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1500 or 2500
I agree that if you are not hauling heavy loads, going with the 1500 series maybe better for all the highway miles (comfort and mileage). The extra cost of a 3/4 ton along with diesel cost and current fuel prices may not be a long term advantage any longer. You should be getting $.505/mile in addition to your vehicle allowance.
If you will be driving on logging trails, etc., be sure to get an off-road package that has skid plates, taller suspension and mild AT (All Terrain) tires vs: HT (highway). Getting the off-road package may lock you into a specific rear end ratio. If you are doing lots of highway miles you may want something higher than a 3.73:1. You won't want a 3.90:1 or 4.11:1. I believe Dodge offers a 3.55:1 which will give good mileage. If you go to a 3.23:1 you won't have much pulling power on the highway and it will downshift lots going up and down hills.
I've heard the Hemi's are set up to downshift lots. If you get the electronic ignition that shuts down to 4 cylinders that may give you about 2 miles/gallon better fuel economy. Don't know if they only offer the Hemi or if they have the 360 CI yet. Both can be referred to as "Mr. Thursty".
Another feature of the off-road package sometimes has the axle vents connected to tubes that go up into the fender wells. The standard Dodge vents years and years ago were a bump that let water flow over the top. If you stopped or went backward in standing water, you would get water in the differentials.
I once had a Dodge Ramcharger that got stuck on a logging trail. I was driving through water about a foot above the door sills and got stuck going to the hunting property. Got both front and rear pumpkins drained and cleaned after that one.
You may also want to add small mudflaps, so the stones that the tires throw won't chip the paint. A brush guard may also be a good accessory, since some of the route may not be on established roads.
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1500 or 2500
Chevrolet used to sell a heavy Half ton which later was called a 1500HD. It had some of the same drive train as a 3/4 ton. Ford used to do kinda the same (but it was a light duty 3/4 ton), but don't know their current lineup.
If it is a concern, can you get a 1/2 ton Dodge equipped with a snowplow package with the proper rear-end gearing, which has a heavier front end?
Driving through all the mud, rocks, water and ruts does a number on drive components. In my opinion you are better off with a light weight truck with a big front end, large diameter but narrow tires that have good treads on the sides.
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