The tow ratings on the two trucks are pretty much the same, but the 2500 series truck can handle about 2000 lbs. more on the rear axle. Powerwise they will be comparable but with the hitch weight of that heavy Arctic Fox, plus passengers and any cargo you put in the bed the rear axle of the 1500 series truck will likely be overloaded, whereas the 2500 series truck gives you lots of breathing room in the payload department.
1998 Gulfstream Ultra B/H Ford E450 V10
2005 Chevy 2500HD 6.0 w/ Maxidump insert
6x12 Interstate enclosed trailer
7x16 Bulldog flatbed hauling a 2006 Kioti CK20 TLB
2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer
1998 Saturn SL2 toad
AKincer wrote: I tow 7200 lbs (loaded up) with the a 2008 Chevy Max, 4.10, 6.0L. It has plenty of power and torque for the job and the extra 800 lbs that you will be pulling wouldn't scare me a bit. Like most gas engines, the 6.0L likes to rev and so I find it most comfortable to take it out of OD and drive 63-65 turning about 2800 RPMS. It's difficult to tow in OD at any speed lower than 69-70, because at the lower speeds, it doesn't turn enough RPM's to carry a grade without slowing down or downshifting. With the OD off, it almost never shifts, provides plenty of torque for grades and is quite comforatable to drive. I assume the engine in the Dodge is likely to provide a similar experience.
The big difference (I think) in these two choices will be the rear suspension. the 1/2 ton is softer than ideal when towing, but still adequate. The 3/4 ton will likely provide a better tow with a good deal less bounce, but you will pay for that when not towing. The GM 1/2 tons have a remarkable unloaded ride! Since less than 10% of my miles are towing, this is important to me. I'm willing to live with the slighly cushy towing experience to get the much better unloaded ride.
Bstanke, I have the Dodge 4x4 Quad cab Hemi with 3.73 gears. I am pulling a 34' 5er with this and am having no trouble at all. The truck is rated for 8800 GVW and 16,000 GCVWR. If you figure the actual weight as the weight police want you to do, then you can pull less weight with the same truck with the Cummins in it as the engine is heavier and that takes away from your load. The 5.7 has 345 HP and 365 ft/lbs of torque. Should be good for a puller but I would go with a 2500 no matter whose brand. Good Luck and Happy Camping.
Dandy Dan dan218b@tds.net
Dan and Lori Branson, Anna 1 (the rescue)
and Beau (waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)
2005 Dodge QuadCab 2500 4x4 Hemi
2009 Open Range 337RLS
RV.Net Ohio Rally Member
Maybe if your playing with numbers, and not saying what I hope you're not saying, but I'm quite sure the Cummins will out tow you by a far stretch and I've only got the 5.9.
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