3/4 ton vs. 1 ton shortbed for a Lance 855-S

elkhornsun wrote:
If you are going to special order a truck from a dealer you may as well get a 1-ton but when I went shopping I bought a 2011 3/4 ton as the only difference was the 2500HD has 1/4" smaller rear rotors, does not have a second overload set of leaf springs, and I got the extended cab which was not available in a short bed 1-ton from GM and I saved more than $5,000. I also got at no extra cost a bed liner, chrome side steps, camper mirrors, and an aluminum diamond plate tool box (which I sold on craigslist for $200).

I wanted the shortest practical wheelbase as I could get and a 2500HD with the extended cab and short bed fit the bill. With a 1-ton I would have had to get the long bed truck with a longer wheelbase and a longer camper neither of which I wanted.

Something to think about is that there are far fewer options for a larger fuel tank with short bed trucks. With long bed trucks there are 60+ gallon fuel tanks from Aero and Titan which add for flexibility when traveling in the boondocks, especially with a diesel engine.

I lost my notes now, but the other thing to consider is the rear axle. They are different between the 2500 and 3500. Unless, the 2500 is a diesel or came with my gas motor (2005 GMC 8.1 liter gas). There might be other combinations of year/truck/motor, but thank goodness, I have the heavier axle that came with the 3500 series. There are even pictures online so you can visually check what you have, just an FYI.

You are correct the though. The spring shop said I was lucky that I have the 2500 HD(they said the HD is a great upgrade), he said with the work they did and the axle that my truck has, its a 3500HD now. I am just glad I didn't have to pay for it :)