Other than power, what is 2500 advantage over 1500?

I wouldn't replace the springs, rather add a set of air bags or for under $100, get some 1000lb air helper springs that fit inside the coils.
Either option, if you're not inclined to do install them yourself, is a couple-3 Hours shop time.

After quite a bit of truck shopping (looking at 2500's), it looks like I'll be keeping my 1500 for now - LOL. Gonna try the truck tire route - and how involved/expensive is it to replace the rear springs? Wouldn't stiffening the rear springs also be a big help in towing stability/ability?

While the above info is very true and very informative, a full floating axle is not necessary for what the OP is towing on a part time, weekend warrior basis, period.
Otherwise absolutely correct in what makes a HD pickup stronger than a half ton.
That said, the strength, frame stiffness, braking capacity and towing capacity, with the exception of axles (which have remained largely unchanged for decades now) of todays crop of 1500 trucks is way better than years past. Regarding axles, the Ram 1500 I believe still has the same corporate 9.25" axle that has been in use almost exclusively since the 60s? Coincidentally, or maybe not, it's the same size R&P as the AAM front axles under the HD trucks. Yes I understand the inherent limitations of a semi floating axle, but it doent mean they are incapable of hauling a load.
What is necessary, or at least recommended, to improve the handling of his rig is some good stiff tires (LT) and stiffening up the suspension a bit.
I've torture tested enough 1/2 ton trucks either at work or personal use to stand by the claim that you can throw a ton in or on the back of a 150/1500 truck, GM, FOrd, Dodge, Yota and if you drive it till the wheels literally fall off (broken axle), you will be driving a VERY VERY long time.

IMHO...all the details in the world won't help those who have no knowledge of how
this stuff works...repeat...it is like trying to explain sex to a virgin...they
have no basis or knowledge (ignorant, not a slight...that is the correct word...look
that word up)

Maybe this might get that message across

To these folks with no knowledge or experience of what this topic/thread is about,
maybe these visuals of sledge hammer heads might get that across

This is also a very, very, very common thread on half tons (AKA lowest
class full sized TV) for both newbies and advisors. Not just here, but
in most all forums I visit. Boy racer forms do understand and know because
they push it and break stuff much more often than here...

Sledge hammers come in various 'ratings', or 'weights', or 'class'. I have a 2 lb,
8 lb, 10 lb and a 16 lb sledge hammers. All but the 2 pounder looks the same, has
about the same head size, etc...just like the OP seeing the 1500/half ton Sub
looking exactly like the 2500-3/4 ton Sub...they both have the same body...except
for the badging

The higher class Sub (2500, or 3/4 ton, or 8.6K GVWR) has a bigger/heavier:

• Frame
• Suspension
• Tranny
• Diff
• Wheels
• Tires
• Drive shaft
• U-Joints
• Brakes
• etc, etc, etc, etc

All stuff not readily seen, nor measured...nor understood their differences
in this matter

Even the software is different...and...get this...many times some of
those attributes are 'de-tuned' for the higher class...even though the
part is the same between the lower class and higher class
















This is all part of the ability to 'manhandle' the setup/situation. Not
a 'can do', but to do it well and for a long time. Like folks thinking
the TV that towed the Space Shuttle is of a higher class...but what
they miss is that the Shuttle was in it's 'DRY' weight condition, that
it was just a few miles and Mr Murphy did not cross it's path so that
it would have needed all of the rating margin it could muster or had
left...or how long could that TV tow that Shuttle...shown in that
video for maybe a few miles...anyone think it could for 100,000 miles? :R

Most people towing travel trailers under 30 foot don't need that.

atwowheelguy wrote:
Considerable difference here:

X2
LT tires and air bags don't fix this!

Considerable difference here:

Crambo wrote:
Half tons are made to haul groceries and go to the mall. 3/4 and 1 tons are made to haul campers, boats, quads, tractors and anything else that's fun to haul. Once you get a heavy duty truck you will never be impressed with a half ton again.

Ahh see post above.

Half tons are made to haul groceries and go to the mall. 3/4 and 1 tons are made to haul campers, boats, quads, tractors and anything else that's fun to haul. Once you get a heavy duty truck you will never be impressed with a half ton again.

I have had a ram 1500. Then a 2500. Outside of the configuration of the 2500 I like better, I should have stuck with the 1500. Better for the rest of the time. I added air bags. Made a good difference. Add D or E rated tires and you will be a lot happier. Unfortunately with the dodge shocks are not as easy, but doable. ( they are struts on the 1500) If your a weekend warrior for 3 or 4 trips a summer, no worries. If your hitting the highway for months, upgrade.