Things I Learned Driving a 3/4 Ton Heavy Duty Truck- RAM 2500 HEMI

[@russell1265]

Well done ! I like the way you bring it

[@covalkir]

I took delivery of my RAM 2500HD Hemi Gighorn almost a year ago (2 July 2022). I have loved it, even as a daily driver. While I was quite mad they removed certain tow-friendly features (blind spot monitoring and alerting) from the Bighorn, I've learned to compensate. Next challenge will be to haul a 5th wheel. I see this feature is back in play for 2023, but I don't think I'm in a position to order another.

[@liveyourfree]

The Big Horn is really the best way to go if you want features and the highest level of payload capabilities. I think you really have a great buy. I have a limited trim which takes away from my payload by a good amount. It works for me because of the way we use it but I think most people would benefit the most all around with the Big Horn trim level.

[@tomyunt1839]

Great video, I just ordered a 2500 rebel Hd and can’t wait to get it and hope to be travel traveling soon

[@liveyourfree]

Congrats! I believe you will really enjoy it!

[@steverickert212]

about to take delivery of my 2500 Tradesman, thank you for this video, I've been nervous about all the issues that you talked about. This will be my first heavy duty truck!

[@liveyourfree]

Congrats! I believe you will really enjoy it. It's not perfect (no truck is) but it's a darn good truck!

[@anthonyk8716]

Options in life are crucial, as well as realizing change and acceptance of change is good, even in truck life! Well done & said bro!!

[@liveyourfree]

Thanks bro!

[@Tatertrader444]

You hit all the points. I have a 32 foot travel trailer myself (weight around 7000 lbs. gross). Went from a F-150 5.0, After estimated tongue weight I was around 200 pounds of payload capacity. With the F-150 I used a weight distribution hitch and would still sway a bit when a 18 wheeler passed. Upgraded to a Ram 2500 tradesman 4x4 and it was a world of difference. Recently planned a trip and misplaced the weight distribution hitch pins and L brackets. We ended up towing without a WDH and made me quite nervous at first, but after towing there was no real difference at all. That was with a 20mph crosswind and 18 wheelers passing.

[@liveyourfree]

I've always wondered how it would feel towing without a WDH. Glad it turned out well for you. The payload and capability you get with a tradesman is huge!

[@Redfour5]

@@liveyourfree I live about 50 miles from my dealer and had to take the trailer in for work... I thought, That's a short trip, I'll just NOT put the WDH on... Well, I have one place on the route that goes over a small pass and then a long downhill into a valley. There is one place going down where you clear the hills and almost always there is a big gust of wind that you learn to expect. So, I was expecting it and it still hit. The difference between the WDH and NO WDH was noticable with a lot more "action" from the gust on the back and forth and initial hit of the gust of wind. Without the WDH, it is a very uncomfortable experience similar to a 1500 with a WDH. With the WDH, the gust hits, the trailer moves and the truck and hitch settle it out immediately with little to none of that uncomfortable back and forth action that is unsettling. So, that is how I would characterize the difference.

[@Real_Natural]

The 3/4s are a strong value due to the capability they bring when compared to what a loaded RAM 1500 or F150 costs.

[@liveyourfree]

100% agree. I didn't realize just how much the value was until owning it over time

[@mendiesel7932]

You should check out the Thurren 1” front level kit with fox shocks all around. Makes that ram ride even better

[@liveyourfree]

I'm going to check it out. Thanks for this

[@mendiesel7932]

@@liveyourfree I installed it on mine and haven't looked back. Also installed the track bar to keep everything aligned. The bang for buck is awesome.

[@vernonholsey1449]

Good information 🐏ram lifestyle 👍🏽I wish I had got the airbags but they went out on my gl450 Mercedes and it cost to much to replace so I got the Laramie

[@liveyourfree]

Thanks. After going through that with your gl450, I don't blame you for not wanting to get them. I totally get that

[@myinterests5573]

For me, a huge factor is purchase price. A 2500 will be at least $20K more, probably closer to 30K more than my 1500. I'd love the higher payload capacity but it's not in my budget.

[@liveyourfree]

Wow have they really separated that much in price over time? I hadn't looked at the prices of the half ton in a while. Last time I checked they were within 5k of each other. $20k to $30k is a big jump and definitely enough to make a person think twice

[@myinterests5573]

@@liveyourfree I know, the bottom MSRP prices say it's only a couple $K difference, but when you get into actual features and trim levels, the cost goes way up. Easily north of 60K for a new truck and I paid < 40K for my 1500. Even used 2500's are selling for nearly 60K. I'd love a 2500, but no way I can afford that.

[@liveyourfree]

@@myinterests5573 I totally get it

[@steverickert212]

Actually I found that I could get a 2500 Tradesman set up with the necessities I wanted, cheaper than I could find a 1500.

[@TheGenerationX894]

Not necessarily, depends on what trim level you're buying, right now, a nicely equipped Ram tradesman and some bighorn 2500 is less than a bighorn 1500, only a couple creature comfort differences.

[@CBobbya]

How did you get started with your hotshot? I have the LLC going already for my excavation hobby. I’m looking to get the Ram 2500 and going tomorrow getting the 7’x20’ 14k tilt for the excavator. I just want to get more business. I’m looking for paperwork, where do you get the requirements done? Thx

[@dann2769]

Having a diesel exhaust brake is a big deal for some folks. I’ve heard it said that it’s worth the extra $10K to just have it. What are your thoughts on this?

[@liveyourfree]

Diesel exhaust brakes are definite game changers. Especially if you are Hauling heavy and frequently in mountains. Its even more of a game changer if you going through mountains out west. Is it worth the extra $10k? I would say it depends on the individual's use of the truck. If I'm using that truck everyday to haul through the mountains to make a living? Then absolutely. If I'm just hauling casually and occasionally go over a mountain pass, it may not be worth it. To be clear though, the exhaust brake is awesome.

[@mikekenner9218]

Love your video's. I have a question about your RAM Boxes. If a truck has those, can you still tow a 5th wheel / gooseneck trailer? I know those boxes eat into the bed and wasn't sure if there was room for the puck and or kingpin. TIA!

[@liveyourfree]

I appreciate that my friend. Yes you can still use a 5th wheel / gooseneckhowever, you will be limited as to which setups you can use. It is tighter by you can do it.

[@douglastitus9750]

How is the hotshot side of things going? Would you still recommend to someone to do it right now? I have the Ram 2500 4x4 Hemi with the Ramboxes. I'm considering getting into the hotshot business and doing the car transport side of it. Like your video's,your very informative.

[@liveyourfree]

I haven't taken a load in a while. It just doesn't make sense. The rates are down and fuel is still not worth the effort. I also spent the majority of the last few months traveling on the trailer with the family so I wasn't around to hotshot. I realized i would rather pay the gas prices to make the family as opposed to spend it on hotshotting. I wouldn't recommend it just yet. It is slowly getting better from a gas perspective but it's not all coming together yet. I appreciate you watching and hanging with me.

[@Redfour5]

"Some things you have to have a three quarter ton truck to do..." "You can...get by...with a half ton..." That pretty much sums it up. I had a half ton 1500 I loved...but...the new trailer fully loaded at around 6700 lbs and 28 feet crossed a line. I could...get by...with it but was NEVER allowed to forget for a moment I was towing. It made for very frustrating long days on trips where it took me a day to recover (I'm 66). The three quarter ton stopped that. In another video you talk about the difference and note how you feel "planted" with the 2500. That summarizes the difference along with more oomph.

[@liveyourfree]

Agreed my friend

[@Williamcole10]

KZbinrs gah