Forum Discussion

lmarcrum's avatar
lmarcrum
Explorer
Feb 23, 2014

2500 or 3500 what's the major difference?

I am looking at new trucks. It seems most new trucks on the lots are 2500. If you want to tow or have a HD truck wouldn't you want a 3500. Most of the trucks are equipped with a diesel and a 2500 chaise. Why is that? I am looking looking for a Ford F350 with a gas 6.2L engine. Hard to find. I live in Illinois and will not use the truck that much in the winter. That is why I did not choose the Diesel engine. I have heard the cold is not good for a Diesel engine if not used or started much in the winter.
What is the major difference between the 250 & 350 chaise. Are the brakes the same? Thank you
  • He is looking at a Ford....no difference in brakes, axles or suspension other than the 350 has the overload leaf in the rear that only engages when a heavy load sags the truck to it's level...also the 350 has a 2" thicker block between the rear axle and the spring pack...seeing that he is looking at gas...he might have a warranty...

    Regards
  • Hard to find a 2500 on the local lots, there is little difference in price stepping up to a 3500. Seems the major differences are brakes and suspension. My wife has back problems and hates the empty ride of our 2500, the 3500 would only be more aggravating. A 1500 won't safely handle our trailer and she loves the power so is willing to live with it.
  • 3500 will have more payload. And, depending on the diesel, cold starts are no problem. I've had my current and last truck out hunting in temps well below 0*, and they started and ran fine, even without an engine block heater. My 2001 was a different story. It was a cold blooded beast.
  • lmarcrum wrote:
    .............
    What is the major difference between the 250 & 350 chaise. Are the brakes the same? Thank you
    Payload - period!
    All the physical differences (springs/shocks/brakes/wheels/tires) are simply there to handle the heavier load.
  • therink wrote:
    See my truck in signature. I had to factory order to get a 3500 gasser. You will have a hard time finding one. If buying new, why not factory order anyway? Then you can build it yourself and get exactly what you want.
    Steve


    Btw the difference for me was a yellow sticker in the door jamb with an additional 800 lbs payload. I was running 500 lbs over with my last 2500. I like to run legal.
  • For me - the brakes. Towed my former Everest with a 2500 and 3500 DRW and the only difference I noticed was the 3500 didn't suffer brake fade on mountain grades. The 2500 will tow many 5th wheels whose GVWR is around 14,000 pounds or less. I wouldn't tow more than that with a 2500.
  • See my truck in signature. I had to factory order to get a 3500 gasser. You will have a hard time finding one. If buying new, why not factory order anyway? Then you can build it yourself and get exactly what you want.
    Steve