Ram 3500 vs 4500

Gooseneck to Kingpin Adapter (Round or Square) | Nationwide Trailer Parts

Yes round & square adapters for the type of post the gooseneck is spec'd with..

I'd recommend a 5th wheel either way whether be it 4500 or single axle road tractor. I've pulled with both, & the 5th wheel gives a much nicer ride..

 

So here is where it gets tricky IMO..
If you talk him into a tractor than why mess around pulling one a these?


When he can pull one a these? Lol


A step, or even 48' skateboard will at least open the door to many lightweight full loads. Don't have to play the LTL game near as much. Don't have to get turned away because the shipper refuses to load hotshots for whatever ridiculous reason they have that day..

You can make a living as a 4 axle step for sure, but at that point may as well just run a regular 5 axle rig because you end up still limiting ones self..

I don't have the right answer, maybe y'alls freight dictates a 4 axle is plenty.? But even the traditional 40' hotshot hurts sometimes..

So if you go 4500 or an old single axle, maybe think about a stepdeck instead of a gooseneck. Then he can grow into a larger truck if desired.. This is the convoluted path I took anyhow.. lol

Might as well show her

 

I’ve had two Ram 3500, currently have a 4500 and a semi truck. There is no comparison when talking about a 3500 and 4500/5500. If you want to run a hotshot get the chassis cab. If you want to run a semi your in the wrong forum!

 

I started out with a 3500 with the Aisin transmission. There a good hotshot truck but as you get more miles under your belt you realize there’s better options. The reason you see more 3500 trucks is there more readily available. Pre Covid you could go to and dealership and they have 3500 dually trucks sitting there. Want to get a chassis cab with the specs you want your must likely going to have to order it. Most stock chassis cabs the dealers have are all with the max tow 4.44 or 4.88 gears, lots of two wheel drives, and all are mostly stripped down Tradesman editions. I currently have a 2020 4500 Laramie that I ordered exactly the way I wanted it. I put a CM hauler body on it and it’s a great truck. If you have any questions pm me and I can help you out.

 

Most all running single axel semi trucks started with a 3500 or 4500.
Most were told not to do it and get a semi truck.
Most didn’t listen and thought that the smaller truck was the way to go.
Most have numerous battle scars and a dismal bank account that proves this wasn’t a good decision.
Making the decision you just did put you light years ahead of the curve and on track for a successful business with minimal heart ache.