2014 Ram 3500 vs 4500

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Wannabefarmer, Apr 3, 2014.

  1. Wannabefarmer

    Wannabefarmer Bobtail Member

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    Jan 19, 2013
    Portland, OR
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    Other than price, I really don't see any real difference between the 3500 and the 4500 Ram.
    (same engine etc) is a slightly beefier suspension worth the extra money?
    With a towing capacity of over 30,000 pounds, the DRW 3500 Ram seems like plenty of truck.

    I have a Class A CDL with all endorsements (plus TWIC) so I know I can drive just about anything, everywhere, which makes the jump to Hot Shotting less convoluted.
    Just want to pick out the right Ram :)
     
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  3. cnsper

    cnsper Road Train Member

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    Feb 28, 2014
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    I know several people that have run pickups for this same thing with a trailer and load grossing 20k for 400 miles or less. Within a year they have worn out the trucks. EVERY one of these guys have switched to single axle tractors. Another thing to consider is the sleeper issue. Oh and these trips were loaded one way only.
     
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  4. Deb3500

    Deb3500 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 3, 2014
    Lake Charles, La
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    My Husband was pulling a gooseneck trailer with a 3500 truck did not handle the trailer well ran a little hot when loaded he ended up going with a Single Axle and now I run the Dodge as a One Ton have not had a problem with the truck by itself if your going to pull a trailer Single or Tandem with a sleeper is the way to go.
     
  5. NB Trucking

    NB Trucking Bobtail Member

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    Apr 3, 2014
    Highlands, TX
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    I have ran a 3500 for almost 300k, and I have no problems with it. It has only gotten hot on me one time, and I had an 8500lb load that was 8' wide and overall height was 13'6". My temp stayed @ 200 as long as I ran @ 63mph or below. Oh and I was fighting a 45mph headwind! I love my 6.7l Cummins! I prolly would have not had this problem if I had a lower gear, my truck has a 3.73 rear gear and not the min 4.10 that the 4500 would have.
     
  6. Deb3500

    Deb3500 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 3, 2014
    Lake Charles, La
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    NB Trucking I would hang on to that truck if you have no problems. Its not the Cummins we have a problem with we have changed the Clutch, Water pump and the Radiator all before 200K miles I at one point thought we just got a bad one but like I said just running the truck I have had no problems. What kind of fuel mileage would you get from the lower rear end?
     
  7. NB Trucking

    NB Trucking Bobtail Member

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    Apr 3, 2014
    Highlands, TX
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    I get about 10-12 mpg depending on the load. Empty I get about 13-14 mpg, and bobtail I average 20-22 mpg hwy and 14-15 mpg in town. Don't expect that kind of mileage unless you are prepared to delete the DPF and EGR. With the emissions controls the best mine ever did was 16.6 mpg bobtail, and usually got about 7.5-8 mpg loaded!
     
  8. NB Trucking

    NB Trucking Bobtail Member

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    Apr 3, 2014
    Highlands, TX
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    Sorry Deb, I just reread you post, and I initially misunderstood you question. The 4500 and 5500 have 4 gear options I believe, 4.11, 4.30, 4.56, and 4.88. I have spoken to a driver that has the 4.88; he allows that loaded he gets 6-7 mpg and bobtail 9-10 mpg. I don't know about you but, I would have to go up on my rates if I got that bad if mileage.
     
  9. dude6710

    dude6710 Road Train Member

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    Mar 26, 2010
    MN
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    I'd buy a single axel semi with a sleeper if I was going to use it every day for little loads.
     
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  10. Deb3500

    Deb3500 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 3, 2014
    Lake Charles, La
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    NB Trucking thanks for the help I would like to go the bigger 4500 to haul a little more weight my big concern is the fuel mileage. Another question when you pull your trailer what is the maximum weight you haul with the 3500?
     
  11. NB Trucking

    NB Trucking Bobtail Member

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    Apr 3, 2014
    Highlands, TX
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    With the trailer I have I can legally take 20k. I try to keep it less than 16k if at all possible.
     
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