danemayer
Well-known member
As some of you already know, we recently traded in our 2011 GMC 3500 SLT for a 2014 RAM 3500 Laramie. Since a few people have expressed interest in how they compare, here's my initial view.
Both trucks have Diesel engines, 6 speed transmissions, engine brake, 4x4, Crew Cab, 8 foot bed.
GMC single rear wheel. RAM dual rear wheel.
GMC trim level SLT. RAM trim level Laramie.
Both trucks have Diesel engines, 6 speed transmissions, engine brake, 4x4, Crew Cab, 8 foot bed.
GMC single rear wheel. RAM dual rear wheel.
GMC trim level SLT. RAM trim level Laramie.
| Point of comparison | 2011 GMC | 2014 RAM | Additional Comments |
| Towing Power | Duramx 6.6 Rated for 16,700 | Cummins 6.7 Rated for 23,500 | GMC was SRW, RAM is DRW |
| Mountain towing | Able to climb I-70 west of Denver at 55mph. | Able to climb Rte 9 from Canon City to Breckenridge at 55mph | GMC last winter began to struggle a bit to hold speed on steep hills. |
| Payload | Rated for 4,100 | Rated for 5,670 | GMC was SRW, RAM is DRW |
| Engine Brake | Good speed control down steep mountain grades. | Good speed control in auto mode, Slows vehicle down in normal mode. Excellent control on steep mountain grades. | |
| Transmission | Generally smooth shifting | Shifting seems more pronounced | Allison transmission in GMC. AISIN transmission in RAM. |
| Rear axle | 3.73 | 3.73 | |
| Braking while towing | Integrated controller set to 5.5. Very good stopping power. | Integrated controller set to 7.0. Good stopping power. | GMC seemed to have better braking. |
| Tires | 275/65/18 All Season tires | LT235/80R17E All Season tires | GMC original tires had been replaced with slightly different size. |
| Ride while towing | Very smooth | Rougher | Noticeable difference. Verges on uncomfortable. |
| Ride while not towing | A bit rough | Smoother | |
| Fuel consumption towing | approx 10 mpg | approx 8.4 mpg | Slightly different 1000 mile routes from TX to CO. RAM owners say that mileage improves with break-in |
| Fuel consumption towing on level road | With no wind, approx 12mpg | With no wind, approx 10mpg | Hopefully RAM will improve with break-in |
| DEF consumption | 5 gal / 5000 miles | maybe 5 gal / 1500 miles | Initial use seems very high. If it continues, will need investigation. |
| Stability in crosswinds | Very good. | Very good. | Longbed SRW vs Longbed DWR - I did not notice any difference while towing. |
| Turn radius | Felt wide | Felt tighter | Probably should check specs |
| Truck level while towing | Level | Level | RAM bed settles more than GMC did under pin weight, countering RAM bed being 3" higher |
| Trailer level while towing | Very slightly nose high | Level - maybe very slightly nose low | |
| Bed rail clearance | Approx 5" | Approx 7" | |
 Click on picture for larger version |
