Ram 3500 vs 4500

Hello, I’ve tried to read everything I can find out there about the pros and cons of both. I’ve found the better brains seem to be on this forum.

I am financing a truck and trailer setup and having a driver run this rig for me. He will be running under my authority and will have a class A CDL. I have the trailer figured out. 40 ft hydraulic dove tail with twin #15,000 axles and a #30,000 rated gooseneck.

I’m not going to try and compete with my fellow flatbed guys but I also don’t want to pigeonhole myself into having to stay under 26,000lbs. My dilemma is on the power unit itself. Ram 3500 or 4500. I can find both new for the same price. I will go with the 4.10 axle and the aesin transmission in either one. From what Ive read…

3500= Smoother ride, better MPG and a little more HP. I’ve also read that the non de rated engine in the 3500 may not help longevity. Lighter frame here and smaller brakes, rims and tires. Everyone seems to be running these trucks though. I have to sift through a few more of the 3500 models to find the aisen transmission and 4.10 axle.

4500= A little rougher ride. A little less fuel mileage (from what I’ve read) a de rated engine that may add a little extra life but lower MPG. Bigger brakes, rims and tires as well as a stronger frame. All of the 4500 models also come with the aisen transmission 4.10 or 4.44 and without a box which is fine because I will be adding a CM bed with the added fuel capacity. I’ve read the 4.44 axle is something I might want to stay away from because it takes a much lower highway speed to get the better MPG’s.

This, of course is all from what I’ve learned from reading here and from other forums. I have not driven or pulled with either one personally and no dealers in my area have any on the lots for me to do so with at this time.

The 3500 has the 4500 beat by a hair on the towing capacities unless I am reading something wrong… If anyone has had to make the choice or has any insight I’d surely appreciate any and all thoughts. I’m looking for longevity and safety. I don’t plan on being fully loaded all day every day so what is best in your opinion? THANKS!!

Here are the numbers for the 2022 RAMS. The page showing the 4500 numbers has the 3500 specs listed above that. The other page is the 4500 numbers

The 3500 has the 4500 beat by a hair on the towing capacities unless I am reading something wrong… If anyone has had to make the choice or has any insight I’d surely appreciate any and all thoughts. I’m looking for longevity and safety. I don’t plan on being fully loaded all day every day so what is best in your opinion? THANKS!!

 

Truckdriver31

I can’t find those on autotrader! Haha. That would be a good setup I suppose.

Singlescrewshaker

Thats my instinct as well. Go heavy and make sure you have all you need. Really looking to see why everyone seems to run the 3500?

 

SINGLESCREWSHAKER

I things my guy would prefer that 68mph 2k hum as well. He’s a very safe driver and isn’t one to be looking to be Mr. speedy loaded. His slow driving has annoyed me for 20 plus yrs.

 

07SHAKER.

Ive read many, many people agree with that opinion 07shaker. I’ve read that all over and it is a very good idea. I certainly can look in that direction. The only problem is his sleeping quarters. We plan to make him a comfy (as comfy as can be in a crew cab) sleeping space in the pickup cab. That’s the hang up there.

 

I know there are single axle sleepers out there but my guy would prefer a pickup is another reason. As hard as it is to find a reliable person as he I’m ok with sticking with the pickup.