I was waiting for someone to bring this up. When I was initially looking to buy a truck for my new FW, here's what I found for the 2001 Dodge RAM 2500 Quad Cab with all other things being equal except the SWB/LWB (from http://www.dodge.com/ and from my Dodge dealer) :
SWB Cargo Capacity = 3,383 lbs.
LWB Cargo Capacity = 3,255 lbs.
SWB GVWR = 8,800 lbs.
LWB GVWR = 8,800 lbs.
SWB GCWR = 16,000 lbs.
LWB GCWR = 16,000 lbs.
SWB Max. Trailer Weight = 9,900 lbs.
LWB Max. Trailer Weight = 9,800 lbs.
Difference in price between the SWB/LWB = $345.00 (SWB is cheaper)
Cost of the slider option for the hitch = $75.00
So, for less money, I get slightly more capacity due to less metal in the bed between short and long bed. BUT, as I said (and learned), you gotta use that slider to make it cost effective (I'm now only slightly ahead the "break even" point - was able to get an after-market replacement rear window for $249.00 installed) .
*This Message was edited on 20-Mar-02 02:40 PM by LLeopold*
Lou Leopold
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel Quad, SWB, 3.55:1, Rhino Lining
2000 25' Mallard M-23 5M 5th Wheel
Husky 15K w/EZ slider
Wen PowerPro 3500 Generator in a sound box
And I continue to tent camp!
Lleopold, You summed it up pretty well. In my case I would have to add to your figures $15,000 to remodel my garage as my extended cab short bed fits fine but the long bed would stick out the garage door.
When we retire and start traveling more I might consider an extended cab with a long bed but for now we live with the slider and our existing garage.
2006 Duramax Diesel 1 ton dually tugging around a 2006 Mobile Suites 36TK3 #2609. Retired and just travelling around now and then seeing the sights.
What's the price range of this hitch? I looked at their web site and, for the 16K, looked to be about $2,000 MSRP ($3,000 MSRP for the 20K). I'm sure that the actual cost with installation wouldn't be that much, but am curious against the Reese 16K and Husky 16K (my set up, when all was said and done, ran about $1,100 installed which I thought was a great price versus the $1,800 for the equivalent Reese and I think the quality is the same between the two).
*This Message was edited on 20-Mar-02 03:31 PM by LLeopold*
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