Ram vs GMC

[Rapid Runner]

I'm planing on ditching my condo and buying a 30 foot Airstream International Serenity to full-time in for quite awhile.. For some reason I'm very fond of the idea, I'm gonna deck it out quite nice so I can be comfortable. Here's the rub... I'm not gonna be inconvenienced by towing all the time with dry weight so I need a truck that can at least tow 9500 lbs.

I have it narrowed down to 2 trucks... A GMC Sierra SLT with the 5.3 and max tow package and a Ram 1500 Laramie with Hemi and 8-speed with air bag suspension. Both trucks can do the task no problem. They both get about the same mileage give or take 1 or 2 MPG but I expect to get no more than 14-16 mpg when towing... Though I am very fond of the Ram in which I think its a better functional truck, I contradict myself by thinking the GMC is a better truck for my needs

Pro and cons for both I'm sure, the Ram has an 8-speed transmission and a better suspension for regular driving and towing.. With the air bags in the back I would always have a level load

The GMC for which I feel as though is better looking and more sharper than the Ram.. Not knocking the ram at all, both are sharp looking trucks. The GMC has a higher payload/tow rating which gives me a nice threshold with gcvwr honestly.. It turns me off a bit that the truck still has a 6-speed auto but I simply love the interior (sat in one, never drove) which I can spend many hours in

I'm just at a lost.. I thought I might get some views and opinions since there's such a diverse crowd of truck owners here... Not much of a poster, I lurk a lot


Sent from BigNorm's iPhone

[Thrillz]

Go test drive a the Ram Sport with the sport hood instead of the Larmie. Its one sexy looking truck and tows my 6000 lb travel trailer like its a toy.

[xtreme2s]

Did you consider looking at trucks with diesel motor? I know they are big cost adders, but when it comes to towing, with their big torque they are the best.

I have a Dodge w/ 6.7 Cummins. When in trailer tow option, the tranny shift points/mid gearing use is different. Bonus is then add in exhaust brake, ya darn near don't even need to touch the brakes, and if tow haul mode on with exhaust brake, it downshifts like a manual. Its awesome!

As these auto tranny gear options growing, I'm understanding the main gain was for the mfg to help meet CAFE requirements easier.

Anyway... If you have your trailer now, ask if can hook up to REALLY test, and prove the difference!

[FryZ]

The 6.2 Max Trailer Pkg is the way to go on 1/2 ton GMs.

[ssrs2lt]

^ he's right, gain a lot with 6.2 n not much of a mileage loss. Rolling in an airstream is sweet! try Chevy Silverado high country one bad truck.

[08GT500]

Maybe I am out of touch here but I am stunned to read that either of these trucks is going to return 14-16 mpg pulling a 30ft trailer??? No need for a diesel if that is the case.

[shaffe]

How often do you plan on towing? Reason I ask is if it was going to be towed quite frequently I would want a truck that would have no problem towing it. If I am towing something that big and heavy I would probably want a 2500 truck with a diesel

[big hammer]

Originally Posted by FryZ

The 6.2 Max Trailer Pkg is the way to go on 1/2 ton GMs.

absolutely. huge power gains with negligible fuel economy loss.

[evilstevie]

Originally Posted by 08GT500

Maybe I am out of touch here but I am stunned to read that either of these trucks is going to return 14-16 mpg pulling a 30ft trailer??? No need for a diesel if that is the case.

More like 10 mpg IMO.

[yzrider58]

I would be shocked if you saw as high as 14 mpg in either truck. And as far as transmissions goes Dodge has never built good trannies and the more gears it has doesn't make it better.

[shaffe]

So what did you decide O/P?

[Front Runner]

Cant go wrong with either, but the Ram would be my choice.

[LBreezie]

Get a diesal silverado 3500 hd, Will run forever. I have a 2007 with 345k miles and a 2009 LTZ 3500 hd with 145k still running strong. The Sierra you looked at is a very nice truck that can outdo a 1500 ram anyday of the week in towing. My friend has the new sierra and I wish I had that!

[Truck Norris]

Originally Posted by yzrider58

And as far as transmissions goes Dodge has never built good trannies and the more gears it has doesn't make it better.

Dodge isn't building the transmissions. The 8 speed auto in the Ram is the award winning ZF 8 speed which can be found in many luxury and performance vehicles like six figure Bentley's, BMW's, Audi's, Range Rover's..... ZF also made the 6 speed manuals behind the Duramax back when GM sold manual transmissions in their diesel pickups.

Now days more is better when it comes to transmissions, if it wasn't then everybody would still be rocking 4 speed autos and 5 speed manuals.

The Ram has won Motor Trends Truck of the Year the past two years in a row (the first time a truck has ever won it back to back) Which says a lot considering GM just released a new generation of truck. For the money you cant beat a new Ram Hemi Express (4wd, quad cab, 20" wheels, 5.7L Hemi, body colored bumpers and grille) for $25,xxx. But if you are going to be towing you should look into HD's with a diesel. All 3 make nice HD's but GM's are now bringing up the rear when it come to towing and torque.