RAM 3500 vs 5500. What is the biggest difference?

Differences are mainly frame, rear axle cap. and tire cap. other than that it's a wash. A 5500 will not 'PULL' any more than a 3500 (given the same gear), but the will "haul" more payload.

 

I believe that the tires brakes and other suspension components are all bigger.

 

Rims should be a 19.5 on the 5500 and not sure about the 3500 but its not a 19.5. Usually that is because of the bigger brakes on it. The rear end should be a Dana 110 which is much larger then the 80 that comes in the 3500. Yeah it has one low gear in the rear end and 75 MPH will be about your top speed. As for the motor being less HP then the 3500, it is because Dodge knows it is going to be put to some serious use and abused. Ford did the same thing with the Powerstroke, it is de tuned on the 450 and 550 trucks for longevity. They also may have the same towing capacity but look at the GVWR, the 550 is going to be a lot more then the 3500.

 

I'd go buy a nice single axle class 8 truck and save yourself about $25,000 to $30,000 in startup costs and it will out pull both of the trucks you're looking at.

 

AND, have a "REAL" bed to sleep in!

 

Either way still junk. Get a real truck like SHO-TYME suggested.

 

Why does everybody want to buy a pickup truck and then claim they are in the TRUCKING BUSINESS? I don't get it. It is the equivalent of getting your Boy Scout First Aid Badge and the showing up at the Medical Center wanting to perform surgery.

 

They all think it's cheaper, but they'll spend $50,000, drive it for 3 years and find out it's worth $10,000 now, especially after they've went through 2 transmissions, and the motor now needs to be rebuilt. (Yes, a few have gotten more out of them, but not everyone does.)

Or they think they can get by without having to have a CDL. If you're hauling vehicles, you have to be really careful to stay under 26K. Buy the signel axle, license it for 55,000 lbs and run your butt off and you won't have to worry about being overweight.

Here's a shocker, Oil and fuel filters cost more for my 6.0 Ford than the same filters for my 3406E CAT.

 

Anyone know what sort of fuel usage difference will there be between using a light single axle class 8 correctly spec'd vs a heavy spec'd pick up?
Assume running 70-75mph range.