@@JoshuaOverman- Why? How are they not relevant? The motor alone can eliminate GM & Ford for about 30% of the HD buyers out there alone,,,,. I drive Ford on anything newer than 1998, GM prior, but my favourite, & most expensive by far, classic car is a Mopar, and I don’t have a Hemi yet. I know it’s historical, but that’s how they are relevant to me. Thing is, I would absolutely consider Ram as a HD truck! Especially with the factory rear airbag suspension,,,,. GM don’t offer a 4500 series pickup, only cab & chassis. Only Ford offers a pickup. To each their own,,,, granted.
Because they call it new but it's a 13 year old body style with just a very small amount of changes and that's why there not selling they want big money for a old truck
@@JoshuaOvermanive always owned fords but Rams are always the work trucks ive used at work. 3 different companies all used them because they were cheapest at the time
Just sold my 22 2500 Cummins, biggest differences are. The ride in a 2500 is second to none. Coils for the win. Also 68rfe is more road friendly, shifts quicker and smoother then the Aisin, Now have a 24 3500 limited night edition with airbags. The extra power from the HO is very noticeable empty or loaded with a trailer, also the Aisin is a straight up pulling tranny, I don’t mind how it shifts, it does like to lug in low rpm, smartens up with tow haul, also note the HO and Aisins exhaust brake works at a slower speed, 3500s run like lumber wagons when empty. As expected it’s for payload and towing. Get any weight in it and she’s like a Cadillac. Also these are my work trucks. Work in Canada in the mountains in oil and gas. Hot summers, cold AF winters. And best part Cummins doesn’t require the cab off to do simple maintenance or service. Ford and Chevy do, so your $47 dollar part turns into a $2700 bill real quick.
This is one of the best reviews I have read. So much knowledge and truth. I have had all 3 of these rigs. 2500 for unloaded road trips yet strong to get you out in a pinch or a heavy load every once in a while. I love the 3500 dually HO with Aisin trans (max tow) . It can handle everything and if I am correct has more towing capacity than the 4500 from a gooseneck or 5th wheel standpoint.
Owned a new 2010 Ram Cummins 2500. The worst vehicles I've ever owned. Everything went wrong with it. Leaked all the time. Everywhere. My driveway looked like a Jackson Pollack painting. The water pump failed on a trip across Nevada and left me stranded 1 mile west of Austin. Just a pile of trash. Sold it under 3 years of ownership.
@@ms.annthrope415 I am 63 years old and in 1998, I left ford for the same reasons and I got my first Ram 1500 and I have been trading on my birthday every 3 year for new Rams since 1998 ...I've owned 1500'S , 2500'S and 3500'S and I have never had any big issues with any of them .I have towed with every Truck I buy and now I live full time RV life and I have a 2020 1500 Ram 4x4 now and i have a Jayco 195 RV camper that I have pulled through 37 states living off grid 90% and I haven't Traded up yet because I was waiting to see the 2025 1500 I6 Hurrcane but now My Girlfriend want's to joing me and I am going to Trade to the 3500 or the 5500 Ram and my Jayco travel trailer to a fifth wheel . I am debt and tax free and I plan to remain that way .
I like the old mirrors too. Heck, I like when the interior of the 2500s looked like the interior of this 3500. Bench-like front seat with a huge center armrest, dash off the floor, more truck, less car.
The bench seats had to go away because there was no way the manufacturers could put a person in the center and protect them with airbags I miss my old bench seats to o
It’s nice to see the 2500 still has a GVWR under 10k. In my jurisdiction that’s the breakout for requiring commercial inspections even on personal vehicles. A lot of people were pretty unhappy when Ford first rolled over that line by less than 50lbs. Not enough capacity to mean much more than extra time and expense. Rolling past scales isn’t so much of a concern for me because I live in the middle of nowhere, but there are also places that require you to pull into the scale at that weight.
Ram does it correctly. 2500's are not 3500's, so why chase the > 10k ratings? If you need that much then buy a 3500. I like that the 2500 is still in their own class, but the price should come down. I'd actually say the 2500 class should have even less powerful diesels but focused more on reliability (less issues with emissions) and on MPG. Why not a smaller diesel with 650 to 700 lb/ft of torque to bridge the difference between a 1500 and a 3500. Perfect for towing RVs or cargo trailers or utility trailers for landscapers etc.
@@Eastsidegeorgiaboy Nissan couldn't even sell their regular trucks. Their titan xd was also not a 3/4 ton, it was a beefed up half ton that nobody wanted.
Something important you missed. 4500 & 5500 use 4.44 standard or more commonly 4.89 rear axle ratios. You’re in 6th gear by the time you hit 35mph with the 4.89. The 3500 diesels use 3.73 and won’t shift into 6th until 55mph.
You can also get the 3500 and the 4500 with 4.10 gear. I have a 2022 4500 60 inch cab to axle flatbed with the 4.10 and it is perfect for pulling. It turns 1850rpm at 67mph.
I have a 21 3500 HO Tradesman. It was ROUGH riding in NE PA horrible roads. I put a Thuren suspension (stock ride height) under it with their FOX shocks and sulastic shackles, 17" wheels and 35" tires. It was a massive increase. I drive it regularly from PA to CO. I think it's perfect for me. I have a slide in truck camper for it. I ordered the truck in 2021 and it was $56,500. I think those prices are long gone. I have the 8" dash screen, floor shift, vinyl floors, plow prep, bed liner, goose neck prep, skid plates and that's it. Ohh and the granite crystal metallic paint that's a $200 option. The Aisin shifts wonky until it's completely warmed up. The exhaust brake is crazy aggressive, but a must have for towing.
One reason for the 10k gvwr is a little related to taxes. If a vehicle is over 10k it doesn't qualify for some exemptions or something like that. I'm sure Ram talks to their fleet customers and they say please do not change the GVWR Another reason is any commercial vehicle over 10k gvwr needs a medical card so depending on what the vehicle is used for, the other trucks wouldn't work. That screen is a joke in 2024 tho
Most people towing a 5th wheel with the 2500 are unknowingly exceeding the GVWR. They look at the tow rating and everything looks fine, but once you hit the scale front axle + rear axle exceed 10,000 lbs. The 6.7L Cummins is a very heavy engine
@@NIAtoolkitI see so many of these 2500s in general pulling massive 5th wheels all squatted. Seriously, spend a little extra and get a dually. I guess the 2500’s double as a daily driver for a lot of these people and they’re concerned about the extra width of the truck.
The need for a medical card must be state dependant. In california anyone can drive any two axle vehicle up to 26,000 gvw without a medical or commercial license. But you cant tow a trailer over 10k gvw without a class a license. (Some exceptions)
I have a 2011 ram 4500 regular cab 4x4 manual transmission 120” CA with a very heavy duty flatbed dump. I haul 6 tons of material on it daily and it has done incredible. Almost 500,000 miles on it now. Rebuild the top end once and replaced the trans once and been through a few clutches of course. Buying a new 5500 soon.
Have a 2016 Power Wagon ( since new) with the Laramie trim. Sun Roof, heated cooled leather seats etc. cost $49.5K fully loaded. Had three recalls in 8 years and all were non critical and taken care off in less than 2 hours. One of my top three vehicles I’ve ever owned in 50 years. Still going strong with just 63K miles.
Ram HD is getting old, but I recently cross shopped a GMC AT4X 2500 vs the Ram 2500 Megacab Limited. I was able to get the Ram cheap enough to cover a Carli Eventure suspension system, supplemental air bags to have the smoothest HD ride possible, or can be loaded up for towing. And Ram offers active lake keep which somehow the GMC still doesn't have. Ford Tremor is a great truck as well but the local dealer is awful for service and they're asking the most money.
Good comparison, I am a small Hotshot and am running a 2017 Ram 3500 4X4 SRW Cummins HO, AISIN. I bought this truck WITH 52K and am now at 387K. It's been great so far. No major repairs. So far I have changed the hydraulic brake unit on the ABS system and one front Hub assembly.
I think with Andre in this one I would go with the 4500 because for me I like super sized payload on it because a lot of the style truck campers that I like would be really close to 3,500 even if it was a duallys payload for this one gives you just a little bit more so you're not near the max
This is actually all old news. A ford guy will not like them and a ram guy will not like ford. Every vehicle on the road will have a break down of some sort at some time. It’s a roll of the dice
@@nathanurick8320Dodge always been trash, when have Dodge ever made anything better than a Ford or Chevy?? Cummins take their engine from Dodge and the whole company will sink in 2 years
@@BruceDragon-sf1trReally? My grandpa had a 2016 2500 Cummins for five years before he traded it in for a 2021 Chevy Duramax 2500. Not even 3 years in he traded the Chevy in for a new 2024 Ram 2500 Cummins Bighorn. I’ve had my 2020 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi for four years and the only time I have to go to the auto shop is for tire rotation and oil changes. Also stop calling it “Dodge”, Ram became its own independent company in 2009.
My 2019 SLT 2500 Ram Crew Cab diesel with 3.42 rear end listed for $62,000 as a two wheel drive with an 8 foot bed. You learn to back in to parking places. It get 17.5 to 18.5 mpg around town, From El Paso to up state New York with 2000 lb load driving 80 mph averaged 22 to 23 mpg over the 5,000 miles. I got $10,000 off the list price and $13,000 trade on my 2001 1/2 Ram 2500 5.9 Quad cab diesel. So I only paid $ 39,000. If I do pull a trailer it an airstream that weighs 9,000 lbs so that gives me another 9,,000 lbs to pull if I want. I love the ride and quietness of the new 6.7 vs my former 5.9.. I don't need all the extra horsepower or torque. I am not a teenager any more. I live in the hot southwest so no leather seats for me. Mine is White with grey cloth interior.
Not sure if anyone knows. The regular trucks like 2500 and 3500 trucks have a 58” cab to axle(rear of cab to center of rear axle). The chassis cabs come with a 60” cab to axle. Flatbeds, utility boxes setup for 60 cta are usually 9ft or longer.
Great video guys. Love the back to back test drives, and side by side comparisons. I really like that you included a turning radius test as well, I think some sort of turning radius test should be done in all the truck videos. Great job guys!
Yes please Ike cab chassis trucks! I’d be very interested to see towing mpg and Ike tests on the CC trucks.. also would love to see some comparisons vs standard pickup dually.. I’m a hotshot trucker myself, currently running just a DRW 3500, would definitely like to see how CCs stack up.
12-15 mpg towing in my 3500 CC with 4.10 gears. Truck camper, jeep on 24' flatbed trailer with other misc crap. Probably around 25k lbs gross with pretty good drag from the camper. That was WA, OR,UT, CO. Getting over 70/2k rpms starts cutting into mpg. Dual tanks is the only way to go, 74 gallons.
My wife and I bought a 3500 in 2019, standard output cummins, lots of tech goodies at the time. 69k and change. To replace that truck today, similarly equipped, would be almost 85k. It's crazy how much more expensive everything is. Especially since almost nothing has changed in 5 years. I'm not sure why ram still holds the 2500 line at 10k GVWR. I had a newer 2500 Silverado in the shop about a month ago with 11,300lbs GVWR. My 3500 ram is 11,800lbs.
Unfortunately it's just inflation that has made the dollar worth less. And the reason they have kept it at 10k is alot of places make you put comercial tags and pay even more tax for going over 10k
Watch out for the Arctic fox 990. It is way too heavy for our 2014 3500 limited mega cab Dooley. we would need a 5500 to haul this camper. Also walked on the roof yesterday to clear out a tree that was overhanging it. Sadly enough moisture has gotten below the vinyl roof and started to wreck the structure underneath mold at the front corners on passenger side, and the interior of the closet is starting to get soft, very disappointing considering I paid 22,000 for this $30,000 camper. It is turning into trash before my eyes need to build a structure over it to keep the water off it and just park it somewhere. in comparison our 1990 Chinook motorhome is all fiberglass exterior shell. The only leak in this unit has been around the air conditioner, which was easily fixed.
when i worked for ram, i had to deliver a 5500 cabin chassis 200miles to another dealer. while in cruise control at 85mph, i would see the rear tires in the rear view mirror bouncing off the ground literally. was quite the experience lol
We had a 2012-2013 ish Ram 5500 at my old job that we used to pull huge gooseneck trailers with. Holy. Crap! That thing…yeah. It was SCREAMING at 55mph (2500rpm so it sucked down that diesel) and it would beat ya to death, loaded or not, so I can sympathize with you both. It was not fun to ride in or drive, but it got the job done.
I would take the 5500. We just went through this where a friend bought one and we compared the 3500, 4500 and 5500. The 2500 and 3500 are made and marketed for the weekend user, we called it. Like you said, towing a camper/boat etc. The 4500 was 1/2 and 1/2. Weekend warrior/commercial user. The 5500 is built to work hard, and last a long time. The engine is designed and tuned like a "tractor", as is the running gear and frame. With no bed you can really see how the frame is double braced, thicker steel in places, bigger nuts and bolts. Of course the Aisin HD transmission also. For about $1000-$2000 more, the 5500 is my choice. As a note also, this is especially for towing big 5th wheel campers that 3500's are really not enough truck to tow. We see it being done 75% of the time, but the 5500 is more capable, safer and will last much longer doing it! JMHO --gary
3500 is rated to tow almost 40,000 ppunds. Plenty people brag about overloading 3500s with 60k-80k pounds with no problems. How much are you actually towing that you need a 5500?
How on earth did you come to such a conclusion on the 4500 verses the 5500??? They use the same engine and transmissions. Must have been smoking some of that wacky tabacy during that conversation! 😂
Ive owned two long bed crew cab Ram 3500 trucks. First one was a 2017 Ram 3500 LWB crew cab with the standard Cummins engine, arisen trans, air suspension, and 3.73 rear gear. I pull a 41 ft fifth wheel RV. Hitch weight is 3450 lbs. trailer weight is 14600 lbs. I’ve been up a 4% grade with no problems. Used the truck 5 years with no problems. Traded it for a 22 Limited Longhorn with the high output Cummins, air suspension, arisen trans, 4.10 rear gear, 50 gallon fuel tank, 6000 lb front axle. On trade i got more for my 2017 Ram than i paid for it by several thousand dollars. Haven’t towed with the new truck yet. Old truck averaged 10.3. Mpg when towing. When i hooked up to my RV the truck settled about 1 inch. Air suspension is great for the heavy hitch weight of my RV.. weights listed were from a trip across a CAT scale at a local LOVES truck stop. Only non factory additions made to both trucks were the addition of a 60 gallon AUX fuel tank and Weather tec floor mats. Everyone has a truck brand they like. Buy what you like. Something to think about when buying a diesel truck is the maintenance costs are significantly higher on the diesel engine over the gas engine. Oil change for my ram is $150.00. Fuel filters are $285 dollars at my local dealership. Fuel costs are also higher for the diesel fuel. A fill up of 90 gallons cost is almost $300.00 for my truck but i can go over 1000 miles on a fill up easily.
Thank you gentlemen! I am looking to replace my old 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 with another Ram. You have helped me make up my mind on which model now. The 3500 it is then! Thanks
The 2500 is the queen of pavement princess, Midlife minivans. It is bought primarily by well off middle-aged men who have kids and need a minivan. However because they're middle-aged; they desperately don't want a minivan. As a result they convince themselves that this truck with it's "Indestructible" Cummins engine is better and more practical. They say they can carry a load of stuff (It can't they bought the short bed), and that they can tow whatever they could need (it doesn't matter he might tow one thing and that will be just to show that his "truck" can tow), and how much fun it will be to go off-roading with it (He will never take his baby on mud ever, or take it on anything that your ordinary FWD sedan wouldn't be able to handle).
@@jackgtx440 because people "Driving what they want" has resulted in: The honest workhorses of yesteryear being turned into a bunch of bloated luxury sedans. All to appease the vain and shallow, ultimately phasing the original truck market (the REAL truck market) out of existence. I have every right to be upset when something honest and good is replaced by something ugly and invalid for selfish and shallow reasons.
Bro stfu some people just like driving trucks because they like them and no other reason it’s not that serious. Buy an old beat up cheap truck for work if that’s what you need it for and stop bitching about what other men decide to do with their money. The entire car industry is making interiors nice because that’s what is demanded.
Bro stop yapping, buy an old beat up truck for work if that’s what you need it for. Stop bitching about what other men decide to do with their money. Some people drive trucks because they like them and no other reason same goes for all classes of vehicles it’s really not that deep. Every car brand is making nicer interiors cause that’s what the market demands. Don’t like it than don’t buy it plenty of used cheap and capable trucks on the market.
The 4500 isn't as big a seller as the bigger 5500... its the same frame, brakes, etc... just heavier suspension for higher payload. The 5500 is very common for building into Wreckers or Rollback tow trucks that will have heavy equipment mounted, yet still have tremendous carrying & towing capacity. The wide front axle is not just for tighter turning..its for stability... when heavy commercial trucks are built...theyre often top heavy when loaded...the wider front track makes the entire chassis much more stable which equals safer. There's not much difference between 4500 & 5500 besides suspension... but the 5500 gives better towing as well... just over 35,000lbs max towing & 12,500lbs of cargo.... combine great turning with high cargo & towing.... theres a reason you see them built into HD daily workhorses. That 4500 shown, was a bare bones work truck, but you can get them full luxury/gadgets trim too for those that spend alotta time in a vehicle. The solid front axle is also because its stronger than IFS... and durability, especially when heavy is more important than smooth. Same reason HD trucks are 4x4, not AWD... its about strength & durability... these have all of it. Ram also still includes regular 12volt power outlets... not just USB ports... USB cannot supply much power. 12v outlets & upfitter switches are still VERY much in demand for work trucks... Ram kept theirs, unlike GM.
Juar bought a 2500 cummins day before yesterday. Sure wish I could have the payload of the 3500 and the HO engine, but I really enjoy the ride of the 2500 coils, the 2500 fits in my garage (We live in hail country) and I don't want to be beat all around while driving down the road talking on the phone. My old 1 ton literally hurt my guts while driving LOL!!!! So there are good points to all. My boat is about 5000-6000 lbs but pulls like 12,000 lbs in the wind, so I really needed the torque and until I want to haul heavier, the 2500 works well for me. I do miss the power of my old Powerstroke, which would be similar to the Ram HO 6.7. But I guess sacrifices in one way or the other are inevitable. Thanks for the great video yall!
Just one more comment on DOGS the full back seat black covers with quick snaps ties is a must. My baby Australian Shepard loves the back slider window and he can NOT jump through it. My Dog is lached to a short leash that hooks into seat belt connects 😊 the back seat cover is a must if you haul pets. Little pockets to store the outside leashs in. 😊😊😊
I daily drive a 2022 ram 5500 Laramie with a 12’ utility body and a aluminum lift gate, I have a heating a cooling business I pick up and drop off kids in it, I haul a group of guys if we go to a event all types of stuff and I love it. It’s my personal 3rd 5500 trade them in every 5 years this is the first crew cab truck and saves me so much time going to get my pickup to go get my kids from the sitter after work and what not. I have a trx as my “daily” Im in my 5500 5 out of 7 days a week if not more so I stepped up to a Laramie bit thinking about a limited next time
I just got myself a used 2020 2500. I’m definitely one of those people that could almost get away with a 1500, but since it’s a work truck that gets high mileage I wanted something heavier duty. And while I don’t tow a ton, when I do it’s pretty much exclusively 2500 level towing. No need to go beyond to a bigger truck, but enough reason to not go to a half ton. And for the diesel, I’ve just never had the same feeling about gas trucks. Definitely that one is more preference than necessity, but I got the Cummins. The real interesting thing. I got a tradesman that is fairly well equipped for one. For the fun of it, I built a new 2024 on their site with, as best as I could remember, the same options, even that truck came out to almost $80k like $74 or something, just insane for their supposed entry level trim. And considering that it’s got more options in it than the Big Horn 3500, just seems like these trucks are overpriced like mad these days, what a time to be alive!
Wow! I have a ‘19 3500 similar to this ‘24 but it’s a tradesman w vinyl seats. And I’m astonished how much the price has increased almost 30k in 5 years. Mine was 52k. And at that time it was a lot to me. No wonder my dealer is always hounding me to trade it in!
I have a 3500 C&C ram. It is quite the ride with a flatbed. Loaded with anything over 800lbs and it is smooth as silk on the highway. You can put Sulastic shackles on it for about $1100 and get a ride similar to the 2500 when empty without compromising the load capability. You have to specify for the cab & chassis model the much cheaper shackles for a regular 3500 won't work. Also you have to relocate the fuel filler neck which is why the $1100 price tag comes into play. I have the HO 6.7 with Aisin transmission which is a dog compared to the 68re however the aisin is built to hold the power and last where as the 68re is just counting down to its next full rebuild.
I can tell you a friend of mine has a 2017 2500 crew 2500 4x4 Tradesman, 6.4, 4.10 gears. Bought new, it has been a good truck for my friend. He had a 2010 Tundra double cab 4x4 4.30 gears, 5.7. He had reached his towing and payload numbers, by getting up to a 9500 pound trailer. It seems to me that payload was near 3800? I have helped him drive it back a few times when he needed to pick up his Peterbuilt at the shop. I thought that truck actually rode better in the rear than my 2018 F150 with 1488 pound payload. The front end, being straight axle, wasn't as smooth my Ford. My stepson had a 2018 or so Laramie crew 4x4 6.7 diesel. I can vouch for the payload, maybe 2200 or 2300. He bought it to tow a 5th wheel jobsite to jobsite. It did that fine, even though the pin weight of that 5th wheel put it well over the low payload. However, it needed some parts for engine control. Big money. I am thinking the 6.4 would be at the top of it's capacity. May be a good time to brig back a v-10.
No doubt the new Bighorn options are MUCH better than the last generation! We went from a Laramie to a Bighorn last month and we really don't miss much. The leather is gone, but living in Minnesota, that's actually a plus in the winter. Leather takes forever to heat up on those -22 degree days.
In 2024 all vehicles should have heated seats and steering wheel. If I can buy a 12v heated blanket for $20 then why isn’t that simple and cheap technology in the seat of these expensive vehicles.
when i was looking at buying a new diesel a few years ago during covid. the couple dodge dealers i went to had a 10,000-15,000 dollar markup on brand new trucks just because they had the ASIN transmission
Money being no object, then a fully loaded Ram 5500 from Elevation Off Grid is the answer. That said, I think a 2500 Cummins would be the most truck I'd reasonably get. It's big enough to do most things I'd want to do (ex. Tow a huge enclosed car trailer), but not so big that it can't be used as a daily driver and the activities that go with that.
All cab and chassis style trucks get industry standard frame rails (no axle humps). which gives them the ability to install many different types of universal beds. as they all follow the 34" between frame rail spacing. C&C is an option on 3500 and is standard 4500 and up. Also, sometimes insurance companies wont let you have standard insurance on something bigger than a 1 ton truck. They know 4500 up is a commercial grade truck and would try to give you commercial insurance.
Since Andre primarily deals with trucks, which are all way over priced now... I think he has become OK with these insane prices.. Because I always notice that Nathan, and Roman always make comments about trucks being overpriced.. And when they do, Andre always kinda defends the price by talking about capability and features.. Our economy is going to crash if prices don't come down.. Not just on trucks.. But homes and groceries as well.. Because honestly, how many people can afford payments on a 70-80k truck?? Not many. I understand that these are HD and more expensive.. But a middle range truck is 65-68 now.. That's like 1200 bucks a month!!!
I just bought a 2022 ram 2500 with 25,000 miles on it for $39,000. It’s the tradesmen with the rear coil springs and drives great towing my travel trailer from Reno Nevada to Sand Hollow Utah 518 miles pull that great with a smooth ride and all the power it needed average 20 miles to the gallon, couldn’t complain at all about it
My 2011 F250 6.7 has 400 hp and 800 Ft-lb torque. So right there with the standard 6.7 Cummins. Love the 6.7 Ford but I think the Cummins is a great engine.
The 4500 and 5500 are a heavy duty work truck that mechanics like to use especially if you have to go over scales the down side is the gear ratio is useless because the truck has enough power for a 3.55 gear or taller giving you better fuel economy and longer engine life.
we have a 22 ford 450 superduty pickup and a 18 ram 5500 single cab with a steel dump body, and it does buck a little unloaded but when they are loaded they ride beautifully. the ford not as nice because its all aluminum. The ford is a limited so its still nice. don't dig the nob for 4wd in the ford. I personally love the Manly lever in the ram. they both turn really well.
For 4500, have to go by the GAWR’s as well as GVWR. Depending on what is on the rear, could be far more or similar to 3500 payload (if large/heavy rear fitment worthy of the 11 leaf spring set).😊
Because more people buy trucks as a car with a big open trunk instead of using it for work. To find a truck with an 8 foot bed you almost have to go to a dealership that has a large selection of Fleet trucks, or end up ordering one.
Most people want bitch trucks. I was shopping a GMC 3500 work truck with a long bed. All the dealer had on the lot was Denali and AT4 trucks with little beds 90K and up. Said I’m interested in ordering one and they didn’t even want my business. I wasn’t worth their time because it’s almost pure profit from the work truck pkg up to the loaded packages. Cost the same to make. I’ll keep driving my paid off F-350 until the next economic downturn and they suck my d**k to buy a truck. Should be a lot more accommodating when they’re hurting.
That’s why this 3500 is more basic, because 8’ bed trucks are used more for fleet/farm/industrial use, and the 2500 is used like a car for people these days like the other commenter stated.
@@stephenbaker7960Recently did the Carli 2 1/2” Backcountry, sway bar and steering dampener on my 2017 3500. Also went with 35’s, Nitto’s in my case. I know the sway bar makes a big difference, very pleased with the ride.
Red coil overs are the worst thing to get if you plan on hauling heavy weight. You need to spend money to get the air suspension upgrade it makes huge difference in ride quality empty and fully loaded
AQUI NO BRASIL A RAM 2500 TEM MOLAS SEMI-ELÍPTICA NA SUSPENSÃO TRASEIRA E NA SUSPENSÃO DIANTEIRA É MOLAS HELICOIDAIS E A RAM 3500 TEM MOLAS SEMI-ELÍPTICA NA SUSPENSÃO TRASEIRA E NA SUSPENSÃO DIANTEIRA É MOLAS HELICOIDAIS
My choice is easy, the 4500 cab-chassis is best overall. I'd put a pickup truck body, if possible, if not, I'd put a Stahl or Reading aluminum utility body on it with a sliding cover, without drilling any holes in the ladder frame "C" section web. The 4500 series had a frame which is much deeper just as it goes under the cab this is where the maximum resisting bending moment (RBM) would occur, I'm thinking. The web thickness of the frame is also thicker on the 4500 than on the 2500 or 3500 pick-ups, assuming equal yield strength on all. Frame section modulus is also the greatest on the 4500 series ladder frame as it has a thicker web thickness and deeper frame height, than the 2500 and 3500 series. The GVWR on the 4500 is much greater than the 2500 and the 3500 as well, with heavier springs and axles, front and rear. The Cummins 6.7 liter is a good engine, I don't know if there is a rebuild kit or reclaim kit for that engine, but the price on the diesel option is very, very high, as opposed to a Hemi V8 gasoline engine, or whatever V8 gasoline engine is standard. The ZF transmissions are good transmissions; I'd put an automatic in it, for sheer driving ease.
I will say yes if your buying a 2500 yes you should get a 6.7 but as someone who towes more through town and i got a 14 6.4 hemi and i loved it and with these 5th gens i can see the reason for getting a 3500 with the 6.4 because they have the leaf springs innthe rear if your skepticalof the 2500 springs like i am and i dont want to hear whhy are you buying a 2500 and not getting a diesel because ive towed with a 2013 ram 1500 with the 5.7 and it pulled decent with 9k pounds but id have used the 2500 if a damn kia didn't take it out
Prices are crazy. My dad has a 2500 (Cummins engine of course) with an extended bed from 2013 that probably cost half what these 2024 models are going for when he bought it new, and it does everything that a truck needed for hauling/towing needs to do. It has all the creature comforts you could ever want (heated seats/heated steering wheel/seat coolers, leather seats etc). It has all the stuff you would ever want for towing (trailer brake switch, exhaust braking, etc). What do these new trucks offer that would warrant spending DOUBLE the cost for when the previous model cost half that and did everything a truck needs to do (and the model featured in this video had less features in certain contexts)?
I’ve driven a 4500 Chevrolet. And when the back is empty I’ve been launched from my seat at least several inch’s. It’s fine when fully loaded and weighed down.
What you didn’t have to test is the 3500 dually. Which I have . 5400 lb payload , 36k towing . What’s interesting is I have the 8.4” screen on a tradesman. 70k otd 2023 4x4 HO
Sorry for double commets. I like how RAM has moved the DEF fill away from diesel fill spot. Checy 5500 has moved the DEF to passage side of truck. Its something small but "O" so important NOT to pour DEF in diesel tanks.
They’re meant to be loaded heavy on the rear, so they aren’t very comfortable at all empty or lightly loaded. If they offered air bag suspension it would be a lot smoother
For 26 ram needs a 4500 with pickup bed, air ride all around, 8 speed ZF transmission, adaptive towing tech, fun new colors, new bed and camera tech, power number bump to 1200+
I personally like the 4500 but I need a service body configuration. That's what that truck is . If you measure from cab to axel that truck would be 60" which calls for a 9' service body If you look at the thickness of the frame its a lot thicker than a conventional pickup frame. The frames on a chassis cab have flat rails compared to a pick up frame.. GM and Ford makes the same configuration on their trucks . The frames rails are identical to accept a service body or that type of figuration.
These are the luxury & status cars of our time. My trucks are closer to 40 years old, cost me less than 1/20 of what these cost. Mine are sometimes loaded by forklift or the bucket loader on my 65 year old tractor, and I can maintain them at home. But these are shiny.🙄
I think when reviewing the pedal’s power and feel you left out the gear ratio difference on The trucks and that effects the acceleration more then the tire or rating differences between the trucks the 4.30 ratio of the 4500 compared to the 3.73 of the 2500
I don't need a 3500, but If I buy another one I will be buying the short bed 3500 and removing the short stiff leaf spring they put in the 3500 to give it a higher payload than the 2500 and adding airbags so it will have a softer ride than factory, and I'll have the higher output engine and the stronger transmission.
As a 5500 owner before seeing the test drive, I can predict it will drive like an unsprung skateboard. I got the second tank, long frame (84CA), and aluminum bed. Still rides like a skateboard not towing.
Yep, prices ARE out of control. And they're going to stay out of control until people stop paying them. If people stopped "needing" a new vehicle every year or two, kept their current vehicles going, were happy with what they had, and STOPPED BUYING NEW CARS, then prices would come down. But just like iPhones, people always gotta be getting the newest thing, and they're fine going into debt to buy it. I wish they would stop.
Please do a class 4 truck comparison! Very interested in starting a hot shot business and it would be very beneficial to see how ford, ram and chevy compare
Id take the 3500 because that's what I have. Short bed SRW with the airbag rear suspension and the HO Cummins. It actually looks like the 2500 you guys own. Silver and night edition.
These big screens have gotten out of hand. I specifically order mine with the smallest available Btw @24:00 when y'all were turning by that flatbed, that you need to be testing. That's what us in the real world hauling cattle and dozers use!! Don't grab a brand new one, grab one with about 50k to 100,000 miles on it and put it on the hike gauntlet. Heck any of them brand new you should go up the gauntlet get one that's got some miles and half bald tires, you know real world testing!
Did anyone else notice that the center stop lamp on the 4500 wasn't working? The 4500 will vary in weight based on cab to axle distance. Also when you start looking at the axles, brakes including the wide track front axle, it's a large increase in sizing. People don't purchase 4500 and 5500 series trucks just to have a pickup truck bed on them. They are purpose purchased. Having said that, I don't object to the firmer ride of the larger trucks. The coil spring waddling 1500 isn't firm enough for me. Last thing. When you open the hood on the RAM with the Cummins, you can actually see the engine. The same can't be said about the GM or Ford truck with their V8 engine designs. I stand a chance on working on the Cummins, not a chance on the GM or Ford. The thought of having to pull the cab for major engine service makes both trucks a hard No Chance.
For towing a trailer, especially a fifth wheel, please get dual wheeled truck. take it from a Towman of many years (I've cleaned up a lot of wrecked campers) get a dual wheel truck...
I have a 2500 but it identifies as whatevert I need it to do today. 2500, 3500 or even the 4500. BUT, it's older. Next, why would anyone buy a shortbox truck for a work vehicle? I've never seen the logic in that. My "work truck," holds two skids, end to end, in the box. (Sometimes a little "squish" is needed.) The farmer next door has a 5500, again, not new, but the Kellderman? air ride. Empty, rides nice, loaded rides nice. With the 25 foot bale trailer, it turns on a dime. A thirty foot dime, but still, a dime. In regards to the screen size on the 4500, was that not the smallest of them? They have an 8 inch and the 12. It seemed to me that the 2500 you showed us isn't really for daily grind, but insitead for a grocery getter, in accordance with the new "Soccer Mom" requirements. Possibly "Bosses" truck, but not a true work vehicle. And as mentioned by others, shouldn't you have thrown a 3500 Cab and Chassis into this mix? Give it air ride and a box off a 3500 regular duty, and you'd have the capacity of the 3500 Crew, but, the longevity of the 4500 C&C. ANd my "druthers" give me a 2010-2015 C&C 5500 with the Kellderman's system and a RoadRanger conversion. Cummins with a REAL 10 speed= pull the barn down, WITH the house. Just my 45 cents.
Wouldn't hotshot a 4500 due to the low gear ratio. Most hotshots ya see out there roll 3500's due to their extreme capabilities off the lot. I personally have a 17' 3500 big horn that I use for work occasionally towing skid steer, dump trailers, or our camper. Love the truck, my favorite thing behind the Cummins is the optional airbag helper suspension that came from the factory.
4500 didn't feel lacking as gearing is different. Both 2500 and 3500 have 3.73 unless you go dually on 3500 then you get 4.10. 4500 is 4.44 as the lowest gearing available I believe. I also believe the tuning on 4500 / 5500 is different and the max torque comes in sooner.
I pee'd blood for a week after driving my 5500 100 miles back to my shop 🤣🤣 Then I put a 2,000 lb bed on it. That helps but it is even smoother after putting another 7K on the pin.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Let me guess… The main difference is in the axels and spring
I don’t know why they even do ram videos anymore they are totally irrelevant only fords and gmc/ Chevy trucks are in the mix
axel rose isn’t in this video
@@JoshuaOverman- Why? How are they not relevant? The motor alone can eliminate GM & Ford for about 30% of the HD buyers out there alone,,,,.
I drive Ford on anything newer than 1998, GM prior, but my favourite, & most expensive by far, classic car is a Mopar, and I don’t have a Hemi yet. I know it’s historical, but that’s how they are relevant to me. Thing is, I would absolutely consider Ram as a HD truck! Especially with the factory rear airbag suspension,,,,. GM don’t offer a 4500 series pickup, only cab & chassis. Only Ford offers a pickup.
To each their own,,,, granted.
Because they call it new but it's a 13 year old body style with just a very small amount of changes and that's why there not selling they want big money for a old truck
@@JoshuaOvermanive always owned fords but Rams are always the work trucks ive used at work. 3 different companies all used them because they were cheapest at the time
Just sold my 22 2500 Cummins, biggest differences are. The ride in a 2500 is second to none. Coils for the win. Also 68rfe is more road friendly, shifts quicker and smoother then the Aisin,
Now have a 24 3500 limited night edition with airbags. The extra power from the HO is very noticeable empty or loaded with a trailer, also the Aisin is a straight up pulling tranny, I don’t mind how it shifts, it does like to lug in low rpm, smartens up with tow haul, also note the HO and Aisins exhaust brake works at a slower speed, 3500s run like lumber wagons when empty. As expected it’s for payload and towing. Get any weight in it and she’s like a Cadillac. Also these are my work trucks. Work in Canada in the mountains in oil and gas. Hot summers, cold AF winters. And best part Cummins doesn’t require the cab off to do simple maintenance or service. Ford and Chevy do, so your $47 dollar part turns into a $2700 bill real quick.
This is one of the best reviews I have read. So much knowledge and truth. I have had all 3 of these rigs. 2500 for unloaded road trips yet strong to get you out in a pinch or a heavy load every once in a while. I love the 3500 dually HO with Aisin trans (max tow) . It can handle everything and if I am correct has more towing capacity than the 4500 from a gooseneck or 5th wheel standpoint.
Owned a new 2010 Ram Cummins 2500. The worst vehicles I've ever owned. Everything went wrong with it. Leaked all the time. Everywhere. My driveway looked like a Jackson Pollack painting. The water pump failed on a trip across Nevada and left me stranded 1 mile west of Austin. Just a pile of trash. Sold it under 3 years of ownership.
@@ms.annthrope415
I am 63 years old and in 1998, I left ford for the same reasons and I got my first Ram 1500 and I have been trading on my birthday every 3 year for new Rams since 1998 ...I've owned 1500'S , 2500'S and 3500'S and I have never had any big issues with any of them .I have towed with every Truck I buy and now I live full time RV life and I have a 2020 1500 Ram 4x4 now and i have a Jayco 195 RV camper that I have pulled through 37 states living off grid 90% and I haven't Traded up yet because I was waiting to see the 2025 1500 I6 Hurrcane but now My Girlfriend want's to joing me and I am going to Trade to the 3500 or the 5500 Ram and my Jayco travel trailer to a fifth wheel . I am debt and tax free and I plan to remain that way .
I like the old mirrors too. Heck, I like when the interior of the 2500s looked like the interior of this 3500. Bench-like front seat with a huge center armrest, dash off the floor, more truck, less car.
You like towing that ghost trailer?
You can still get 2500s that look like this 3500, its not gone
The bench seats had to go away because there was no way the manufacturers could put a person in the center and protect them with airbags
I miss my old bench seats to o
It’s nice to see the 2500 still has a GVWR under 10k. In my jurisdiction that’s the breakout for requiring commercial inspections even on personal vehicles. A lot of people were pretty unhappy when Ford first rolled over that line by less than 50lbs. Not enough capacity to mean much more than extra time and expense. Rolling past scales isn’t so much of a concern for me because I live in the middle of nowhere, but there are also places that require you to pull into the scale at that weight.
Yeah. Also for some states the lower “truck” speed limit was anything 10k+, though rarely enforced on pickups.
It was so funny listening to them talk to each other in the 4500 once it got up to speed. The vibrato in their voices was hilarious.🤣
Let me see you put 9K in the bed of a Toyota and do the same, My 5500 is a kidney buster until it's loaded then it rides fine..
Lol
Same here@@SegoMan
Ram does it correctly. 2500's are not 3500's, so why chase the > 10k ratings? If you need that much then buy a 3500. I like that the 2500 is still in their own class, but the price should come down. I'd actually say the 2500 class should have even less powerful diesels but focused more on reliability (less issues with emissions) and on MPG. Why not a smaller diesel with 650 to 700 lb/ft of torque to bridge the difference between a 1500 and a 3500. Perfect for towing RVs or cargo trailers or utility trailers for landscapers etc.
Just ask Nissan why the Titan XD didn't make it. It will not sell. It's in a very small niche. A niche that can be filled by most modern 1500s.
@@JohnSmith-ev1sm
Kernersvill Rsm in NC , Dan Cummings Ram in KY or Mark dodge has the best Ram prices anywhere .
@@Eastsidegeorgiaboy Nissan couldn't even sell their regular trucks. Their titan xd was also not a 3/4 ton, it was a beefed up half ton that nobody wanted.
Something important you missed. 4500 & 5500 use 4.44 standard or more commonly 4.89 rear axle ratios. You’re in 6th gear by the time you hit 35mph with the 4.89. The 3500 diesels use 3.73 and won’t shift into 6th until 55mph.
You can also get the 3500 and the 4500 with 4.10 gear. I have a 2022 4500 60 inch cab to axle flatbed with the 4.10 and it is perfect for pulling. It turns 1850rpm at 67mph.
@@joshchambers9103 4.10 is the sweet spot for highway hauling with a trailer with a typical 5 or 6 speed light truck transmission.
@@BrandonLeech Yes, I have 2023 3500 Limited DRW 4.10. It drives like a machine and it provides comfort. I love it.
Depending on the size of the tires you slap on....
I have a 21 3500 HO Tradesman. It was ROUGH riding in NE PA horrible roads. I put a Thuren suspension (stock ride height) under it with their FOX shocks and sulastic shackles, 17" wheels and 35" tires. It was a massive increase. I drive it regularly from PA to CO. I think it's perfect for me. I have a slide in truck camper for it.
I ordered the truck in 2021 and it was $56,500. I think those prices are long gone. I have the 8" dash screen, floor shift, vinyl floors, plow prep, bed liner, goose neck prep, skid plates and that's it. Ohh and the granite crystal metallic paint that's a $200 option.
The Aisin shifts wonky until it's completely warmed up. The exhaust brake is crazy aggressive, but a must have for towing.
One reason for the 10k gvwr is a little related to taxes. If a vehicle is over 10k it doesn't qualify for some exemptions or something like that.
I'm sure Ram talks to their fleet customers and they say please do not change the GVWR
Another reason is any commercial vehicle over 10k gvwr needs a medical card so depending on what the vehicle is used for, the other trucks wouldn't work.
That screen is a joke in 2024 tho
Ram COULD offer a variety of GVWRs, though, in the 2500 category just like gm & ford does. And a 10k rating for the ones that need it.
Exactly. Fleet sales. If there is no real demand for those other weight ratings, why waste the money to certify all those variants?
Most people towing a 5th wheel with the 2500 are unknowingly exceeding the GVWR. They look at the tow rating and everything looks fine, but once you hit the scale front axle + rear axle exceed 10,000 lbs. The 6.7L Cummins is a very heavy engine
@@NIAtoolkitI see so many of these 2500s in general pulling massive 5th wheels all squatted. Seriously, spend a little extra and get a dually. I guess the 2500’s double as a daily driver for a lot of these people and they’re concerned about the extra width of the truck.
The need for a medical card must be state dependant. In california anyone can drive any two axle vehicle up to 26,000 gvw without a medical or commercial license. But you cant tow a trailer over 10k gvw without a class a license. (Some exceptions)
4500 review section sounded so emotional 😂
Sunday TFL! Sunday buddy video! TFL, my pot of coffee, my pup by my side and the house peaceful and quiet - great start for my Sunday!
Thank you for watching. Enjoy!
Yes sir, preach on!!!😊
I have a 2011 ram 4500 regular cab 4x4 manual transmission 120” CA with a very heavy duty flatbed dump. I haul 6 tons of material on it daily and it has done incredible. Almost 500,000 miles on it now. Rebuild the top end once and replaced the trans once and been through a few clutches of course.
Buying a new 5500 soon.
Too bad you are gonna loose the manual
You're trucking can carry 43,000 pounds.
Have a 2016 Power Wagon ( since new) with the Laramie trim. Sun Roof, heated cooled leather seats etc. cost $49.5K fully loaded.
Had three recalls in 8 years and all were non critical and taken care off in less than 2 hours.
One of my top three vehicles I’ve ever owned in 50 years. Still going strong with just 63K miles.
Ram HD is getting old, but I recently cross shopped a GMC AT4X 2500 vs the Ram 2500 Megacab Limited. I was able to get the Ram cheap enough to cover a Carli Eventure suspension system, supplemental air bags to have the smoothest HD ride possible, or can be loaded up for towing. And Ram offers active lake keep which somehow the GMC still doesn't have. Ford Tremor is a great truck as well but the local dealer is awful for service and they're asking the most money.
So…..Ram for the win.
My company gave me a 24 ram 2500 bighorn. Its well equipped and does everything I need it. We haul scaffolding with a 25 ft gooseneck
Masonry?
Good comparison, I am a small Hotshot and am running a 2017 Ram 3500 4X4 SRW Cummins HO, AISIN. I bought this truck WITH 52K and am now at 387K. It's been great so far. No major repairs. So far I have changed the hydraulic brake unit on the ABS system and one front Hub assembly.
I think with Andre in this one I would go with the 4500 because for me I like super sized payload on it because a lot of the style truck campers that I like would be really close to 3,500 even if it was a duallys payload for this one gives you just a little bit more so you're not near the max
This is actually all old news. A ford guy will not like them and a ram guy will not like ford. Every vehicle on the road will have a break down of some sort at some time. It’s a roll of the dice
I drive a ram also own Chevy and ford. Ram is pure trash vs the other 2 manufacturers.
@@Bdigital9482 why, what makes it trash.
@@nathanurick8320Dodge always been trash, when have Dodge ever made anything better than a Ford or Chevy?? Cummins take their engine from Dodge and the whole company will sink in 2 years
Not the Hilux
@@BruceDragon-sf1trReally? My grandpa had a 2016 2500 Cummins for five years before he traded it in for a 2021 Chevy Duramax 2500. Not even 3 years in he traded the Chevy in for a new 2024 Ram 2500 Cummins Bighorn. I’ve had my 2020 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi for four years and the only time I have to go to the auto shop is for tire rotation and oil changes. Also stop calling it “Dodge”, Ram became its own independent company in 2009.
My 2019 SLT 2500 Ram Crew Cab diesel with 3.42 rear end listed for $62,000 as a two wheel drive with an 8 foot bed. You learn to back in to parking places. It get 17.5 to 18.5 mpg around town, From El Paso to up state New York with 2000 lb load driving 80 mph averaged 22 to 23 mpg over the 5,000 miles. I got $10,000 off the list price and $13,000 trade on my 2001 1/2 Ram 2500 5.9 Quad cab diesel. So I only paid $ 39,000. If I do pull a trailer it an airstream that weighs 9,000 lbs so that gives me another 9,,000 lbs to pull if I want. I love the ride and quietness of the new 6.7 vs my former 5.9.. I don't need all the extra horsepower or torque. I am not a teenager any more. I live in the hot southwest so no leather seats for me. Mine is White with grey cloth interior.
Not sure if anyone knows. The regular trucks like 2500 and 3500 trucks have a 58” cab to axle(rear of cab to center of rear axle). The chassis cabs come with a 60” cab to axle. Flatbeds, utility boxes setup for 60 cta are usually 9ft or longer.
Great video guys. Love the back to back test drives, and side by side comparisons.
I really like that you included a turning radius test as well, I think some sort of turning radius test should be done in all the truck videos. Great job guys!
thank you for watching.
Yes please Ike cab chassis trucks! I’d be very interested to see towing mpg and Ike tests on the CC trucks.. also would love to see some comparisons vs standard pickup dually.. I’m a hotshot trucker myself, currently running just a DRW 3500, would definitely like to see how CCs stack up.
12-15 mpg towing in my 3500 CC with 4.10 gears. Truck camper, jeep on 24' flatbed trailer with other misc crap. Probably around 25k lbs gross with pretty good drag from the camper. That was WA, OR,UT, CO. Getting over 70/2k rpms starts cutting into mpg. Dual tanks is the only way to go, 74 gallons.
My wife and I bought a 3500 in 2019, standard output cummins, lots of tech goodies at the time. 69k and change. To replace that truck today, similarly equipped, would be almost 85k. It's crazy how much more expensive everything is. Especially since almost nothing has changed in 5 years.
I'm not sure why ram still holds the 2500 line at 10k GVWR. I had a newer 2500 Silverado in the shop about a month ago with 11,300lbs GVWR. My 3500 ram is 11,800lbs.
Unfortunately it's just inflation that has made the dollar worth less. And the reason they have kept it at 10k is alot of places make you put comercial tags and pay even more tax for going over 10k
I would love to see you guys do a long term review with a 4500/5500 series. Ram truck possibly a camper truck with a built in camper
We are working on something like this.
5500 would be nice since it's the one that was left out
Watch out for the Arctic fox 990. It is way too heavy for our 2014 3500 limited mega cab Dooley. we would need a 5500 to haul this camper. Also walked on the roof yesterday to clear out a tree that was overhanging it. Sadly enough moisture has gotten below the vinyl roof and started to wreck the structure underneath mold at the front corners on passenger side, and the interior of the closet is starting to get soft, very disappointing considering I paid 22,000 for this $30,000 camper. It is turning into trash before my eyes need to build a structure over it to keep the water off it and just park it somewhere. in comparison our 1990 Chinook motorhome is all fiberglass exterior shell. The only leak in this unit has been around the air conditioner, which was easily fixed.
You mean like their Wrangler 1 year review, where they didn't even put enough miles for an oil change? If so , these clowns got you covered!
when i worked for ram, i had to deliver a 5500 cabin chassis 200miles to another dealer. while in cruise control at 85mph, i would see the rear tires in the rear view mirror bouncing off the ground literally. was quite the experience lol
We had a 2012-2013 ish Ram 5500 at my old job that we used to pull huge gooseneck trailers with. Holy. Crap! That thing…yeah. It was SCREAMING at 55mph (2500rpm so it sucked down that diesel) and it would beat ya to death, loaded or not, so I can sympathize with you both. It was not fun to ride in or drive, but it got the job done.
Probably had the 4.88 rear gears. Too short for highway cruising.
I would take the 5500. We just went through this where a friend bought one and we compared the 3500, 4500 and 5500. The 2500 and 3500 are made and marketed for the weekend user, we called it. Like you said, towing a camper/boat etc. The 4500 was 1/2 and 1/2. Weekend warrior/commercial user. The 5500 is built to work hard, and last a long time. The engine is designed and tuned like a "tractor", as is the running gear and frame. With no bed you can really see how the frame is double braced, thicker steel in places, bigger nuts and bolts. Of course the Aisin HD transmission also. For about $1000-$2000 more, the 5500 is my choice. As a note also, this is especially for towing big 5th wheel campers that 3500's are really not enough truck to tow. We see it being done 75% of the time, but the 5500 is more capable, safer and will last much longer doing it! JMHO --gary
3500 is rated to tow almost 40,000 ppunds. Plenty people brag about overloading 3500s with 60k-80k pounds with no problems. How much are you actually towing that you need a 5500?
How on earth did you come to such a conclusion on the 4500 verses the 5500???
They use the same engine and transmissions. Must have been smoking some of that wacky tabacy during that conversation! 😂
Ugh, Daylight savings time, when will this madness end? Oh, and thanks for the great video.
Right stop turning the clocks back and keep daylight savings time all year
@@TheRamGuy damn right.
@@TheRamGuy I think that’s what is happening, this was the last daylight saving time change.
Arizona doesn’t have daylight savings time.
@@Captain-AwesomeI think maybe it was the last spring forward change. Pretty sure we will still fall back to standard time once more this fall.
Ive owned two long bed crew cab Ram 3500 trucks. First one was a 2017 Ram 3500 LWB crew cab with the standard Cummins engine, arisen trans, air suspension, and 3.73 rear gear. I pull a 41 ft fifth wheel RV. Hitch weight is 3450 lbs. trailer weight is 14600 lbs. I’ve been up a 4% grade with no problems. Used the truck 5 years with no problems. Traded it for a 22 Limited Longhorn with the high output Cummins, air suspension, arisen trans, 4.10 rear gear, 50 gallon fuel tank, 6000 lb front axle. On trade i got more for my 2017 Ram than i paid for it by several thousand dollars. Haven’t towed with the new truck yet. Old truck averaged 10.3. Mpg when towing. When i hooked up to my RV the truck settled about 1 inch. Air suspension is great for the heavy hitch weight of my RV.. weights listed were from a trip across a CAT scale at a local LOVES truck stop. Only non factory additions made to both trucks were the addition of a 60 gallon AUX fuel tank and Weather tec floor mats. Everyone has a truck brand they like. Buy what you like. Something to think about when buying a diesel truck is the maintenance costs are significantly higher on the diesel engine over the gas engine. Oil change for my ram is $150.00. Fuel filters are $285 dollars at my local dealership. Fuel costs are also higher for the diesel fuel. A fill up of 90 gallons cost is almost $300.00 for my truck but i can go over 1000 miles on a fill up easily.
I'm glad I kept my 02' 2500 Diesel. I think I paid 40K for it brand new & it's still going strong.
Thank you gentlemen! I am looking to replace my old 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 with another Ram. You have helped me make up my mind on which model now. The 3500 it is then! Thanks
Stellantis provides and publishes specs for the 4500’s payload. It’s what all upfitters have to use to ensure they don’t exceed the GVWR.
The 2500 is the queen of pavement princess, Midlife minivans. It is bought primarily by well off middle-aged men who have kids and need a minivan. However because they're middle-aged; they desperately don't want a minivan. As a result they convince themselves that this truck with it's "Indestructible" Cummins engine is better and more practical. They say they can carry a load of stuff (It can't they bought the short bed), and that they can tow whatever they could need (it doesn't matter he might tow one thing and that will be just to show that his "truck" can tow), and how much fun it will be to go off-roading with it (He will never take his baby on mud ever, or take it on anything that your ordinary FWD sedan wouldn't be able to handle).
Not sure why you care what people want to drive.
@@jackgtx440 because people "Driving what they want" has resulted in: The honest workhorses of yesteryear being turned into a bunch of bloated luxury sedans. All to appease the vain and shallow, ultimately phasing the original truck market (the REAL truck market) out of existence. I have every right to be upset when something honest and good is replaced by something ugly and invalid for selfish and shallow reasons.
Damn man... you nailed it!
Bro stfu some people just like driving trucks because they like them and no other reason it’s not that serious. Buy an old beat up cheap truck for work if that’s what you need it for and stop bitching about what other men decide to do with their money. The entire car industry is making interiors nice because that’s what is demanded.
Bro stop yapping, buy an old beat up truck for work if that’s what you need it for. Stop bitching about what other men decide to do with their money. Some people drive trucks because they like them and no other reason same goes for all classes of vehicles it’s really not that deep. Every car brand is making nicer interiors cause that’s what the market demands. Don’t like it than don’t buy it plenty of used cheap and capable trucks on the market.
The 4500 isn't as big a seller as the bigger 5500... its the same frame, brakes, etc... just heavier suspension for higher payload. The 5500 is very common for building into Wreckers or Rollback tow trucks that will have heavy equipment mounted, yet still have tremendous carrying & towing capacity. The wide front axle is not just for tighter turning..its for stability... when heavy commercial trucks are built...theyre often top heavy when loaded...the wider front track makes the entire chassis much more stable which equals safer. There's not much difference between 4500 & 5500 besides suspension... but the 5500 gives better towing as well... just over 35,000lbs max towing & 12,500lbs of cargo.... combine great turning with high cargo & towing.... theres a reason you see them built into HD daily workhorses. That 4500 shown, was a bare bones work truck, but you can get them full luxury/gadgets trim too for those that spend alotta time in a vehicle. The solid front axle is also because its stronger than IFS... and durability, especially when heavy is more important than smooth. Same reason HD trucks are 4x4, not AWD... its about strength & durability... these have all of it. Ram also still includes regular 12volt power outlets... not just USB ports... USB cannot supply much power. 12v outlets & upfitter switches are still VERY much in demand for work trucks... Ram kept theirs, unlike GM.
Juar bought a 2500 cummins day before yesterday. Sure wish I could have the payload of the 3500 and the HO engine, but I really enjoy the ride of the 2500 coils, the 2500 fits in my garage (We live in hail country) and I don't want to be beat all around while driving down the road talking on the phone. My old 1 ton literally hurt my guts while driving LOL!!!! So there are good points to all. My boat is about 5000-6000 lbs but pulls like 12,000 lbs in the wind, so I really needed the torque and until I want to haul heavier, the 2500 works well for me. I do miss the power of my old Powerstroke, which would be similar to the Ram HO 6.7. But I guess sacrifices in one way or the other are inevitable. Thanks for the great video yall!
Just one more comment on DOGS the full back seat black covers with quick snaps ties is a must. My baby Australian Shepard loves the back slider window and he can NOT jump through it. My Dog is lached to a short leash that hooks into seat belt connects 😊 the back seat cover is a must if you haul pets. Little pockets to store the outside leashs in. 😊😊😊
I daily drive a 2022 ram 5500 Laramie with a 12’ utility body and a aluminum lift gate, I have a heating a cooling business I pick up and drop off kids in it, I haul a group of guys if we go to a event all types of stuff and I love it. It’s my personal 3rd 5500 trade them in every 5 years this is the first crew cab truck and saves me so much time going to get my pickup to go get my kids from the sitter after work and what not. I have a trx as my “daily” Im in my 5500 5 out of 7 days a week if not more so I stepped up to a Laramie bit thinking about a limited next time
I like the white one, in the sales lot. ;O)
Haha!!
Yes, any color you want, as long as it's white.
🤣🤣🤣
I just got myself a used 2020 2500. I’m definitely one of those people that could almost get away with a 1500, but since it’s a work truck that gets high mileage I wanted something heavier duty. And while I don’t tow a ton, when I do it’s pretty much exclusively 2500 level towing. No need to go beyond to a bigger truck, but enough reason to not go to a half ton. And for the diesel, I’ve just never had the same feeling about gas trucks. Definitely that one is more preference than necessity, but I got the Cummins. The real interesting thing. I got a tradesman that is fairly well equipped for one. For the fun of it, I built a new 2024 on their site with, as best as I could remember, the same options, even that truck came out to almost $80k like $74 or something, just insane for their supposed entry level trim. And considering that it’s got more options in it than the Big Horn 3500, just seems like these trucks are overpriced like mad these days, what a time to be alive!
Great video. Only thing I will say is a Power Wagon is not a comparison, the Rebel line would be a comparison when mentioning the Tremor. My $.02
Plus the Powerwagon pkg includes even lighter, more flexibility coil springs than a base truck. Not good for payload.
They basically allow you to turn the rebel into a power wagon.
Wow! I have a ‘19 3500 similar to this ‘24 but it’s a tradesman w vinyl seats. And I’m astonished how much the price has increased almost 30k in 5 years. Mine was 52k. And at that time it was a lot to me. No wonder my dealer is always hounding me to trade it in!
I have a 3500 C&C ram. It is quite the ride with a flatbed. Loaded with anything over 800lbs and it is smooth as silk on the highway.
You can put Sulastic shackles on it for about $1100 and get a ride similar to the 2500 when empty without compromising the load capability. You have to specify for the cab & chassis model the much cheaper shackles for a regular 3500 won't work. Also you have to relocate the fuel filler neck which is why the $1100 price tag comes into play.
I have the HO 6.7 with Aisin transmission which is a dog compared to the 68re however the aisin is built to hold the power and last where as the 68re is just counting down to its next full rebuild.
I can tell you a friend of mine has a 2017 2500 crew 2500 4x4 Tradesman, 6.4, 4.10 gears. Bought new, it has been a good truck for my friend. He had a 2010 Tundra double cab 4x4 4.30 gears, 5.7. He had reached his towing and payload numbers, by getting up to a 9500 pound trailer.
It seems to me that payload was near 3800?
I have helped him drive it back a few times when he needed to pick up his Peterbuilt at the shop.
I thought that truck actually rode better in the rear than my 2018 F150 with 1488 pound payload. The front end, being straight axle, wasn't as smooth my Ford.
My stepson had a 2018 or so Laramie crew 4x4 6.7 diesel.
I can vouch for the payload, maybe 2200 or 2300. He bought it to tow a 5th wheel jobsite to jobsite. It did that fine, even though the pin weight of that 5th wheel put it well over the low payload.
However, it needed some parts for engine control. Big money.
I am thinking the 6.4 would be at the top of it's capacity.
May be a good time to brig back a v-10.
No doubt the new Bighorn options are MUCH better than the last generation! We went from a Laramie to a Bighorn last month and we really don't miss much. The leather is gone, but living in Minnesota, that's actually a plus in the winter. Leather takes forever to heat up on those -22 degree days.
Not with the heated seats and remote start!
In 2024 all vehicles should have heated seats and steering wheel. If I can buy a 12v heated blanket for $20 then why isn’t that simple and cheap technology in the seat of these expensive vehicles.
Bighorn is the way to go.
As a former hotshot owner operator with a 2020 Ram 3500. I'd absolutely go with a 5500... And I'd do a super single conversation.
Which is better for towing/payload? Smaller wheel and larger sidewall, or larger wheel and smaller sidewall?
Look at semi truck wheels and tires
The 4500 / 5500 uses a 19.5 rim for disc brake clearance. G rated tires on either will do the trick.
Long beds can get a 50 gal tank. 3500 C&C would have been a more interesting comparison to the 2500/3500 pickup, instead of a 4500.
What is the fuel economy.
What I want is a 2500 or 3500 Regular cab long bed (8’) Single Rear Wheel with the H.O. Cumins and a 6-speed manual. I would take a 4500 if I have to.
Happy Sunday TFL.. Love your videos with my Coffee ☕🙏😊
when i was looking at buying a new diesel a few years ago during covid. the couple dodge dealers i went to had a 10,000-15,000 dollar markup on brand new trucks just because they had the ASIN transmission
They should be paying you to take that crap transmission.
I am boycotting Ram HD until they come out with a good trans. I hate that thing.
Money being no object, then a fully loaded Ram 5500 from Elevation Off Grid is the answer. That said, I think a 2500 Cummins would be the most truck I'd reasonably get. It's big enough to do most things I'd want to do (ex. Tow a huge enclosed car trailer), but not so big that it can't be used as a daily driver and the activities that go with that.
All cab and chassis style trucks get industry standard frame rails (no axle humps). which gives them the ability to install many different types of universal beds. as they all follow the 34" between frame rail spacing. C&C is an option on 3500 and is standard 4500 and up. Also, sometimes insurance companies wont let you have standard insurance on something bigger than a 1 ton truck. They know 4500 up is a commercial grade truck and would try to give you commercial insurance.
Since Andre primarily deals with trucks, which are all way over priced now... I think he has become OK with these insane prices.. Because I always notice that Nathan, and Roman always make comments about trucks being overpriced.. And when they do, Andre always kinda defends the price by talking about capability and features.. Our economy is going to crash if prices don't come down.. Not just on trucks.. But homes and groceries as well.. Because honestly, how many people can afford payments on a 70-80k truck?? Not many. I understand that these are HD and more expensive.. But a middle range truck is 65-68 now.. That's like 1200 bucks a month!!!
The people who elected rulers who raised the minimum wage and pushed EVs are responsible for this.
@@garysarratt1 nah it was definitely COVID.
@@adamriale9065 🤣
@@adamriale9065But the people he was talking about brought covid on
I just bought a 2022 ram 2500 with 25,000 miles on it for $39,000. It’s the tradesmen with the rear coil springs and drives great towing my travel trailer from Reno Nevada to Sand Hollow Utah 518 miles pull that great with a smooth ride and all the power it needed average 20 miles to the gallon, couldn’t complain at all about it
My 2011 F250 6.7 has 400 hp and 800 Ft-lb torque. So right there with the standard 6.7 Cummins. Love the 6.7 Ford but I think the Cummins is a great engine.
The 4500 and 5500 are a heavy duty work truck that mechanics like to use especially if you have to go over scales the down side is the gear ratio is useless because the truck has enough power for a 3.55 gear or taller giving you better fuel economy and longer engine life.
4:88's on my 5500, the lower ratio is great for VGT / brake usage
we have a 22 ford 450 superduty pickup and a 18 ram 5500 single cab with a steel dump body, and it does buck a little unloaded but when they are loaded they ride beautifully. the ford not as nice because its all aluminum. The ford is a limited so its still nice. don't dig the nob for 4wd in the ford. I personally love the Manly lever in the ram. they both turn really well.
For 4500, have to go by the GAWR’s as well as GVWR. Depending on what is on the rear, could be far more or similar to 3500 payload (if large/heavy rear fitment worthy of the 11 leaf spring set).😊
Why are 8ft truck beds hard to find anywhere??
Because more people buy trucks as a car with a big open trunk instead of using it for work.
To find a truck with an 8 foot bed you almost have to go to a dealership that has a large selection of Fleet trucks, or end up ordering one.
Most people want bitch trucks. I was shopping a GMC 3500 work truck with a long bed. All the dealer had on the lot was Denali and AT4 trucks with little beds 90K and up. Said I’m interested in ordering one and they didn’t even want my business. I wasn’t worth their time because it’s almost pure profit from the work truck pkg up to the loaded packages. Cost the same to make. I’ll keep driving my paid off F-350 until the next economic downturn and they suck my d**k to buy a truck. Should be a lot more accommodating when they’re hurting.
That’s why this 3500 is more basic, because 8’ bed trucks are used more for fleet/farm/industrial use, and the 2500 is used like a car for people these days like the other commenter stated.
@@J.Young808I bought a 23 HO 3500 limited edition with bags. 35" toyos, and a Carli sway bar. Truck rides like a Cadillac
@@stephenbaker7960Recently did the Carli 2 1/2” Backcountry, sway bar and steering dampener on my 2017 3500. Also went with 35’s, Nitto’s in my case. I know the sway bar makes a big difference, very pleased with the ride.
3500 dually would be my truck. I love it, and I used to be a ford man in a GM family. I want the Ram 3500 dually. You have beat the other 2
Red coil overs are the worst thing to get if you plan on hauling heavy weight. You need to spend money to get the air suspension upgrade it makes huge difference in ride quality empty and fully loaded
AQUI NO BRASIL A RAM 2500 TEM MOLAS SEMI-ELÍPTICA NA SUSPENSÃO TRASEIRA E NA SUSPENSÃO DIANTEIRA É MOLAS HELICOIDAIS E A RAM 3500 TEM MOLAS SEMI-ELÍPTICA NA SUSPENSÃO TRASEIRA E NA SUSPENSÃO DIANTEIRA É MOLAS HELICOIDAIS
My choice is easy, the 4500 cab-chassis is best overall. I'd put a pickup truck body, if possible, if not, I'd put a Stahl or Reading aluminum utility body on it with a sliding cover, without drilling any holes in the ladder frame "C" section web. The 4500 series had a frame which is much deeper just as it goes under the cab this is where the maximum resisting bending moment (RBM) would occur, I'm thinking. The web thickness of the frame is also thicker on the 4500 than on the 2500 or 3500 pick-ups, assuming equal yield strength on all. Frame section modulus is also the greatest on the 4500 series ladder frame as it has a thicker web thickness and deeper frame height, than the 2500 and 3500 series. The GVWR on the 4500 is much greater than the 2500 and the 3500 as well, with heavier springs and axles, front and rear. The Cummins 6.7 liter is a good engine, I don't know if there is a rebuild kit or reclaim kit for that engine, but the price on the diesel option is very, very high, as opposed to a Hemi V8 gasoline engine, or whatever V8 gasoline engine is standard. The ZF transmissions are good transmissions; I'd put an automatic in it, for sheer driving ease.
I really loved the radius comparison, and the positive 4500 Ram vides that were over 9000 :)
I live in Brighton and so cool you guys film around here! Been watching for years
At the dealership I used to work at, we had a 2009 f-250 that had 8-10 leaf springs and had a plow on the front, so the back end was very very stiff!
I will say yes if your buying a 2500 yes you should get a 6.7 but as someone who towes more through town and i got a 14 6.4 hemi and i loved it and with these 5th gens i can see the reason for getting a 3500 with the 6.4 because they have the leaf springs innthe rear if your skepticalof the 2500 springs like i am and i dont want to hear whhy are you buying a 2500 and not getting a diesel because ive towed with a 2013 ram 1500 with the 5.7 and it pulled decent with 9k pounds but id have used the 2500 if a damn kia didn't take it out
Prices are crazy. My dad has a 2500 (Cummins engine of course) with an extended bed from 2013 that probably cost half what these 2024 models are going for when he bought it new, and it does everything that a truck needed for hauling/towing needs to do. It has all the creature comforts you could ever want (heated seats/heated steering wheel/seat coolers, leather seats etc). It has all the stuff you would ever want for towing (trailer brake switch, exhaust braking, etc). What do these new trucks offer that would warrant spending DOUBLE the cost for when the previous model cost half that and did everything a truck needs to do (and the model featured in this video had less features in certain contexts)?
Do these three trucks still come standard with the self destructing engines via the heater bolt?
You’re drinking too much Banks kool-aid.
Yeah that’s a known issue just do a grid heater delete and add an aftermarket heater problem solved with increased air volume capacity
Probably you pay less for a dodge so you get less...
Yes, that comes standard.
PT Barnum & Banks@@jeffs2809
Love the mechanical transfer case selector.
I’ve driven a 4500 Chevrolet. And when the back is empty I’ve been launched from my seat at least several inch’s. It’s fine when fully loaded and weighed down.
What you didn’t have to test is the 3500 dually. Which I have . 5400 lb payload , 36k towing . What’s interesting is I have the 8.4” screen on a tradesman. 70k otd 2023 4x4 HO
Sorry for double commets. I like how RAM has moved the DEF fill away from diesel fill spot. Checy 5500 has moved the DEF to passage side of truck. Its something small but "O" so important NOT to pour DEF in diesel tanks.
im assuming the tires pressure is different from truck to truck affecting the ride. I would also take the 4500 i like the stance of the wider axle
My 188" QC 5500 turns as sharp as my LWB QC 1ton. You have to watch the torque in 4wd or it will bind things up on the 5500..
That empty 4500 ride is pain and suffering.
They’re meant to be loaded heavy on the rear, so they aren’t very comfortable at all empty or lightly loaded. If they offered air bag suspension it would be a lot smoother
For 26 ram needs a 4500 with pickup bed, air ride all around, 8 speed ZF transmission, adaptive towing tech, fun new colors, new bed and camera tech, power number bump to 1200+
I personally like the 4500 but I need a service body configuration. That's what that truck is . If you measure from cab to axel that truck would be 60" which calls for a 9' service body If you look at the thickness of the frame its a lot thicker than a conventional pickup frame. The frames on a chassis cab have flat rails compared to a pick up frame.. GM and Ford makes the same configuration on their trucks . The frames rails are identical to accept a service body or that type of figuration.
Manual transfer case, ten lug wheels, and bigger brakes for the win. 4500 is it. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.
I HAVE HAD ALL THREE OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS... MAINTENENCE COST ON A 4500 IS PAINFULLY MORE EXPENSIVE... TRUST ME..
These are the luxury & status cars of our time. My trucks are closer to 40 years old, cost me less than 1/20 of what these cost. Mine are sometimes loaded by forklift or the bucket loader on my 65 year old tractor, and I can maintain them at home. But these are shiny.🙄
I'd go with the one with the black grill and wheels
I think when reviewing the pedal’s power and feel you left out the gear ratio difference on The trucks and that effects the acceleration more then the tire or rating differences between the trucks the 4.30 ratio of the 4500 compared to the 3.73 of the 2500
Long beds ride way better and I heard that the new design Dodge will have a air ride cab or air rod seats .
I don't need a 3500, but If I buy another one I will be buying the short bed 3500 and removing the short stiff leaf spring they put in the 3500 to give it a higher payload than the 2500 and adding airbags so it will have a softer ride than factory, and I'll have the higher output engine and the stronger transmission.
As a 5500 owner before seeing the test drive, I can predict it will drive like an unsprung skateboard. I got the second tank, long frame (84CA), and aluminum bed. Still rides like a skateboard not towing.
Yep, prices ARE out of control. And they're going to stay out of control until people stop paying them. If people stopped "needing" a new vehicle every year or two, kept their current vehicles going, were happy with what they had, and STOPPED BUYING NEW CARS, then prices would come down. But just like iPhones, people always gotta be getting the newest thing, and they're fine going into debt to buy it. I wish they would stop.
You guys need to take a look at Edison and their new diesel electric hybrid conversions they are working on. It's gonna be a game changer IMO.
We reached out to Edison. They are not responding.
Please do a class 4 truck comparison! Very interested in starting a hot shot business and it would be very beneficial to see how ford, ram and chevy compare
Id take the 3500 because that's what I have. Short bed SRW with the airbag rear suspension and the HO Cummins. It actually looks like the 2500 you guys own. Silver and night edition.
The pricing is crazy. My 2021 Ram 3500 was $67,000, was looking at a 2024 Exact same build and options and it was $77,000
Deficit spending by government and printing money with ZERO backing by Federal Reserve.
The government is intentionally devaluing the dollar.
Why does the two on the outsides are wider or is it because the camera is at centre, great video guy's keep it coming ✌️
wide angle lens will do that... the truck on right is the widest, it has the marker lights amd the wheels stick out more
CENTER*
I think it's a shame you cant get the wider axle in the 3500
These big screens have gotten out of hand. I specifically order mine with the smallest available
Btw @24:00 when y'all were turning by that flatbed, that you need to be testing.
That's what us in the real world hauling cattle and dozers use!!
Don't grab a brand new one, grab one with about 50k to 100,000 miles on it and put it on the hike gauntlet.
Heck any of them brand new you should go up the gauntlet get one that's got some miles and half bald tires, you know real world testing!
Did anyone else notice that the center stop lamp on the 4500 wasn't working?
The 4500 will vary in weight based on cab to axle distance. Also when you start looking at the axles, brakes including the wide track front axle, it's a large increase in sizing.
People don't purchase 4500 and 5500 series trucks just to have a pickup truck bed on them. They are purpose purchased. Having said that, I don't object to the firmer ride of the larger trucks. The coil spring waddling 1500 isn't firm enough for me.
Last thing. When you open the hood on the RAM with the Cummins, you can actually see the engine. The same can't be said about the GM or Ford truck with their V8 engine designs. I stand a chance on working on the Cummins, not a chance on the GM or Ford. The thought of having to pull the cab for major engine service makes both trucks a hard No Chance.
For towing a trailer, especially a fifth wheel, please get dual wheeled truck. take it from a Towman of many years (I've cleaned up a lot of wrecked campers) get a dual wheel truck...
I have a 2500 but it identifies as whatevert I need it to do today. 2500, 3500 or even the 4500. BUT, it's older. Next, why would anyone buy a shortbox truck for a work vehicle? I've never seen the logic in that. My "work truck," holds two skids, end to end, in the box. (Sometimes a little "squish" is needed.) The farmer next door has a 5500, again, not new, but the Kellderman? air ride. Empty, rides nice, loaded rides nice. With the 25 foot bale trailer, it turns on a dime. A thirty foot dime, but still, a dime. In regards to the screen size on the 4500, was that not the smallest of them? They have an 8 inch and the 12. It seemed to me that the 2500 you showed us isn't really for daily grind, but insitead for a grocery getter, in accordance with the new "Soccer Mom" requirements. Possibly "Bosses" truck, but not a true work vehicle. And as mentioned by others, shouldn't you have thrown a 3500 Cab and Chassis into this mix? Give it air ride and a box off a 3500 regular duty, and you'd have the capacity of the 3500 Crew, but, the longevity of the 4500 C&C. ANd my "druthers" give me a 2010-2015 C&C 5500 with the Kellderman's system and a RoadRanger conversion. Cummins with a REAL 10 speed= pull the barn down, WITH the house. Just my 45 cents.
Wouldn't hotshot a 4500 due to the low gear ratio. Most hotshots ya see out there roll 3500's due to their extreme capabilities off the lot. I personally have a 17' 3500 big horn that I use for work occasionally towing skid steer, dump trailers, or our camper. Love the truck, my favorite thing behind the Cummins is the optional airbag helper suspension that came from the factory.
4500 didn't feel lacking as gearing is different. Both 2500 and 3500 have 3.73 unless you go dually on 3500 then you get 4.10. 4500 is 4.44 as the lowest gearing available I believe. I also believe the tuning on 4500 / 5500 is different and the max torque comes in sooner.
I have 4:88's on my 5500
The 4500 review was my favourite. You guys had me in stitches during the drive 😂
I pee'd blood for a week after driving my 5500 100 miles back to my shop 🤣🤣 Then I put a 2,000 lb bed on it. That helps but it is even smoother after putting another 7K on the pin.
4500 for the win