Chevy Silverado should I get 2500 or 3500

I would go with the Diesel for hill pulling power and with the 3500SRW for current and future towing needs.

there is not much difference in the cost of a 2500 vs 3500 with the same engine and options, personally would never tow with a gas truck after having towed with a diesel and you can never have to much truck when it comes to towing, a single rear wheel 3500 work as a daily driver for many people and handles your towing. I use my dually for a daily driver during the summer months and it is not a big deal ,maybe park a little further out but I do that anyway even with the car to try and save myself from the parking lot dings and dents. Good luck and safe travels

I pulled my 12K Cedar Creek with a 2013 GMC 2500HD gas burner, It was all it could handle, I traded for a 2015 Ram 3500 DRW Diesel and man you cant believe the difference. If you shop around you can get a real deal on one. I paid less for the Ram than I did for the 2500HD. More is always better

I've had 2500s, 3500, and now have a C4500 with the Duramax and Allison plus exhaust brake. The 2500s were SRW, the 3500s and C4500 are DRW. All have been long beds and the 3500/4500 crew cabs.

My favorite of course is the C4500. It is a dream tow with.

My last 3500 crewcab dually long bed I used a daily driver in and out of Downtown Los Angeles. It was great, very comfortable on the freeway s and around town. Parking sometimes was an issue but I tend to park far out in parking lots where no one else parks.

X2 on the diesel it makes for a great tow and in my opinion is no different than a gas engine as a daily driver. Be sure to get an exhaust brake equipped diesel. Downhill towing is a breeze.

Consider a 3500HD with single rear wheels. Gas or Diesel is your choice.

My camper when fully loaded has a 1,600# loaded TW. When I fill the truck bed with camping "stuff" I'm glad I have the F-350. I have cargo capacity to breath with and not sit on top of all the ratings.

If you get the 2500, you could be sitting marginally on GVWR and real close on the rear axle rating.

If you are looking for a new truck, the difference between 2500 and 3500 SRW's is not much. On the used market the 3500 SRW may be cheaper then the 2500 as mine was. But it take a hunt to find one with the right options. The 3500 opens up more possibilities for future camper upgrades or other towing needs.

The new 3500HD SRW truck is a sweet ride. I have a buddy with one, a 2014 and it is a nice ride. Went with him on a trip in it. The Dmax is amazing how smooth and quiet it is. The Fords are nice too if you want to shift the Bowtie for the Blue Oval...

Good luck in your choices.

A 3500 SRW will give you more payload capacity, stronger wheels, tires, rear springs, and a stronger rear axle (with the gas engine). The gas 2500 has a 10.5" axle, the 3500 has an 11.5" axle.
There really aren't any downsides except paying a few hundred more new or being slightly harder to find used.

donn0128 wrote:
3500. Smaller only limits your future.

Sooooo true. I just think of the $ we could of saved but in 2006 we went with 3500 dually and never regretted it.

Reconsider diesel. For towing and daily driver. I use my 3500 Duramax for both and love it. Especially when towing.

3500. Smaller only limits your future.

You have to make the choice, a comfortable tow experience or the daily driver. As much as I tow, I want the trouble free and comfortable towing experience. And for the size and weight of your camper plus the weight of your toys, you will never be disappointed with a dually for stability when towing.