I'm getting ready to shop for a new tow vehicle, probably mid-2017. I'm planning to use the truck for almost daily driver duties as well as towing, and I'm definitely wanting a diesel but I don't want a duallie. I'm leaning toward GM since I get GM supplier discounts through my employer, and I like the GM trucks. So, with that being said I've been pricing out and playing with options, and it looks like there really isn't much difference in price and tow capacity between a 4x4 double cab long bed GMC 2500HD with a duramax and a 3500HD SRW with a duramax, especially if you select the same tire package and bed size. They both MSRP out to $50k more or less. I'm just comparing standard trim packages plus the 5th wheel hitch installation package, I don't need a bunch of Denali foo foo.I'm wanting a long bed but not dually both so it fits in my driveway and because I can't see myself needing the extra capacity. I have a 24' bumper pull trailer right now that this truck would be total overkill for, but I'd like to upgrade to a moderate size 5er or bunkhouse TT. I like to state park camp so I'll probably keep it below 33' anyway.Am I going to hate myself if I get a 3500 versus a 2500? Am I going to take a beating driving it without a load in the bed? I'm mainly commuting on smooth roads but like to hit the backwoods logging roads or drive on the beach in the summer.

Think you'll hate yourself more for not getting the 3500. Never complain of more truck.

I have had both . Prefer The 3500 for the extra payload. And the 3500 feels more stable with the same 5th wheel.

I doubt you'll notice much difference. The Ram is the only 2500 that rides and handles better than its 3500 counterpart, imo. On the GM I'm not sure if the 2500 just has slightly softer rear springs or if it lacks an overload spring. There's very little practical difference between any of the SRW 350/3500s versus the 250/2500 (minor caveat being the Ram where the 3500 allows you the option of going to the Aisin and HO Cummins). Really for any TT or a 33' fifth wheel any of new SRW heavy duty trucks would work great. Pick your preferred flavor and enjoy. The only thing you might want to check out is whether there are any additional registration fees or other headaches associated with the higher GVWR on the 350/3500 in the city/county/state where you live, but I doubt that's an issue in Oregon. DRW would definitely move you up a notch in capability but for the type of trailers you're contemplating it would be totally unnecessary.

A 2500 will meet your needs if you plan to stay below 33ft. We like to visit State and National parks and have found there are usually private RV parks or resorts nearby that will accommodate our 38ft 5th wheel. We drive into the state park or national park to see the sights each day and then enjoy full hookups and other amenities at the private RV park each night...best of both worlds.So for future planning the 3500 may be a better choice. I went from a 1500 to a 2500 to a 3500 and now have the perfect tow vehicle a C4500 Chevy DuraMAX dually crewcab. I use it as a daily driver around southern California with no problems.

The two trucks cost about the same because they virtually are the same, with the exception of the aforementioned slightly heavier spring package in the 3500 and slightly higher capacity tires in some cases. The only real reason to get a 2500HD over a 3500 is if you live in a locale where pickups over 10K GVWR are either banned, taxed heavily, or otherwise penalized in some way. But if you find a great deal on a 2500HD or can't find a 3500 you like, get the 2500HD because there is little difference in real-world capability.

2017 2500HD versus 3500HD SRW | Good Sam Community

Rjdreyer
Explorer
Sep 12, 2016
Think you'll hate yourself more for not getting the 3500. Never complain of more truck.
Busdriver
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2016
I have had both . Prefer The 3500 for the extra payload. And the 3500 feels more stable with the same 5th wheel.
IdaD
Explorer
Sep 12, 2016
I doubt you'll notice much difference. The Ram is the only 2500 that rides and handles better than its 3500 counterpart, imo. On the GM I'm not sure if the 2500 just has slightly softer rear springs or if it lacks an overload spring.

There's very little practical difference between any of the SRW 350/3500s versus the 250/2500 (minor caveat being the Ram where the 3500 allows you the option of going to the Aisin and HO Cummins). Really for any TT or a 33' fifth wheel any of new SRW heavy duty trucks would work great. Pick your preferred flavor and enjoy. The only thing you might want to check out is whether there are any additional registration fees or other headaches associated with the higher GVWR on the 350/3500 in the city/county/state where you live, but I doubt that's an issue in Oregon.

DRW would definitely move you up a notch in capability but for the type of trailers you're contemplating it would be totally unnecessary.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Sep 12, 2016
A 2500 will meet your needs if you plan to stay below 33ft. We like to visit State and National parks and have found there are usually private RV parks or resorts nearby that will accommodate our 38ft 5th wheel. We drive into the state park or national park to see the sights each day and then enjoy full hookups and other amenities at the private RV park each night...best of both worlds.

So for future planning the 3500 may be a better choice. I went from a 1500 to a 2500 to a 3500 and now have the perfect tow vehicle a C4500 Chevy DuraMAX dually crewcab. I use it as a daily driver around southern California with no problems.
rjstractor
Nomad
Sep 12, 2016
The two trucks cost about the same because they virtually are the same, with the exception of the aforementioned slightly heavier spring package in the 3500 and slightly higher capacity tires in some cases. The only real reason to get a 2500HD over a 3500 is if you live in a locale where pickups over 10K GVWR are either banned, taxed heavily, or otherwise penalized in some way. But if you find a great deal on a 2500HD or can't find a 3500 you like, get the 2500HD because there is little difference in real-world capability.
bartlettj
Explorer
Sep 12, 2016
No issue with the registration/taxes here. There aren't any on light trucks- you have to get into commercial rigs before it matters.
ksss
Explorer
Sep 12, 2016
I, like most here will side towards more truck rather than less. However in this case I would atleast see what the new 2017 ratings bring. They should be posted before long. I may still suggest a 3500 but since this is a redesign who knows what the ratings for these new pickups will be.
24fb_freedom
Explorer
Sep 13, 2016
When I bought my gmc truck last year I was looking at that same decision, I resurched as much info as I could find on line and asked when I saw someone with one of the two, here's what I came up with.
Motor,tranny,brakes are the same between the 2500hd and 3500hd srw, you get an extra payload cap with the 3500hd srw because of the overload springs,bump stops.
I even asked at an used car lot the resale value between the two and was informed by the lot owner that the 2500 holds it's value better than the 3500 srw because more people look for the 3/4 vs the 1 ton srw.
I ended up with the 2500 cause its rating where way within of my needs for my 5th wheel.
Hope this helps.
spoon059
Explorer II
Sep 13, 2016
bartlettj wrote:
No issue with the registration/taxes here. There aren't any on light trucks- you have to get into commercial rigs before it matters.

Easy decision, get the 3500 and never look back. The 3500 only has overload springs, which wouldn't change the empty ride between the 2500 and 3500. They should drive the EXACT same empty, and the 3500 will likely give you an additional 1500 +/- lbs of payload for a little more money.

If you don't have to worry about higher registration costs, taxes, commercial regulations, etc then the 3500 is the clear winner here.

Either way though, you will be happy with the truck. D/A is a great combo.
Fire_Instructor
Explorer
Sep 13, 2016
I tow a 42' 5'er, with a gross weight of 16,500# and a pin weight of 2900# with my RAM 2500 SRW.... But before any of the duly sworn Weight Police Officers arrest me or even scold me about the carnage and death that I could cause, I do it with an Automated Safety Hitch.

Check out their website. Watch their videos. I'm VERY happy with mine, this far, and once the season is over, I intent to write-up and share a full product review.

It's an expensive alternative, but I now have 4 tires running day to day, vs the 6 that I'd have with a dually, plus I don't have the fender extensions to deal with in parking lots... Additionally, the ASH gives me an extra 6000# axle with another full set of truck brakes that are as strong as the truck's rear brakes.....