Finally solved my payload problem..LOL

xltjim · 03-07-2021, 02:55 PM

Tried LT tires on silverado 1500 a couple years ago. Really helped with the tow experience but still had squishy feeling in the back end. Never loaded much in the truck. White knuckle in wind and when semis flew around me. Truck was 12 years old and, with my wife retiring soon and opening up more travel opportunities, I fixed the payload and other towing problems. Just got a new Ram tradesman 2500, 6.4 engine, 3.73 gears 4x4. Just a lower end truck without all the bells and whistles which I don't really want.

To be honest, I was really considering ordering an F150 with ecoboost as they are fine trucks. The issue I found was they cost way more than what I ended up with and I am well positioned if I were to upgrade trailers now AND haul lots of stuff in the bed of the truck with no worries.

Had second thoughts for a few days as the roads are rough here currently and my teeth were getting jarred on the ride. Found tires at 80PSI - lowered to 60 and helped a lot. Getting running boards installed as part of the deal, although, I am currently being entertained watching my little 4ft 11inch spouse climb in and out of the thing.

Hoping for a better 2021. Be safe out there. Will change my signature info when I figure it out. LOL.....regards, Jim

**Lloyd** · 03-07-2021, 03:06 PM

Congrats on the new truck Jim. Sounds like you got it all taken care of now.

You must have to set a stepladder up for your wife to get in to that thing.
I test drove a 3/4 ton Ram a year ago. It didn't have running boards or nerf bars on. I had a heck of a time getting into that truck.

xltjim · 03-07-2021, 03:18 PM

Thanks Lloyd. Yes, I got "the look" the first time she tried getting in. Small step ladder is on order for her and also for me to be able to climb into the bed when I need to. I don't think she will have problems with the running boards installed.
Hated to say good bye to silverado. It was a fine vehicle with no problems other than it lacked stability and payload (pretty big issues I guess).

Oliver · 03-07-2021, 04:47 PM

Congratulations on the new Ram. I believe you will have a more comfortable and safer towing experience with it.

Papa-T · 03-07-2021, 05:01 PM

Yea I had to use a step stool for my wife until I got the step boards installed. Congrats on the new truck.

sjk1998 · 03-07-2021, 05:11 PM

Xltjim, Congratulations on the new truck upgrade.
Ha, I was going back and forth with the payload of my F-150 and our new 5er lately also. I made the mistake of going to the Ford dealer on Friday and ended up with a F250. Great minds think alike.

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**dagst1** · 03-07-2021, 05:17 PM

Nice Trucks!!!

xltjim · 03-07-2021, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjk1998

Xltjim, Congratulations on the new truck upgrade.
Ha, I was going back and forth with the payload of my F-150 and our new 5er lately also. I made the mistake of going to the Ford dealer on Friday and ended up with a F250. Great minds think alike.

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I shook the money tree on friday too!! Man that tree is bare now. Congrats on yours as well. I looked at Fords, Chevys, and the RAMS. All very nice trucks but settled on the RAM. Safe travels. Jim

bigmikejones · 03-14-2021, 02:35 PM

Yes, I too upgraded to the Ram 2500 Tradesman, with chrome package and few extras. I had an F150 Eco-boost and with many trips up and down the California coast, had no issues. Even pulling Cajon Pass it did a great job. Where I had an issue was in northern Nevada with the winds and passing trucks, it would sway more then I thought it should. If it just had some more muscle in the rear end. So, I upgraded to the Ram and took my Sunset Trailer 33 SI on a trip from So Cal to the Redwoods, then to Crater Lake, then back to Reno and home. Last October, I pulled the rocky mountains with it and had zero issues. With the Hemi, averaged 9.7 MPG. My brother with his Ford 250 diesel, only gets 10.2 so I am a happy camper. Hope you have many fun trips with your Ram and travel trailer.

TexSon · 03-14-2021, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xltjim

Found tires at 80PSI - lowered to 60 and helped a lot.

Make sure to run the pressure back up before you tow. Not sure about the Ram but on my old Silverado HD2500 and now HD3500 the fronts are 60 and rears 80. While you can run at 60 empty, you don't want to tow with less than the posted PSI for towing. That is when bad things happen to tires.

Papa-T · 03-15-2021, 07:18 AM

Ice looking truck Scott. You’ll be a lot happier and safer.

sjk1998 · 03-15-2021, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa-T

Ice looking truck Scott. You’ll be a lot happier and safer.

Thanks, I was shocked at what my F150 was worth and what I got for it. That made the decision much easier. It’s hard to believe what used trucks are going for. The dealer also said that they are having a difficult time getting F250’s and F350’s from the manufacturer. I’m sure GM and Ram are in the same situation.

**dagst1** · 03-15-2021, 10:14 AM

Just curious why that bed size? Not saying right or wrong but what influenced your decision for that size bed.

I have been looking at newer trucks - please do not tell the wife - and have had long and short bed trucks but long bed trucks around here are like hens teeth -Very hard to find.

Papa-T · 03-15-2021, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagst1

Just curious why that bed size? Not saying right or wrong but what influenced your decision for that size bed.

I have been looking at newer trucks - please do not tell the wife - and have had long and short bed trucks but long bed trucks around here are like hens teeth -Very hard to find.

I’ve always owned short bed Chevrolets and pulled fifth wheels. That use to be more of a problem years ago when the front of the 5ers were more squared. With how most are curved in on the front edges it’s not as much of a problem. I know with my 2020 Chevrolet and how the front of my 5er is I can completely jack knife the trailer without hitting the cab.

**dagst1** · 03-15-2021, 11:26 AM

I have had both the long bed and short bed truck. Pulled the previous camper with one of each. Myself i have the room to park the long bed crewcab truck inside. I know that is a concern with some. I just like the room that the longer bed gives me. I have a floor mount tool chest that is bed height and still carry a row of fire wood between it and the hitch. And i think with the longer wheel base it rides better.

But it does not turn as short as a short bed truck and sometimes parking is a hassle. Did not mean to hijack the thread just thought what others thoughts were. I may start a thread to see others opinions.

sjk1998 · 03-15-2021, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagst1

Just curious why that bed size? Not saying right or wrong but what influenced your decision for that size bed.

I have been looking at newer trucks - please do not tell the wife - and have had long and short bed trucks but long bed trucks around here are like hens teeth -Very hard to find.

Ford only makes the crew cab in 6 3/4 ft and 8 ft beds. I felt that the 6 3/4 ft is plenty big for my needs plus it takes up a little less garage space. Any new F250 crew cabs seem to be short beds in my area.

Danimal713 · 03-18-2021, 09:28 AM

Welcome to the forum! We escaped IL 6 years ago (WHEW!) to East TN. We also upgraded to a 2017 Sunset Trails 291RK. It is around 6300 loaded where previous 24' hybrid was just under 5000#s. My 2007 Siverado quad cab can pull it ok but has to work real hard up the big hills. It also is now a bit soft in the rear (maybe like people it happens with age?).
I was going to upgrade but it is a low-mileage truck and I still like it- AND IT IS PAID FOR!
We also got windows for the house for a smokin' deal and 23 year old windows were needing to be replaced. We hadn't counted on the blinds not fitting so also got new blinds- you could say we were blind-sided! So we decided to not do the truck upgrade right now but in about 1 1/2-2 years just before she retires. I was and still am considering a RAM. I like the Hemi. The other option is the 6.2L GM motor. What I found was for about equivalent truck, the GMs cost about $4-6000 more than the RAMs. In any event I probably should get a 2500. If I get a 1500 because more available, I will need to beef up the suspension with adding a leaf or 2 but still not the same as a factory suspension. I need one with little to no chrome. I am not an OOOO SHINY type of guy. I did see a black RAM 2500 recently that was black with black trim and would shake the money tree for that very quickly. Everyone I spoke to with a RAM likes them. I neighbor traded his RAM back to a GM Sierra. I asked why and he said the GM was more comfortable. SO when I am ready I will go test drive some and see what I think. I am not a Ford guy - Not bad just don't prefer them. They are fine trucks as well and all 3 have about same reliability record. I would consider the right one if it comes along but the RAM is more likely. ;+D an

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