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  1. #1
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    How much payload do I really need?

    I'm sure this has been asked before but I wanted to get everyone's opinion anyway.

    We have a 2016 Reflection 30BH with a stated pin weight of 1625lb and a GVWR of 11995 (dry weight of 9380lb).

    I am looking for a new TV and can't decide between the Ram 2500 and 3500. I'm buying used and there are many more 2500s available but I'm worried the payload won't be enough. I know I can get a 3500 and be good no question but given the bumpier unloaded ride (truck is my daily driver) and less availability/higher cost of the 3500, is it worth it?

    Most of the 2500s payload ratings barely exceed the "stated" pin weight (I haven't weighed it loaded yet) but I'm worried it may be too close.

    Any opinions or thoughts on a 3/4 ton for this RV?

  2. #2
    King Pin
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    Welcome to the forum Sheldon. It's nice to see someone doing the research before they make the purchase and regret it later. Typically, you should calculate the pin weight at a minimum of 20% of the GVWR. In this case, 11,995# x 20% = 2,400#. Then, you need to add in the weight of your fifth wheel hitch at approximately 150#. Next, add the weight of the driver, passengers, dogs, firewood, tools and any other cargo you carry in the truck. For an example, let's say that all equals 550#. Now, you're at 3,100 pounds which puts you well into 3500 (F350) territory in most cases. When looking at a used truck, make sure you check the tire placard on the door column to see how much payload that particular truck can supply. I'm posting an example below. I'm a firm believer that I want more truck than I need vs. the other way around.

    If you search this forum you'll find lots of threads on this topic. On thread in particular is for the folks who had to double buy a truck. They started with a 2500, then moved up to a 3500 when they realized they didn't have enough truck.



    Jim

  3. #3
    Long Hauler
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    Sheldon
    Welcome to the forum.
    The only thing I would add to the above is, going with the 3500 you should not have any question of if you have enough truck. I have a 3500 Chevy and the ride is not much worse than the 2500 I used to have. The 3500 is also my daily driver. Ultimately you will have to make the choice yourself but the 3500 would be my choice.

    Brian

  4. #4
    Long Hauler bertschb's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ac_sheldon View Post
    ...I know I can get a 3500 and be good no question but given the bumpier unloaded ride (truck is my daily driver) ...
    The unloaded ride between a 2500 and 3500 should be identical. The 3500 adds an extra "overload" spring in the rear that only gets used when the bed of the truck is loaded. When unloaded, this spring is unused and has no affect on the ride. Here is a picture that shows this extra spring unloaded:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    I would absolutely get a 3500 over a 2500 for this reason. You have the added payload when needed and the ride of the 2500 when it's not needed. Win-win!

    EDIT!!! This only applies to Ford and GM trucks. Not Ram!
    Last edited by bertschb; 12-30-2018 at 05:55 PM.
    Brian & Kellie
    2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
    2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch

    Previous setups:
    2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
    2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch

  5. #5
    Site Sponsor jasonl78's Avatar
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    Ram 2500s still use coil suspension vs leaf springs. The 2500 will have a better ride but I stil would get the 3500 for the payload.
    2018 Reflection 28BH
    Andersen Ultimate Hitch ISR Version
    Predator 3500W Inverter Generator
    2017 Ram 3500 Mega cab SRW w/6.4L Hemi, Ramboxes, Active Air Rear Suspension
    2017 Aluma 8214HS
    2015 Lund Crossover 1775 XS

  6. #6
    Long Hauler bertschb's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jasonl78 View Post
    Ram 2500s still use coil suspension vs leaf springs.
    Ohhhhhh, well my post was pretty worthless then. Sorry for misleading folks. Sheesh. I need to stop sharing info and just read what other people post.
    Brian & Kellie
    2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
    2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch

    Previous setups:
    2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
    2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch

  7. #7
    Rolling Along RVRunners's Avatar
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    I recommend going with the one ton truck.
    The Adams - 2017 Reflection 367BHS, 2019 F-350 6.7L PSD 4x4 CC DRW, B&W hitch on Ford pucks, Air Lift Loadlifter 5000 Ultimate Plus air bags, "Rupert" the Weimaraner.

  8. #8
    Long Hauler howson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ac_sheldon View Post
    I'm sure this has been asked before but I wanted to get everyone's opinion anyway.

    We have a 2016 Reflection 30BH with a stated pin weight of 1625lb and a GVWR of 11995 (dry weight of 9380lb).

    I am looking for a new TV and can't decide between the Ram 2500 and 3500. I'm buying used and there are many more 2500s available but I'm worried the payload won't be enough. I know I can get a 3500 and be good no question but given the bumpier unloaded ride (truck is my daily driver) and less availability/higher cost of the 3500, is it worth it?

    Most of the 2500s payload ratings barely exceed the "stated" pin weight (I haven't weighed it loaded yet) but I'm worried it may be too close.

    Any opinions or thoughts on a 3/4 ton for this RV?
    Welcome to the forum, Sheldon. I'm one of those regretters @TucsonJim mentioned in his reply. Those of us that got to buy our tow vehicle (TV) twice are a part of this forum's TwoTimeTV Club. @SouthTX is the President of this select group. (I'm being sarcastic while grabbing a tissue thinking of the money that went out the window...)

    If you haven't already, check out this REFERENCE LIBRARY post https://www.mygrandrv.com/fo...ing-Capability

    There are all kinds of tools and links there that will help you determine yourself what is right.

    If you just want to skip to the last page of the book (so to speak) get the 3500. Buy once. (Click on my username and then look at my profile. You'll see my first and current truck in the picture!)

    -Howard
    2017 Ford F-350 DRW 6.7L Platinum
    2019 315RLTS (purchased 16 Jul 18 from Campers Inn RV in Byron, GA)

  9. #9
    New Member
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    Thank you all for the replies. I am looking at the RAMS - hence the concern over ride quality with the 3500 vs 2500. I know the 3500 is the way to go but I was trying to talk myself out of it since the used selection is so much better in the 2500.

    I am a conservative when it comes to weight and capacity so 3500 it is! Now just need to find one that meets the budget.

    Thanks again for the responses assuring me I had made the correct decision! Don't want to be a member of the buy it twice club (no offense!!)

  10. #10
    Seasoned Camper FatTire's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jasonl78 View Post
    Ram 2500s still use coil suspension vs leaf springs. The 2500 will have a better ride but I stil would get the 3500 for the payload.
    I have a 2017 2500. Have been test driving 2018 3500 Ram trucks. There is a very slight difference in ride which will most likely be alleviated when my 200 pound B&W companion slider is installed.

    I had never driven a diesel truck before - how sweet is is. Would have had made a deal if they didn't low ball me on my trade.
    Last edited by FatTire; 01-09-2019 at 01:07 PM.
    2018 Reflection 303 RLS
    2018 Ram BigHorn 3500 CTD

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