Hi all...

New to the forum.

I recently purchased a Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X2 Hemi with 3.92:1 axle ratio and 20" OEM wheels. Tow rating is 7650 lbs. Chose this truck as the deal was great ($20k new) and love the look. Also wanted a comfortable ride as mostly used for street use, so IFS desireable.

Then went out and purchased lightweight 30' bumper pull travel trailer. Dry wt= 5125 lbs., and Equalizer brand hitch and anti-sway. Pulls great, and plenty of power!

Now for the question: What exactly are the differences between the 1/2 and 3/4 version of this truck, and how would it have affected the ride/handling while towing this load? Doesn't Dodge use the same trans in both versions? What about torque converter, suspension, tires, axles, etc.?

I'm really curious about what difference it would have made if I had selected a 2500. I would have stayed with the Hemi either way....love that engine!

Majority of use is street truck, so 1/2 ton is perfect. What would I have gained in the 3/4 ton while towing, or sacrificed in ride quality while not towing?

Thanks!

Kurt

Welcome to the forum. Be sure to check out http://www.HemiTruckClub.com too. The frames maybe the same, the transmissions are the same. The MDS is just on the 1500 starting in 2006. Springs and axles are are different. The diesel has a different auto tranny with the Cummins diesel. A little different axle ration 3.92 vrs. 4.10. Big difference in axles, the rear axle on a 1500 is semi floating, 2500 is full floating. 2500 made to be loaded all the time, with the load on the rear axle going to the axle housing and on semi-floating the weight is on the axle shaft. More at http://mrtruck.net/sub1.htm

Thanks for the reply. I've read the article referred ton with the link. I get it...somewhat. What I'm still unclear on is what difference I would see given my specific duty requirements as posted.

If I had a 3/4 ton vs. 1/2 ton, what differences would I notice, both when using for towing and non-towing applications? (5125 lbs. dry trailer wt. - See original post)