Trade in 2015 Ram 2500 for 2018 GMC 3500?

[Rgentum]

I bought a new 2015 Ram/Cummins 2500 & now have 30K miles on it pulling my AS FC 27 FB. It's been a fine TV & has given me no problems at all, although I wish I could get better mpg with it --- it routinely gives me around 13.5 mpg over thousands of miles or towing (up & down mountains, in the flats, etc.) and I also find it bone-jarring over rough roads.

Numbers of one-ton TV and trailer owners I've talked with in state parks, trailer camps, etc. have extolled the virtues of their one-ton trucks, which has got me thinking about trading in my 2500 for a 3500. My local Ram dealer has told me their one-ton owners tell them, "Once you get a one-ton, you'll never go back."

As it happens, this fall through the end of the year, Costco has teamed up with GM to offer an amazing discount on GM products, and I've been looking at a 2018 GMC/Duramax 3500 Sierra Denali short bed, which I could get for around $15K with my 2015 Ram trade-in. Yesterday, I drove one & was duly impressed. A lot better acceleration and a lot less bumpy than my Ram, and my sweetie likes the interior & feels more comfy in it than the Ram. Furthermore, the GMC sales guy says I should expect better mileage with the GMC than with the Ram, several mpg. My parents bought Chevies, but that was 50-60 years ago, and other than that, I have no experience with GM products, particularly Chevies or GMCs.

$64 dollar questions: Would I be making a big mistake trading in my Ram for the GMC? Alternatively, should I just trade it in for a 2018 Ram/Cummins 3500 for a little more of additional money as for the GMC?

GMC owners, what's your experience with a GMC as an AS TV?

I gotta say that the Ram has two features I like that are unavailable with a GMC Denali: 1) Ramboxes, and 2) Ram's standard color of white --- the GMC dealers typically have nothing but black, and the Costco discount doesn't work with GMC orders, only trucks currently in a dealer's inventory.

[Countryboy59]

Don't forget the Cummins.

[GMFL]

I have a GMC Denali 2500 and love it. My wife loves the inside features for her co piloting. Don’t think you can go wrong with GMC

[wulfraat]

I also have a GMC 2500 Denali and love it - it’s a 2017 with the new duramax power plant.

Note that the only differences between a GMC 2500 and 3500 are (for the duramax trim anyways):

- 1 additional leaf spring on the rear suspension
-18” rims / tires on the 3500 (vs 20”)
- no tpms on the 3500

That’s it. The payload on my 2500 Denali with the duramax is just under 2,000 lbs per the door sticker. I’ve also confirmed this via cat scales. The 3500 and additional leaf spring add another 700 lbs of payload. Ride is slightly harsher from what I understand.

[GMFL]

Mine is the 2016 wulfraat. Duramax 6.6 is a BEAST compared to my 2015 1500 High Country 5.3 liter.

[wulfraat]

BTW - regarding storage - I use the DECKED system which has worked out great. I really like the long 6’ full length drawers for storing all my gear. Adds about 220lbs to the bed but worth it for me as I didn’t want a full cover...

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by Rgentum

I bought a new 2015 Ram/Cummins 2500 & now have 30K miles on it pulling my AS FC 27 FB. It's been a fine TV & has given me no problems at all, although I wish I could get better mpg with it --- it routinely gives me around 13.5 mpg over thousands of miles or towing (up & down mountains, in the flats, etc.) and I also find it bone-jarring over rough roads.

Numbers of one-ton TV and trailer owners I've talked with in state parks, trailer camps, etc. have extolled the virtues of their one-ton trucks, which has got me thinking about trading in my 2500 for a 3500. My local Ram dealer has told me their one-ton owners tell them, "Once you get a one-ton, you'll never go back."

As it happens, this fall through the end of the year, Costco has teamed up with GM to offer an amazing discount on GM products, and I've been looking at a 2018 GMC/Duramax 3500 Sierra Denali short bed, which I could get for around $15K with my 2015 Ram trade-in. Yesterday, I drove one & was duly impressed. A lot better acceleration and a lot less bumpy than my Ram, and my sweetie likes the interior & feels more comfy in it than the Ram. Furthermore, the GMC sales guy says I should expect better mileage with the GMC than with the Ram, several mpg. My parents bought Chevies, but that was 50-60 years ago, and other than that, I have no experience with GM products, particularly Chevies or GMCs.

$64 dollar questions: Would I be making a big mistake trading in my Ram for the GMC? Alternatively, should I just trade it in for a 2018 Ram/Cummins 3500 for a little more of additional money as for the GMC?

GMC owners, what's your experience with a GMC as an AS TV?

I gotta say that the Ram has two features I like that are unavailable with a GMC Denali: 1) Ramboxes, and 2) Ram's standard color of white --- the GMC dealers typically have nothing but black, and the Costco discount doesn't work with GMC orders, only trucks currently in a dealer's inventory.

My 17 ram 2500 , with rear coil springs , has a good ride, 31' 2013 classic trailer, mileage is 13-14 Coast to coast and 20 empty...

[OttawaValleyGuy]

Originally Posted by Rgentum

I bought a new 2015 Ram/Cummins 2500 & now have 30K miles on it pulling my AS FC 27 FB. It's been a fine TV & has given me no problems at all, although I wish I could get better mpg with it --- it routinely gives me around 13.5 mpg over thousands of miles or towing (up & down mountains, in the flats, etc.) and I also find it bone-jarring over rough roads.

Numbers of one-ton TV and trailer owners I've talked with in state parks, trailer camps, etc. have extolled the virtues of their one-ton trucks, which has got me thinking about trading in my 2500 for a 3500. My local Ram dealer has told me their one-ton owners tell them, "Once you get a one-ton, you'll never go back."

As it happens, this fall through the end of the year, Costco has teamed up with GM to offer an amazing discount on GM products, and I've been looking at a 2018 GMC/Duramax 3500 Sierra Denali short bed, which I could get for around $15K with my 2015 Ram trade-in. Yesterday, I drove one & was duly impressed. A lot better acceleration and a lot less bumpy than my Ram, and my sweetie likes the interior & feels more comfy in it than the Ram. Furthermore, the GMC sales guy says I should expect better mileage with the GMC than with the Ram, several mpg. My parents bought Chevies, but that was 50-60 years ago, and other than that, I have no experience with GM products, particularly Chevies or GMCs.

$64 dollar questions: Would I be making a big mistake trading in my Ram for the GMC? Alternatively, should I just trade it in for a 2018 Ram/Cummins 3500 for a little more of additional money as for the GMC?

GMC owners, what's your experience with a GMC as an AS TV?

I gotta say that the Ram has two features I like that are unavailable with a GMC Denali: 1) Ramboxes, and 2) Ram's standard color of white --- the GMC dealers typically have nothing but black, and the Costco discount doesn't work with GMC orders, only trucks currently in a dealer's inventory.

Stick with the RAM
After your warranty is over, CHIP IT
I GET 16 mpg towing my 14,000 pound 5er

[alano]

I've got a 2014 RAM 2500 with rear air suspension. No complaints whatsoever about the ride.

OttawaValleyGuy - can you PM me regarding the CHIP feature. Thanks!

[CRH]

If you want a new truck and can afford it, get a new truck. You certainly don't need a new truck.

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by alano

I've got a 2014 RAM 2500 with rear air suspension. No complaints whatsoever about the ride.

OttawaValleyGuy - can you PM me regarding the CHIP feature. Thanks!

Excuse my ignorance but what does CHIP IT mean?

[Howard L.]

Chevy/GMC, FOR TOWING= Allison trans= unbeatable. And as stated above the 3500 only adds weight capacity. They are the same for pulling a bumper tow. A friend who owns a new 250 Ford diesel reciently drove my 2500 and could not get over the easy ride compared to his Ford. Pulling our 30 for 5 years with the 2500 Duramax has been effortless. The wife takes her turn behind the wheel and does great. The truck is my everyday driver. Goes off-road hunting from south Texas to South Dakota. Has not missed a lick.

[pt.reyesfan]

Originally Posted by Howard L.

Chevy/GMC, FOR TOWING= Allison trans= unbeatable. And as stated above the 3500 only adds weight capacity. They are the same for pulling a bumper tow. A friend who owns a new 250 Ford diesel reciently drove my 2500 and could not get over the easy ride compared to his Ford. Pulling our 30 for 5 years with the 2500 Duramax has been effortless. The wife takes her turn behind the wheel and does great. The truck is my everyday driver. Goes off-road hunting from south Texas to South Dakota. Has not missed a lick.

My 2016 3500 Duramax makes towing my 30’ Classic easy and lowers stress.

[DaveMc]

I’ve had a 2012 GMC Denali for about a year now. About 6000 miles towing. We love it. Good fit and finish in the cabin and tows our 30’ Safari very well.

[Stormalong]

What chip do you use in your u.7 Cummins. Mine is nearly out of warranty.

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by DaveMc

I’ve had a 2012 GMC Denali for about a year now. About 6000 miles towing. We love it. Good fit and finish in the cabin and tows our 30’ Safari very well.

Gas or diesel? 1500 or 2500HD?

Thanks!

[rmkrum]

Originally Posted by Hans627

Excuse my ignorance but what does CHIP IT mean?

"CHIP" refers to changing out or reprogramming the engine control computer in a vehicle to gain better performance or fuel mileage. It tends to void warranties, but can fine-tune the vehicle systems to perform better under the right circumstances.

It appears to be more useful in the case of modern Diesel engines...

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

"CHIP" refers to changing out or reprogramming the engine control computer in a vehicle to gain better performance or fuel mileage. It tends to void warranties, but can fine-tune the vehicle systems to perform better under the right circumstances.

It appears to be more useful in the case of modern Diesel engines...

Got it! Thanks!

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

"CHIP" refers to changing out or reprogramming the engine control computer in a vehicle to gain better performance or fuel mileage. It tends to void warranties, but can fine-tune the vehicle systems to perform better under the right circumstances.

It appears to be more useful in the case of modern Diesel engines...

Best to leave every thing stock...lot less problems...the Chrysler engineers are good enough for me....

[bikerjames]

I had a 2003 2500 Duramax Diesel truck which was a lemon. I know there are many fans but GMC (went bankrupt!) and did a very poor job of standing behind their product which finally after multiple problems, the engine dropped out at 139,000 miles. I took very good care of the truck, spent tons of money (dealers and gurus) to no avail. I know, this could happen to a Dodge but the 2014 it (is bumpy, but heck has a 17000 tow rating!) Dodge 2500 Ram (ram box is a great idea) pulls and tows way better and I love the air brake. Everything inside the truck is designed better. From east to west coast, I am getting about 14.5 over big mountains. If I were only towing on level trips I might consider a 1500 but I like the towing assurance over the mountains and altitude. Before the GMC, I used a Broncho (6-8mpg) but the wheel base was too short. Good luck.