2500 vs 3500

3500 = little stiffer ride
2500 = little softer ride

THat pretty much sums it up... The only diff is in the rear leaf springs

But, go drive both would be my recommendation. Pin weight will determine which one you'll need.

It depends on the truck model/generation. Some 1-tons use stiffer rear springs which will ride firmer. Some are overload springs which have no impact on lightly loaded ride. The 20014 Ram uses a very different suspension/spring design. Test drive them both in your favorite brand!

N-Trouble wrote:
3500 = little stiffer ride
2500 = little softer ride

THat pretty much sums it up... The only diff is in the rear leaf springs

But, go drive both would be my recommendation. Pin weight will determine which one you'll need.

This is pretty much it in a nutshell as far as I'm concerned. Also try to project future needs. If you tend to buy a new truck every 5 years, you can go more on preference. If you're going to keep it 10-15 years, probably going heavy is smart in case you end up with more need down the road.

That's how I'd look at it anyway. I don't think the newer three quarter and one tons ride all that bad.

One ton dually.

Much more stable.

And there is a lot you can do to improve the ride on these trucks.

For starters get rid of the******factory shocks and put on a good set of Bilstein 5100s. These trucks also come from the factory with no steering stabilizer but all the mounts are there. Again put on a Bilstein steering stabilizer. Lastly put some better (larger) tires on the truck and stick with 18" rims vs 20". All of this will greatly improve ride quality.

Dog Folks wrote:
One ton dually.

Much more stable.

X2

Dually's are horrible offroad if that's a consideration. Not that any 8000 lb HD truck is a jeep or anything, but the dually really screws up your ability to get over rough terrain and down narrow roads.

The Denali is a pretty loaded truck, which will eat into your payload. If it were me and I was buying new, I would spend a tiny bit more money and get the 3500.

Just double check your state's registration fees and make sure they aren't ridiculously high for over 10,001 lbs.

N-Trouble wrote:
3500 = little stiffer ride
2500 = little softer ride

That pretty much sums it up... The only diff is in the rear leaf springs

But, go drive both would be my recommendation. Pin weight will determine which one you'll need.

Did you forget wheels and tires???

IdaD wrote:
Dually's are horrible offroad if that's a consideration. Not that any 8000 lb HD truck is a jeep or anything, but the dually really screws up your ability to get over rough terrain and down narrow roads.

Good point. Final use should be considered.

I forget that not everyone tows or drives on asphalt only.

If it is dirt we don't go. But that is just us.