2500 or 3500 what's the major difference?

[lmarcrum]

I am looking at new trucks. It seems most new trucks on the lots are 2500. If you want to tow or have a HD truck wouldn't you want a 3500. Most of the trucks are equipped with a diesel and a 2500 chaise. Why is that? I am looking looking for a Ford F350 with a gas 6.2L engine. Hard to find. I live in Illinois and will not use the truck that much in the winter. That is why I did not choose the Diesel engine. I have heard the cold is not good for a Diesel engine if not used or started much in the winter.
What is the major difference between the 250 & 350 chaise. Are the brakes the same? Thank you

[gmcsmoke]

aclay wrote:
I don't know about the Fords, in Chevy's the only difference is a helper spring on the rear for added payload/fiver towning. Hitch tow ratings are same for 2500/3500 (GM's).

the 3500 has a larger axle

[fla-gypsy]

It is all about payload and it matters. Many armchair engineers will claim the only difference is this or that but unless they are building them its all conjecture.

[mdamerell]

lmarcrum wrote:
I live in Illinois and will not use the truck that much in the winter. That is why I did not choose the Diesel engine. I have heard the cold is not good for a Diesel engine if not used or started much in the winter.

There is no issue parking a diesel for the winter. Ask any farmer. Diesel also has a longer shelf life than gasoline. Just top off the fuel tank when you park it, put a battery tender on it to keep the batteries charged and you're good till spring. If you start it, take it for a drive to get all the temps up to normal operating.

[kzspree320]

In some brands for some years there are real differences. In general, though, the differences are usually minor as discussed above. In addition to the GVWR, also look at both the front and rear axle weight ratings for the 250/2500 and 350/3500 trucks. In many cases the axle weight ratings are very close and may even be identical. In many cases the additional weight rating is only because of an extra overload spring. To say that all 3500SRW can do far more than 2500s would be to ignore the reality of the trucks and put more emphasis on the door stickers than the actual components. Be sure to compare the differences in the brands you are interested in closely, because this is just in general info.

[Me_Again]

wmoses wrote:

ricatic wrote:
He is looking at a Ford....no difference in brakes, axles or suspension other than the 350 has the overload leaf in the rear that only engages when a heavy load sags the truck to it's level...also the 350 has a 2" thicker block between the rear axle and the spring pack...seeing that he is looking at gas...he might have a warranty...

Added to the above - the F350 has a bit harsher ride than the F 250, which has quite a comfortable ride. This based on two sets of test drives with both trucks back to back.

And the air pressure was the same in all the tires, right? Chris

[aclay]

I don't know about the Fords, in Chevy's the only difference is a helper spring on the rear for added payload/fiver towning. Hitch tow ratings are same for 2500/3500 (GM's).

[45Ricochet]

wmoses wrote:

ricatic wrote:
He is looking at a Ford....no difference in brakes, axles or suspension other than the 350 has the overload leaf in the rear that only engages when a heavy load sags the truck to it's level...also the 350 has a 2" thicker block between the rear axle and the spring pack...seeing that he is looking at gas...he might have a warranty...

Added to the above - the F350 has a bit harsher ride than the F 250, which has quite a comfortable ride. This based on two sets of test drives with both trucks back to back.

Please explain :B The over load springs don't come into play until a load is placed onto it requiring action to compensate for the load, correct ? I'm no Ford guy but generally that is the main difference between the two. I'm all ears !

[RinconVTR]

I think the big truck guys need to start watching these videos or reading the respective link web site. It will answer you general questions about towing with big 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton trucks.

http://www.youtube.com/user/tflcar?feature=watch

http://www.tfltruck.com/

[jus2shy]

OP, Make sure you look at the payload rating as well since you're looking at Gas. Typically, between Gas 250's and 350's, you're looking at the same the same payload rating between the two. Really, the 350's tend to buy you more payload when comparing diesels, particularly on Fords. I think Ricatic covers the other physical differences for that brand.

If you're looking at RAMs, 2014 and onward the 2500 and 3500 have completely different suspensions (but the same frame). 2500's have a coil rear or airbag rear suspension. 3500's employee a leafspring suspension. Either all leafs, or a single main leaf supplemented with airbags rear suspension.

Unfortunately I don't know what GM has in store for its newer HD trucks in regards to differences between 2500 and 3500 series trucks. I didn't research their truck line since I wasn't considering them this past summer. But I believe there isn't as big of a difference in payload when comparing gas motors versus diesels.

[wmoses]

ricatic wrote:
He is looking at a Ford....no difference in brakes, axles or suspension other than the 350 has the overload leaf in the rear that only engages when a heavy load sags the truck to it's level...also the 350 has a 2" thicker block between the rear axle and the spring pack...seeing that he is looking at gas...he might have a warranty...

Added to the above - the F350 has a bit harsher ride than the F 250, which has quite a comfortable ride. This based on two sets of test drives with both trucks back to back.

[spud1957]

kaydeejay wrote:

lmarcrum wrote:
.............
What is the major difference between the 250 & 350 chaise. Are the brakes the same? Thank you

Payload - period!
All the physical differences (springs/shocks/brakes/wheels/tires) are simply there to handle the heavier load.

The current version F350 has an overload spring where the F250 doesn't unless you order the camper package. With the camper package on the 250 they are the identical truck with the exception of the GVWR label on the door post. Absolutely no difference other than that.

[ricatic]

He is looking at a Ford....no difference in brakes, axles or suspension other than the 350 has the overload leaf in the rear that only engages when a heavy load sags the truck to it's level...also the 350 has a 2" thicker block between the rear axle and the spring pack...seeing that he is looking at gas...he might have a warranty...

Regards

[romore]

Hard to find a 2500 on the local lots, there is little difference in price stepping up to a 3500. Seems the major differences are brakes and suspension. My wife has back problems and hates the empty ride of our 2500, the 3500 would only be more aggravating. A 1500 won't safely handle our trailer and she loves the power so is willing to live with it.

[Bionic_Man]

3500 will have more payload. And, depending on the diesel, cold starts are no problem. I've had my current and last truck out hunting in temps well below 0*, and they started and ran fine, even without an engine block heater. My 2001 was a different story. It was a cold blooded beast.

[kaydeejay]

lmarcrum wrote:
.............
What is the major difference between the 250 & 350 chaise. Are the brakes the same? Thank you

Payload - period!
All the physical differences (springs/shocks/brakes/wheels/tires) are simply there to handle the heavier load.