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

35 Replies

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.
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.
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.
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.
Rjdreyer
Explorer
Sep 12, 2016
Think you'll hate yourself more for not getting the 3500. Never complain of more truck.

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2017 2500HD versus 3500HD SRW

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