed payload with more than two people, a trailer, and a little bit of gear in the bed. They can tow a lot, but I found only in farm country towing a draw bar type of trailer can they actually pull the weight the OEM's claim they can without going well over payload capacity. My 2500, with two people, full of fuel, and a couple hundred pounds of tools and such in the bed, I still have about 2400 lb of payload left.

The beautiful thing is, there are so many choices available. The sad thing, trying to decide which one! I would consider diesel myself, but it isn't worth the expense in both fuel and operating costs (especially the modern emissions stuff). And nothing I tow is topping 7000 lb max except an occasional dump trailer than tips 12,000 lb, and it is only local. In my case, I use E85 in my 2500. Sure, sorry mpg, but the cost is hovering around $1.70 a gallon in my area. Diesel is $3. So even with the better mpg of diesel, the cost per mile for fuel is basically the same. And my 2500 with the 6.0 gasser, it really doesn't feel like the trailer is behind it. But, also, I don't do mountains. Just some occasional pretty steep grades that are short distance.

All one can do is run the numbers, determine what they are trying to do and where they are doing it, and find out what works for the best overall value. No two situations are identical. I only recommend that people get the most for their dollar. Don't fall for marketing fluff.

[jim1521]

What tow vehicle do you use to pull your 2600RB, 1/2 ton, 3/4
ton or other?

I’ll go first...
2014 RAM 1500 Crew Cab


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In my signature. The Titan XD diesel will pull that all day long.

[cb0895]

Just pulled our Imagine 2800bh from Charlotte to Myrtle Beach with my 2004 f150. I am proud of the old girl....she handled the camper like a champ. Absolutely no issues whatsoever.

[AlaskaJohn]

I've always liked my Yukon XL's, but my current Denali has coil springs instead of leaf springs. I love the 6.0 gas engine, but hate the coil spring sag. Sure the weight distribution hitch helps tremendously, but I just don't find coil springs ideal for towing. I'm currently eyeing a new Ram 2500 with the 6.4 gas engine, these crazy things tow over 15,000 lbs.

[goducks14]

I've always liked my Yukon XL's, but my current Denali has coil springs instead of leaf springs. I love the 6.0 gas engine, but hate the coil spring sag. Sure the weight distribution hitch helps tremendously, but I just don't find coil springs ideal for towing. I'm currently eyeing a new Ram 2500 with the 6.4 gas engine, these crazy things tow over 15,000 lbs.

New Ram 2500's have coils. I have an 18 2500 6.4.

[Bill Davey]

New Ram 2500's have coils. I have an 18 2500 6.4.

Coils are stock, but rear air suspension is about $1500 option.

[joebob]

I had the same RAM you have and upgraded to the 2500 with the Cummins now I dont know the trailer is their Im towing 2400BH

It does well enough. But I’m thinking I want a RAM 2500 with Cummins.


2017 Imagine 2600RB
2014 RAM 1500 4x2, 5.7L HEMI, 3:21 gears

[AlaskaJohn]

New Ram 2500's have coils. I have an 18 2500 6.4.

I didn't even look at that...Just assumed they were leaf springs. Wow, the things you don't know. The crazy truck can still pull a 15,000 lb trailer though.

[goducks14]

I tow 9300 lbs and would not want to go more. Mine has the 4.10 gears which makes it good for 15,470. Really? Maybe in FL or TX. Biggest issue with the Ram 6.4 is the 66RFE tranny. Same exact gear spacing as the 68RFE thats in the Cummins version. 1-2 spacing sucks. Not enough torque to keeps things moving when on steeper climbs and the truck slows way down. I'm in 2nd many times wound out to 5000 rpms plus. It's only for a short time so it's not too bad. Add 6000 lbs more and I'm guessing it won't make it up a few tight corner steep roads.
If you tow in rolling hills or flats then 10,000 and under is very doable. Over 10,000 and in the mtns a lot and you'll be looking for a gas station much sooner than you'll like.
As far as the coils go, well I came from a 12 Ram 2500 CTD. It towed my 9300 lb 5er better as far as stability wise. Power is not even close with the 6.4. Empty, the 18 6.4 is by far nicer. I did add air bags to gain some stability and that helped. I'm thinking the OEM shocks are worthless. Bilsteins are in the future.

[AlaskaJohn]

Thank you goducks14, I was wondering if 15k was actually a possibility or not. We've always contemplated going to a 5th wheel so my next truck will at least make that possible if I were to ever make the jump.