2500 or 3500?

And what is the price difference, $2-3000 on a $55000 vehicle, about 4%.

Beverley and Ken

been down that road-traded a 3/4 ton for this 1 ton dually-peace of mind is priceless!-whsk

OP

just read my thread in General RVing Issues "how many rv's have you owned" and you will answer your own question.

Most everyone went bigger with each RV purchase. So save some money and look to the future. Don't settle for just good enough then be like so many when they get a larger RV and have to BandAid the truck so it "TOWS JUST FINE" !!!!!!!!

goducks10 wrote:

bmanning wrote:

dave17352 wrote:

the bear II wrote:
3500 will be safer...bigger brakes, heavier drivetrain components.

Long bed will give you a better ride loaded or unloaded. I've always had longbeds and never ran into a situation where turning radius was a problem that couldn't be resolved.

Are not the brakes and drive train the same on the 2500 and 3500?

Very tempted to say yes, they are identical, but recent model years have seen more differences between 3/4 and 1-tons so the only way to accurately answer that is to research a particular model year and brand.

For example, IIRC a 2012 Ram 3500 SRW has a different frame than a 2012 2500. In 2013 the 2500 got the new frame, but it illustrates my point that it comes down to not only brand but model year.

3/4 and 1-tons used to share almost all hardware with very few exceptions but recent model years have seen more differences arise so it's case-by-case anymore.

I don't think that's quite right for Rams
IIRC the 12 2500-3500 are identical except for the rear spring pack.
I know that because I own a 12 2500 and the 12 is the same as the 3500, sans rear spring pack.
The 13 2500 is the same frame as the 12 except for spring upgrades and the 13 3500 got the new frame.
The 14 2500 got the new frame upgrade like the 3500. Not sure it's the same frame or not but an upgrade non the less.

But you are right in that the trucks aren't the same anymore like they used to be. The Ram 3500 is much more capable than the 2500.

Thanks for the correction! I was off by a year, looks like it was the 2013MY in which the 1-ton and 3/4-ton ran different frames.

What makes you feel the 3500 SRW is much more capable than the 2500? Not saying you're incorrect, just curious as to what led you to that conclusion.

A lesson I have learned at great expense is to select a TV based not on your current RV but on your best guess for the next one. If the next one could be a medium sized FW then get the 3500.

bmanning wrote:

dave17352 wrote:

the bear II wrote:
3500 will be safer...bigger brakes, heavier drivetrain components.

Long bed will give you a better ride loaded or unloaded. I've always had longbeds and never ran into a situation where turning radius was a problem that couldn't be resolved.

Are not the brakes and drive train the same on the 2500 and 3500?

Very tempted to say yes, they are identical, but recent model years have seen more differences between 3/4 and 1-tons so the only way to accurately answer that is to research a particular model year and brand.

For example, IIRC a 2012 Ram 3500 SRW has a different frame than a 2012 2500. In 2013 the 2500 got the new frame, but it illustrates my point that it comes down to not only brand but model year.

3/4 and 1-tons used to share almost all hardware with very few exceptions but recent model years have seen more differences arise so it's case-by-case anymore.

I don't think that's quite right for Rams
IIRC the 12 2500-3500 are identical except for the rear spring pack.
I know that because I own a 12 2500 and the 12 is the same as the 3500, sans rear spring pack.
The 13 2500 is the same frame as the 12 except for spring upgrades and the 13 3500 got the new frame.
The 14 2500 got the new frame upgrade like the 3500. Not sure it's the same frame or not but an upgrade non the less.

But you are right in that the trucks aren't the same anymore like they used to be. The Ram 3500 is much more capable than the 2500.

Roadtech wrote:

Road Runners wrote:
And, you don't have to haul around all those tires on the rear.

If I go with the 3500, I plan on going with single rear wheels.

If you tow a lot of miles reconsider. Dually tires provide a much more stable towing platform. Well worth the minor inconvenience in tight parking lots.

I have had both and will always go dually from here on.

If buying new I would get the 3500 no question, just for the rated payload! I might even get a Dually, but 3500 for sure.
My 2500 Camper Special can easily handle a payload over the GVWR, no bags, no Timbers, but I am still over the GVWR.

I basically have a 2001 3500 SRW, that Dodge didn't badge. It is a 2500 with 3500 springs and sway bar.

dave17352 wrote:

the bear II wrote:
3500 will be safer...bigger brakes, heavier drivetrain components.

Long bed will give you a better ride loaded or unloaded. I've always had longbeds and never ran into a situation where turning radius was a problem that couldn't be resolved.

Are not the brakes and drive train the same on the 2500 and 3500?

Very tempted to say yes, they are identical, but recent model years have seen more differences between 3/4 and 1-tons so the only way to accurately answer that is to research a particular model year and brand.

For example, IIRC a 2012 Ram 3500 SRW has a different frame than a 2012 2500. In 2013 the 2500 got the new frame, but it illustrates my point that it comes down to not only brand but model year.

3/4 and 1-tons used to share almost all hardware with very few exceptions but recent model years have seen more differences arise so it's case-by-case anymore.

Roadtech wrote:
I plan on buying a new Chevy Duramax, crew cab, short bed, 4x4, either 2500 or 3500 truck. I will be towing a 10,000 lb GVWR travel trailer (bumper pull). I plan on installing a 50 gallon Transfer Flow in bed diesel fuel tank. Both trucks have conventional towing capacity of 13,000 lbs, but the 2500 payload is 2706 lbs and the 3500 is 4125 lbs. Do you think I would be ok with the 2500's capacity? Also, does the 3500 ride quality any different from the 2500?

The two trucks are identical in specs except the 3500 SRW has higher rated tires wheels and the rear main spring pack.
The 2500 has a 6200 RAWR.
The 3500 SRW has a 7000 RAWR for for more load carrying ability.

You will be fine with the TT with either truck. If you go with a 5th wheel trailer at some later date then the SRW one ton would be a better choice.
Ride quality in a 2500 vs 3500 SRW is subjective. I would drive both and then you decide which ride you like.