As posted previously, I am making a purchase (2005 3500 QC, 4X4, LWB, Auto) and need to decide on the Laramie package or an SLT. There's a Laramie I am looking at that is pretty well equipped (leather, GPS radio, dual climate control, heated seats, trailer two group, traiker mirrors) $46,000 MSRP and Invoice at 41, 500 after discounts its $39,000. There's also an SLT with cloth, anti-spin for 40,600 MSRP and about $35,000 invoice after discounts about $32,500. No trailer tow package on this one.

EDIT above: I decided to go with a 3500!!!!!

I trailer a boat (10,000lbs) and tow a 5er (12,000lbs)-may be trading in for a Travel Trailer at about (10,000lbs).

My question is, are are the following options found to be invaluable?:

1. Trailer tow package (7 point harness, and hitch (that I'll change anyway for drawtite rated for higher ball mount)

2. Leather

3. Radio with GPS

4. Electric shift 4x4 switch

5. Fog lamps

6. Power front seat(s)

Am I missing anything?


Thanks!!

 

I have a 2004.5 Laramie and like it very much.
You said you would be changing the hitch to something heaver. My travel trailer's hitch weight is close to the rated weight of the hitch on my truck. I have also thought about changing hitches also, but I read a post on this site I believe that said it is very hard to take the stock hitch off. It is integrated into the frame some how and would be a major undertaking. I have seen some trucks that have the Reese Titan V installed and the stock hitch is still in place. There is evidently enough clearence for the Reese to be installed without removing the stock hitch. I just wanted to make you aware of this before you make your decision.

 

Thanks for the response!

I was not aware that the stock hitch would be a problem to remove. The stock one is probably rated at up to 10,000# if you use weight distribution as most TT do. The weight carrying amount of the stock hitch is probably at 5000# MAX. OK for a travel trailer, since most utilize weight dist. system. I need the hitch to be 10,000# at weight carrying for my boat trailer (no weight distribution on trailer with surge brakes). I launch in ocean so electric brakes are out. I wish I could see a pic of how an additional hitch is mounted under factory one?

Thanks again

 

The stock hitch is rated at 12000 lbs and 1200 lbs hitch weight. I stoped at a truck stop in July and weighed my truck and TT on the CAT scales. The TT was 9960 and my hitch weight was 1300 so I puled my chain up one more link on the hitch to reduce the weight on the hitch. I need to go back to the scales and see if I reduced the hitch weight enough or if I need to get the heaver hitch. The Reese Titan V is rated at 14000 and 1400.

 

Do you know there are two Laramie packages? The Laramie J and Laramie H? The H has all the goodies and the J has all the SLT package, plus the leather, the aluminum wheels, light group and a few others.

 

In 2004.5 there were a few things on the Laramie that I didn't want like the cheesey aluminum bezel on the center instrument panel, chrome body side moldings, and sliding rear window. So I ordered an SLT with exactly the options I wanted.

I'm glad I ordered the fog lights so I have the option of upgrading to some more powerful driving lights. Now the wiring is all there. The bright lights on these trucks are worthless.

If you plan on towing you'd be wise to get the tow package for the wiring harness if nothing else.

 

get the laramie. The leather is great for long hauls and is very comfy. i like my electric 4x4 shifter on my SLT.

fog lamps are GREAT for visibility.

you need the towing package towing so heavy. it includes a heavier duty tranny cooler and the wiring harness.

The GPS isnt all that great, but its cool to have

 

I didn't find anywhere on the tow package option that it included a trans cooler?? I thought that the tranny cooler was included in all diesels, especially the 3500!! Which is correct?

Thanks

 

Baja Man,

I got the manual 4X4 system instead of the electric. It seems like there is less chance of something going wrong with the manual shifter. It's easy and positive. Plus, the electric 4X4 switch goes in the cubby hole and I love the cubby hole for my wallet and cell phone. I reccomend the manual shifter!
The fog lights are nice. Anything to help the whimpy headlights!
I think you get the electric driver's seat automatically with the SLT. It's a good setup but I wish it had a memory function.
Fill in your signature when you make your decisions and let us know what you decided. Have fun!!!

Wetspirit

PS. Sounds like you decided on 4WD. Good move.

 

The power drivers seat comes with the premium cloth, which also includes the storage under the middle front seat in the same package. .

ONE nice thing I can say about the wife's Volvo is the power drivers seat has memory so I can put button #2 before getting in.

 

I’m with you on the manual 4X4 shifter. Seems like less of a chance of a malfunction over an electric shifter.

Fog lights are great. Much better than just the useless headlights that come with the truck.

I’m not much on leather seats so I’m glad that I got the cloth seats with mine. In my personal opinion I prefer the SLT over the Laramie. But that’s just me.


Britt

 

You need the trailer tow package, but check out the options .the trailer tow is included in the( Quad CAB big Horn Value Group) But the extended mirrors are a separate item. You need them.!!! The hitch will be plenty heavy for your towing needs. And yes if you get the Cummins you get all the heavy duty cooling with the motor!! But order the( enging block heater $10.) The heater comes on the motor but the $10. gets you the wire so you can use it!!! Go figger that one. I'd say if you want leather seats, go with the Larame, If you want heated seats you gotta go with leather. But if you preffer cloth the premium cloth gets you electric driver seat , the cloth is the same the premium designates electric. Theres a lot of nice options to dress out a SLT just like you want if you order it up. But study out all the option before you buy, you may want to order one up and get just what you want color and all. Dont forget the neat underseat storage option. Last but not least this diesel will run you for many years if you take care of it, so get it just the way you want it, and I'd recomend undercoating, and rustproofing to preserv the body as the body will go before the motor.

 

On this note, i would like to offer my 2 cents....I am considering a 2005 or 2006 to replace my 2001. I love many of the features of the Laramie packages but I do not want Leather Seats. So I will probably go with the SLT. The only downside to that is....:

1. I would like to have the dual zone climate control.

2. I would like a Power passenger seat

3. I would like the 7 speaker stereo system

And unless i am doing something wrong...or talking to the wrong people, I don't think I can get those without getting the Laramie package....which means leather seats. I wish they would offer a "SLT Plus" package that was in between the SLT and Laramie. Or even offered the above items as seperate options.

 

I can't believe that you have to pay $10 for a cord...when you pay big $$$ for the cummins to start.

 

i am with you guys who are not into the leather. i have leather on my gasser and cloth in the diesel. i find the cloth MUCH more comfy . slide to much on the leather