New Truck Purchase
Hey everyone, I'm in the market for a new heavy-duty pickup truck and I've been considering the Ram 2500 and the Ram 3500. I've been doing some research and I've noticed that both models offer similar features such as towing capabilities and off-road capabilities, but I can't seem to decide which one is better for me.The Ram 2500 offers a maximum towing capacity of 19,680 pounds and a maximum payload of 3,260 pounds. On the other hand, the Ram 3500 offers a maximum towing capacity of 35,100 pounds and a maximum payload of 7,680 pounds. This makes the Ram 3500 a clear winner in terms of towing and payload capabilities.However, when it comes to options and features, the Ram 2500 offers a wider range of trims, including the Power Wagon, which is geared towards off-roading enthusiasts. The Ram 3500, on the other hand, only offers a limited number of trims and options and to get it built out in a similar spec to the Power Wagon would be pretty expensive.So, my question to the community is, which one of these models do you think is the better choice? Are the towing and payload capabilities of the Ram 3500 worth sacrificing the additional options and features offered by the Ram 2500? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. I live in Manhattan so parking may be an issue.
Edit: Thanks everyone for the input! Ended up picking up this beautiful 2018 Ram 2500 Longhorn with the max tow package. Now I get to have fun driving it in the city!
Comments (59)
Very cool - why not a TRX if you're in nyc?
My fifth wheel toy hauler is around 15,000 loaded and would be significantly overloaded on a TRX. I also occasionally need to pull my 36' gooseneck cattle hauler.
I like GMC better. Good luck parking that in Manhattan.
https://www.gmc.com/trucks/sierra/2500hd-3500hd/capability
"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
Nice try. We all know what GMC stands for! I am open and accepting though, no hate 🤜🏼🤛🏼
what does it stand for
RAM is nice, but I'm with [Isaiah_53_5 💎🙌💎🙌💎] that a GMC is a better trimmed out vehicle to live with every day. The Duramax diesels are just as well built as the Cummins in a RAM now, and also offer a PTO if you need it. But it really is a case of RAM is good, but to me GMC is better. Ten speed Allison tranny vs a six speed, dedicated fifth wheel/goose neck factory packages, transfer case options, trailering packages, etc.
I do like the Allison in the GMC's much more, but found the interior quality to be kind of lacking. RAM's new Tesla-style screen was great as well. I wasn't aware the new tranny was a 10-speed; I thought they were still using their 6-speeds just a few years ago? That does add another point of consideration then, to be honest.
If you're willing to shell out for it, a SLT and up edition ticks all those interior trim boxes. Speaking of the Allison trans, can't help but notice that hill descent is also a standard part for GMC and I didn't see anything about it on the RAM. And speaking of the gooseneck, I stand partially corrected. RAM offers a gooseneck prep package, but no actual full-on gooseneck package.
Yeah, I used to work on the executive team of a large auto group and got to ride around in all kinds of cars, including GMCs and generally liked their interior and ride quality. We actually considered them a luxury brand and only had luxury cars.
"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
They have some good stuff. My group doesn't own their own corporate fleet, but for executives and/or organized transport we only use one group now (at least in my metro location). They recently switched their fleet from a lot of older model Tahoes and some Escalades to at least a dozen new Yukon Denalis. They're great to ride in, better than the Cadillacs IMO but the Caddies were usually around the 2017-18 model years.
GMC AT4
Didn't like the interior to be honest. Felt more like a pure work truck.
I have a Ram 1500 and currently am driving a 2500 as a rental. My 1500 is loaded and the 2500 has very few options, basically a pure work truck. I really don't like how few options the 2500 has. I am probably going to upgrade to a 2500 limited in the future as I am adding to my property and equipment and will need more towing capability.
If the 2500 can meet your towing needs I would get that with a bunch of options. I don't like the work truck feel of what I am renting.
Definitely, I was looking at the Power Wagon but saw that it decreases payload due to the softer offroad suspension. Would be a Laramie Longhorn, in that case. Beautiful interior that almost beats my Mercedes.
The power wagon is cool, but like you said you lose the payload and towing. It is like having a 2500 that can only tow and carry what a 1500 can.
Laramie (depending on options), Longhorn, and Limited will all have the options and comfort while still being useful. The Longhorn interiors are beautiful, they are so nice.
Would you go diesel for the towing or go 6.4 Hemi? The 6.7L diesel has crazy torque and can tow about 19-20k while the 6.4L is around 17k I think, depending on the trim level.
I've gone through cummins tradesman 2500, tacoma 4 cylinder, a couple tundras, and ram 1500 hemi all for my race season hauling. If you want the creature comforts, go with a nice kitted RAM or Tundra. GMC also makes great truck options like the Sierra as well. Currently we have a 4 cyl tacoma, 2500 cummins, and gave the Subaru Outback Limited a shot. It hauls like a beast and has all the creature comforts you want with great fuel efficiency. I would go with a Cummins if you want an end game truck and don't mind paying for diesel, they do not skimp on those trucks.
Definitely leaning on the 2500 Laramie Longhorn. I didn't know Allison came out with a new tranny on the Sierra (10 speed) so going to look into that, but I've never been a fan of GMC/Chevy quality. Will give it a shot though, there's a dealership with a well spec'ed one that I'm going to take a look at this weekend. If that doesn't work out, 2500 it is.
What do you race? I grew up racing motocross; not very common in our industry.
I've stayed away from GMC and Chevy, but I love those old Silverados with the bench seat in the front. I would send it with the Longhorn, the acoustics are nice and people are used to loud trucks. These 2500s are nice, stout, and reasonably quiet so I appreciate that when I'm on a long drive for a weekend. Don't settle though, RAM is very weird with their packages and sometimes you get things that aren't listed or the listing doesn't match up to the truck you see in person. I would 100% send it with a 2500, it's the best truck I've had and we tow with a big tex + at least 1k on it regularly.
just saw your race question, I race as much as I can man. Primarily I do track racing with sport bikes and supermotos, if you did MX then you'd love supermotos imo. I also do flat track, hare scrambles, and motocross in between track weekends if there's not a main event to attend. I definitely want to look into GNCC enduro circuits, but doing everything helps me develop control over all inputs. The speed is just a byproduct if you do everything to train your control so I fully indulge hoping for even 1%. You're definitely right, most racers are in trades and I rarely meet anybody in finance at the track.
If you get the chance and you're in NY, check out NYST because there's a bunch of support at that track and you could rent a bike for a day as well.
I'm struggling to figure out why you want the extra towing capacity. You haven't mentioned if you tow an RV, do construction, haul cubes, etc., do you? Otherwise just get the 2500. Think about yourself 3 years from now, sitting in the car, what's important to you? Comfort and reliability
Toy hauler and livestock trailer. Both are around 16-17k loaded.
Somewhat off topic, but I have so many questions. You are an IB analyst living in Manhattan with a livestock trailer? Where do you store the toys and livestock trailer? How do you have the time to use said toys and livestock trailer? Where is your livestock?
haha these are the important questions
"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
Haha, I ain't blame you a bit and I've gotten just as many questions from folks at work. I pay for parking for my toy hauler at a truck stop that's owned by a friend of mine. Family owns a ranch in North Salem that my girlfriend and I drive up to nearly every weekend, so I tow fairly often. Definitely not daily because of work, but I would if I could. My plan is to work enough to buy my own parcel and live off the land.
Following up with an equally unrelated question, what kind of toys are you hauling?
PS, I love your dream of owning your own piece of land and living off it. It is so refreshing to hear that as opposed to the normal stream of "I want to be an MD at a BB / PE Partner at a MF" that this site is riddled with. Note: nothing wrong with either of the aforementioned goals, its just funny because its mentioned by 18-22 year olds, not say, idk the VP of IB or the Senior Associate already at a MF (in other words, its mentioned by people with <2 YOE FT lol).
That's very cool. Sounds like a good way to get away from the city. I don't have constructive advice but hope you find a truck that works for all that you have going on.
I have a pickup truck but I'll just come out and say it - this sounds like a horrible decision.
Owning this car in NYC sounds miserable to drive around in, it will get scratched up, and most of all; why would you even need it? Where are you going?
Also you will probably pay ~$800 / month in parking for two spots if not more be sure to factor that into your math (sometimes there are taxes / fees extra in NYC too). I'm not saying don't do it I'm also just curious why you're doing this though.
What the hell do I care if it gets scratched? It's just a truck.
I want to see a video of you driving around Manhattan with your 3500 and trailer.
haha riiiiight?
"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
Haha it ain't the easiest thing in the world but I've had my CDL since I was 18 but I been hauling cattle least since I was 13. I grew up in rural Alabama and it's the norm to start driving around 11-13.
Okay, I'll be the asshole here and ask the question. This isn't meant as ill-will, I'm just speaking as someone whose gone through this before.
Do you need a truck? I don't know you or your personal life, but I can't wrap my head around it so far. petetong and BoutiqueAsc beat me to the party. After my A3 was totaled, I debated getting an entry-level truck for personal use, as I had several instances in which it'd be damn handy. Once I saw the prices, I got to thinking about all those 'many' times I needed a truck. Let me list them:
That's it, literally. Again, I don't know your story, but so many truck people do not run the cost-benefit analysis on why they actually need an exposed bed. New trucks are outrageously expensive, especially the two you listed. If we're going new, within thirty seconds I found this listing for the RAM 2500, and this link for the RAM 3500. These trucks are $46,000 and $61,000 - respectively. That is so much damn money. If you have nearly $60K to play around with for a vehicle (and the additional tens of thousands for maintenance, insurance, parking, and additional stuff), then I'd really consider looking at how often you're using the vehicle. So many people I know buy trucks and use them maybe 2-3 times per year for their actual purpose, having the driving factor to own one being: "I want a truck." Just doesn't make sense to me.
In addition, a shit ton of modern trucks are designed for these people. Comfort features are maximized, with bed sizing being cut out so instead of getting a work vehicle you're getting a family SUV with a micro-bed in the back that can help you keep up appearances. All while dropping >$50K and getting like 20MPG.
Now, I could be extremely wrong about this, and you could actually be using this truck for purposes that benefit you over anything. But like other users said, you're an IB analyst living in the most populated city in the nation. I just can't see how you'd benefit from one. Sorry if I seem like a parent giving you a lecture, but it doesn't make any sense to me. Feel free to correct me in any way, I'm only writing this comment based off the context given.
Yeah I tow about once a week, and significantly more over the holidays and summers. My toy hauler and livestock trailer are both around 16,000 lbs loaded so a 1500 doesn't work for me, or I would get it.
Got it - glad you provided context.
Can't speak for 3500, only have experience with the 2500. An uncle up in NJ has one, thing is a hulking beast. He's got a boat and tows pretty regularly. Unsure of specs but it's smaller, maybe 12 - 14' end-to-end? Never had an issue tow-wise, but a 36' Gooseneck like you stated above is a different beast. My only recommendation is to try to get the cheaper one if you can, but don't sacrifice longevity/performance if the 2500 won't really do the job. But hey, I'd take a $15K less car any day if it accomplished my needs!
Side note - back when I had an Instagram I swear I followed an acct w/ the username you have here. Shit was hilarious, some memories unlocked there.
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Not sure if this is a troll or not, but your limiting factor will not be the max towing capacity. It is going to be all about payload / GVWR. The gooseneck will transfer about 20% - 25% of its weight to the truck. Do the math to understand how much payload you need and the work back from there. Payload is truck specific (not all 3500s will be the same). It depends on a lot of different factors. I'm not familiar with the RAM product line, but for F250 / F350 the difference between the two is effectively just payload. F350 has higher payload because of increased leaf spring count and rigidity in addition to beefier axel ratings. Good luck. literally can't imagine owning one of these in Manhattan. Would probably find a super cheap boat / rv storage outside of city to park it and access with public transport when you need to. Modern superduty's are tall and you'll need 7ft+ parking garages at minimum.
Not a troll, but I see what you're saying about payload which is why I ruled out the Power Wagon. The 3500 is nearly double the payload so I assume it's a similar setup. I've never acrtually thought about trying to calculate payload at the hitch, only ever think about that when considering tongue weight. Thanks for the heads up and will look into it!
Get the Ford F-650. Imagine rolling around Manhattan in that beast. hahahahahaha
The Ford F-650 Is a $150,000 Super Truck - Doug Demuro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrHDeSMvnt4
"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
To be honest that thing is ugly as hell. The body lines don't even match up on the bed and cab, and the front and rear fenders look completely bastardized together.
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"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
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