Are 250/2500 trucks limited by their Class?
Hello all, first time poster here. Sorry in advance for the long post, but I would like to get your guys input on what you think about this because it is something I have been wondering for a while. ...
Forum Discussion
My 2011 GM Duramax 2500HD has a higher payload rating than most SRW 3500HD trucks. It has the same trans, rear axle, etc. and the only difference is that the double cab is not available on the 3500 truck and the 1-ton has an extra set of leaf springs. The DRW version has disc rotors that are 0.25 inch larger in diameter.
There used to be distinct differences between 1/2, 3/4, and 1-ton trucks but that has changed. Current 1/2 ton trucks have higher load ratings and towing capacity than older 3/4 ton trucks.
For towing purposes the 2500 trucks will tow as much as the 3500 trucks unless DRW is added (cheapest way to increase capacity is by doubling the number of tires at the rear wheel).
But it also depends on the manufacturer. Ford has more of a difference between its 2500 and 3500 class trucks than GM and Ram when it upgrade the frame on its 3500 truck in 2013 did not do so for the 2500 trucks though now the frames are the same on all their "heavy duty" trucks.
With Ford it is even crazier as they make two very different F-450 trucks, the CC version and the pickup version. The pickup version has a greater towing capacity than the F-350 but a lower payload rating. To get a higher payload rating one has to buy the CC version of the F-450 or a F-550. But Ford lumps its F-450 sales in along with those of the F-250 and F-350 when reporting market share.
It would be better overall if the truck companies stopped producing a 2500 altogether and for the most part they already have as 98% of the components are the same between the 2500 and 3500 trucks.
There used to be distinct differences between 1/2, 3/4, and 1-ton trucks but that has changed. Current 1/2 ton trucks have higher load ratings and towing capacity than older 3/4 ton trucks.
For towing purposes the 2500 trucks will tow as much as the 3500 trucks unless DRW is added (cheapest way to increase capacity is by doubling the number of tires at the rear wheel).
But it also depends on the manufacturer. Ford has more of a difference between its 2500 and 3500 class trucks than GM and Ram when it upgrade the frame on its 3500 truck in 2013 did not do so for the 2500 trucks though now the frames are the same on all their "heavy duty" trucks.
With Ford it is even crazier as they make two very different F-450 trucks, the CC version and the pickup version. The pickup version has a greater towing capacity than the F-350 but a lower payload rating. To get a higher payload rating one has to buy the CC version of the F-450 or a F-550. But Ford lumps its F-450 sales in along with those of the F-250 and F-350 when reporting market share.
It would be better overall if the truck companies stopped producing a 2500 altogether and for the most part they already have as 98% of the components are the same between the 2500 and 3500 trucks.
