A 2500 does not come standard with limited slip rear axle and some trims do not have the brake controller installed, unlike the 3500s. I also recommend the cargo camera option, rear air leveling suspension, and fifth wheel prep package. It may be difficult to find the latter two options on an 2018 model.

I also suggest you add a BD Diesel Transfer Case Control Low UnLock kit. This will allow you to select 4x4 low gearing without engaging the front wheels. Eliminates front wheel binding and lessens the need to use the accelerator during campground maneuvering.
https://www.amazon.com/BD-Diesel-1030705-Unlock-Kit/dp/B01HZV41G0

 

Just about anything can be added after the purchase in regards to towing, but I believe the more you get already installed on the vehicle the better off you'll be. Not dealing with parts cost, labor, etc and if already installed from factory most if not all items will at least fall under bumper to bumper warranty.

Not that the weight is an issue but is there anything ruling out a 3500 SRW? As Monster5601 said a 3500 is going to be more likely outfitted with most/all your needs but they may not be as abundantly available like 2500's are.

 

I highly recommend getting the cargo cam - makes hitching up much easier.

 

Thank you--cargo cam was not on my radar, but I am seeing it as one of the options on the majority of the 2500's I've looked at. I have specifically been looking for the limited slip rear axle and have been seeing it.

I was afraid someone was going to suggest a 3500--I'll take a look!

Not seeing much in the way of rear air leveling suspension nor 5th wheel tow prep on any of the inventory, even 2019's. Both of those were included when we did our build, so I'm disappointed not to see them--dumb question, but do air bags accomplish much the same thing as the rear leveling suspension? I need to go back to the RAM site and see what all was in the 5th wheel prep package.

Another question reflective of my limited knowledge--Is the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Prep Group ("This option provides mounting holes for a fifth wheel hitch and for a gooseneck ball, covers for these mounting holes, and a bed mounted 7-pin connector") going to be compatible w/a sliding hitch?
Not sure how critical this option is--it does seem to limit my search by quite a bit and wondering if it's something that I can address after purchase or if I really do want a truck that already has it.
I
'm not familiar w/the unlock kit, so will definitely look into further.
Thanks again!!

 

Just be careful with the payload on a 2500 Cummins truck, you're looking at about 2300# on a 2018 CC truck. That gives you 900# to play with in a best case scenario, on an empty trailer.

The auto level rear suspension isn't the same as just adding air bags, it will give you an alternate height that makes it easier to hook up to the trailer and it manages the air pressure.

If you can find an '18, you can get 72 months of 0% financing- that's money in the bank.

 

Thank you--we don't want a narrow margin--the 2019 2500 diesel has a greater towing capacity, correct?
I did just find a 2019 3500 that appears to have everything we want--sent an inquiry. Anyone have experience buying from Dennis Dillon in Idaho??

Thanks for the clarification regarding the auto rear suspension--trying to figure out if it is on the 3500 and/or if it's on the one I'm looking at. Unfortunately, I think not.

 

Consider the future camper

Went through this same thought process on camper weights. I decided to choose the 3500 diesel Ram MegaCab because of the increased payload rating over the 2500. I am glad I did. Campers come and go, but weight always seem to increase. I decided to buy a fifth wheel this time and I am now sure that I made the right decision. If you ever think you might buy a 5'er consider the 1 ton. Hitch pin weights of these campers will easily put you over on payload weight.

 

We purchased our 5th wheel a few months ago--definitely put the cart before the horse! Original plan was to get a 2019 Ram at year's end and then purchase a trailer next year, but we got a price we couldn't refuse from a family friend w/a 5th wheel who had only taken it out a few times. Northwood Arctic Fox. It's 27 ft long; gross dry weight 7020 lbs. So it's not huge, but definitely bigger than the little baby A-liner we were originally looking at that would fit in the garage!
We live in Oregon and want a tow vehicle that will get us over mountain passes without worry. If this 3500 I'm looking at works out, it may be just what we're looking for.

 

I don't think you made a mistake by choosing your truck after getting the camper. You now know what you need in a truck to be safe. Too many folks mistakenly believe that just because a truck can pull something, it's safe to drive. Too many camper salesmen don't ask, don't tell or don't know. I guess I could throw a few truck salesmen in that pile, too!



Indeed, most of these newer trucks can pull 10K, but doing the math (or simply looking at the sticker on the door frame) to determine what load the vehicle is rated for gets forgotten.



In my estimation, payload rating is one of the chief numbers to know when choosing a camper. Go over on payload and you risk a white-knuckle experience or worse. In today's truck world, any truck that can meet your payload requirements should easily be able to pull what you need. Finally, never trust the published numbers, always check the door frame sticker and weigh your loaded camper.

 

Too many people trust a camper salesman to tell them if their truck can tow their camper. Each time I went camper shopping, they had no clue what my payload, GCWR, axle rating, or anything important was but they proceeded to tell me that my truck can handle 7000# empty weight campers. They were gorgeous double slide units that I wish I could have towed, but fortunately I knew enough to do my homework.

There should seriously be a requirement for these camper salespeople to verify some information before allowing someone to hook up to a camper.

 

Dennis Dillon sells Rams to people all over the USA, people fly in to pick them up

I don't recall any one complaining about them

I can't say the same about Dave Smith in Idaho

 

Honestly, my impression so far is better w/Dennis Dillon. More responsive and the pricing transparent. Have been working with Nick and he has been in contact with me asking questions and working to find what I want and checking with service/accessories to determine cost of adding options if he can't find them.
Didn't get quite as good of an impression when I spoke with someone from Dave Smith. He kept pushing for additional options I was looking for, and then he got hung up on color. Kept pressing me for what color I wanted. I don't care--I told him numerous times that I didn't want to be limited by color. Finally gave him an answer because he wouldn't drop it. Am really hoping it's not just because I'm female...Anyways, I know they have a huge inventory but interesting that I have not heard back from him....We're in no rush so hoping Dennis Dillon comes through for us!

 

Where are you located? I picked up my 19 3500 a few weeks back and traded my 18 SRW

 

Portland, Oregon

 

Darn! South Florida is probably out of the question! Best of luck with your search.

 

How does the new 3500 ride without a load compared to the 2500

 

Unloaded, the ride is firm and smooths out when loaded. The quality of the ride is dependant on the condition of the roadway.

 

I just went through the exercise of calculating the crap out of towing capabilities between the 2500 and 3500. I asked about the price difference between the two and it was about $1,200. Cost is negligible between a long and short bed but weight is greater on the short bed. I too was looking between the 2018 and 2019 but as you've discovered the features that you're probably looking for are on the 2019.

I ended up buying the 2019 Laramie 3500, Option 1 package, tow prep. I'll be figuring out if I made the right decision to purchase the Reese #30154 adapter for a standard 5th wheel hitch (which I already have) or get an automatic slider.

Not sure if any of this was helpful. I wish you good luck!

 

I just went through the exercise of calculating the crap out of towing capabilities between the 2500 and 3500. I asked about the price difference between the two and it was about $1,200. Cost is negligible between a long and short bed but weight is greater on the short bed. I too was looking between the 2018 and 2019 but as you've discovered the features that you're probably looking for are on the 2019.

I ended up buying the 2019 Laramie 3500, Option 1 package, tow prep. I'll be figuring out if I made the right decision to purchase the Reese #30154 adapter for a standard 5th wheel hitch (which I already have) or get an automatic slider.

Not sure if any of this was helpful. I wish you good luck!

Hi, looking for the same truck, can I ask you what your payload capacity is from the yellow sticker in drivers door jamb? Thanks

 

Cc, long beds are right around 4300 lbs for the 2018 models.

 

you can do a standard bed without a slider as well with the Anderson hitch. my old setup.