Pondering between Ram 2500 or 3500

IdaD wrote:

djgodden wrote:
I am far from an expert here but I highly recommend you look at the differences between the RAM 2500 and 3500. Not just what the labels say but the actual physical differences in parts/wheels/tires. You'll find they are nearly identical but RAM has rated them very different in capabilities and capacities.

- A few base 2500s have 17" wheels with lower weight rated tires, and that lowers the RAWR. Nearly all 2500s have the same 18" or 20" wheels/tires as the 3500s, though.

- You have the option of the Aisin/HO CTD on the SRW 3500, which you can't get on the 2500. Those trucks have more power, the different transmission and an 11.8" rear end. This is an option on both SRW and DRW trucks, although from I saw when I was shopping it's much more common on the DRW models.

- The 2500 has rear coils and the SRW 3500 has rear leafs. Provided the 2500 doesn't have the rare 17" wheels, that results in a 500 lb RAWR difference between the 2500 and SRW 3500 (6500 vs 7000).

That's it. The trucks use the same chassis, axles (except larger optional rear end noted above), brakes, tires/wheels (except rare 17" wheels noted above), front suspensions, drive trains and etc. The big difference in payload rating is a function of high curb weight and the class restricted max 10k GVWR on the 2500 series. If you want to compare real world capability, look to the difference in the rear axle weight ratings. You don't get a big bump there until you add a set of extra tires and wheels and go DRW.

Sorry, that's incorrect. My 2016 6.4 3500 has a 7000 lb rear axle. That is the only rating for a 3500 SRW axle. The highest axle rating for a 2500 is 6500 as you said, but it's only in all the Mega cabs and crew cab 4x2 diesels. 6000 is far more common with a few in betweens. Wheels don't matter. It's configuration based. That's according to Ram's 2016 Vehicle Spec Sheets.