Ram Truck Review, Towing Our 5th Wheel RV!
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- Today I wanted to share our over 2 year review of our Ram 3500 SRW Diesel Truck for towing our 5th Wheel around the country. I wanted to share how the truck performed and what our experience has been like. Your tow vehicle is a big purchase and can really shape how you travel and what you can do. It is the one purchase that has had the biggest impact on us for RVing. Thanks for watching! If you are reading this, comment on what you use to travel with and your favorite place you have been.
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I forgot to link the video with the best way to weigh your RV, It has all the info with a few tools
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I have a 2021 Ram CCLB 2500, 6.4, with the 50 gallon fuel tank option. I tow the same trailer (Reflection 28BH) and the truck does well, not going to win any races uphill. Averaging 8.7 mpg (towing) I can still go about 400 miles before I have to fuel up. Which is nice because getting gas with a 5th wheel is a PITA. Having the large tank is one of those "I'll never have truck without it" type of upgrades.
I really appreciate this type of video. Most RV channels don’t discuss the truck enough which is a big part of the overall equation when RV’ing with a travel trailer or fifth wheel. I agree with the Rams smaller fuel tank compared to others but overall it’s a great truck.
I have a 2011 Ram Long Horn with the 68 RFE Transmission with 189k on the clock and I’ve had zero issues.
Good to hear!
Hauling what?
I have a 2018 ram 2500 with the 68 we bought a new fuel fifth wheel third time towing it smoked the 68 I am the original owner 138,000 miles if you are towing with this transmission get it beefed up.
Great video quality and information. Thanks for making this review video :)
I bought a very similar truck to tow mine with. It's identical but a DRW Bighorn. I had the same concern about the H.O.\Aisin combo because I spent some time on the Cummins forums and everyone there thinks the 68RFE is no good. I haven't had one issue out of mine and have been extremely pleased with it's performance. The 32 gallon fuel tank is a gripe of mine. The trucks actually have a 50 gallon option from the factory, though i'm not sure why a 6.7 with an 8 foot bed doesn't have it standard. My biggest compliment to this truck is the ride. We have always been a Ford family but after towing with this, there really is no comparison when it comes to comfort, even in the base models.
Jared, just an FYI…..Any additional options like the fuel tank will also reduce your payload capacity which many people overlook or forget about. The additional weight of the fuel tank plus the weight of a full tank of fuel must be subtracted from the payroll capacity ie. tank weight is 100 pounds and the fuel weighs 250 pounds then 350 pounds comes right off the door label of the existing label. That label payload capacity is for everything that goes into or onto the existing vehicle after it has left the manufacturer.
The right truck makes all the difference. Great info Jared. Thanks!
Thank you for the review, as always it was very informative.
Thank you!
I have nearly the same truck, a 2017. and I agree with your review 100%. I pull a 16k Montana like a dream.
Excellent job. Thanks!
That’s great I have a 2500 ram diesel and could not be happier towing my fifth wheel
Another great video. We have the Ram 3500 Dually 4X4 with the high output and heavy duty transmission. Hauled our Momentum 397th to Glacier and back last year. Really performed well.
I tow a 32’ fifth wheel with my 2003 Dodge 2500 4x4 Diesel. It has done very well for me. I love my truck.
Love your channel. We just started our RV life journey and I’m learning so much from you. Keep up the great work. I hope your channel grows!
Thanks, congratulations!
Excellent info. We anticipate getting a bigger Ram when we start long haul vacations. We have a 1500 gas fuelled with the biggest axle ?3.72? and the truck pulls our 29.7' Imagine well. As you said payload and tongue weight are crucial. We always travel dry and fill up at our destination then dump before we leave.
Happy trails!
We have a 2018 Ram diesel dually ,aisin etc. We use it for an Arctic fox slide-in camper and/ or our 5th wheel.
I hear you on the 32 gallon tank ,we opted for a 70 gallon underbed replacement .
The stability and range are perfect for us.
We bought a diesel F250 to pull our fifth wheel. We like to go where there are mountains so the exhaust brake was a necessity. The other thing we like about diesel, which you mentioned, is not having to try and get to the gasoline pumps with a fifth wheel in tow. Pulling into the truck lanes is super easy. Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your content.
Great video to reinforce how important payload and rear axle weight are to the setup. It is unfortunate that too many fall for the max tow capacity number which seems to be highlighted in most advertising. Sold my F250 6.7L when we sold our TT last year, my wife didn't want any limits on our future FW so we ordered a F450. Have bought a great FW still waiting for the truck delivery! Hopefully we can get on the road this summer.
Great video. Thanks!
We have a grand design solitude 382 and tow it with a single rear ford 350 for three years now, been all over the US, no problems, happy with it
Great video Jared I always learn something from you.
Thank you
We have a Chevy 3500HD SRW diesel pulling a Montana High Country 12,000lb fifth wheel. It’s the perfect combination of power and comfort. Couldn’t be happier.
Its incredible what improvements were done for towing capacity from my 2012 Ram 3500 DRW. My payload is about 4600 lbs, this SRW in the video is almost the same. I also have the 68RFE since the AISIN didn’t come out until 2013. Tow capacity went from 20,050 to about 30,000 when the AISIN came into the picture. I do love not having to put that DEF junk into my truck though. I have the High Output diesel and pull a new 41’ 5th wheel. Dry is 11,338, pin weight is 2,822 lbs. GVWR is 14,000 lbs. My truck is MORE than enough to pull my 5th wheel and most other configurations of it. My only hurdle would be if I ever upgraded to the toy hauler, those suckers can get pretty darn heavy. I don’t think I’ll be getting one anytime soon though.
I drove to Denver this last month and bought my new 5th. Pulled it up and over the rocky mountain pass on I-70, it pulled it like a champ maintaining 60 MPH on the steep grades. Overall MPG was 9 MPG while going up. 10-12 MPG while towing on flat terrain. Driving with nothing I get 23 MPG.
My previous truck was a 2006 F250 with the 6.0. Great truck. The payload was only about 2,400 lbs, tow capacity was 15,400. Basically will tow the hell out of any travel trailer, but payload was way too weak for even a small 5th wheel. I had a 30ft Jayco TT with a 635 tongue weight. The high desert winds in Las Vegas NV would make the trailer wag like a tail on a dog. I get nothing on my DRW RAM with the new 5th wheel. The stability is amazing with those extra 2 wheels. My old truck only got 7-8 MPG while towing a 7,000 lb trailer. 9 MPG on a real good day if I got a tail wind.
Thanks for the Video. Very informative. We have a 2017 3500 Longhorn Laramie 4x4 dually we bought new. 5450 payload ,24700 max tow. Pulled our 32' Coachman travel trailer for 2 years. Very stable. No need for sway control. Now have a DRV 5th Wheel. 18,500 GVWR. Ram pulls it Very well. Like you, 9 mpg going 65 into stiff wind. Around 12 mpg
Yep, we just traded in our 2019 RAM 3500 dually (in my profile pic) for a 2022 RAM 3500 Dually. I absolutely love the trucks. They perform great, and it just happened that our 2019 was worth almost exactly the same as what we paid for it when we bought it. So I got a great deal, and we moved up from our Big Horn into a Laramie with a HO and Aisin Transmission. So pretty happy with it all. I'm like you though, not brand specific. I've owned all of the big 3... I just find bang for buck, RAM has the best interior, hands down. Great video!
We hadn't considered the Tradesman trim, now we will take a look at that for when we pull the trigger. Thanks!
We have been happy with it, I’m sure the upgrades are great and fun but we haven’t missed them.
Another wonderful informative video!! Love your presentation and reviews..I watch them even if I don’t need the info… I am happy with my purchase about 7 years ago with a private seller DRW 2008 Quad Cab 4x4 Chevy Silverado, Allison Trans. Duramax Diesel.. I am 5’4” So, in a pinch I can sleep in the backseat.. Very roomy and comfortable. Leather seats, with room for 6. It’s not fancy, but was paid in full @ purchase. This was a future investment in my travels and availability to tow whatever I wanted.. It’s a good feeling to be happy with what you paid for and knowing its a safe, good truck for transportation.. Happy Trails
Paid for at purchase is a great way to go.
Thanks for the review. I’m not a Dodge/Ram truck fan but glad for the info and that you’re happy with your tow vehicle.
I tow a Reflections 303 RLS(‘20) with a ‘19 F350, 6.7L diesel, SRW. Thoroughly happy with its towing capabilities. No issues so far.
We've had 3 Fords, now have a Ram. Found it to be a better value overall. Fords tend to be overpriced in our market.
We have a 2017 Ram Laramie 3500 dually that we bought used. Our previous truck was a Ram 2500 and it couldn’t tow our fifth wheel. It was a full profile unit that was 44 ft long. We got the dually because of the rear stability it provides on winding roads. Your videos are always informative and helpful! Keep up the great work!!!
Good choice getting the larger truck for that big of an RV.
Thanks for the no BS commons sense video, you validated what I was thinking as I met with my committee, Thanks again!!!!
Go with his suggested up grades.
I'm happy with my 2022 Ram 3500 CCLB I tow a 37' 5th wheel with only about 13,000lbs I love it, although my payload is not as high as yours but with my payload at 4055lbs with the Laramie it good for just my wife and I.
I also have a '19 Ram 1500 quad cab w/ 3.92's and 4wd. Has a 2100# payload that tows 11,500 I use to haul my camper around. All wd came in handy pulling out from a red light on a hill in wet conditions. I've always been a Dodge guy, even drag raced 'em.
Nice!
There’s a place for each, SRW vs DRW. I towed a 31’ Alpenlite Augusta with a 2019 F350, 4wD, LB, and AT. Never had an issue as I went through the same issues you but decided the SRW would perform fine. Since then, we have moved to a Class A DP..
Love my Ram Cummins!
Same here.
Hi Jared, Love your videos, and I also have had a 2019 Ram 3500 SRW Diesel..LONG BED. It performed flawlessly but was a bear to park with that length. I bought it because I wanted one trucl to pull any 5th wheel I might get. I started big and then down to a GD Reflection 260RD at 30 feet. This was a perfect size for the two of us. Got a heck of a deal on a 2021 2500 diesel with just the right amount of options and with the 6.5' bed.
The Long Beds do take a lot of space but are better at hauling 8' lumber and for a 5th wheel hitch set-up.
The Trademans series of Ram trucks is really a good buy. You get all the things that were high end options just a few years ago as standard equipment. Too many people get caught up in "the best". I think you made a good decision....I think the fifth wheel/gooseneck prep, positive traction, towing package and a 50 gallon fuel tank should be a standard checkmark on all dealer orders
I am currently shopping for same vehicle myself for same reasons you laid out. There is an option for a 50 gal fuel tank from the factory. I know you didn’t order your truck and I’m trying to avoid that as well, but trying to locate a SRE long before 4c4 outfitted how I want it without EVERY dadgum option in the world is proving to be a challenge! Thanks for the video!
Love our 2016 Laramie Dually. Wouldn't trade it for anything. It has been fantastic for towing and as a daily driver
Nice great truck!
Nice review. 3 days ago I just picked up my 2022 ram 3500 with the high output motor Acen transmission 373 rear and 8 foot bed. Laramie edition. I pull a 30 foot bumper pull travel trailer that I live in. It should be nice after trading in my ram 1500 2 Wheel Dr. with the hemi. I just keep smiling when I drive it.
Nice!
I’m looking at doing the same thing. My 30ft trailer is a little much for my half to . Doable, but I definitely need the bigger truck.
Nice. I’m about to go from F150 (13k max tow) to a Laramie 3500 with the standard Cummins and 68rfe. I pull a 31’ toy hauler that’s about 10,500 lbs in CO. Looking forward to it.
💥 Yes ✅ Extremely Stable and Great Ride💥
I bought a 2018 ram 2500 6.7 diesel with the same transmission and 3.4 gears in the Big horn trim to pull my 12k GVWR 32 ft toy hauler. I'm usually over the payload limit by 1k maybe more, when I have the generator in the back with the 450 Lb slider hitch and 4 people in the cab. The truck doesn't squat, I wish it did to tow my 5th more level. With those gears I do have to limit shifting to 5th gear although it's still an overdrive gear. My rear payload limit is only about 2400 Lbs. Windy days I wish I had the 3500 as it has leaf springs vs the coil springs with the higher payload. I bought the 2500 for a smoother ride as this is my daily driver. Still Im very happy with this trucks performance. I have even towed tandem and have plenty power, and brakes. Thanks for your opinion and experiences.
Same here I have a 2500 with a light payload and never had a problem. My 30ft fifth wheel has never squatted it
once but whatever. 25 years ago everyone pulled with 3/4 tons but now if your 500 pounds over your going to die. Crazy 😜
Hey Jared another great video.
We recently about a 8 mo ago traded in our Nissan Titan which we were pushing the limits towing our TT.
We purchased a 2021 Ram 3500 4x4 long bed dually with the standard output Cummins and 4:10 rear end.
We also traded our TT for a 2022 GD Reflection fifth wheel 303RLS.
Yes the dually makes it more difficult to find parking but crosswinds, semi's passing no longer are any issue. The payload is massive.
We purchased it not because of brand loyalty but because that's all that we could find. We drove to CO to get it
Hard to be picky these days unless you have alot of patience to wait for a special order..
So true, sounds like a great setup.
Ditto, Ditto. We have a 2017 Ram 2500 single rear wheel 4x4 w/ Cummins to pull our 38’ Laredo. Exact same experience, no white knuckle driving, set the cruise and go. Handles well pulling in snow. We get 9.8 to 10.2 mpg when towing. The only thing i would add is the rear tire wear would not be as aggressive with a dually. Nice video.
Wow, time does fly I remember the old truck
Me too I still have nightmares of how often we broke down in that one.
Another good video as always. It's scary how many people out there think they can buy any truck and haul anything with it.
Thank you
I misplaced some parts from Cummins last year, put a new turbo in, and it's like driving an 8000 lb Corvette now. The power is insane. The better mileage was a nice bonus too.
What type and brand of turbo did you install? Did you notice a difference in mpg?
@@marlonhernandez706
I put a new oem turbo in, because the stock one was completely clogged, due to a stalactite of DEF blocking my SCR by 90%. Misplacing the parts is where the significant power and mpg increases came from. These turbos are expensive.
Well done!
Great information and some of that footage was going through my home county
Thank you
Maintenance schedule might be helpful for a future video on the truck. Glad to hear the truck has worked out well.
Yes not a bad idea. We have done all the maintenance and a little early on some of it by choice because of the amount of towing we have put on this truck.
The Ram 3500 SRW trucks are nice for mid line fifth wheels.
Hey Jared. I also have a 3500 Ram. Mine is a 2018 HO Single rear wheel Aisin equipped 4x4. 3.42:1 axle ratio. 1. Don’t worry about the 68RFE. Yes they are not as heavy duty as the Aisin but they are also cheaper to rebuild and can be made much better at that time if necessary. 2. Titan tanks in Corona CA has a 62 gallon direct replacement. 3. I pull an Arctic Fox 29-5 T, 5th wheel, just under 17k gvw…a perfect match for the Ram. I will confess it is my 3rd Cummins powered truck and I’ve had them all. ( actually no duramax…too complicated ). You have a great truck that will take you many many miles. We also downsized from a 39’ Teton with no regrets.
Thanks, that 62 gallon tank sounds like a great upgrade!
As long as you keep an eye on transmission temps and keep the truck mostly stock, most people don’t have issues with the 68RFE. The problems usually come when installing power adders such as a larger turbo, larger injectors, and a programmer, etc.
Good video. Great information as always. I agree for some reason a lot of people seem to think you need a dually. In a case like you have a SRW is perfect.
Thanks!
I do recommend 4 wheel drive. Needed it to park and remove the RV from the storage lot that had wet gravel and ice and snow. And you never know about your camping locations that my have soft ground.
Good review. I pull my 37’Jayco Eagle with a 21 F350 diesel dually long bed. My cargo capacity is 5,616, so weight is never an issue. The biggest advantage to me is how stable the truck is side to side. Whether it’s wind or semi trucks, the dually stays straight and doesn’t get blown around. You have an excellent truck with an extremely high cargo capacity, especially with the heavy Diesel engine. I had a 20 F350 long bed Lariat with the 7.3L gas, and my CC was only 4,144lbs. A lot of folks don’t understand that the higher the trim level, the lower your CC, because all those bells and whistles add weight to your rig. Take care.
Thanks!
Trim level? I've never heard that term before.
I bought a 21 GMC Dually Diesel long bed last year knowing that we were going to upgrade to a 5er this year. I’ve worried that I went overkill with the dually, but in the past year I’ve never had any problems with the width. Honestly it’s the length that makes a truck difficult to maneuver in parking lots, but it’s fit anywhere I take it. We just picked up our 44’ Sandpiper and it tows like a dream, so I have no regrets! Absolutely agree with the stability, the wide base keeps it from rocking. Before the 5er I was pulled a 35’ TT and even in heavy cross wind in the Columbia river gorge it wouldn’t budge. Never going back to SRW…
I'm in agreement My GMC 3500 Dually just doesnt budge left to right. In CA with mountains and crowded freeways that's a huge plus
I tow a 42 ft toy hauler with my 2020 ram 3500 srw ho aisin transmission. Camper loaded 17,000 lbs. I never have any wind issues. The rig is rock solid so far
I too wanted the Aisin and the HO. I got a good deal on standard with 68RFE so I bought it. About 208,000 miles so far and it is a good truck. Had to replace the alternator so opted for a higher output one.
Nice review! I’ve got a 2019 Ram 3500 Limited SRW with all the bells and whistles, as well as the HO Cummins and Aisan trans. I think the Aisan is a bit of a dinasour, especially compared to all the new 8 and 10 speed trannys availible today, but I actually like that about it! I feel like it’s a well proven ultra heavy duty transmission that will stand up to the thousands of miles I tow my 16,000 lb, 41’ long toy hauler. My truck gets about 20 mpg on the highway at 70-75 mph, but with the trailer hooked up it typically gets about 9 mpg. However, it never feels like its overloaded or like it needs more power! The interior is like a luxury car and we really enjoy the truck overall. My only concern is the CP4 fuel pump issue so I’ve been adding a lubricity additive to every tank of fuel until they complete the recall that will change out the faulty pump!
Excellent Trans, I'm a parts guy at a dodge dealer and we never do any work on these transmissions all the tow trucks use it. There is finally a recall for your injection pump, get your name on the list at your local dealer to get one. Chrysler only allows us to order 2 a week so you may not see one for a while.
So glad the truck is doing well👍 I wish my truck had a bigger fuel tank too.
Thanks
I replaced the fuel pump myself with an aftermarket, though stock, CP3 pump because I could not deal with the possible downtime. FCA reimbursed me in full for the parts. They did not cover the labor since I did the repair myself. My truck is still under warranty but still the thought of blowing an injector while driving and / or being without my truck for any length of time was not an option for me.
Your videos are always so timely. Idk how you do it! We are about to white knuckle it from west of edmonton to Clearwater bc, through the mountains! We have an old 2500 dodge ram 2007. We are looking for something new!
Awesome!
I think I'm about to replace my stock diff cover and the cold air intake on my 2017 RAM 2500 / Cummins with the BANKS upgrades.
I also have the 6RFE tranny along with the dual alternators, batteries.
So far so good. I have the short bed however and tow a Reflection 150 series 295 RL
I just picked up a 2015 Ram 3500 Laramie srw crew cab long bed with the Cummins engine. We're buying a 5th wheel next month and we really are impressed with the truck. I'm partial to Cummins engines from working on their big engines, but we test drove a GMC and a Ford and just didn't feel either were as good as the Ram for their cost.
I will say overbuy on your truck, if you plan on towing 5,000 lbs get a truck that can pull 8 or 10,000. If you plan on 10,000 get a truck that can do 13 or 15,000. It will give you options for the future and not have to trade vehicles. The initial cost difference between the trucks for the next level capacity is often fairly minimal.
Great video and love the honest opinion and information presented here.
I'd double the figures for better margine. For a 10,000 lb camper, get a truck that can tow 20,000 lbs. If the tongue weigth is 1,000 lbs, get a truck that has a payload of 2,000 lbs plus the weight of the passengers and gear.
I've got a 2017 Chevy Express 2500 extended van and pull a 30' Passport ultra light. Empty I get 18 mpg on the highway all around about 14 mpg. Towing is 8 to 11 depending on wind and roads,. It's got the 6 litter gas and it's just a plain white cargo van for work. It works great for the wife and I and our furry kids. If I were to replace it, I think I would go with the same van but a 3500 next time. As you said get what you need and you don't have to go hog wild on extras.
So true.
I do not regret getting the dual rear wheel long bed, but I wish I had gone with the aisin transmission but the 68RFE has done well. My 5th wheel weighs 16,000# (+/-) and the 6.7L Cummins does well.
Nice setup!
Love our Ram, we have a 2020 2500 Tradesman level II with the Cummins, and 68RFE So far it had been great pulling our Imagine 3250BH a significant upgrade in towing from the 2008 Tundra we had previously. I just hoping the parts come in for the fuel pump recall so thats done prior to going full time in June as we have a pretty full schedule for a few months.
I replaced the fuel pump myself with an aftermarket, though stock, CP3 pump because I could not deal with the possible downtime. FCA reimbursed me in full for the parts. They did not cover the labor since I did the repair myself. My truck is still under warranty but still the thought of blowing an injector while driving and / or being without my truck for any length of time was not an option for me.
@@ryanyeager4954 I am kinda waiting, as my local dealer says parts are suppose to start flowing in a few days, they said end of march, we hit the road full time end of June with a tight schedule through September, so I understand why you did that.
Perfect for your rig...Dually's are like an albatross around your neck. If you buy a dually you necessarily need 4x4.
I am with you on your truck choice. I've been watching a family RVing with a dually. While as a tow vehicle they are great, but as a get around town and parks it has limitations and he talks about on the channel. They went to Zion national park and were not allowed in some areas due to width of the truck.
Good to know, thanks.
Great info and very concise. You always post excellent content. For us the truck was the most difficult decision. Spent over a month weighing all the choices. Our 2022 Silverado 3500HD Dually long bed was just delivered to the dealership - only 60 days from order to delivery. This will pull our new Reflection 28BH 5th wheel we pick up next month. Went with the gas engine rather than diesel after much mental ping pong. We will be taking mostly week long local trips the first year. I'll report on the performance and towing behavior on my CZcams channel, Fix Tinker Review Repeat after a 1000 miles or so. FYI the Silverado has a tiny 36 gallon fuel tank.
Thanks, congratulations on the new RV
We started with a single axel Ram like yours. After the first year and getting everything in it my wife said we needed all in we were 100 pounds from our max. I felt that was way too close so we went to a Ram dually. Another Tradesman. Very happy with it's performance except it parks like a Locomotive.
Yes parking can be a bear.
@@AllAboutRVs It's hard to park the crew cab 8' bed without a dually!
Hi Jared nice truck I have a 2003 dodge Cummins dually Laramie 305 hp I put a pacbrake on it as a daily driver we tow our 32 ft travel trailer we are not full time but we have been on some pretty good trips 👍
Nice!
I love my ram 6.7 too.
Nice!
Nice truck and great setup for what you are doing 👌
We bought a 21 tradesman last spring.
3500 Duelly longbox because of the trailer we were getting last fall.
Our new Alliance Valor 40v13 is 14k dry and max 20k 44.5 ft and a wide body 101inch. So it's a great fit that the truck is as wide as the trailer 👌
The truck just happened to be equipped with the duel alternators 360 cameras and the Ram Air rear suspension.
It is kinda scary how smooth and nice it tows. You gotta look sometimes to make sure the trailer is still following you 😳🤣😂
Nice!
That must make towing an easy drive.
@@windrider65 Absolutely makes it not seem like a difficult task like I have towed other things in the past.
My 2500 hauls my 14,200 lb, 2800 lb hitch weight trailer just fine ✌️
I have 240k miles on a bone stock 68RFE in my 2012 3500. Truck has been tuned/deleted since 50k miles and have done no other maintenance besides fluid flushes and then at 220k miles I added an external trans filter and a big cooler
I picked up a 2015 Ram 3500 Laramie SRW Short-Box a couple years ago. I picked up my first ever 5th wheel on Feb 28, 2022, East to West Tandara 386MB-OK. I think the only thing I wish I would have done is got the long bed. They have the same cargo capacity and tow capabilities, but having that extra 1.5 feet would make me feel better right now with the 5th wheel. But, it also has the same features yours has, but with the 3.42 rear gear vs the 3.73. From all the research I have done the Ram tends to have the best Diesel Exhaust Break on the market.
A good truck makes all the difference in your comfort level when towing something, IMHO.
So true
Think you did it the best way to save tons of money, because those factory options you would like cost many times more than to do it aftermarket, and most times the aftermarket upgrades are higher quality too. Like say a pair of 340 watt Mechman alternators...and you could run some zero gauge back to the trailer for a serious charge of the batteries, or to run A/C? One could also put in a large fuel tank in the box of the truck with a pump and or a direct line to the main tank and go a couple thousand miles without stopping...? You want a fancy big tablet on the dash...get a 12.9" ipad pro, and get a mounting kit made for it by Soundman. This way you get what you want or what you need and save thousands. You mentioned about dually tires, if you feel you would benefit from them you could try those super singles that some people convert from dually tires, which is basically a wider rim and tire to increase that contact patch. Don't like how much your trailer makes your truck squats, auto leveling air ride upgrades?
You should have got the running boards all the way to the back tires. Makes it easier to get into the bed. We have the Ram 2500 Tradesman. Tows our 35ft travel trailer like a dream.
I pull a 30 foot Fleetwood 5th wheel with a 2019 Ram 3500 6.7 diesel, 4 wheel drive, fleet side, full size box and am pleased with my decision to move away from a dually to this truck.
Nice!
Thanks god bless
Even if you get a flat on one tire of a dually you need to fix it asap. If you keep driving the tires will rub together and it explode the other tire.
I’m on my 3rd Ram in 9 years and this one will be my last. I’ve never had any power or towing issues. My issues have always been that all 3 of my trucks have leaked water at the 3rd break light. My next truck will be a F450 dually. I prefer the dually but I could see why some people aren’t interested in them.
I have also had multiple Rams and never had a leak, strange how things happen. I ordered a new F350 last year and it came in two weeks ago. While transferring my items from my Ram to my F350 the engine light came on. I drove it home came back the next day and it’s been in the shop since. I’m being told all 8 injectors need replaced because their bad, just not sure how a truck with 78 miles can have all 8 injectors go bad. I hope I didn’t make a mistake going Ford this time.
@@happycampers.1837 We had a 2016 Ford F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost. One catalytic converter went at 29k miles. An engine manifold failed at 31k miles. Took 5 weeks to get it driveable. If that wasn't bad enough, when we took it to the carwash, the dashlights lit up when the water hit the rear driver's side door. When you don't trust a vehicle with less than 35k miles, it's time to move on. Our 2019 Ram 3500 Big Horn has been great so far--knock on wood.
We are a Dodge family, I pull my horse trailer with our 97 2500 diesel 4x4 and never feel unsafe. I have pulled out other trucks some with trailers attached with this beast!
Nice!
I love my Ram. Now mine is a 2500 which has coil springs so to get a more stable feel I swapped out the stock sway bar for a heavy duty helwig bar, Firestone air bags and Bilstein shocks. Now it handles the load very well. With that said I'd like to move up to a dually for the extra stability and payload. Unfortunately truck prices have gotten ridiculous.
Yes they have.
If you know where to buy and are ok waiting for a custom order to be built, you can save 11-12% off MSRP. I just bought a 2022 3500, MSRP was about 71k and I paid right around 62k.
@@The_Cyberz not me. I don't have new truck money and wouldn't pay it if I did. And at that price I'm guessing it's not a Laramie or Limited which I prefer.
@@caseypries7559 It’s a Laramie CCLB, but not diesel. I didn’t have a need for diesel.
@@caseypries7559 I should also say, that due to the market I was able to sell my 2015 F150 to Carvana for more than I paid for it. I bought it used in 2019 for 28k and sold it for 33k.
Great video! What is the pin weight of your trailer?
nice looking truck
Thanks
I’ll never tow a Fifth Wheel without an overly equipped dually ever again. Our new Brinkley Z3100 with our new F-350 4x4 Crew Cab PowerStroke Diesel is basically a 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood. Smooth…..
We do have washer dryer and 600 pounds of solar and batteries forward so really the right choice
You say you are happy with the narrower SRW but you have your side view mirrors extended. Short answer is with a 5th wheel that large you need a dually.
Very good review - long term ownership is always helpful and informative. How many miles do you have on it now?
Thanks, we have just over 60,000 miles on it.
Glad you're liking your truck but I hope you'll upgrade the valve body before it takes out the rest of the trans. I'm a professional transmission tech and that valve body is a ticking time bomb. $1,200 for a built/upgraded valve body is a lot cheaper than a full trans rebuild for $8,000.
One more thing, you might want to think about getting rid of that CP4 injection pump before it goes pop.
Not trying to scare you or be a troll.
We use a Toyota Tundra (gas) and pull a 30'8" Cruiser Radiance TT nicely.
What’s the cargo capacity of your Tundra. By the time you add your hitch, passengers and cargo and the hitch weight, I’m guessing you’re going to be overloaded. I used to pull a Lance 2285 with a 2011 Tundra Base, which had a cargo capacity of about 1,600lbs. The 5.7?pulled great, but I was always pushing it on the cargo capacity. We have since gone to a 21 F350 dually with a 37’ Jayco 5th wheel, but my cargo capacity is over 5,600lbs, so I can load anything I want.
Wish I had of opted for the Aisin Transmission. My 86rfe failed at 49,000 miles. Hardest duty was a half ton towable travel trailer.
Wow, that’s not much.
We have a 2019 Ram 3500 Big Horn almost identical to yours. I'd agree with everything you said here. Has your fuel pump recall been performed yet? They still don't have parts according to our local dealer. We recently hauled 4k miles, and didn't find the smallish fuel tank to be a problem. It's nice to take frequent breaks, get up and move, and refuel if needed. We do max 300 miles at a throw. Retirement does not suck.
Have you had that fuel pump replaced yet?
Just wondering if you’ve had the injector pump recall done yet
Excellent and informative review.
Yes... The CAT scale tells all - very important to get on one!
Thank you
I have a 21 3500 bighorn. And love it... don't get the aisin transmission if you don't need it. They drive like shit. I drove a truck with one for a test drive and after 4 miles I brought it back and asked if it was supposed to shift so bad lol. Then I found out they all are like that. 68rfe is so smooth, sometimes I forget I am towing my 41ft 5th wheel.
Great video! I've got a similar truck (2020) with the HO and Aisin transmission and its been great as well.
Question - What was your interval (miles) for your first oil change?
I've got 7500 miles on mine. The recommended servicing says the first oil change is at 15K miles.
Considering its a heavy duty truck I would have imagined that to be a lot sooner and more frequent.
Just my opinion... I change every 5k miles. With all the emissions and returning soot I will not go over that. Many oils now a days claim 10k+ between oil changes. Unless you are using Schafers premium oil I would not recommend. Again, just my opinion.
I spent 4 years towing a 15,000 lb 5th wheel with my 2017 Ram 3500 with SRW and a 68RFE. It has performed really well except for one strange issue/non - issue with the transmission,
Four times at altitudes between 6800 and 7500 ft, I was towing under load when the tranny shuddered. I lifted my foot instinctively, and when I put it back down any issue was gone, but it had set a low line pressure code. This always clears itself, and it only happens at higher altitudes. It can't be reproduced to have a dealer look at it.
A long conversation with a dealer has me thinking it was likely cavitation of the transmission fluid. Maximum load, high altitude, and fairly low RPM seemed to occasionally cause this to happen, though it doesn't seem to have done any kind of damage.
I am now towing a 4000 lb converted cargo trailer, so the issue is not likely to ever happen again.
I get about 22 mpg not towing on the highway and 12 mpg towing 15,000 lbs at 65 mph. Surprisingly, dropping the weight of the trailer from 15 to 4 thousand lbs only seems to have increased my mileage from 12 to 14 mpg.
I also have a 100 gallon Transfer Flow fuel tank in the long bed, so my range has gone from around 300 miles to 1400. Not towing, I could drive from LA to NY and still have fuel left over.
Your mileage is interesting and better than I get with my 19 3500 With the HO Cummins. I find it interesting that I get about 9 mpg towing my 16,000 lb 41’ long, 13’ tall toy hauler, but when I switch to my empty 5,000 lb 20x8 cargo trailer it only goes up to about 12 mpg! Seems crazy!
@@razorsedgeadventures6599 Mine is not HO, and I have the 68RFE. If you have the Aisin, I think your gearing is different. I guess it makes a guy thinking about a bigger trailer happy to know with a Cummins his mileage won't suffer as much as he thought. But going the other direction is disappointing.
Is that a typo that your rig is 23 ft tall? Did you mean 13? Man that would limit your options being that tall!
@@headdown1 lol… yes, 13’.
@@razorsedgeadventures6599 Good to hear.:)
How many miles are on the truck? I have a 2017 with the 68RFE. I tow about 10k lbs. I lock 6th gear out when towing, the clutches between 5th and 6th are the weakest. My truck has been problem free and very much enjoy it.
We have a 2018 and i don't know how to tell what stats we have like axle ratio or transmission...how can i tell? We have a turbo, is that what you mean by "high output?" I know it is 350 hp. How do i know if the air brakes work? I pushed a button when towing and going down hill... the light said it was on. Do i turn it off on level, stretches? How can i tell what kind of alternator i have? Thank you for this.