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Chevy Silverado should I get 2500 or 3500

zorr59
Explorer
Explorer
I just purchased a Dutchman Rubicon M2600 TH. 30 ft to the tongue. Dry weight 7100lbs. 3900 capacity. Total Trailer GVRW 11000.

I have 2 harley dressers at 850 lbs each. I would only carry about 30 gal fresh water

I currently own a 2009 Silverado 1500. With tow package etc. I know I have to upgrade truck. The 2500 & 3500 max trailer are the same. The rear axle is more on the 3500. I do not want diesel or a dually as this will be our truck for everything else.

I have WD hitch installed.

Question...... Will the 2500 be enough.
2011 GMC Sierra 2500hd duramax
2012 Dutchman Rubicon 2600 TH. 27ft
2009 Harley Ultra Classic
20 REPLIES 20

JBarca
Nomad II
Nomad II
Consider a 3500HD with single rear wheels. Gas or Diesel is your choice.

My camper when fully loaded has a 1,600# loaded TW. When I fill the truck bed with camping "stuff" I'm glad I have the F-350. I have cargo capacity to breath with and not sit on top of all the ratings.

If you get the 2500, you could be sitting marginally on GVWR and real close on the rear axle rating.

If you are looking for a new truck, the difference between 2500 and 3500 SRW's is not much. On the used market the 3500 SRW may be cheaper then the 2500 as mine was. But it take a hunt to find one with the right options. The 3500 opens up more possibilities for future camper upgrades or other towing needs.

The new 3500HD SRW truck is a sweet ride. I have a buddy with one, a 2014 and it is a nice ride. Went with him on a trip in it. The Dmax is amazing how smooth and quiet it is. The Fords are nice too if you want to shift the Bowtie for the Blue Oval...

Good luck in your choices.
2005 Ford F350 Super Duty, 4x4; 6.8L V10 with 4.10 RA, 21,000 GCWR, 11,000 GVWR, upgraded 2 1/2" Towbeast Receiver. Hitched with a 1,700# Reese HP WD, HP Dual Cam to a 2004 Sunline Solaris T310R travel trailer.

KD4UPL
Explorer
Explorer
A 3500 SRW will give you more payload capacity, stronger wheels, tires, rear springs, and a stronger rear axle (with the gas engine). The gas 2500 has a 10.5" axle, the 3500 has an 11.5" axle.
There really aren't any downsides except paying a few hundred more new or being slightly harder to find used.

lap527
Explorer
Explorer
donn0128 wrote:
3500. Smaller only limits your future.

Sooooo true. I just think of the $ we could of saved but in 2006 we went with 3500 dually and never regretted it.
2006 Dodge 3500 dually 4X4 / 2013 Livin Lite 10.0 TC /Torklift talons, fastguns, stableloads, superhitch, and truss/ towing a
14'V Nose Trailer when needed.

guidry
Explorer
Explorer
Reconsider diesel. For towing and daily driver. I use my 3500 Duramax for both and love it. Especially when towing.

donn0128
Explorer II
Explorer II
3500. Smaller only limits your future.

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
You have to make the choice, a comfortable tow experience or the daily driver. As much as I tow, I want the trouble free and comfortable towing experience. And for the size and weight of your camper plus the weight of your toys, you will never be disappointed with a dually for stability when towing.