Toyota Tundra vs RAM

[Gerrit]

Thanks everyone for your replies and inputs. We went ahead and got the RAM 1500 Limited.
Have not taken it for a test drive with Airstream yet, but did hook it up yesterday where we store it to get other stuff out.
So we just hooked, pulled out of garage and back again.
First improvement is no sagging like with the Tundra. AS installed the Blue Ox swaybar and weight distribution system which was supposed to limit sway but also improve weight distribution. On the Tundra there was a definite sag and drop of at least 3", no sag and drop on the RAM. I know the air suspension on RAM helps a lot, so we'll be testing the new set-up end July.
Although i've been a Toyota fan all my life, i must say going to RAM there's a massive upgrade in features, apart from 8 speed gearbox the ride is much smoother and the RAM fuel consumption also better, all in all very impressed. It's like going from a 2000 year model truck to a 2020. If Tundra had a 8 speed box and updated suspension system we might not have switched. Will update after our 1st trip, can't tow now as the RAM needs 500 miles before 1st haul. Tundra was 2018 model also Limited.

[polarlyse]

I guess I'm late to the starting gate here since you already made your choice but let me chime in here a bit. I have a 30' Classic that weighs in at about 8k ready to travel with full propane and water. I tow it with a F-350, 4x4. I think the factory hitch was labled with a max tow of 17,500#. BUT, after making deductions based on the fine print ie. 4x4, diesel, 3.73 gear ratio, short bed, tow bar reducer ( 2.5" to 2") etc. the max tow came down to 12,500#. Still more than acceptable for my 8k trailer. Just wanted to make a point how the numbers can be deceiving. Read the fine print.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Gerrit

Thanks everyone for your replies and inputs. We went ahead and got the RAM 1500 Limited.
Have not taken it for a test drive with Airstream yet, but did hook it up yesterday where we store it to get other stuff out.
So we just hooked, pulled out of garage and back again.
First improvement is no sagging like with the Tundra. AS installed the Blue Ox swaybar and weight distribution system which was supposed to limit sway but also improve weight distribution. On the Tundra there was a definite sag and drop of at least 3", no sag and drop on the RAM. I know the air suspension on RAM helps a lot, so we'll be testing the new set-up end July.
Although i've been a Toyota fan all my life, i must say going to RAM there's a massive upgrade in features, apart from 8 speed gearbox the ride is much smoother and the RAM fuel consumption also better, all in all very impressed. It's like going from a 2000 year model truck to a 2020. If Tundra had a 8 speed box and updated suspension system we might not have switched. Will update after our 1st trip, can't tow now as the RAM needs 500 miles before 1st haul. Tundra was 2018 model also Limited.

We had a thread similar to this last year...he bought a RAM 1500, then found out the payload on his door sticker was only 1100# or so for his 25' AS, . He ended up taking it back to the dealer who had told him the "payload" was much higher, and bought a bigger 2500 model. Don't remember if it was a diesel or not, but I remember he was pretty upset about that initial decision and the actual payload vs the sales mans crap. What is the payload on the sticker on your 1500? Typically, both Toyota and RAM are very low when they are loaded up with "options", like the Limited...please share.

[ZeGermans]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

We had a thread similar to this last year...he bought a RAM 1500, then found out the payload on his door sticker was only 1100# or so for his 25' AS, . He ended up taking it back to the dealer who had told him the "payload" was much higher, and bought a bigger 2500 model. Don't remember if it was a diesel or not, but I remember he was pretty upset about that initial decision and the actual payload vs the sales mans crap. What is the payload on the sticker on your 1500? Typically, both Toyota and RAM are very low when they are loaded up with "options", like the Limited...please share.

I have a fully loaded 2019 1500 Laramie longhorn long wheelbase and the sticker says 1245lbs which is definitely not enough for us and our GT27fb but we are about to upgrade to a 3500 Cummins (the wife is on the board of a joint venture with Cummins so she wants to show a flag) but 1245 is not that bad if you pack light you may get away with it...

[Silvr_Bullet]

1800 lbs for my 2020 Ram 1500 Crew cab, it’s well equipped 5.7 L

[pteck]

Originally Posted by Gerrit

Thanks everyone for your replies and inputs. We went ahead and got the RAM 1500 Limited.
Have not taken it for a test drive with Airstream yet, but did hook it up yesterday where we store it to get other stuff out.
So we just hooked, pulled out of garage and back again.
First improvement is no sagging like with the Tundra. AS installed the Blue Ox swaybar and weight distribution system which was supposed to limit sway but also improve weight distribution. On the Tundra there was a definite sag and drop of at least 3", no sag and drop on the RAM. I know the air suspension on RAM helps a lot, so we'll be testing the new set-up end July.
Although i've been a Toyota fan all my life, i must say going to RAM there's a massive upgrade in features, apart from 8 speed gearbox the ride is much smoother and the RAM fuel consumption also better, all in all very impressed. It's like going from a 2000 year model truck to a 2020. If Tundra had a 8 speed box and updated suspension system we might not have switched. Will update after our 1st trip, can't tow now as the RAM needs 500 miles before 1st haul. Tundra was 2018 model also Limited.

Congrats on the purchase!

Be aware, that while air suspension has some nice benefits including leveling and ride as you've mentioned. As one that also tows with a vehicle that has leveling capability...

It's not a replacement for a properly adjusted WD hitch which will actually restore front axle weight and rig stability. From what you've stated, it sounds to me like you didn't have the WD adjusted correctly on the Tundra. Namely that you didn't have enough WD tension to restore front axle weight and to decrease rear end sag.

Air suspensions can actually further negate proper WD tension if not accounted for. Much like we use tongue jacks when hitching up to release WD tension, the leveling function of your new tow vehicle has the same effect. Therefore, it's imperative to dial in more tension still. It's harder to set it up with classic measuring strategies as your tow vehicle is always level. You can start by dialing in more than you typically would. Confirm subjectively with driving feel and/or objective scale measurements.

[TouringDan]

Please let us know how the Ram compares to the Tundra after some towing experience.

Dan

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by ZeGermans

I have a fully loaded 2019 1500 Laramie longhorn long wheelbase and the sticker says 1245lbs which is definitely not enough for us and our GT27fb but we are about to upgrade to a 3500 Cummins (the wife is on the board of a joint venture with Cummins so she wants to show a flag) but 1245 is not that bad if you pack light you may get away with it...

1245 payload for sure would be limiting for most...your actual tongue weight likely would be around 950-1000lbs I would bet. That would make me have to seriously diet if I wanted to be within payload recommended max weight.... or leave the wife at home! Think you will be very happy with the Cumnins when towing for sure! Lots of payload in a 3500!

[AstroBruce]

Originally Posted by Silvr_Bullet

1800 lbs for my 2020 Ram 1500 Crew cab, it’s well equipped 5.7 L

Where do these payload figures come from? They seem to be all over the place. My 2015 Ram 2500 Crew 6.7 TD 4x4 has a door sticker Payload of 2050 pounds. My next door neighbor Has a F150 3.5 EB 4x4 Crew. He claims his payload is 3200 pounds. Are you kidding me?

Bruce

[Silvr_Bullet]

Originally Posted by AstroBruce

Where do these payload figures come from? They seem to be all over the place. My 2015 Ram 2500 Crew 6.7 TD 4x4 has a door sticker Payload of 2050 pounds. My next door neighbor Has a F150 3.5 EB 4x4 Crew. He claims his payload is 3200 pounds. Are you kidding me?



Bruce

3200 lbs. sounds high.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

We had a thread similar to this last year...he bought a RAM 1500, then found out the payload on his door sticker was only 1100# or so for his 25' AS, . He ended up taking it back to the dealer who had told him the "payload" was much higher, and bought a bigger 2500 model. Don't remember if it was a diesel or not, but I remember he was pretty upset about that initial decision and the actual payload vs the sales mans crap. What is the payload on the sticker on your 1500? Typically, both Toyota and RAM are very low when they are loaded up with "options", like the Limited...please share.

Hey Gypsydad, you have a good memory! I’m the guy who you politely suggested I should check the RAM 1500’s payload. We now have two trips to Colorado with the RAM 2500 6.4 gas and the difference is amazing.

That said, we did tow our 27’ GT with the RAM 1500 and it had no problem with power or braking. Payload and getting pushed around was the issue. Had you never mentioned checking the door sticker we’s probably still have it! Here’s the final resolution link.

Gerrit, congratulations on the new RAM Limited - it is truly stunning inside and out. Check out the video by Edmunds where they tow a Airstream 25’ with a RAM 1500 equipped with air suspension.

In the video he explains the proper way to turn off the air suspension while hooking up the weigh distribution hitch.

Enjoy your new setup!

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Hey Gypsydad, you have a good memory! I’m the guy who you politely suggested I should check the RAM 1500’s payload. We now have two trips to Colorado with the RAM 2500 6.4 gas and the difference is amazing.

That said, we did tow our 27’ GT with the RAM 1500 and it had no problem with power or braking. Payload and getting pushed around was the issue. Had you never mentioned checking the door sticker we’s probably still have it! Here’s the final resolution link.

Gerrit, congratulations on the new RAM Limited - it is truly stunning inside and out. Check out the video by Edmunds where they tow a Airstream 25’ with a RAM 1500 equipped with air suspension.

In the video he explains the proper way to turn off the air suspension while hooking up the weigh distribution hitch.

Enjoy your new setup!

Thanks for the nod! Still see lot of folks confused with importance of Payload, but learning is what it is all about,right?

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by AstroBruce

Where do these payload figures come from? They seem to be all over the place. My 2015 Ram 2500 Crew 6.7 TD 4x4 has a door sticker Payload of 2050 pounds. My next door neighbor Has a F150 3.5 EB 4x4 Crew. He claims his payload is 3200 pounds. Are you kidding me?

Bruce

Yea, i would say he is "kidding you"; Unless he has a special build model with long bed and no options? I have met folks who still argue about this and are not up on the door jam vs the spec sheet. (even dealers/sales folks are not real clear on actual payload info...spec sheet or door jam?)

[Jim J]

Congrats on your new truck! I have a 2500 RAM limited and love it.

After you hook up, take a trip to the scales to determine your axle weights, tongue weights, available remaining payload when hitched, etc. Also send us a pic of your door sticker showing payload.

Would be cool to hear your experience after a year or so of towing.

[aftermath]

You have changed a half ton for a half ton. I think you really need to go back and read PTECK's post. If your Tundra was "sagging" by as much as 3 inches as you claim, your WD was not properly set up. With the new air bags you have they will not remove the importance of proper weight distribution.


Glad you chose the new truck. I can relate to the gas mileage and some of the new toots and whistles. Just got back from a trip through the Columbia Gorge and got 11.6 mpg. Into the wind it was more like 10 and with the wind behind me, more like 12 or so.

[Gerrit]

Empty AS and Truck it's fine, but as soon as i start loading any of the 2 there's an issue.

[Gerrit]

Airstream upgraded the current Blue Ox Pro by installing higher rated tension bars when we picked up the 25FT, but it didn't improve the sag at all. AS should know how to do this so i trust their experience.

[Gerrit]

Will do, we don't expect major improvements which is fine. Payloads are more or less the same on both Tundra and RAM, but RAM has 2000lbs more towing capacity.
Thx

[Kalashnikov]

Originally Posted by CRH

I am surprised your Tundra is struggling to pull a 25 ft AS

Same here. I just towed our 28RBT on a 2800 mile round trip without issues (same physical size as a 27 ft AS.) I also had at least 500 lbs of cargo plus two adult passengers. I would absolutely buy this truck again (2008 DCLB.)

Cruised at 70MPH most of the time, 75-80 MPH when passing. Limited by tires and also didn't want to burn extra gas by going any faster.

Behavior:
- Accelerating from a gas stop: 3000-4000 rpm
- Cruising on flat ground: 2200 rpm
- Down hill: 1900 rpm
- With a head wind: 3000 rpm
- Light up hill: 3000 rpm
- Steep grade: 4000 rpm

[Kalashnikov]

2008 5.7 Tundra long bed:
- A ton of yard tools in the back, a couple bikes
- AS 28RBT, 25% fresh water, tons of beer, clothes
- Blue OX w/ 1500lb load bars, set to 4.5 links "visible"

No sag, truck & camper both level, no "struggling" No shimmies, shakes, wobbles, nothing. Can handle windy weather and big rigs all day long at 70-80mph.

OP just wanted a new truck, I'll wager.