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08-02-2020, 05:48 PM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Alparetta
Posts: 44
M.O.C. #26805
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Advice needed-Dodge Ram/Montana HC
294RL Montana High Country- we are in the process of buying our first 5th wheel.
We sold our Toyota Crew Cab 4x4.
We are now looking at Dodge Ram 2500 for towing the high country.
Weight-11035
Carrying Capacity - 3265
Hitch Wt.- 2300
Any advice on this truck with the high country and what engine would you recommend? Many of the dealers I have spoken to are all over the board on what I need.
Is their another truck you would recommend.? Do not want a dually.
Thank you -
Jim
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08-02-2020, 06:21 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,552
M.O.C. #2283
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If you plan on pulling your new HC very far get a Diesel. Go check out all three trucks. You will never know which is the best truck for you until you really compare all three. Everybody wonts or needs something different. I’m not going to recommend a truck because they all are great trucks.
Lynwood
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08-02-2020, 06:22 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
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Good question. I suggest looking at the GVWR as listed in the door jam of the specific truck you want. Subtract the pin weight of the loaded trailer plus passengers, hitch, misc. junk that rides in the truck, and do the math. If the truck can legally carry the load, golden. Diesel is the muscle of choice for most. Your preference may be different and that is OK. Keep up the good research and get it right the first time.
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
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08-02-2020, 06:30 PM
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#4
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Sidney,B.C.
Posts: 138
M.O.C. #23585
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimIrish7
294RL Montana High Country- we are in the process of buying our first 5th wheel.
We sold our Toyota Crew Cab 4x4.
We are now looking at Dodge Ram 2500 for towing the high country.
Weight-11035
Carrying Capacity - 3265
Hitch Wt.- 2300
Any advice on this truck with the high country and what engine would you recommend? Many of the dealers I have spoken to are all over the board on what I need.
Is their another truck you would recommend.? Do not want a dually.
Thank you -
Jim
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First recommendation is to use the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVRW) for the trailer; it's unlikely you will ever tow a totally empty trailer, except perhaps the trip to trade it in for another one. Second recommendation is to assume there will be an upgrade in your future, and it will be heavier than the one you have now. Last recommendation is to "buy up", that is purchase your tow vehicle that will handle a heavier unit than your current one. Diesel engines are known for their torque and longevity, but higher purchase cost, repair costs, and sometimes diesel fuel is costlier than gasoline. Diesels have better fuel efficiency, and there is a reason diesel engines are used in heavy commercial vehicles and motor coaches. Just my $ 0.02 CDN worth.
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08-02-2020, 10:13 PM
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#5
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Chandler
Posts: 79
M.O.C. #26281
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Go for a 1 ton
I have a 2015 Ram 2500 diesel 4x4 short bed megacab with air suspension. My 2015 3100 RL has an empty pin weight of 2400#. When full loaded, my pin weight is 3100#. I got the later number by using a CAT scale. My max cargo capacity is ~2000# as per Dodge engineering. I've tried both Timberlen and Sumo Springs and they both work, but the truck is overloaded. I am planning on selling the 2500 and getting a 3500 in the next few months. A 1 ton typically has a cargo capacity of ~4000#. Note all of the trucks can pull 15,000#+. In my opinion, it is the cargo weight that you have to watch. Would encourage you to look at a 1 ton.
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08-03-2020, 03:27 AM
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#6
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Alparetta
Posts: 44
M.O.C. #26805
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Great information- thank you for the responses it is appreciated.
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08-04-2020, 08:06 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: 1000 oaks
Posts: 954
M.O.C. #19630
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZMont
I have a 2015 Ram 2500 diesel 4x4 short bed megacab with air suspension. My 2015 3100 RL has an empty pin weight of 2400#. When full loaded, my pin weight is 3100#. I got the later number by using a CAT scale. My max cargo capacity is ~2000# as per Dodge engineering. I've tried both Timberlen and Sumo Springs and they both work, but the truck is overloaded. I am planning on selling the 2500 and getting a 3500 in the next few months. A 1 ton typically has a cargo capacity of ~4000#. Note all of the trucks can pull 15,000#+. In my opinion, it is the cargo weight that you have to watch. Would encourage you to look at a 1 ton.
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You should sell your truck to the OP as it is what he needs and you can move on.
__________________
2011 2955RL Gen-Y Executive Kingpin
2022 GMC 2500HD Duramax/Alison
4X4 Crew Cab/Standard bed.
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08-04-2020, 11:21 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Gardnerville
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #17163
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If you are worried about weight, do it right the first time.. 1 ton Dually... PERIOD...Get max tow package.. On the Ram it's the Aisin trans, auto level and 4:10 gears...
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08-04-2020, 01:48 PM
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#9
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Marion
Posts: 234
M.O.C. #22281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dfb
If you are worried about weight, do it right the first time.. 1 ton Dually... PERIOD...Get max tow package.. On the Ram it's the Aisin trans, auto level and 4:10 gears...
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I agree, duallies aren't hard to drive or park.
I have everything you mentioned except I have 3.73 gears, plenty of pulling power for what I do and I think it might save me a few bucks on diesel.
__________________
2019 Montana High Country 384BR
2018 Ram cclb 4x4 6.7 cummins/aisin dually
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08-04-2020, 02:50 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Trinidad, TX
Posts: 506
M.O.C. #20746
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I've had 1 2500 and 2 3500 duallies all with diesel. Do not go with gas. Period! Go bigger than you need is always a good rule of thumb. The only thing I would stay away from is the 4:10 gears. I doubt that you will be pulling max weight. 4:10 gears also kill your fuel mileage when not towing.
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4X4 Dually Cummins Aisin CC LB / B&W Companion hitch
50 Gallon Transfer Flow in bed tank w/ Trax 3
2018 Montana 3121RL
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08-09-2020, 02:21 PM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Orlando
Posts: 338
M.O.C. #22589
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dfb
If you are worried about weight, do it right the first time.. 1 ton Dually... PERIOD...Get max tow package.. On the Ram it's the Aisin trans, auto level and 4:10 gears...
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This is good advice unless you like upgrading trucks again later.
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08-09-2020, 02:40 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Gardnerville
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #17163
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob and Jeannette
This is good advice unless you like upgrading trucks again later.
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I can't see us upgrading the LONGHORN... But who knows.. The New Trucks are over 80k not... Could go with either the Ford or the GM...
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08-10-2020, 06:07 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: home base IL, OTR anywhere
Posts: 533
M.O.C. #19382
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dfb
I can't see us upgrading the LONGHORN... But who knows.. The New Trucks are over 80k not... Could go with either the Ford or the GM...
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So don't get a new truck. There are killer deals on low mileage used trucks... barely broken in. We bought our 2017 RAM DRW last year and saved 30K over a comparable 2020. Clean as whistle only 20k miles on it. All the bells and whistles. Unless of course you have to have that new truck smell LOL. 30K goes a long way for other stuff.
to the OP... a 3500 SRW of any brand will do the job for your application but I'd still get a dually... it's the stuff you can't imagine that might get you with a SRW where a DRW would not. Yeah, DRW is more difficult to get into a drive thru window or through it if that is important to you. Yeah, more expense to operate it, but I would not go without it for towing anything over 10,000 GVWR. A choice. I like my safety margin. JMHO.
__________________
2017 RAM 3500 Laramie CCLB Dually CTD Aisin, OEM auto level rear air-ride, B&W hitch
2020 3813MS Legacy Cobalt FBP, MORryde 8K IS & pinbox, PI EMS,DIY mods by in-house "craftsman", RV security system Mk1 Beagle Alerter
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08-10-2020, 06:37 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: westminster md
Posts: 2,318
M.O.C. #17894
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At 14300lbs your camper is WELL beyond the Payload capacity of any 3/4 ton truck. Your pin weight will be more like 3000+ lbs
What does your yellow door sticker say your max payload is ?
__________________
2018 Chevy 3500 LTZ Dually Diesel 4x4 CCLB
2011 Montana 3455 SA. 6 point level up. Disc brakes. Curt Q24 Hitch. 5 step glow steps
Progressive EMS. Valterra tank valves. Sailun G637 tires. ARP fridge control. All led lighting. Mor Ryde IS
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08-10-2020, 05:21 PM
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#15
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New Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Talladega
Posts: 9
M.O.C. #25248
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BiggarView
So don't get a new truck. There are killer deals on low mileage used trucks... barely broken in. We bought our 2017 RAM DRW last year and saved 30K over a comparable 2020. Clean as whistle only 20k miles on it. All the bells and whistles. Unless of course you have to have that new truck smell LOL. 30K goes a long way for other stuff.
to the OP... a 3500 SRW of any brand will do the job for your application but I'd still get a dually... it's the stuff you can't imagine that might get you with a SRW where a DRW would not. Yeah, DRW is more difficult to get into a drive thru window or through it if that is important to you. Yeah, more expense to operate it, but I would not go without it for towing anything over 10,000 GVWR. A choice. I like my safety margin. JMHO.
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I agree. I use my dually to go grocery shopping, pickup food at drive thru's. It's what you get use to. My wife however, won't drive it except to church. She says it's too big.
I looked at all brands for 2 years before I bought.
GM and Does wanted 5 grand each time you needed repairs. They told me you have to lift the cabs off to work on them. Not my Ram. I'll do my own repairs much cheaper. I'm retired and on a fixed income. Fortunately I don't have to repair it much. I do my own oil changes and fuel filter replacement.
Good luck on your search.
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08-15-2020, 10:11 AM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Gardnerville
Posts: 1,252
M.O.C. #17163
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[QUOTE=BiggarView;1193798]So don't get a new truck. There are killer deals on low mileage used trucks... barely broken in. We bought our 2017 RAM DRW last year and saved 30K over a comparable 2020. Clean as whistle only 20k miles on it. All the bells and whistles. Unless of course you have to have that new truck smell LOL. 30K goes a long way for other stuff.
We searched two years for a Ram, Aisin, 4:10 auto level truck. We found a 2017 with 1200 MILES! Nubs were still on the tires.. It was 20k off msrp.. It's a LONGHORN DUALLY with all the options.. This was NOT a new truck but it was a new truck.. Luxury Brown and Gold... Just telling the other poster to do it right the First time... Don't look for a truck that will do.. Get the Tow beast... and forget it...
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08-04-2020, 12:13 PM
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#17
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Established Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Albertville
Posts: 39
M.O.C. #24262
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3500 diesel single axil 4x4 and you be fine
__________________
Living the 5W Life
2020 3701LK
2017 Ram 3500
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08-09-2020, 02:10 PM
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#18
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Indian Land
Posts: 297
M.O.C. #9730
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We got a 2020 RAM 3500 diesel and love it. Can't even tell the 5th wheel is back there. Really goes up mountains.
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08-09-2020, 02:12 PM
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#19
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Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: SUN CITY WEST
Posts: 22
M.O.C. #25705
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We purchased a new 294RL in April. Headed directly to the Cat Scale to weigh empty. Pin weight was 2340lbs. My 2500 Silverado, diesel, crew cab had a payload of 2450 lbs. In my opinion, not sufficient to safely pull this trailer.
Moved up to the Silverado 3500, diesel crew cab , SRW with 1200 more pounds of payload. You won’t regret the diesel.
__________________
2020 294RL
2019 Silverado 3500 Duramax, SRW, CC Reg box
B&W Companion slider hitch
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08-09-2020, 03:48 PM
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#20
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New Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Lake Stevens
Posts: 9
M.O.C. #19522
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimIrish7
294RL Montana High Country- we are in the process of buying our first 5th wheel.
We sold our Toyota Crew Cab 4x4.
We are now looking at Dodge Ram 2500 for towing the high country.
Weight-11035
Carrying Capacity - 3265
Hitch Wt.- 2300
Any advice on this truck with the high country and what engine would you recommend? Many of the dealers I have spoken to are all over the board on what I need.
Is their another truck you would recommend.? Do not want a dually.
Thank you -
Jim
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We bought a 32' Travel Trailer. It is also our first RV - we wanted something comfortable for the two of us, yet not go overboard on a budget of a 5th wheel or even a Class A or C, until we know if we'd like the lifestyle.
With that said, I also bought a Ram, but a 3500. My thinking was if we did enjoy our time out and decided to upgrade in the future, I wouldn't need to upgrade the truck. It is a SRW, not a dually - so I'm limited in not being able to get a huge heavy 5th wheel, but something nice enough to pull with the current setup. If we decide in the future to go full-time, I just nay trade the truck in for a dually. But thats down the road and not a concern at this time.
Good luck with your choice!
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