1500 vs 2500

[AskMyAccountant.17]

I’m at 279K miles with my 2016 2500 Dodge Ram truck, so I think it’s time to start looking. My truck is also my personal vehicle and I commute long-distance to work 3x a week. (Its a whole thing)

My budget is a bit limited, so I’m trying to decide whether I choose a little higher mileage or year older (70K or '19) to keep a 2500 model of my Dodge ram, or get a little less mileage or newer 1500 model which are in the same price bucket. (I don’t really have an option to purchase a newer 2500. I’ve also thought about just parking the truck to my trailer and getting a little car. But, I still have to consider whether my truck is going to keep hauling these long distances safely for the forseeable future. So new to me truck is looking like the best option)

I haul across town once a week, with 1/2x a month 3 to 6 hour drives hauling my BP with 1400 pound horse, sometimes hauling a second.

During college in 2011, I drove a 1500 Chevy Silverado which lasted about 4 to 5 years until the engine blew, with about the same hauling/weight stats. I had a much heavier trailer, but I could feel the trailer and a large horse. I was able to purchase my 2500 Dodge Ram (gas) next, after college, and I have loved it. I’ve had no issues hauling, its been a great vehicle for me.

As I’m looking again, I’m trying to decide if I could opt back down to a 1500. I would have a bit better mpg, but I don’t want to destroy it hauling long distances. I need my vehicle to last a very long time as this one has.

Thoughts?

[ParadoxFarm]

I would not feel comfortable hauling a horse trailer with an F150. I have an F150 and an F250. Here is a general chart:

How much does the trailer weigh?

[AskMyAccountant.17]

Empty its 3,050. I just pull a bumper-pull.

[mmeqcenter]

Funny how everyone’s opinions differ. I pulled for years with my dad’s old 2002 F150 that I bought from him, and it only died in 2017 because Pep Boys put in a bad alternator which fried all the electrical. Then I got myself a 2003 Ford Expedition with 220k miles (budget was tiiiiiiight), on the exact same body with same engine as the F150 (5.4L), and hauled with it easily for four years. Then I sold my farm and didn’t need it. Got a new farm this year, so now I have a 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 (that I also bought off my dad - it’s a whole thing, I’ve bought three of his vehicles when he’s ready for something new ), and it hauls just great too. I’ve never had a problem hauling one or two horses with a half ton. But I don’t haul in the mountains, IDK where you are. YMMV.

[fivestrideline]

A maxed out 150 on the longest wheelbase would be fine for that! I think the Silverados have similar specs but I’m less familiar with them vs Ford. Two 1200lb horses plus 1000lbs in “stuff” and you’re still at half capacity for the biggest 150. That said, you need a WDH to hit those numbers I believe.

The trick is getting the right engine + wheelbase + axles + packages on a used truck. Takes some shopping. It’s easier to get all that on a 250/2500.

[Demerara_Stables]

This is not specifically the situation you are in, but when I was deciding between an F250 and a 350, the dealership told me that the biggest difference between the two (really the only difference) was the 350 had a beefier suspension. In addition to towing capacity and curb weight of the vehicle (which effects your stopping ability), You should consider suspension as well, as a lighter suspension will not last as long if you are towing a lot. I’m not sure if there is a suspension difference between the two models you are looking at.

[AskMyAccountant.17]

@Demerara_Stables

s not specifically the situation you are in, but when I was deciding between an F250 and a 350, the dealership told me that the biggest difference between the two (really the only difference) was the 350 had a beefier suspension. In addition to towing capacity and curb weight of the vehicle (which effects your stopping ability), You should consider suspension as well, as a lighter suspension will not last as long if you are towing a lot. I’m not sure if there is a suspension difference between the two models you are looking at.

Thanks, I’ll make a note of this.

I’m really between considering the 2019/2020 Dodge Ram Tradesman 2500 (I’m in the 2016 version now, and no its not 4wd, but its been great for me. I think it’s my proudest purchase.) versus a 2020/21 Dodge Ram Tradesman or Laramie 1500

Ford/Chevy are a bit out of budget and I dont really want to purchase something over 100K miles for an every day vehicle.

I am based in the Southeast so not many mountain trips. I’ll go up to Virginia/PA maybe 1 to 2x a year from Area III but thats about the max of my mountainous/hilly trips.

[Demerara_Stables]

Totally valid about the hills. I’m in NorCal where there are a ton of hills so suspension was a huge factor for me.

I also will say I realize you are doing this by asking here but make sure not to just take the salesman’s word for it, do your own research, as you already are, because a lot of times they are just out to sell you a vehicle.

[LCDR]

A properly optioned 1500 will have no problem with a 2 horse bumper pull trailer. The best trailer hauler for my 2 horses and BP I have owned is my Lexus LX570, which is basically a Toyota Tundra pickup with a fancy SUV body.

I also own a GMC 2500HD, and for towing horses I pick the SUV and leave the 2500 at home. The 2500 is a bouncier and a less comfortable ride inside the trailer and I have been inside the trailer
to check that out. I have the 2500 to use with an equipment trailer or gooseneck.

In your described situation I’d go 1500 for a better commuter ride and mileage and easier parking. Unless you need to haul heavier cargo and need an 8 foot bed or want the image of being a bigger truck person. That’s a personal thing.

I would not go the two vehicle route. While it is nice to have backup vehicles (and I have five) insuring two vehicles plus maintenance for two will take a big bite of your income.

Best wishes wading through all the opinions you’ll be getting.

[clanter]

might want to hold off on the purchase for a few months to see what affect Ram’s price reduction on the 2025 trucks will have on the market, they are reducing the MSRP by some major dollars

[luvmyhackney]

I’d buy a cheap older low miles commuter car and stick with my truck for a little longer. But keeping it only at towing miles. If you have kept up maintenance it’s better to deal with the issues you know. What does your mechanic say about it?

[AskMyAccountant.17]

Oh no don’t tell me that I don’t need any motivation to blow the budget on the LX 570. I actually had a ‘97 LX 450 (also with 250k miles) when I was 16, and it was so fun. I’d much prefer to drive that every day than my massive truck. My mom and I send all of the super done up versions to each other. I’ve seen/almost considered looking at an SUV but I haul so much, wouldn’t the gas mileage be <10 hauling?

But, right now I need to focus on safe, economical, and long lasting. I bought the 2500 because I figured I would eventually size up and get a Gooseneck. I also like that option, but in the 6 years I never even installed the package.

[AskMyAccountant.17]

That would be incredible. I’m hoping maybe with interest rates and getting further from Covid it will settle. It’s wild. I bought my very basic, no upgrades but 2yo 2500 truck with 30k miles for $30k from a dealership … of course it was Dodge and not a higher end truck. this same truck is now $45/50k.

[Montanas_Girl]

I drive a 2020 Ram 1500 in the most stripped-down/work truck model (Tradesman? Not sure.). It is 4WD with a 5.7L V8 Hemi (gas) engine but otherwise has zero bells and whistles. Quad cab with a short bed. My factory specified towing capacity is 8100 pounds. The truck was a company vehicle that I purchased after its term ended in 2022.

I pull a Calico 2-horse stock combo (steel) trailer with it 2-3 times/week to my trainer’s barn ~6 miles away and occasionally ~100 miles away for shows, vet clinic visits, etc. My trailer weighs about 2500 pounds empty, and I am mostly hauling one large pony (Arabian), so roughly 1000-1100 pounds, at a time. I feel very good locally with 1-2 horses on board and fine on the interstate with 1 horse. I would not want to haul 2 horses longer distances.

I do feel like my truck handles the weight I’m pulling comfortably. However, for safety reasons, I would strongly prefer a 3/4 ton truck so I can upgrade to a gooseneck, at least for the longer hauls. Hopefully one day soon!

[TWH_Girl]

We have a 2106 Ram 1500 Big Horn (5.3 liter v8 Hemi) and a Hawk bumper pull which weighs similar to your trailer, OP. I’ve hauled two horses in my trailer no problem. I think it hauls great. You will probably notice a difference from a 2500 but I love our truck and would easily get another.

They are putting some much lighter engines on newer trucks. Ford 150s and Chevy Silverados are often found with a 2.6 liter v6. Now that I’m not comfortable with, but with a heavier engine, I think the 1500s are fine.

I think 2500 is needed for regular long hauls, hilly terrain, and bigger trailers esp goosenecks.

[kaya842]

I don’t understand why people think you need a 2500/250 to tow two horses in a 2 horse BP in a non mountainous area. If have cash to burn or a secondary need for a larger truck sure but it is not as if towing with a 1500/150 is unsafe. My F150 is rated to tow over 10,000lbs. Even with two fatties in the trailer (call them 3500lbs) and tack and humans (another 500lbs), I still have a several thousand pound buffer with a 2H BP + tack room. Check your specs on the individual truck of course. IMO it’s ridiculous to infer that a 1500/150 isn’t capable, is unsafe, or is other wise unsuited for this specific task. IIWM, I’d go with the cheaper (but properly equipped) truck.

[Demerara_Stables]

A heavier truck can handle the weight of a heavier trailer more safely and efficiently, with better stability, braking power, and control, preventing potential issues like swaying, overheating brakes, and loss of control on the road; essentially, a lighter truck may struggle to manage the added weight of a heavy trailer, putting stress on its engine, transmission, and suspension system.*

My husband’s F150 lightning handles heavy trailers WAY better than a gas 150, because it’s heavier. It’s more stable. The lightest weight has 150 is just over 4k pounds. I don’t ever want my rig/horses to weigh more than my truck.

*Thanks, AI

[deweydee]

For a well optioned 150 with a BP, I expect you’d be fine. Once you move to the higher tongue weight of a GN, that’s when I was struggling to make the payload numbers work on a 150.

Attached 2023 F150 specs for reference, they vary a lot!

[endlessclimb]

It’s the American phenomenon that you need a damned semi to pull anything.

OP you’ll be just fine with a well optioned half ton truck, a good brake controller, and driving like you have brains.

[endlessclimb]

And frankly - my 3/4 ton hauls like GARBAGE if it doesn’t have an appropriate payload. That stiff suspension transfers right back to the trailer, it bump steers, the trailer rakes up (I refuse to drop further than 9" on the hitch without support struts), etc.

The truck hauls well with a heavy 6k dry trailer. Of course the truck doesn’t care if the trailer is small but I’m sure the horses do.

Bigger is not always better.