2018 2500 vs 3500 Express

The extra capacity of the 3500 is wonderful, and I am not sure that it rides much worse than the 2500.

If you are interested in the Express, I recommend the just off rental 2017 White Expresses that are currently available. Most have less than 25k miles, and the price is in the low 20k. All you need to do is add a hitch and brake controller.

I put the XD hitch on mine, and can just bumper tow my trailer when needed, without the weight distribution bars. The price of this tow vehicle leaves funds to purchase a travel trailer.

I have the 3500 Passenger van (standard wheelbase); One common trend you hear in this forum is "it's better to get more than less"... I went from a 1500 van to a 3500 van and it made a HUGE difference (both had the 6.xL engine);

The 3500 tows much better, it feels more stable and the brakes are far superior.
The van feels like it works less and has much more reserve when you need it (like going up a hill);

Fuel mileage stayed about the same (11mpg)

I sold my 5,500 lb camper last year and bought a 3,500 toy hauler; Sometimes it's hard to tell that I have the TT connected.

I would recommend a 3500 over a 2500

I would imagine the 2500 and 3500 are pretty close in dry weight, so the 3500 gets almost 1000 lbs extra payload. All things being equal, that extra 1000 lbs of payload is the winner for me.

Our 8.1L big block 2002 3500 Express van has the long 155" wheelbase and 12 passenger seating for tons of storage on long trips.

Depends how many passengers you'll be hauling. If you need the long body, you'll probably be heavy enough to justify the 3500.

Also, beware the 4.8L is standard in the 2500, but the 6.0 is standard in the 3500. Finding the optional motor in the 2500 might be difficult without a factory order.